# Universal Code Scanner vs Scan QR Code & Barcode

The clearest difference is ads: Universal Code Scanner at none against Scan QR Code & Barcode's shown. Universal Code Scanner also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Scan QR Code & Barcode's advantage is ratings volume (2K vs 1) and review sentiment (95% vs 71%). On price 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 Scan QR Code & Barcode sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $6.99 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 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Scan QR Code & Barcode has 2K 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 95% of Scan QR Code & Barcode's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Universal Code Scanner ships an update monthly, Scan QR Code & Barcode fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Code Scanner | Scan QR Code & Barcode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** | [4.8 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-qr-code-and-barcode/id6465788800/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2K** |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | **94.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#152** |
| Size | 4 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) | [Gemini Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/1704246119) |

## 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 |


### Scan QR Code & Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-qr-code-and-barcode/id6465788800)

**Currently charting:** #152 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app scans QR codes and barcodes, providing instant access to web-sourced information like prices and product details. It supports various code types and allows seamless sharing of scanned content. An optional Pro version offers unlimited use and an ad-free experience.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Access web-sourced information, Share scanned content, Save scan history, Support for multiple code types, Siri Shortcuts integration

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock QR Code & Barcode Scan | $6.99 | per 7 days |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Excellent customer service
- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🚀 Quick and reliable QR scanning
- 👍 Great product quality
- 👍 Friendly and knowledgeable staff

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Some issues with reliability and compatibility
- 💰 Concerns about pricing and hidden fees

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Advanced analytics dashboard


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

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

### Is Scan QR Code & Barcode free?

Scan QR Code & Barcode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Universal Code Scanner or Scan QR Code & Barcode?

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Scan QR Code & Barcode averages 4.8 from 2K ratings.

### Do Universal Code Scanner or Scan QR Code & Barcode have ads?

Scan QR Code & Barcode shows ads; Universal Code Scanner does not.

### Which is updated more often, Universal Code Scanner or Scan QR Code & Barcode?

Universal Code Scanner ships an update monthly, and Scan QR Code & Barcode fortnightly. Most recently, Universal Code Scanner was updated on October 11, 2026 and Scan QR Code & Barcode on October 13, 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.*