# QR Reader for iPhone vs CodeLab

The clearest difference is ads: CodeLab at none against QR Reader for iPhone's shown. CodeLab also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 77%). QR Reader for iPhone's advantage is ratings volume (1.4M vs 5) and chart position (#50 vs unranked). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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 CodeLab sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CodeLab holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Reader for iPhone has 1.4M ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of QR Reader for iPhone's written reviews are positive against 100% of CodeLab's.

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, CodeLab weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Reader for iPhone | CodeLab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codelab-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id6763101270/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.4M** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 77.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#50** | — |
| Size | 387 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TapMedia Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/359632753) | [Ilgin Mert](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895163203) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Reader for iPhone

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

**Currently charting:** #50 Top Grossing · Utilities, #171 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


### CodeLab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codelab-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id6763101270)

Easily scan and generate various types of QR and barcodes. Customize codes with colors, gradients, and icons. Offers premium features like unlimited generation and an ad-free experience through subscriptions.

**Highlights:** Scan QR and barcodes, Generate custom codes, Customize code colors and gradients, Embed custom icons, Use pre-built templates, Save scan history locally

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weak Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weak Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Year Premium | $49.99 | 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 CodeLab free?

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

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

CodeLab is rated higher. QR Reader for iPhone averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.4M ratings, while CodeLab averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do QR Reader for iPhone or CodeLab have ads?

QR Reader for iPhone shows ads; CodeLab does not.

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

QR Reader for iPhone ships an update every 3 months, and CodeLab weekly. Most recently, QR Reader for iPhone was updated on October 17, 2026 and CodeLab on October 1, 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.*