# Code Scanner by ScanLife vs QR Code Reader & Code Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: QR Code Reader & Code Scanner at 4.3 against Code Scanner by ScanLife's 2.2. QR Code Reader & Code Scanner also leads on ratings volume (46K vs 28) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). Code Scanner by ScanLife's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader & Code Scanner sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Code Scanner by ScanLife asks for nothing beyond the download.

QR Code Reader & Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader & Code Scanner has 46K 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 53% of QR Code Reader & Code Scanner's.

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, QR Code Reader & Code Scanner every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 4, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner by ScanLife | QR Code Reader & Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-by-scanlife/id381292358/reviews) | **[4.3 (46K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-and-code-scanner/id388175979/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 28 | **46K** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **52.8% 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 | 199 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Becausal, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828933003) | [ShopSavvy, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/327762559) |

## 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


### QR Code Reader & Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-and-code-scanner/id388175979)

Easily scan QR codes and product barcodes to find the best prices and reviews. This app also allows you to generate custom QR codes for various information types and save your scan history.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes, Scan product barcodes, QR code generator, Save scan history, Share scanned codes, Create QR codes for URLs, text, and more

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Safari Extension

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Code Reader Pro | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Reader Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| QR Code Reader Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| QR Code Reader Pro | $29.99 | per year |
| QR Code Reader Pro | $34.99 | per year |
| QR Code Reader Pro | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Excellent service
- 👍 Friendly and accommodating staff
- 🚀 Scans QR codes quickly

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional glitches or bugs
- 💸 Too many ads
- 🔍 Difficulty finding specific scanned items
- 🔍 Inconsistent scanning results

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to open scanned links
- Inability to delete or remove the app from browser
- Scanning issues with certain QR codes

**Requested features**

- Ability to remove ads
- Improved scanning accuracy and reliability
- Search functionality for scanned items
- History or log of previous scans


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Scanner by ScanLife free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader & Code Scanner free?

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

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

QR Code Reader & Code Scanner is rated higher. Code Scanner by ScanLife averages 2.2 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while QR Code Reader & Code Scanner averages 4.3 from 46K ratings.

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

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

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

Code Scanner by ScanLife ships an update every 2 months, and QR Code Reader & Code Scanner every 3 weeks. Most recently, Code Scanner by ScanLife was updated on September 4, 2026 and QR Code Reader & Code Scanner on September 25, 2026.

---

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