Universal Code Scanner vs QR Code Reader
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
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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 Reader
Easily scan and interpret various QR codes, including URLs, Wi-Fi, and contact information. Generate custom QR codes for social media, websites, and more. Seamlessly integrate codes into Apple Wallet and widgets, with a convenient scan history and backup feature.
- Scan all QR code types
- Generate custom QR codes
- Integrate codes into Apple Wallet
- Add codes to Widgets
- Scan from images
- Scan history and backup
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Lilucat's QR Code Reader is the essential digital tool that empowers you to scan and interpret all types of QR codes, encompassing URLs, Wi-Fi, Calendar events, VCards, Contacts, Text, Email, Geo locations, and more. Beyond just scanning, Lilucat's QR Code Reader also facilitates the generation of QR codes for a myriad of purposes, be it social media platforms (like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, etc.), URLs, Wi-Fi networks, VCards, Contact details, and beyond. Key Features: Rapid QR code scanning. Dynamic QR code generation. Integrate codes directly into Apple Wallet. Conveniently add codes to Widgets. Scan QR codes and barcodes directly from images. Maintain a comprehensive scan history. Sync and ensure your scans are always backed up. * In order to use QR Code Reader you need to purchase the Lilucat Pro which is an annual service that costs 29.99$. Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase and auto-renews at the same price unless disabled in iTunes Account Settings at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your subscription can be managed in your iTunes Account Settings. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Links Terms of Service: https://qrcode.lilucat.com/legal/terms Privacy: https://qrcode.lilucat.com/legal/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universal Code Scanner at 71% against QR Code Reader's 24%. Universal Code Scanner also leads on monetization model (free vs subscription) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). QR Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (124 vs 1) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, 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 Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 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 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 124 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 24% of QR Code Reader's.
Universal Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, QR Code Reader every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and August 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Universal Code Scanner | QR Code Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 4.7 (124 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews — better | 24.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 124 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 53 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Marcus Pleintinger | Lilucat |
Customer experience
Universal Code Scanner
QR Code Reader
In-app purchases
Universal Code Scanner
- Small Donation$0.99
- Mid Donation$2.99
- Big Donation$5.99
QR Code Reader
- QR Code Scanner3 Days trial$7.997 Days
- QR Code Reader$29.991 Year
- QR Code ReaderFree
- QR Code Scanner$59.99
Questions
Is Universal Code Scanner free?
Is QR Code Reader free?
Which has better reviews, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Reader?
Do Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Reader have ads?
Which is updated more often, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Reader?
Other comparisons
