# Power Scanner vs Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

The clearest difference is rating: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader at 4.6 against Power Scanner's 1.5. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (650 vs 4). Power Scanner's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Power Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader has 650 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Power Scanner's written reviews are positive against 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's.

Power Scanner ships an update every 7 months, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Power Scanner | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/power-scanner-qr-and-barcode/id489473238/reviews) | **[4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **650** |
| Positive reviews | 52.6% of reviews | **72.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 25 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [春霞 陈](https://appshunter.io/developer/376544204) | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) |

## What reviewers say

### Power Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/power-scanner-qr-and-barcode/id489473238)

This utility app quickly scans QR codes and various commercial barcodes, extracting encoded information like URLs, contact details, and product data. It allows users to search for product prices and reviews from major retailers directly within the app.

**Highlights:** QR code scanning, Barcode scanning (UPC, EAN, ISBN), Product price and detail search, Read buyer reviews, Share product links, Auto-detect scanning mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495)

Easily scan, read, and decode over 20 types of QR codes and barcodes. Save your scan history, generate custom codes, and view product details. Supports various scanning methods and export options.

**Highlights:** Scan 20+ QR code and barcode types, Scan from photos, Generate custom QR codes, Save, search, and filter scan history, View product details via Google/Amazon, Export history as text or CSV

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 📵 No ads or distracting pop-ups
- 💰 Free to use (historically)
- 🎯 Does one job well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Switched to paid subscription model
- 🐛 Broken functionality on iPhone 12
- ❌ Fails to scan QR codes and barcodes
- 🔍 Missing zoom feature
- 😕 Non-intuitive operation

**Reported bugs**

- App stopped working on iPhone 12 - no barcode recognition
- Cannot scan from photos
- Fails to read unclear or damaged QR codes
- Data matrix format not supported
- Inconsistent app name across platforms (iPhone vs App Store)

**Requested features**

- Zoom functionality for better scanning
- Integrated search option within app
- Data matrix code support
- Scan history/log feature
- Ability to delay browser opening after scan


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Power Scanner free?

Power Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?

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

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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is rated higher. Power Scanner averages 1.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 from 650 ratings.

### Do Power Scanner or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader have ads?

Neither Power Scanner nor Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader shows ads.

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

Power Scanner ships an update every 7 months, and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Power Scanner was updated on September 17, 2026 and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader on September 21, 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.*