# QR Scanner and Code Reader vs Thunder Scanner

The clearest difference is monetization model: Thunder Scanner at free with in-app purchases against QR Scanner and Code Reader's subscription. Thunder Scanner also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 8 months) and ratings volume (649 vs 15). QR Scanner and Code Reader's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 71%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Scanner and Code Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and Thunder Scanner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR Scanner and Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Thunder Scanner has 649 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of QR Scanner and Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 71% of Thunder Scanner's.

QR Scanner and Code Reader ships an update every 8 months, Thunder Scanner every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Scanner and Code Reader | Thunder Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-scanner-and-code-reader/id1635097129/reviews)** | [4.7 (649 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunder-scanner-qr-reader/id6444072721/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 15 | **649** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | — | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 86 MB | 127 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Iryna Bernova](https://appshunter.io/developer/1633076266) | [APEXMOBI PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604377579) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Scanner and Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-scanner-and-code-reader/id1635097129)

Easily scan and generate QR codes with this versatile tool. It offers auto-detection, low-light scanning, and the ability to create custom codes for various content types. Save time and costs by automating data entry and invitations.

**Highlights:** Universal QR code scanner, Fast scan with auto-detect, Creative QR code generator, Low light scanning mode, Batch scanning for multiple codes, Save frequently used QRs to favorites

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Scanner | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Scanner and Code Reader | $10.99 | per 7 days |


### Thunder Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunder-scanner-qr-reader/id6444072721)

This app allows for quick scanning and generation of QR codes for various purposes, including sharing Wi-Fi passwords and event details. It also integrates AI to analyze scanned codes, providing context and summaries for a more insightful experience.

**Highlights:** Fast QR code scanning, QR code generation, AI analysis of scanned codes, Scan photos with GPT-4o, Obtain detailed information from codes, Easy sharing of generated codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thunder Premium Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Thunder Premium Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Thunder Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Scanner and Code Reader free?

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

### Is Thunder Scanner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR Scanner and Code Reader or Thunder Scanner?

QR Scanner and Code Reader is rated higher. QR Scanner and Code Reader averages 5.0 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Thunder Scanner averages 4.7 from 649 ratings.

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

QR Scanner and Code Reader ships an update every 8 months, and Thunder Scanner every 2 weeks. Most recently, QR Scanner and Code Reader was updated on October 2, 2026 and Thunder Scanner on October 8, 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.*