# The QR Code Reader vs QR Code Scanner

The clearest difference is monetization model: The QR Code Reader at free with in-app purchases against QR Code Scanner's subscription. QR Code Scanner's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (40 vs 8). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The QR Code Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and QR Code Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for The QR Code Reader against 4.5 for QR Code Scanner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Scanner has 40 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two.

The QR Code Reader ships an update every 4 months, QR Code Scanner every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on August 27, 2026 and June 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The QR Code Reader | QR Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-qr-code-reader/id1600519099/reviews)** | [4.5 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-read-now/id6467277424/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **40** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 1 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adam Feher](https://appshunter.io/developer/1462164182) | [Evonne Ranz](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763530334) |

## What reviewers say

### The QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-qr-code-reader/id1600519099)

This utility scans QR codes and barcodes quickly and efficiently. It works offline, respects user privacy by not collecting data, and offers features like scan history and QR code generation. Advanced options include exporting history and batch scanning.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, Offline functionality, Privacy-focused (no data collection), Scan history, QR code generation, Export scan history (PRO), Batch scanning (PRO)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Reader | $4.99 | one-time |


### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-read-now/id6467277424)

Instantly scan any QR code without manual adjustments. View product details, compare prices online, and access all supported QR code formats quickly and securely. Offers a free trial before a weekly subscription.

**Highlights:** Automatic QR code recognition, Supports all QR code formats, Product detail lookup, Online price comparison, Secure scanning, Free 3-day trial

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly trial subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The QR Code Reader free?

The QR Code Reader 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, The QR Code Reader or QR Code Scanner?

The QR Code Reader is rated higher. The QR Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while QR Code Scanner averages 4.5 from 40 ratings.

### Do The QR Code Reader or QR Code Scanner have ads?

Neither The QR Code Reader nor QR Code Scanner shows ads.

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

The QR Code Reader ships an update every 4 months, and QR Code Scanner every 5 days. Most recently, The QR Code Reader was updated on August 27, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on June 4, 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.*