# Code Scanner by ScanLife vs Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

The clearest difference is rating: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader at 4.6 against Code Scanner by ScanLife's 2.2. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (72% vs 50%). Code Scanner by ScanLife's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Code Scanner by ScanLife asks for nothing beyond the download.

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader has 650 ratings behind it against 28, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Code Scanner by ScanLife's written reviews are positive against 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's.

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner by ScanLife | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-by-scanlife/id381292358/reviews) | **[4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 28 | **650** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **72.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 168 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Becausal, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828933003) | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495)

Easily scan, read, and decode over 20 types of QR codes and barcodes. Save your scan history, generate custom codes, and view product details. Supports various scanning methods and export options.

**Highlights:** Scan 20+ QR code and barcode types, Scan from photos, Generate custom QR codes, Save, search, and filter scan history, View product details via Google/Amazon, Export history as text or CSV

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 📵 No ads or distracting pop-ups
- 💰 Free to use (historically)
- 🎯 Does one job well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Switched to paid subscription model
- 🐛 Broken functionality on iPhone 12
- ❌ Fails to scan QR codes and barcodes
- 🔍 Missing zoom feature
- 😕 Non-intuitive operation

**Reported bugs**

- App stopped working on iPhone 12 - no barcode recognition
- Cannot scan from photos
- Fails to read unclear or damaged QR codes
- Data matrix format not supported
- Inconsistent app name across platforms (iPhone vs App Store)

**Requested features**

- Zoom functionality for better scanning
- Integrated search option within app
- Data matrix code support
- Scan history/log feature
- Ability to delay browser opening after scan


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Scanner by ScanLife free?

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

### Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?

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

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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is rated higher. Code Scanner by ScanLife averages 2.2 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 from 650 ratings.

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

Neither Code Scanner by ScanLife nor Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader shows ads.

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

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Code Scanner by ScanLife was updated on October 8, 2026 and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader on October 2, 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.*