# Universal Code Scanner vs QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Code Scanner | QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** | [4.5 (7.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-scan/id1615788517/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **7.6K** |
| Positive reviews | **71.4% of reviews** | 23.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 4 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) | [Essa Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773623663) |

## What reviewers say

### Universal Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Donation | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mid Donation | $2.99 | one-time |
| Big Donation | $5.99 | one-time |


### QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-scan/id1615788517)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR & Barcode Reader, Generator | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Scanner х QR Generator | $3.99 | per month |
| Pro Access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| The QR Reader х QR Generator | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Scanner App | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| QR & Barcode Reader, Generator | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Quarterly Subscription | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| 3 Months Pro Subscription | $18.99 | per 3 months |
| Good Scanner | $23.99 | per year |
| Pro access to the app | $23.99 | per 3 months |
| Unlimited Pass+ | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Forever | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy and fast
- 🚀 Excellent scanning performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Lack of transparency on pricing
- 🐛 Unreliable functionality
- 🚫 Forced to pay to use basic features

**Reported bugs**

- Barcode scanning not working properly
- Internal errors when using the app

**Requested features**

- Ability to save scanned barcode images
- Option to cancel subscription


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