Comparison

Universal Code Scanner vs QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Universal Code Scanner

This app quickly scans and decodes various 2D barcodes and QR codes. It offers enhanced security by checking URLs for phishing and can convert specific payment codes into usable links. The application prioritizes user privacy with no tracking or ads.

Highlights
  • Scans QR, EAN, Aztec, DataMatrix, and more
  • Checks URLs against phishing (Quishing)
  • Converts EPC QR codes to bank/payto URLs
  • Shares decoded data via Airdrop
  • No user tracking or analytics
  • Ad-free and no in-app purchases
Features
Read full description

Universal Scanner is a privacy focused, simple and lightweight application for verifying the content of a wide range of 2d codes. The main features are: - Displays code type and raw content (as text or hex) - Option to check scanned URLs against phishing (Quishing) - Converts EPC QR codes (SEPA transfers) to 'bank://' or 'payto://' URL (useful if your banking app does not support EPC codes) - Converts Swiss QR codes (QR-bill) to 'payto://' or 'bank://' URL - Import of calendar entries (vCalendar) and contacts (vCard) - Optional: send scans to a browser in the local network - Share raw data or converted data with Airdrop - No user tracking - No analytics - No ads - No in-app purchases (voluntary donations only) - No automatic opening of links (could be enabled in settings) - Scan history optional and disabled by default - Small download size Supported code types: QR, EAN8, UPCE, Aztec, EAN13, ITF14, Code39, Code93, PDF417, Code128, DataMatrix, Code39Mod43, Interleaved2of5, Codabar, MicroQR, MicroPDF417, GS1DataBar, GS1DataBarLimited, GS1DataBarExtended

About

QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

Instantly scan QR codes, barcodes, and even product photos. This app simplifies everyday tasks like accessing menus, connecting to Wi-Fi, or checking prices. It also allows you to create your own QR codes and convert documents to PDFs.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • Scan product photos for online search
  • Generate custom QR codes
  • Convert documents to PDF
  • Instant Wi-Fi connection
  • Access URLs and contacts
Features
Read full description

Scan anything instantly – QR codes, Barcodes, PDFs, even product photos. Download QR Scanner, point your camera, and go. Everyday tasks made simple: open a restaurant menu, join Wi-Fi, check store prices, or turn paper into a PDF in seconds. Whether you're shopping, working, or just trying to get things done quickly, QR Scanner helps you act fast without needing any tech skills. It’s the trusted everyday tool for thousands of people who want fast answers – right when they need them. What you can do: — Scan Anything, Fast – URLs, contacts, Wi-Fi, emails, calendar invites and more in a flash. — Snap a Product to Search Online – Take a photo of any product and instantly see reviews and prices across the web. — Make & Share Your Own Codes – Create custom QR codes or barcodes for your Wi-Fi, contact card, event or link. — Turn Paper into PDFs – Scan documents and save them as clean, shareable files on the go. No setup, no confusing steps – just tap, scan, done. Join thousands who rely on QR Scanner every day – and scan with total confidence. Download now and make your next scan effortless. Privacy and Security We never store your scan history—everything stays on your device. Read our Privacy Policy: https://barscanner.codes/privacy. Terms Enjoy a free trial with full access. You can cancel anytime during or after the trial in your iTunes Account Settings. Terms of Service: https://barscanner.codes/termsofuse.

Screenshots

Universal Code Scanner3 screens
QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universal Code Scanner at 71% against QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan's 23%. Universal Code Scanner also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan's advantage is ratings volume (7.6K vs 1) and update cadence (every 8 days vs monthly). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Universal Code Scanner sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Universal Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan has 7.6K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Universal Code Scanner's written reviews are positive against 23% of QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Universal Code Scanner ships an update monthly, QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan every 8 days. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Universal Code Scanner versus QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversal Code ScannerQR Code Reader, Barcode Scan
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better4.5 (7.6K ratings)
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews — better23.2% of reviews
Number of ratings17.6K — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB62 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarcus PleintingerEssa Studio

Customer experience

Universal Code Scanner

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive71.4%
Neutral14.3%
Negative14.3%

QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

All ratings7,605 ratings
Positive86.4%
Neutral3.9%
Negative9.6%
Written reviews112 reviews
Positive23.2%
Neutral3.6%
Negative73.2%

Bugs and requests

Universal Code Scanner

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Barcode scanning not working properly
  • Internal errors when using the app

Requested features

2 requests
  • Ability to save scanned barcode images
  • Option to cancel subscription

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Universal Code Scanner

One-time3
  • Small Donation$0.99
  • Mid Donation$2.99
  • Big Donation$5.99
15 purchases

QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

Subscriptions13
  • QR & Barcode Reader, Generator3 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • QR Code Scanner х QR Generator3 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Pro Access3 Days trial$3.997 Days
Show 10 more
  • The QR Reader х QR Generator7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Premium Scanner App3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • QR & Barcode Reader, Generator3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Full Access3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Full Access3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Quarterly Subscription7 Days trial$17.993 Months
  • 3 Months Pro Subscription7 Days trial$18.993 Months
  • Good Scanner$23.991 Year
  • Pro access to the app$23.993 Months
  • Unlimited Pass+$29.991 Year
One-time2
  • Pro Forever$3.99
  • Lifetime Access$19.99

Questions

Is Universal Code Scanner free?
Universal Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan free?
QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan?
Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan averages 4.5 from 7.6K ratings.
Do Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan have ads?
Neither Universal Code Scanner nor QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan?
Universal Code Scanner ships an update monthly, and QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan every 8 days. Most recently, Universal Code Scanner was updated on October 30, 2026 and QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan on October 30, 2026.

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