# QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read vs Thunder Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: Thunder Scanner at 4.7 against QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read's 4.3. Thunder Scanner also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.5). QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks) and ratings volume (3.4K vs 649). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Thunder Scanner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Thunder Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read has 3.4K ratings behind it against 649, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read's written reviews are positive against 71% of Thunder Scanner's.

QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read ships an update every 4 days, Thunder Scanner every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read | Thunder Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-barcode-scanner-and-read/id1599076456/reviews) | **[4.7 (649 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunder-scanner-qr-reader/id6444072721/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.4K** | 649 |
| Positive reviews | 63.5% of reviews | **71.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 142 MB | 127 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Sinpeak Pte. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1599076458) | [APEXMOBI PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604377579) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-barcode-scanner-and-read/id1599076456)

This versatile app quickly scans and generates QR codes and barcodes. It supports numerous formats for various uses, from checking product prices and coupons to accessing Wi-Fi credentials and contact information. It also offers features like scanning from your gallery and in low light conditions.

**Highlights:** Scan all QR and barcode formats, Create QR codes, Scan from gallery, Flashlight for dark environments, Offline scanning, Scan product prices and coupons, Save scan history

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| Weekly Pro | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Month Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| Yearly Pro | $14.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast scanning
- 💡 Supports multiple scan types
- 💡 Useful product information
- 👍 Convenient for shopping

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work correctly for some items
- 🤬 Too many ads
- 🤔 Weird notifications and messages
- 🤬 Requires payment for full functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Scanning issues with certain products
- Compatibility problems with older devices
- Login/account problems

**Requested features**

- Expand barcode/QR code scanning capabilities
- Improve accuracy of product information
- Reduce intrusive advertising
- Add more customization options


### Thunder Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunder-scanner-qr-reader/id6444072721)

This app allows for quick scanning and generation of QR codes for various purposes, including sharing Wi-Fi passwords and event details. It also integrates AI to analyze scanned codes, providing context and summaries for a more insightful experience.

**Highlights:** Fast QR code scanning, QR code generation, AI analysis of scanned codes, Scan photos with GPT-4o, Obtain detailed information from codes, Easy sharing of generated codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thunder Premium Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Thunder Premium Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Thunder Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read free?

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

### Is Thunder Scanner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read or Thunder Scanner?

Thunder Scanner is rated higher. QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3.4K ratings, while Thunder Scanner averages 4.7 from 649 ratings.

### Do QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read or Thunder Scanner have ads?

Both QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read and Thunder Scanner show ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read or Thunder Scanner?

QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read ships an update every 4 days, and Thunder Scanner every 2 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read was updated on October 8, 2026 and Thunder Scanner on October 8, 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.*