# QR code vs Alabaster Connect

The clearest difference is ads: Alabaster Connect at none against QR code's shown. QR code's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

QR code ships an update every 3 months, Alabaster Connect every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR code | Alabaster Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alabaster-connect/id1666596839/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 18 MB | 142 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Shraddha Limbasiya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1713525187) | [City of Alabaster](https://appshunter.io/developer/1666596841) |

## What reviewers say

### QR code

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-quick-response-code/id1622022453)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Alabaster Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alabaster-connect/id1666596839)

This official city application provides residents and visitors with direct access to city departments. It offers news, event listings, alerts, and a system for reporting concerns to city staff.

**Highlights:** City department access, News and event listings, Alerts and notifications, Concern reporting system, Information for citizens and visitors

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR code free?

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

### Is Alabaster Connect free?

Alabaster Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do QR code or Alabaster Connect have ads?

QR code shows ads; Alabaster Connect does not.

### Which is updated more often, QR code or Alabaster Connect?

QR code ships an update every 3 months, and Alabaster Connect every 2 months. Most recently, QR code was updated on September 25, 2026 and Alabaster Connect on September 10, 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.*