Comparison

Code Scan vs The QR Code Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Code Scan

This app scans and generates a wide variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, including QR codes, DataMatrix, and specialized formats like VDS. It offers features like camera zoom, flash support, and a history of scanned codes. Users can also share scanned data and create new barcodes.

Highlights
  • Scans all 1D and 2D barcodes
  • Supports MicroQR, VDS, and ICAO Datastructures
  • Adjustable camera zoom and flash for low light
  • Scan history and sharing functionality
  • Generates QR, DataMatrix, and PDF417 barcodes
  • Dark mode and dark AppIcon support
Features
Read full description

Scan and create every common 1D and 2D barcode - one at a time or continuously in Batch Scan. Export your history as CSV or automatically send scans to your own server. Unlike an ordinary scanner, Code Scan also verifies the cryptographic seals on official documents. WHAT IT READS • QR, MicroQR and rMQR (rectangular MicroQR) • DataMatrix, including DMRE • Aztec, PDF417, MaxiCode • EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E • Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Codabar, ITF / ITF-14 • GS1 DataBar and DataBar Expanded • VDS, VDS-NC and IDB document seals Codes are decoded on your device: from the live camera, from a photo in your library, or from an image you share into the app from somewhere else. DIGITAL SEALS ON OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS This is what sets Code Scan apart: it does not just read the seal, it checks the cryptographic signature. • VDS (Visible Digital Seal, BSI TR-03137) in DataMatrix • VDS-NC (ICAO) and IDB (ICAO Datastructure for Barcode) in QR codes • Signatures verified against X.509 certificates, kept up to date automatically • Import your own X.509 certificates for closed ecosystems • MRZ data contained in a seal is parsed and shown in readable form This app supports reading and verification of (among others) VDS Profiles: - Social Insurance Card - Residence Permit Document - ICAO Visa Document - ICAO Emergency Travel Document - German Arrival Attestation Document - Address Sticker for German Identity Card - Place of Residence Sticker for German Passports VDS-NC Profiles: - ICAO PoT and PoV (ISO/IEC JTC1 SC17 WG3/TF5) CREATE YOUR OWN CODES • QR, DataMatrix, Aztec, PDF417 and Code 128 • Live preview while you type • Choose the QR error correction level (L / M / Q / H) or the PDF417 level (0-8) • Keep your codes in a library, mark favorites, share any of them as an image FASTER IN EVERYDAY USE • Camera light in four brightness steps and 1x / 2x / 4x zoom - for tiny print, dark rooms and laminated documents • Share a screenshot from any app to read the code inside it, or share a link to turn it into a code • Batch Scan: capture multiple codes without a result screen and save them straight to your history • Siri and Shortcuts: create a code or open the scanner by voice, or build both actions into your own shortcuts • Recreate a scanned code in a single tap, with the content already filled in A HISTORY THAT STAYS ORGANIZED • Grouped into Starred, Today, This Week and Before • Scanning a code again updates the existing entry instead of piling up duplicates • Export and share your scan history as a CSV file • Stored seals are re-verified in the background against the current certificates, so an expired signature stops showing as valid FOR PROFESSIONAL USE • GS1 application identifiers parsed and labelled • Open recognized links immediately, skipping the result screen • Copy and share the raw code data instead of the interpreted content • Optionally send scans automatically to your own HTTPS endpoint (off by default) • Play a confirmation sound after successful transfers • Native iPad layouts PRIVACY Decoding happens entirely on your device, and your history stays there. There is no account and no tracking. To verify seals, the app downloads the public signer certificates from our certificate service. The optional face comparison against a document portrait is the one feature that sends an image to a KURZ Digital service, and only when you start it yourself. For wishes and suggestions just contact us at info@kurzdigital.com

About

The QR Code Reader

This utility scans QR codes and barcodes quickly and efficiently. It works offline, respects user privacy by not collecting data, and offers features like scan history and QR code generation. Advanced options include exporting history and batch scanning.

Highlights
  • QR code and barcode scanning
  • Offline functionality
  • Privacy-focused (no data collection)
  • Scan history
  • QR code generation
  • Export scan history (PRO)
  • Batch scanning (PRO)
Features
Read full description

Simple and easy QR Code & Barcode scanner: - Advertisement free - Works offline - Respects your privacy: Data Not Collected - Scan QR Codes, Barcodes - See the history of your scanned codes - Generate QR codes - Export scan history (PRO) - Batch scan (PRO) Code types: - QR codes - Aztec - Data Matrix - Barcodes (Code 39, Code 39 Mod43, Code 93, Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC, EAN-8, EAN-13, PDF417, ITF-14)

Screenshots

Code Scan4 screens
The QR Code Reader3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Code Scan at none against The QR Code Reader's 1. Code Scan also leads on ratings volume (730 vs 8) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 4 months). The QR Code Reader's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 79%) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. The QR Code Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Code Scan asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Code Scan against 4.6 for The QR Code Reader. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scan has 730 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 79% of Code Scan's written reviews are positive against 100% of The QR Code Reader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Scan ships an update every 4 weeks, The QR Code Reader every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Code Scan versus The QR Code Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ScanThe QR Code Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (730 ratings)4.6 (8 ratings)
Positive reviews79.4% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings730 — better8
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KGAdam Feher

Customer experience

Code Scan

All ratings730 ratings
Positive89.2%
Neutral2.5%
Negative8.4%
Written reviews34 reviews
Positive79.4%
Neutral8.8%
Negative11.8%

The QR Code Reader

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Code Scan

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Does not load websites
  • Copy or close options produce no result

Requested features

2 requests
  • Ability to view previously scanned QR codes (not just data)
  • Option to contribute via donation instead of ads

The QR Code Reader

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Code Scan

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

The QR Code Reader

One-time1
  • Pro Reader$4.99

Questions

Is Code Scan free?
Code Scan is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is The QR Code Reader free?
The QR Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Scan or The QR Code Reader?
Code Scan and The QR Code Reader are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 730 and 8 ratings respectively.
Do Code Scan or The QR Code Reader have ads?
Neither Code Scan nor The QR Code Reader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Code Scan or The QR Code Reader?
Code Scan ships an update every 4 weeks, and The QR Code Reader every 4 months. Most recently, Code Scan was updated on September 23, 2026 and The QR Code Reader on August 27, 2026.

Other comparisons