# QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan vs Photo QR Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Photo QR Reader at none against QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan's 16. Photo QR Reader also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 23%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (7.6K vs 16). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Photo QR Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Photo QR Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan has 7.6K ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 23% of QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan's written reviews are positive against 50% of Photo QR Reader's.

QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan ships an update every 8 days, Photo QR Reader every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan | Photo QR Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (7.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-scan/id1615788517/reviews) | **[4.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photo-qr-reader/id6447561765/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7.6K** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 23.2% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 62 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Essa Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773623663) | [Masayoshi Shibata](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474388626) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-scan/id1615788517)

Instantly scan QR codes, barcodes, and even product photos. This app simplifies everyday tasks like accessing menus, connecting to Wi-Fi, or checking prices. It also allows you to create your own QR codes and convert documents to PDFs.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Scan product photos for online search, Generate custom QR codes, Convert documents to PDF, Instant Wi-Fi connection, Access URLs and contacts

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

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR & Barcode Reader, Generator | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Scanner х QR Generator | $3.99 | per month |
| Pro Access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| The QR Reader х QR Generator | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Scanner App | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| QR & Barcode Reader, Generator | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Quarterly Subscription | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| 3 Months Pro Subscription | $18.99 | per 3 months |
| Good Scanner | $23.99 | per year |
| Pro access to the app | $23.99 | per 3 months |
| Unlimited Pass+ | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Forever | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy and fast
- 🚀 Excellent scanning performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Lack of transparency on pricing
- 🐛 Unreliable functionality
- 🚫 Forced to pay to use basic features

**Reported bugs**

- Barcode scanning not working properly
- Internal errors when using the app

**Requested features**

- Ability to save scanned barcode images
- Option to cancel subscription


### Photo QR Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photo-qr-reader/id6447561765)

Easily scan QR codes directly from your photos, even those in email attachments or screenshots. This free utility allows you to access information embedded in images without uploading them online.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes from photos, Open QR codes from email attachments, Scan QR codes from screenshots, Free to use, No internet upload

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan free?

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

### Is Photo QR Reader free?

Photo QR Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan or Photo QR Reader?

Photo QR Reader is rated higher. QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan averages 4.5 out of 5 from 7.6K ratings, while Photo QR Reader averages 4.8 from 16 ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan or Photo QR Reader have ads?

Photo QR Reader shows ads; QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan does not.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan or Photo QR Reader?

QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan ships an update every 8 days, and Photo QR Reader every 5 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan was updated on October 25, 2026 and Photo QR Reader on October 24, 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.*