# ほたるの vs QR Code Scanner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ほたるの at none against QR Code Scanner's 4. QR Code Scanner's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 19 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. ほたるの asks for nothing beyond the download.

ほたるの ships an update every 19 months, QR Code Scanner every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on February 24, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ほたるの | QR Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-qr-reader/id6502285859/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **15** |
| Positive reviews | — | 55.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PIGGY Inc.(Japan)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1562616436) | [满 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653727587) |

## What reviewers say

### ほたるの

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1569337327)

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-qr-reader/id6502285859)

This utility app transforms your device into a powerful QR code and barcode scanner. It can also generate custom QR codes and barcodes, supporting a wide range of code types for efficient data access and sharing.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Create QR codes and barcodes, Supports various code types, Direct app integration, Haptic Touch and Control Center shortcuts, 100% local processing for privacy

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Pro - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Upgrade to Pro - Annual | $9.99 | per year |
| Upgrade to Pro - Annual | $14.99 | per year |
| QR Scanner Pro - Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ほたるの free?

ほたるの is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is QR Code Scanner free?

QR Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do ほたるの or QR Code Scanner have ads?

Neither ほたるの nor QR Code Scanner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ほたるの or QR Code Scanner?

ほたるの ships an update every 19 months, and QR Code Scanner every 2 weeks. Most recently, ほたるの was updated on February 24, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on August 20, 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.*