# QR Code Reader vs Student Lifeline

The clearest difference is monetization model: QR Code Reader at freemium against Student Lifeline's subscription. QR Code Reader also leads on ratings volume (51 vs 4). Student Lifeline's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Student Lifeline sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $12.00 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 51 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 5 months, Student Lifeline every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | Student Lifeline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-codescan/id1603298144/reviews)** | [4.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/student-lifeline/id6451145839/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **51** | 4 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Subscription |
| Size | 8 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MasterMind Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/674597403) | [Noble & Masters Marketing Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1696952807) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-codescan/id1603298144)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes with lightning-fast technology. Access product details, menus, and exclusive content by simply pointing your camera. Discover more about your surroundings with an intuitive and accurate scanning experience.

**Highlights:** Lightning-fast QR and barcode scanning, Instant access to product details and menus, Scan codes from various sources, Clean and intuitive interface, Accurate and reliable results, Unlock exclusive content

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CodeScan Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| CodeScan Pro | $14.99 | per year |
| CodeScan Pro | $29.99 | one-time |


### Student Lifeline

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/student-lifeline/id6451145839)

This app provides a safety tool for students and others, allowing them to send SOS alerts with their location to pre-set emergency contacts. It prioritizes privacy and aims to offer peace of mind and a sense of security.

**Highlights:** SOS alerts to emergency contacts, Real-time location sharing, Up to three trusted contacts, Privacy-focused data handling, Annual subscription for full access

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly Subscription | $12.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is Student Lifeline free?

Student Lifeline is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader or Student Lifeline?

QR Code Reader is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.4 out of 5 from 51 ratings, while Student Lifeline averages 4.3 from 4 ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader or Student Lifeline have ads?

Neither QR Code Reader nor Student Lifeline shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Reader or Student Lifeline?

QR Code Reader ships an update every 5 months, and Student Lifeline every 2 days. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on October 15, 2026 and Student Lifeline on September 30, 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.*