# QR Code Scanner vs Shard

The clearest difference is price: Shard at Free against QR Code Scanner's $4.99. Shard also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly). QR Code Scanner's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads there is nothing between them.

Shard is free to download; QR Code Scanner costs $4.99 up front. Shard sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. QR Code Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

QR Code Scanner ships an update fortnightly, Shard every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 10, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Scanner | Shard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-smart-scan/id1668633999/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **14** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 55 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [dataWorks GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/559332295) | [Daiki Yamaguchi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896478308) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-smart-scan/id1668633999)

Quickly scan QR codes and barcodes to instantly access information. The app recognizes scanned content and suggests relevant actions, such as saving contacts or sending emails. It also maintains a history of all scanned codes for easy reference.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, Automatic action suggestions, Contact saving, Email sending, Wi-Fi network setup, Scan history

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Shard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shard-notes-for-obsidian/id6777961161)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shard Plus (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Shard Plus (Yearly) | $24.99 | per year |
| Shard Plus (Lifetime) | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Scanner free?

QR Code Scanner costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Shard free?

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

### Do QR Code Scanner or Shard have ads?

Neither QR Code Scanner nor Shard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Scanner or Shard?

QR Code Scanner ships an update fortnightly, and Shard every 5 days. Most recently, QR Code Scanner was updated on October 10, 2026 and Shard on October 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.*