Universal Code Scanner vs QR Code Expert
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide 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 - 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) - 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
QR Code Expert
Easily scan and generate QR codes and various barcode formats. Interact directly with scanned content like Wi-Fi, emails, and URLs. Offers batch scanning and a comprehensive history of all your scans.
- Advanced QR and barcode scanning
- Versatile code generation
- Direct interaction with scanned content
- Support for multiple code formats
- Batch scanning and history tracking
- Easy sharing of generated codes
Read full descriptionHide full description
Scan QR codes and barcodes, create your own codes and keep your scan history in one app. • Read codes with your camera and view their contents. • Open links, copy text and use the actions available for each code type. • Create QR codes for links, text, Wi-Fi details and contacts. • Save your codes and share them as images. • Find previous scans in your history. Premium removes advertising and unlocks additional features, including personalized QR styles. You can preview colors and shapes before choosing Premium. Basic scanning and sharing your original code remain available without a subscription. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled before renewal. The app displays the price and billing period before purchase. Free trials, when offered, depend on eligibility. Manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universal Code Scanner at 71% against QR Code Expert's 0%. Universal Code Scanner also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). QR Code Expert's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases and device support 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
Both are free to download. Universal Code Scanner sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and QR Code Expert sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Universal Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, QR Code Expert weekly. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Universal Code Scanner | QR Code Expert |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 40 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Marcus Pleintinger | LIFTOFF |
Customer experience
Universal Code Scanner
QR Code Expert
In-app purchases
Universal Code Scanner
- Small Donation$0.99
- Mid Donation$2.99
- Big Donation$5.99
QR Code Expert
- Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
- Monthly3 Days trial$9.991 Month
- Premium3 Days trial$19.991 Year
Questions
Is Universal Code Scanner free?
Is QR Code Expert free?
Do Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Expert have ads?
Which is updated more often, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Expert?
Other comparisons















