# Universal Code Scanner vs QR Code Scanner

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Code Scanner | QR Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** | [4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-qr-reader/id6502285859/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **15** |
| Positive reviews | **71.4% of reviews** | 55.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) | [满 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653727587) |

## 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 Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-qr-reader/id6502285859)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Pro - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Upgrade to Pro - Annual | $9.99 | per year |
| Upgrade to Pro - Annual | $14.99 | per year |
| QR Scanner Pro - Lifetime | $29.99 | 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 Scanner free?

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

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

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while QR Code Scanner averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.

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

Neither Universal Code Scanner nor QR Code Scanner shows ads.

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

Universal Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, and QR Code Scanner every 2 weeks. Most recently, Universal Code Scanner was updated on August 26, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on August 20, 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.*