# Code Scanner by ScanLife vs Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is rating: Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader at 4.5 against Code Scanner by ScanLife's 2.2. Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader also leads on ratings volume (2.1K vs 28) and review sentiment (73% vs 50%). Code Scanner by ScanLife's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Code Scanner by ScanLife asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader has 2.1K 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 73% of Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader's.

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner by ScanLife | Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-by-scanlife/id381292358/reviews) | **[4.5 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-reader/id1471098123/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 28 | **2.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **73.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 168 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 10.3 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Becausal, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828933003) | [Yunlu Technology Shanghai Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464497255) |

## 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 Scanner QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-reader/id1471098123)

Quickly scan all QR and barcode formats with this versatile utility. Compare prices, track history, and generate custom QR codes for various information and social media links. It also supports scanning from photos and includes helpful features like flashlight and sharing options.

**Highlights:** Scan QR Code & Barcode, Search and Compare Prices, Save Scan History, Generate QR Codes, Scan From Photo Library, Share Scans

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Consecutive monthly membership | $4.99 | per month |
| Consecutive Yearly Membership | $15.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 💡 Useful for scanning barcodes and QR codes
- 👍 Helpful for price comparison

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work as expected
- 🔒 Requires subscription to access full functionality
- 🔒 Misleading about free trial and pricing

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on certain devices
- Incorrect price information

**Requested features**

- Language support for non-English users
- Option to cancel subscription


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Scanner by ScanLife free?

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

### Is Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader free?

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

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

Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader is rated higher. Code Scanner by ScanLife averages 2.2 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader averages 4.5 from 2.1K ratings.

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

Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader shows ads; Code Scanner by ScanLife does not.

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

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, and Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, Code Scanner by ScanLife was updated on October 8, 2026 and Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader on October 12, 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.*