# Universal Code Scanner vs AI Actions for Shortcuts

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AI Actions for Shortcuts at none against Universal Code Scanner's 3. AI Actions for Shortcuts also leads on ratings volume (26 vs 1) and review sentiment (81% vs 71%). Universal Code Scanner's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal Code Scanner sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. AI Actions for Shortcuts asks for nothing beyond the download.

Universal Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AI Actions for Shortcuts has 26 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 71% of Universal Code Scanner's written reviews are positive against 81% of AI Actions for Shortcuts's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and August 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Code Scanner | AI Actions for Shortcuts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** | [4.6 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-actions-for-shortcuts/id6465250302/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **26** |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | **81.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 3 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) | [Sindre Sorhus](https://appshunter.io/developer/328077650) |

## 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 |


### AI Actions for Shortcuts

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-actions-for-shortcuts/id6465250302)

Enhance your iOS Shortcuts with advanced AI capabilities. This app integrates with your existing OpenAI API key to provide powerful new actions for your automations. Note that it does not support Apple Watch or HomePod.

**Highlights:** AI-powered actions for Shortcuts, Integrates with OpenAI API key, Adds new automation capabilities, Supports iPhone and iPad

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

Universal Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is AI Actions for Shortcuts free?

AI Actions for Shortcuts is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Universal Code Scanner or AI Actions for Shortcuts?

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while AI Actions for Shortcuts averages 4.6 from 26 ratings.

### Do Universal Code Scanner or AI Actions for Shortcuts have ads?

Neither Universal Code Scanner nor AI Actions for Shortcuts shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Universal Code Scanner or AI Actions for Shortcuts?

Universal Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, and AI Actions for Shortcuts every 3 weeks. Most recently, Universal Code Scanner was updated on August 26, 2026 and AI Actions for Shortcuts on August 21, 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.*