# Universal Code Scanner vs QR Code Toolbox+

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universal Code Scanner at 71% against QR Code Toolbox+'s 39%. Universal Code Scanner also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). QR Code Toolbox+'s advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs monthly) and ratings volume (1.5K vs 1). On price, 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 Toolbox+ sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 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 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Toolbox+ has 1.5K 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 39% of QR Code Toolbox+'s.

Universal Code Scanner ships an update monthly, QR Code Toolbox+ every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Code Scanner | QR Code Toolbox+ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** | [4.6 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-toolbox-plus/id6743928441/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | **71.4% of reviews** | 38.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 4 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) | [Studio 1J, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1639917300) |

## 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 Toolbox+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-toolbox-plus/id6743928441)

Easily scan and generate QR codes and barcodes with this all-in-one utility. Create dynamic codes that can be updated anytime, perfect for businesses. Features include fast camera scanning, batch processing, and exportable scan history.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, Dynamic QR code generation, Hosted mini websites for QR codes, Batch scanning, Scan history, Export scan data (CSV, TXT)

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access | $17.99 | per month |
| Full Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $99.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Great wash
- ⭐ Healthy choices and spices
- ⭐ Great customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 💰 Charges for basic functionality
- 🚫 Difficult to cancel subscription
- 🚫 Scam app

**Reported bugs**

- App help section not working
- Nickname already taken issue

**Requested features**

- Add free version or lower-cost subscription option
- Improve app cancellation process


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

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

### Is QR Code Toolbox+ free?

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

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

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while QR Code Toolbox+ averages 4.6 from 1.5K ratings.

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

Neither Universal Code Scanner nor QR Code Toolbox+ shows ads.

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

Universal Code Scanner ships an update monthly, and QR Code Toolbox+ every 4 days. Most recently, Universal Code Scanner was updated on October 11, 2026 and QR Code Toolbox+ 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.*