# Universal Code Scanner vs Clean Links

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Clean Links at none against Universal Code Scanner's 3. Clean Links also leads on ratings volume (68 vs 1) and review sentiment (94% vs 71%). Universal Code Scanner's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal Code Scanner sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Clean Links asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Universal Code Scanner against 4.9 for Clean Links. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Clean Links has 68 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 71% of Universal Code Scanner's written reviews are positive against 94% of Clean Links's.

Universal Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, Clean Links every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Code Scanner | Clean Links |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** | [4.9 (68 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clean-links-url-cleaner/id6747395062/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **68** |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | **94.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 3 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) | [Numen Technologies Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1683507194) |

## 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 |


### Clean Links

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clean-links-url-cleaner/id6747395062)

This app scans QR codes and URLs to reveal hidden destinations and remove tracking parameters. It protects users from phishing and advertiser tracking, offering a private and free way to control digital privacy.

**Highlights:** QR code scanning, URL link cleaning, Phishing protection, QR code generation, iOS integration, Cross-device link sharing

**Features:** Safari Extension

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

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

### Is Clean Links free?

Clean Links is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Universal Code Scanner or Clean Links?

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Clean Links averages 4.9 from 68 ratings.

### Do Universal Code Scanner or Clean Links have ads?

Neither Universal Code Scanner nor Clean Links shows ads.

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

Universal Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, and Clean Links every 2 weeks. Most recently, Universal Code Scanner was updated on August 26, 2026 and Clean Links on September 21, 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.*