# QR Reader for iPhone vs Code Scanner by ScanLife

The clearest difference is rating: QR Reader for iPhone at 4.7 against Code Scanner by ScanLife's 2.2. QR Reader for iPhone also leads on review sentiment (78% vs 50%) and ratings volume (1.4M vs 28). Code Scanner by ScanLife's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support 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. Code Scanner by ScanLife asks for nothing beyond the download.

QR Reader for iPhone holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Reader for iPhone has 1.4M ratings behind it against 28, 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 50% of Code Scanner by ScanLife's.

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, Code Scanner by ScanLife every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Reader for iPhone | Code Scanner by ScanLife |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609/reviews)** | [2.2 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-by-scanlife/id381292358/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.4M** | 28 |
| Positive reviews | **77.6% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#53** | — |
| Size | 387 MB | 168 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TapMedia Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/359632753) | [Becausal, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828933003) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Reader for iPhone

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

**Currently charting:** #53 Top Grossing · Utilities, #146 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


### Code Scanner by ScanLife

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-by-scanlife/id381292358)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes to access product information, reviews, and more. Features enhanced security alerts and the ability to discover new products and experiences. Save and share your scans with ease.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, Product and venue information, Security alerts for unsecured codes, Nutritional facts and health scores, Scan history and sharing, Support for major code formats

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and quick scanning performance
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 📱 Works reliably on compatible devices
- 🔍 Scans QR codes and barcodes effectively
- 💰 Free application

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes on startup and during use
- ❌ Fails to recognize products and barcodes
- 📉 Degraded functionality after updates
- 🔋 Battery drain from background processes
- 📡 Server connection issues

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Crashes when scanning QR codes
- Black screen with camera standby message
- Keyboard input issues in form fields
- Buttons unresponsive after scanning

**Requested features**

- Default browser selection option
- Ability to disable automatic sharing and Discover feature
- Option to turn off location-based notifications
- Better product database with store-specific information
- In-app code creation feature


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Reader for iPhone free?

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

### Is Code Scanner by ScanLife free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR Reader for iPhone or Code Scanner by ScanLife?

QR Reader for iPhone is rated higher. QR Reader for iPhone averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.4M ratings, while Code Scanner by ScanLife averages 2.2 from 28 ratings.

### Do QR Reader for iPhone or Code Scanner by ScanLife have ads?

QR Reader for iPhone shows ads; Code Scanner by ScanLife does not.

### Which is updated more often, QR Reader for iPhone or Code Scanner by ScanLife?

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, and Code Scanner by ScanLife every 2 months. Most recently, QR Reader for iPhone was updated on September 26, 2026 and Code Scanner by ScanLife on September 4, 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.*