# Code Scanner vs QR Code Scanner

The clearest difference is update cadence: QR Code Scanner at fortnightly against Code Scanner's every 4 months. Code Scanner's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $4.99). On rating, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Code Scanner costs $1.99 and QR Code Scanner $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Code Scanner against 4.7 for QR Code Scanner. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 14 respectively.

Code Scanner ships an update every 4 months, QR Code Scanner fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 6, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner | QR Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $4.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-and-barcodes/id1578090511/reviews) | **[4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-smart-scan/id1668633999/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **14** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #195 | **#176** |
| Size | 2 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mike Melnikov](https://appshunter.io/developer/398340766) | [dataWorks GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/559332295) |

## What reviewers say

### Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-and-barcodes/id1578090511)

**Currently charting:** #195 Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

Easily scan various 1D and 2D barcodes and QR codes. Access a history of your scans, organize them by date, and add favorites. Share scanned content instantly via email or social media.

**Highlights:** Scan QR, Aztec, Data Matrix, PDF417 codes, Scan EAN, ISBN, Code 128 barcodes, Scan history with date grouping, Add codes to favorites, Share scanned codes, Automatic action triggering

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-smart-scan/id1668633999)

**Currently charting:** #176 Top Paid · Productivity (US App Store)

Quickly scan QR codes and barcodes to instantly access information. The app recognizes scanned content and suggests relevant actions, such as saving contacts or sending emails. It also maintains a history of all scanned codes for easy reference.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, Automatic action suggestions, Contact saving, Email sending, Wi-Fi network setup, Scan history

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Scanner free?

Code Scanner costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is QR Code Scanner free?

QR Code Scanner costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Code Scanner or QR Code Scanner?

QR Code Scanner is rated higher. Code Scanner averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while QR Code Scanner averages 4.7 from 14 ratings.

### Do Code Scanner or QR Code Scanner have ads?

Neither Code Scanner nor QR Code Scanner shows ads.

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

Code Scanner ships an update every 4 months, and QR Code Scanner fortnightly. Most recently, Code Scanner was updated on September 6, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on September 23, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Code Scanner or QR Code Scanner?

Code Scanner currently peaks at #195 in the App Store charts, and QR Code Scanner at #176. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

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