# ICAO Reader vs Qscan

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ICAO Reader at none against Qscan's 3. ICAO Reader also leads on ads (none vs shown). Qscan's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On price and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Qscan sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. ICAO Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

ICAO Reader ships an update every 5 months, Qscan every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ICAO Reader | Qscan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 23.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 24 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scytales AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1526508105) | [Fliyin Ads](https://appshunter.io/developer/1528843856) |

## What reviewers say

### ICAO Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/icao-reader/id1566196586)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Qscan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qscan-qr-code-reader/id1566856693)

This app transforms your camera into a versatile scanner for QR codes, barcodes, and food items. It offers instant identification of dishes, detailed macro breakdowns, and price comparison for barcodes. Effortlessly connect to Wi-Fi, open URLs, and more with a single tap.

**Highlights:** AI food recognition for calorie counting, Instant identification of dishes and ingredients, Detailed macro breakdowns (calories, protein, fats, carbs), Universal QR and barcode scanner, Price comparison for shopping, Smart actions for URLs, Wi-Fi, and contacts

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro week | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Month | $19.99 | per month |
| 1 year | $89.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Simple and intuitive interface design
- ⚡ Functional barcode/QR code scanning capability
- 🎯 Basic app functionality works as intended

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Extremely expensive subscription ($89-$97 annually)
- 🚫 Deceptive free trial with hidden charges
- ❌ Nearly impossible to cancel subscription
- 📵 Excessive and intrusive advertisements
- 🔧 Poor QR code scanning functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Cancellation page fails to load or spins indefinitely
- Ads prevent camera access and functionality
- App logs out users after ads complete
- QR code scanning fails frequently
- Feedback form unable to send messages

**Requested features**

- Screenshot QR code scanning capability
- Longer trial period (3+ days minimum)
- Clear, accessible cancellation process
- Ad-free or reduced ad experience
- Free tier without premium features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ICAO Reader free?

ICAO Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Qscan free?

Qscan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do ICAO Reader or Qscan have ads?

Qscan shows ads; ICAO Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, ICAO Reader or Qscan?

ICAO Reader ships an update every 5 months, and Qscan every 3 months. Most recently, ICAO Reader was updated on September 30, 2026 and Qscan on October 14, 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.*