# Barcode Scanners vs QR Code Reader

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 14.0). QR Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (160K vs 810) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

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 160K ratings behind it against 810, 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 84% of QR Code Reader's.

Barcode Scanners ships an update every 5 months, QR Code Reader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Scanners | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (810 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanners/id504201315/reviews) | **[4.7 (160K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-quick-scan/id1080558159/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 810 | **160K** |
| Positive reviews | **87.8% of reviews** | 84.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 35 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cognex Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/977274716) | [Komorebi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/481596469) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-quick-scan/id1080558159)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes
- Scanning not working as expected

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked 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 810 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 4.7 from 160K 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 September 22, 2026 and QR Code Reader on September 24, 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.*