# Scanner vs iReader

The clearest difference is update cadence: Scanner at every 6 months against iReader's every 15 months. iReader's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Scanner ships an update every 6 months, iReader every 15 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Scanner | iReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ireaderqr-and-barcode-scanner/id6445908459/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 months** | Every 15 months |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 40 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcin Slusarek](https://appshunter.io/developer/1453324891) | [Audacity IT Solutions Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/934883596) |

## What reviewers say

### Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scanner-qr-and-barcode-reader/id1644206226)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### iReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ireaderqr-and-barcode-scanner/id6445908459)

Easily scan and generate QR and barcodes with this powerful free tool. Save scan history, use a flashlight in dark environments, and compare prices in real-time. Encrypt personal information and create codes for messages, Wi-Fi, and more.

**Highlights:** Scan all QR and barcode formats, Save scan history, Generate QR codes for text, links, and contacts, Use flashlight for dark environments, Offline scanning capability, Real-time price comparison, Encrypt personal information

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Scanner free?

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

### Is iReader free?

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

### Do Scanner or iReader have ads?

Neither Scanner nor iReader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Scanner or iReader?

Scanner ships an update every 6 months, and iReader every 15 months. Most recently, Scanner was updated on October 8, 2026 and iReader 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.*