# QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read vs Lighting Scanner

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Lighting Scanner at 100% against QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read's 63%. Lighting Scanner also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.5). QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read's advantage is ratings volume (3.4K vs 442). On price, update cadence, 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 Lighting Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lighting Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.8 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 442, 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 100% of Lighting Scanner's.

QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read ships an update every 4 days, Lighting Scanner every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read | Lighting Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-barcode-scanner-and-read/id1599076456/reviews) | **[4.8 (442 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lighting-scanner-scan-qr-code/id6476649650/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.4K** | 442 |
| Positive reviews | 63.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 5 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 142 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sinpeak Pte. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1599076458) | [APPSFLYDARGON LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1725447360) |

## 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


### Lighting Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lighting-scanner-scan-qr-code/id6476649650)

This app allows you to quickly scan QR codes and barcodes to access information, coupons, and links. It also functions as a generator, enabling you to create custom QR codes for various purposes, including social media, Wi-Fi, and contact details.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, QR code generation, Customizable QR code colors and designs, Scan from camera or media library, Share scanned codes and generated codes, Save scan history

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Membership | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium Membership | $39.99 | 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 Lighting Scanner free?

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

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

Lighting Scanner is rated higher. QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3.4K ratings, while Lighting Scanner averages 4.8 from 442 ratings.

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

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

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

QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read ships an update every 4 days, and Lighting Scanner every 5 days. Most recently, QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read was updated on October 2, 2026 and Lighting Scanner on October 1, 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.*