# QR Reader for iPhone vs QR Code Scanner

The clearest difference is monetization model: QR Reader for iPhone at free with in-app purchases against QR Code Scanner's subscription. QR Reader for iPhone also leads on ratings volume (1.4M vs 40) and chart position (#52 vs unranked). QR Code Scanner's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 months). On price, rating, in-app purchases 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 and QR Code Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. 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 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Reader for iPhone has 1.4M ratings behind it against 40, so its average is the more settled of the two.

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, QR Code Scanner every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Reader for iPhone | QR Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609/reviews)** | [4.5 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-read-now/id6467277424/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.4M** | 40 |
| Positive reviews | 77.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#52** | — |
| Size | 387 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TapMedia Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/359632753) | [Evonne Ranz](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763530334) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Reader for iPhone

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

**Currently charting:** #52 Top Grossing · Utilities, #129 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


### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-read-now/id6467277424)

Instantly scan any QR code without manual adjustments. View product details, compare prices online, and access all supported QR code formats quickly and securely. Offers a free trial before a weekly subscription.

**Highlights:** Automatic QR code recognition, Supports all QR code formats, Product detail lookup, Online price comparison, Secure scanning, Free 3-day trial

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly trial subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Reader for iPhone free?

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

### Is QR Code Scanner free?

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

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

QR Reader for iPhone is rated higher. QR Reader for iPhone averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.4M ratings, while QR Code Scanner averages 4.5 from 40 ratings.

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

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

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

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, and QR Code Scanner every 5 days. Most recently, QR Reader for iPhone was updated on September 25, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on June 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.*