# Code Scanner by ScanLife vs The QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The QR Code Reader at 100% against Code Scanner by ScanLife's 50%. The QR Code Reader also leads on rating (4.6 vs 2.2). Code Scanner by ScanLife's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The QR Code Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Code Scanner by ScanLife asks for nothing beyond the download.

The QR Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 28 and 8 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Code Scanner by ScanLife's written reviews are positive against 100% of The QR Code Reader's.

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, The QR Code Reader every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 4, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner by ScanLife | The QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-by-scanlife/id381292358/reviews) | **[4.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-qr-code-reader/id1600519099/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **28** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 168 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Becausal, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828933003) | [Adam Feher](https://appshunter.io/developer/1462164182) |

## 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


### The QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-qr-code-reader/id1600519099)

This utility scans QR codes and barcodes quickly and efficiently. It works offline, respects user privacy by not collecting data, and offers features like scan history and QR code generation. Advanced options include exporting history and batch scanning.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, Offline functionality, Privacy-focused (no data collection), Scan history, QR code generation, Export scan history (PRO), Batch scanning (PRO)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Reader | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Scanner by ScanLife free?

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

### Is The QR Code Reader free?

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

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

The QR Code Reader is rated higher. Code Scanner by ScanLife averages 2.2 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while The QR Code Reader averages 4.6 from 8 ratings.

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

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

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

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, and The QR Code Reader every 4 months. Most recently, Code Scanner by ScanLife was updated on September 4, 2026 and The QR Code Reader on August 27, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*