# Code Scan vs The QR Code Reader

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.

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

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scan | The QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (730 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545/reviews) | [4.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-qr-code-reader/id1600519099/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **730** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 79.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [KURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1416497893) | [Adam Feher](https://appshunter.io/developer/1462164182) |

## What reviewers say

### Code Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and accurate scanning
- 👍 Easy to use and straightforward
- 💡 Supports various barcode and QR code types
- 💡 Excellent for difficult-to-scan codes
- 💡 Flashlight feature is convenient

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😡 Nag pop-up for reviews
- 🐛 Does not load websites
- 🐛 Useless for specific registration tasks
- 🐛 Copy or close options produce no result

**Reported bugs**

- Does not load websites
- Copy or close options produce no result

**Requested features**

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


### The QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-qr-code-reader/id1600519099)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Reader | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*