# QR Code Reader & Code Scanner vs Universal QR

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universal QR at 100% against QR Code Reader & Code Scanner's 53%. Universal QR also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). QR Code Reader & Code Scanner's advantage is ratings volume (46K vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, ads 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. Universal QR asks for nothing beyond the download.

Universal QR holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader & Code Scanner has 46K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of QR Code Reader & Code Scanner's written reviews are positive against 100% of Universal QR's.

QR Code Reader & Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, Universal QR every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader & Code Scanner | Universal QR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (46K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-and-code-scanner/id388175979/reviews) | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-qr-scan-and-create/id1114387474/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **46K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 53.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 209 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ShopSavvy, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/327762559) | [Yasuko Shikiuchi](https://appshunter.io/developer/316029096) |

## What reviewers say

### 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, Family Sharing

**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


### Universal QR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-qr-scan-and-create/id1114387474)

Easily scan QR codes to access information and view your scan history. Create your own QR codes and share them with others. This utility app offers a straightforward way to manage and generate QR codes.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes, View scan history, Create QR codes, Share QR codes, Favorite codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is Universal QR free?

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

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

Universal QR is rated higher. QR Code Reader & Code Scanner averages 4.3 out of 5 from 46K ratings, while Universal QR averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader & Code Scanner or Universal QR have ads?

Both QR Code Reader & Code Scanner and Universal QR show ads.

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

QR Code Reader & Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, and Universal QR every 3 days. Most recently, QR Code Reader & Code Scanner was updated on September 30, 2026 and Universal QR on September 28, 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.*