# QR Reader for iPhone vs Lighting Scanner

The clearest difference is update cadence: Lighting Scanner at every 5 days against QR Reader for iPhone's every 3 months. Lighting Scanner also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 78%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). QR Reader for iPhone's advantage is ratings volume (1.4M vs 442) and chart position (#55 vs unranked). On price, rating, 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 Lighting Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for QR Reader for iPhone against 4.8 for Lighting Scanner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Reader for iPhone has 1.4M ratings behind it against 442, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 78% of QR Reader for iPhone's written reviews are positive against 100% of Lighting Scanner's.

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, Lighting Scanner every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Reader for iPhone | Lighting Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609/reviews) | **[4.8 (442 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lighting-scanner-scan-qr-code/id6476649650/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.4M** | 442 |
| Positive reviews | 77.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#55** | — |
| Size | 387 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TapMedia Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/359632753) | [APPSFLYDARGON LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1725447360) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Reader for iPhone

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

**Currently charting:** #55 Top Grossing · Utilities, #142 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


### Lighting Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lighting-scanner-scan-qr-code/id6476649650)

This app allows you to quickly scan QR codes and barcodes to access information, coupons, and links. It also functions as a generator, enabling you to create custom QR codes for various purposes, including social media, Wi-Fi, and contact details.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, QR code generation, Customizable QR code colors and designs, Scan from camera or media library, Share scanned codes and generated codes, Save scan history

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Membership | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium Membership | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Reader for iPhone free?

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

### Is Lighting Scanner free?

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

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

Lighting Scanner is rated higher. QR Reader for iPhone averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.4M ratings, while Lighting Scanner averages 4.8 from 442 ratings.

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

Both QR Reader for iPhone and Lighting Scanner show ads.

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

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, and Lighting Scanner every 5 days. Most recently, QR Reader for iPhone was updated on September 25, 2026 and Lighting Scanner on September 18, 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.*