# Code Scanner by ScanLife vs Barcode

The clearest difference is rating: Barcode at 4.2 against Code Scanner by ScanLife's 2.2. Barcode also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (535 vs 28). Code Scanner by ScanLife's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Barcode holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode has 535 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 65% of Barcode's.

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, Barcode every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner by ScanLife | Barcode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-by-scanlife/id381292358/reviews) | **[4.2 (535 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-code-scanner/id1468426442/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 28 | **535** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **65.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 168 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Becausal, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828933003) | [Huy Nguyen Dang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447842064) |

## 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


### Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-code-scanner/id1468426442)

Easily scan and generate QR codes and barcodes. This app decodes various types of information, including text, URLs, contacts, and Wi-Fi credentials. It also allows you to create custom QR codes for sharing and saving.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Generate QR codes, Decode text, URLs, contacts, Wi-Fi, Save and share generated codes, View product information, Offline scanning support, Scan history management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works beautifully
- 👍 Best Christian source for information
- 👍 Brilliant and easy to use
- 👍 Great scanner
- 👍 Simple to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 This is horrible and does nothing
- 🐛 Doesn't work
- 🐛 Didn't open safari
- 🐛 Poor for creating
- 🐛 Not taking me too the online websites

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Advanced analytics dashboard


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Scanner by ScanLife free?

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

### Is Barcode free?

Barcode is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Barcode is rated higher. Code Scanner by ScanLife averages 2.2 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Barcode averages 4.2 from 535 ratings.

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

Barcode shows ads; Code Scanner by ScanLife does not.

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

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, and Barcode every 3 weeks. Most recently, Code Scanner by ScanLife was updated on October 8, 2026 and Barcode on October 9, 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.*