# Universal Code Scanner vs QR Code Reader

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Code Scanner | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** | [4.7 (124 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader/id6469319539/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **124** |
| Positive reviews | **71.4% of reviews** | 24.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 3 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) | [Lilucat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676061700) |

## 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 |


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader/id6469319539)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Code Scanner | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Reader | $29.99 | per year |
| QR Code Reader | Free | one-time |
| QR Code Scanner | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader free?

QR Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Reader?

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 4.7 from 124 ratings.

### Do Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Reader have ads?

Neither Universal Code Scanner nor QR Code Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Reader?

Universal Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, and QR Code Reader every 10 days. Most recently, Universal Code Scanner was updated on August 26, 2026 and QR Code Reader on August 22, 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.*