# Barcode Scanners vs SkyBlueScan

Barcode Scanners and SkyBlueScan both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 88% of Barcode Scanners's written reviews are positive against 25% of SkyBlueScan's. Barcode Scanners also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). SkyBlueScan's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (4K vs 810). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SkyBlueScan sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Barcode Scanners asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Barcode Scanners against 4.6 for SkyBlueScan. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 810 and 4K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of Barcode Scanners's written reviews are positive against 25% of SkyBlueScan's.

Barcode Scanners ships an update every 5 months, SkyBlueScan every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Scanners | SkyBlueScan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (810 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanners/id504201315/reviews)** | [4.6 (4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skybluescan-qr-code-scanner/id1504356350/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 810 | **4K** |
| Positive reviews | **87.8% of reviews** | 24.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 35 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Cognex Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/977274716) | [Circo, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1272023623) |

## 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


### SkyBlueScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skybluescan-qr-code-scanner/id1504356350)

Effortlessly scan various QR and barcode types, including product information and Google Authenticator codes. Access detailed data cards and a comprehensive scan history. A PRO subscription offers unlimited scans, enhanced product details, and an ad-free experience.

**Highlights:** Scan 15+ code types (QR, Barcode, Datamatrix, etc.), View product and food details, Detailed QR code data cards, Scan history log, Google Authenticator support

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription (Discount) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium Subscription | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium Subscription | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Excellent app
- ⭐ Best one yet
- ⭐ Good

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Automatically subscribes you
- 🚫 Difficult to unsubscribe
- 🚫 Overpriced
- 🚫 Useless app
- 🚫 Scam

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't work properly
- Charges even after deleting the app

**Requested features**

- Add simple unsubscribe solution


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Scanners free?

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

### Is SkyBlueScan free?

SkyBlueScan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Barcode Scanners or SkyBlueScan?

Barcode Scanners is rated higher. Barcode Scanners averages 4.6 out of 5 from 810 ratings, while SkyBlueScan averages 4.6 from 4K ratings.

### Do Barcode Scanners or SkyBlueScan have ads?

SkyBlueScan shows ads; Barcode Scanners does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Scanners or SkyBlueScan?

Barcode Scanners ships an update every 5 months, and SkyBlueScan every 3 weeks. Most recently, Barcode Scanners was updated on September 22, 2026 and SkyBlueScan 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.*