# Code Scanner vs QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Code Scanner at none against QR Code Reader's 4. Code Scanner also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). QR Code Reader's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (4 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Code Scanner against 5.0 for QR Code Reader. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 4 respectively.

Code Scanner ships an update every 4 months, QR Code Reader daily. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner/id1584185919/reviews) | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-qr-scanner/id6760654299/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 1 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [An Trinh](https://appshunter.io/developer/441499584) | [JESUS SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852520171) |

## What reviewers say

### Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner/id1584185919)

This utility app uses your device's camera or photos to scan various types of barcodes and QR codes. It supports a wide range of formats and can be accessed directly from your photo gallery via the share sheet.

**Highlights:** Scan codes from camera, Scan codes from photos, Supports QR, UPC, EAN, and more, Integrates with Photos app share sheet, Uses Apple Vision framework

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-qr-scanner/id6760654299)

Instantly scan, create, and manage QR codes and barcodes. Get product details, connect to Wi-Fi, save contacts, and generate custom QR codes with various styles. Works offline for scanning.

**Highlights:** Universal code scanning, Smart content recognition, Barcode product lookup, Batch scanning mode, Customizable QR code creator, Scan history and library, Import from photos

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Pro Subscription | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Scanner free?

Code Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

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

Code Scanner and QR Code Reader are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 4 ratings respectively.

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

Neither Code Scanner nor QR Code Reader shows ads.

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

Code Scanner ships an update every 4 months, and QR Code Reader daily. Most recently, Code Scanner was updated on September 16, 2026 and QR Code Reader on September 19, 2026.

---

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