# 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 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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Scanners | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (811 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanners/id504201315/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scan-and-create/id6763844775/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **811** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 87.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 35 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cognex Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/977274716) | [Kouichi Yamaguchi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1819294170) |

## 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-scan-and-create/id6763844775)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## 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 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*