# QR Reader for iPhone vs Barcode Scanner X

The clearest difference is rating: QR Reader for iPhone at 4.7 against Barcode Scanner X's 4.3. QR Reader for iPhone also leads on ratings volume (1.4M vs 30) and chart position (#47 vs unranked). Barcode Scanner X's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Reader for iPhone sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Barcode Scanner X sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR Reader for iPhone holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Reader for iPhone has 1.4M ratings behind it against 30, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of QR Reader for iPhone's written reviews are positive against 70% of Barcode Scanner X's.

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, Barcode Scanner X every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Reader for iPhone | Barcode Scanner X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609/reviews)** | [4.3 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-x-qr-reader/id1374143263/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.4M** | 30 |
| Positive reviews | **77.6% of reviews** | 69.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#47** | — |
| Size | 387 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TapMedia Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/359632753) | [DIGITALNAUTS INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1083829093) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Reader for iPhone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609)

**Currently charting:** #47 Top Grossing · Utilities, #155 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

This app functions as a versatile scanner, capable of reading QR codes, barcodes, business cards, and documents. It also allows for the creation of custom QR codes and provides features like auto-detect scanning and website security checks.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, Document and business card scanning, Puzzle scanning, Database scanning, NFC scanning, QR code creation

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Database Scanner (1 month) | $0.99 | per month |
| TapMedia PRO - 1 month | $4.99 | per month |
| TapMedia PRO - 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| QR Reader PRO (one-time fee) | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Excellent service
- 🔍 Accurate scanning
- 🤝 Helpful staff
- 🏆 Great experience
- 🕰️ Fast and efficient

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤑 Subscription-based model
- 🚫 Difficulty canceling subscription
- 🐌 Slow or unresponsive app
- 🤔 Confusing information about pricing
- 🔒 Privacy concerns

**Reported bugs**

- Freezing or crashing issues
- Incompatibility with older devices
- Thumbnail issues and unwanted app attachments

**Requested features**

- Create QR codes
- Add contact information to phone
- Improve PDF handling
- Fix puzzle scanning feature
- Add dark mode option


### Barcode Scanner X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-x-qr-reader/id1374143263)

Easily scan 1D and 2D barcodes with a fast and intuitive interface. Save scanned results to a history for later review, copying, or searching. Ideal for product checks, inventory, and shipping.

**Highlights:** Wide format support for 1D and 2D codes, Automatic scan history saving, Share history via email or clipboard, Configurable barcode type scanning, Power-saving camera pause, Search scanned results

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $4.99 | per year |
| Pro Lifetime | $12.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Reader for iPhone free?

QR Reader for iPhone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Barcode Scanner X free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR Reader for iPhone or Barcode Scanner X?

QR Reader for iPhone is rated higher. QR Reader for iPhone averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.4M ratings, while Barcode Scanner X averages 4.3 from 30 ratings.

### Do QR Reader for iPhone or Barcode Scanner X have ads?

Both QR Reader for iPhone and Barcode Scanner X show ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Reader for iPhone or Barcode Scanner X?

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, and Barcode Scanner X every 3 weeks. Most recently, QR Reader for iPhone was updated on September 26, 2026 and Barcode Scanner X on August 20, 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.*