Universal Code Scanner vs QR Code Scanner
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 Scanner
This utility app transforms your device into a powerful QR code and barcode scanner. It can also generate custom QR codes and barcodes, supporting a wide range of code types for efficient data access and sharing.
- Scan QR codes and barcodes
- Create QR codes and barcodes
- Supports various code types
- Direct app integration
- Haptic Touch and Control Center shortcuts
- 100% local processing for privacy
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QR Scanner: QR Code Reader – All-in-One Utility Transform your device into an efficient QR code reader and barcode scanner with QR Scanner: QR Code Reader. This versatile app not only scans but also lets you create QR codes and barcodes effortlessly, anytime, anywhere. Key Features: - Quickly scan QR codes and barcodes using your device’s camera. - Supports all types of QR codes including links, contacts, messages, emails, locations, Wi-Fi, social accounts, and many more. - Fast scanning for food & products. - Use Haptic Touch for quick actions and integrate with the Control Center for faster access to the scanner. - Easily create your own QR codes and barcodes. - Share several images simultaneously for scanning within the app. - Directly open corresponding apps for quick and seamless access. For example, scan a YouTube link and instantly launch the YouTube app to view the video. - Supported code types include QR Code, Barcode, Aztec, Codabar, Data Matrix, PDF417, ITF, Code128, Code93, Code39, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, and UPC-E among others. QR Scanner: QR Code Reader is your go-to solution for all scanning needs. From organizing and accessing important data to sharing high-quality barcodes, our app ensures reliability and efficiency. Why Choose QR Scanner? - Fast and reliable scanning - 100% Local Processing for enhanced privacy - Intuitive user interface - Comprehensive support for various code types - Enhancements like Haptic Touch and Control Center shortcuts - Pay once, unlock features on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Elevate your scanning capabilities with QR Scanner: QR Code Reader. Download now and experience the ultimate convenience in QR code and barcode scanning! • Privacy Policy: https://shieldapps.notion.site/QR-Scanner-Privacy-Policy-4da59be76c8d43f29194ba63b1fdae0b • Terms of Use: https://shieldapps.notion.site/QR-Scanner-Terms-Conditions-1a04c9c74d2c45a3b551aa05316e19ce
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: Universal Code Scanner at free against QR Code Scanner's free with in-app purchases. Universal Code Scanner also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (71% vs 56%). QR Code Scanner's advantage is ratings volume (15 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. 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 Scanner has 15 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 56% of QR Code Scanner's.
Universal Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, QR Code Scanner every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Universal Code Scanner | QR Code Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 4.7 (15 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews — better | 55.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 15 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Marcus Pleintinger | 满 李 |
Customer experience
Universal Code Scanner
QR Code Scanner
In-app purchases
Universal Code Scanner
- Small Donation$0.99
- Mid Donation$2.99
- Big Donation$5.99
QR Code Scanner
- Upgrade to Pro - Monthly$4.991 Month
- Upgrade to Pro - Annual3 Days trial$9.991 Year
- Upgrade to Pro - Annual3 Days trial$14.991 Year
- QR Scanner Pro - Lifetime$29.99
Questions
Is Universal Code Scanner free?
Is QR Code Scanner free?
Which has better reviews, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Scanner?
Do Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Scanner have ads?
Which is updated more often, Universal Code Scanner or QR Code Scanner?
Other comparisons
