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

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes with a high-performance reader that launches immediately. Generate custom QR codes for various data types and save scan history locally. Supports front camera and flashlight for convenience.

Highlights
  • Instant scan on launch
  • Scan from photos
  • QR code generator
  • Automatic history save
  • Front camera support
  • Flashlight toggle
Features
Read full description

QR Code Reader — Scan, Create, and Save. This is a simple and high-performance QR code reader designed to launch and scan in an instant. The camera activates the moment you tap the icon, recognizing QR codes and most barcodes immediately. This app comes with no account registration, no subscription, and no sign-up required. Scan results are stored only on your device — never uploaded to our servers. Features ---------------- ■ Instant Scan on Launch The camera activates the moment you open the app. High-speed recognition means you'll never miss a code again. ■ Scan from Photos Pick a QR code image from your gallery and we'll read it instantly. Perfect for screenshots of tickets, invitations, and promo codes. ■ Front Camera Support Switch between front and rear cameras with one tap. Useful for scanning codes shown on your own screen. ■ Flashlight Support Built-in flashlight toggle for dim restaurants, evening events, or any low-light environment. ■ QR Code Generator Create your own QR codes in multiple formats — URLs, Wi-Fi credentials, plain text, contact cards, and more. Customize and share in seconds. ■ History & Auto-Save Every scan is saved automatically so you can revisit results later. No more rescanning the same code twice. ■ Dark Mode Support Automatically adapts to your system appearance. Easy on the eyes when scanning codes at night or in dim environments. Recommended for ---------------- ■ Anyone who finds existing QR apps too slow ■ People who scan menus, tickets, or Wi-Fi codes daily ■ Users who don't want to sign up just to scan a code ■ Small business owners creating QR codes for promotions --- QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED in Japan and in other countries.

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 ratings volume (811 vs 1) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). QR Code Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On price, in-app purchases and device support 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

QR Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode Scanners has 811 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Barcode Scanners ships an update every 5 months, QR Code Reader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Barcode Scanners versus QR Code Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBarcode ScannersQR Code Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (811 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews87.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings811 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size35 MB47 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCognex CorporationKouichi Yamaguchi

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 ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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 5.0 from 1 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 3 weeks. Most recently, Barcode Scanners was updated on October 20, 2026 and QR Code Reader on October 31, 2026.

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