# QR Code Reader vs Barcode Scanners

The clearest difference is rating: Barcode Scanners at 4.6 against QR Code Reader's 4.1. Barcode Scanners also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (810 vs 70). QR Code Reader's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 9.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Barcode Scanners asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Scanners holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode Scanners has 810 ratings behind it against 70, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of QR Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 88% of Barcode Scanners's.

QR Code Reader ships an update monthly, Barcode Scanners every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | Barcode Scanners |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-quickmark-barcode-scanner/id384883554/reviews) | **[4.6 (810 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanners/id504201315/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 70 | **810** |
| Positive reviews | 76.8% of reviews | **87.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 18 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 9.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AngleTech Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1609888530) | [Cognex Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/977274716) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-quickmark-barcode-scanner/id384883554)

Easily scan and generate various barcode formats, including QR codes. Access web links, make calls, send emails, and more directly from scanned data. Decode barcodes from photos and export your scan history.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and other barcodes, Generate QR codes, Decode barcodes from photos, Access web links and maps, Add contacts and calendar events, Export scan history, Continuous scanning (in-app purchase)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Continuous Scan | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and accurate scanning
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 💡 Supports multiple barcode/QR code types
- 🚀 Instant response with no extra steps
- 👍 Allows saving and sharing scanned data

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezes
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🔋 High battery consumption reported
- 🐛 Scanning issues with certain barcode types
- 🔒 Concerns about lack of support and updates

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to sign up or sign in
- Scanning issues with barcodes on certain pages
- Structured append feature not working reliably
- Location-based QR code generation not functioning
- Duplicate scans being recorded unexpectedly

**Requested features**

- Add support for more barcode/QR code types
- Implement batch export/CSV export functionality
- Provide more customization options (e.g. scan sound)
- Improve integration with other apps and services
- Add an option to clear scan history selectively


### Barcode Scanners

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanners/id504201315)

This app offers robust barcode scanning capabilities, supporting over 30 different types including QR, UPC, and Data Matrix. It provides powerful parsing for industry-standard formats like driver's licenses and GS1 codes, simplifying data extraction.

**Highlights:** Scan over 30 barcode types, QR code scanning, UPC scanning, Data Matrix scanning, GS1 code parsing, Driver's license data parsing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and accurate scanning
- 👍 Reliable and easy to use
- 🔒 No data collection
- 💡 Supports wide range of barcode types
- 👍 Excellent parsing and decoding capabilities

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezing issues
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🐛 Duplicate delay feature not working as expected
- 🐛 Export to CSV not functioning properly

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing after iOS 12.3.1 update
- Unable to scan certain barcode types (e.g. GS1 DataMatrix)
- Frozen camera view after initial scan

**Requested features**

- Option to disable tips/tooltips on startup
- Batch export/logging of scan history
- Ability to display non-readable characters
- Deeper Shortcuts integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is Barcode Scanners free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanners?

Barcode Scanners is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.1 out of 5 from 70 ratings, while Barcode Scanners averages 4.6 from 810 ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanners have ads?

Neither QR Code Reader nor Barcode Scanners shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanners?

QR Code Reader ships an update monthly, and Barcode Scanners every 5 months. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on September 29, 2026 and Barcode Scanners on September 27, 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.*