Comparison

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.

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 - 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

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read 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

Universal Code Scanner3 screens
QR Code Expert4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Universal Code Scanner versus QR Code Expert: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversal Code ScannerQR Code Expert
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarcus PleintingerLIFTOFF

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 Expert

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Universal Code Scanner

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

QR Code Expert

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Monthly3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Premium3 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Universal Code Scanner free?
Universal Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Code Expert free?
QR Code Expert is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Expert have ads?
QR Code Expert shows ads; Universal Code Scanner does not.
Which is updated more often, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Expert?
Universal Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, and QR Code Expert weekly. Most recently, Universal Code Scanner was updated on August 26, 2026 and QR Code Expert on September 17, 2026.

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