Barcode Scanners vs QR Code Reader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Scan over 30 barcode types
- QR code scanning
- UPC scanning
- Data Matrix scanning
- GS1 code parsing
- Driver's license data parsing
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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.
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.
- Instant scan on launch
- Scan from photos
- QR code generator
- Automatic history save
- Front camera support
- Flashlight toggle
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Barcode Scanners | QR Code Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (811 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 87.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 811 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Ad-supported |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 35 MB | 47 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cognex Corporation | Kouichi Yamaguchi |
Customer experience
Barcode Scanners
QR Code Reader
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
Barcode Scanners
No in-app purchases
QR Code Reader
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Barcode Scanners free?
Is QR Code Reader free?
Which has better reviews, Barcode Scanners or QR Code Reader?
Do Barcode Scanners or QR Code Reader have ads?
Which is updated more often, Barcode Scanners or QR Code Reader?
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