Comparison

Barcode Scanners vs QR Code Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Barcode Scanners

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
Read full description

Barcode scanning made simple! Use this powerful app to easily scan over 30 different types of barcodes, including QR, UPC, GS1, Data Matrix, PDF417, DotCode, and many others. The Cognex Barcode Scanners application reads all major barcode symbologies, including Aztec Code, Codabar, Code 11, Code 25 (Interleaved, Industrial, COOP, Matrix and ITF-14), Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Data Matrix, DotCode, EAN, ISBN, GS1 DataBar, MaxiCode, MSI Plessey, PDF417, Micro PDF417, Postal Codes, QR Code (Micro and Standard), TELEPEN and UPC barcode types, as well as GS1 sub-types like GS1 QR Code, GS1 Data Matrix and GS1-128. The app also provides powerful parsers to examine industry standard formatted barcodes more easily such as AAMVA (US and Canadian Driver’s Licenses), GS1, IUID, Structured Carrier Messages (MaxiCode), and more! To learn more about Cognex's high-speed barcode scanning and computer vision solutions, visit https://www.cognex.com.

About

QR Code Reader

Scan QR codes and barcodes quickly with your iPhone camera. Access your scan history, scan from photos, and use a flashlight for dark environments. Share your scanned items easily.

Highlights
  • Automatic camera activation
  • Scan from photo library
  • Scan history access
  • Flashlight for low light
  • Barcode scanning support
  • Share scan history
Features
Read full description

QR Code Reader is a fast, free QR code scanner for iPhone. Simple and easy to use: open the app, point your camera at a code and it reads instantly, with no buttons to press and no photos to take. The scanned content is recognized automatically, so URLs and text are ready to open, copy or share in seconds. Barcode scanning is supported too. ■ Scan QR codes in seconds The camera starts as soon as you open the app. Aim it at a QR code and it is detected automatically, so you can scan the moment you need to. The app recognizes what the code contains: open the link, copy the text or share it, without typing web addresses by hand. ■ Scan QR codes from images Got a QR code in a screenshot or a photo? The app reads QR codes directly from images in your photo library. When a code appears on your own iPhone screen, you don't need a second device: take a screenshot and read it right away. It also works for QR code images sent by email or chat. ■ Scan history always at hand Every scan is saved to your history automatically, so you can reopen links, websites and text anytime. You can also share the whole history list at once: scan many QR codes or barcodes in a row, then send them all together. Your history is stored locally on your device. ■ Scan barcodes to look up products Point the camera at a product barcode and jump straight to a product search: compare prices and check details while shopping. ■ Main features - Automatic scanning — point the camera at a code and scanning starts on its own - QR code & barcode scanner — reads both QR codes and barcodes - Scan from image — detect codes in photos and screenshots - Scan history — reopen any past scan with one tap - Share in bulk — send your scan history list in one go - Flashlight — scan even in the dark or in low light - Copy, open or share — open results in Safari or Chrome, copy them or send them to friends - Private — scan history stays on your device - No account — no sign-up, no registration - Free — all features are free to use ■ One scanner for many codes - QR codes — open websites, read text, view details - Restaurant menus — scan the code on the table to see the menu - Coupons & promos — scan discount codes from your favorite brands - Food packages — open product pages from QR codes on the label - Posters, flyers & ads — jump to campaigns and event pages - Product barcodes — scan an item and jump to a product search to compare prices ■ Simple, fast and easy to use QR codes are everywhere these days: menus, ads, posters, packages and tickets. With a simple QR scanner on your iPhone, you can check any code the moment you see it. The design is clean, there are no complicated settings, and the app is made for everyday use. If you are new to the iPhone, or you simply want a scanner that just works, this app is for you. ■ Good to know This app is a scanner only: it does not create or generate QR codes. Your scan history is stored locally on your device, and no account is needed at any point. ■ Pricing All features are free to use. The app shows ads, and there are no subscriptions, no in-app purchases and no paid plans. ■ Download QR Code Reader today Scan, save and share QR codes and barcodes with one simple app. Download now and read your first code just seconds after opening the app!

Screenshots

Barcode Scanners4 screens
QR Code Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Barcode Scanners at none against QR Code Reader's shown. Barcode Scanners also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). QR Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (163K vs 811) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Barcode Scanners against 4.7 for QR Code Reader. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 163K ratings behind it against 811, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of Barcode Scanners's written reviews are positive against 85% of QR Code Reader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Barcode Scanners ships an update every 5 months, QR Code Reader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Barcode Scanners versus QR Code Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBarcode ScannersQR Code Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (811 ratings)4.7 (163K ratings) — better
Positive reviews87.8% of reviews — better85.5% of reviews
Number of ratings811163K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size35 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCognex CorporationKomorebi Inc.

Customer experience

Barcode Scanners

All ratings808 ratings
Positive91.1%
Neutral3.6%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews189 reviews
Positive87.8%
Neutral3.7%
Negative8.5%

QR Code Reader

All ratings162,488 ratings
Positive92.0%
Neutral3.1%
Negative4.9%
Written reviews916 reviews
Positive85.5%
Neutral2.3%
Negative12.2%

User reviews

Barcode Scanners

From 811 App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

QR Code Reader

From 163K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Friendly and helpful staff
  • 🚀 Fast and efficient service
  • 💡 Convenient features
  • 🤖 Reliable and accurate scanning
  • 🌟 Excellent overall experience

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional scanning issues
  • 💰 Concerns about hidden costs
  • 📋 Unclear instructions or information

Bugs and requests

Barcode Scanners

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • 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

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

QR Code Reader

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • App crashes or freezes
  • Scanning not working as expected

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to save and organize scanned data
  • Integration with other apps or services
  • More customization options

In-app purchases

None

Barcode Scanners

No in-app purchases

None

QR Code Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Barcode Scanners free?
Barcode Scanners is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is QR Code Reader free?
QR Code Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Barcode Scanners or QR Code Reader?
QR Code Reader is rated higher. Barcode Scanners averages 4.6 out of 5 from 811 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 4.7 from 163K ratings.
Do Barcode Scanners or QR Code Reader have ads?
QR Code Reader shows ads; Barcode Scanners does not.
Which is updated more often, Barcode Scanners or QR Code Reader?
Barcode Scanners ships an update every 5 months, and QR Code Reader every 2 months. Most recently, Barcode Scanners was updated on November 1, 2026 and QR Code Reader on November 4, 2026.

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