Comparison

Barcode Scanners vs QR Code Reader & Generator App

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 & Generator App

Easily scan and generate QR codes and barcodes for various information types. Customize your QR codes with colors, logos, and shapes before sharing them. Supports a wide range of code types and batch scanning.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • Create QR codes and barcodes
  • Support for multiple code types
  • Batch scanning
  • Customize QR code appearance
  • Add logo to QR codes
  • Share codes
Features
Read full description

QR Code Reader & Generator — Scan, Create & Customize QR Codes The fastest free QR code scanner and barcode reader for iPhone and iPad. Scan any code in under a second, create stunning QR codes with your logo, and customize with colors, gradients, and unique patterns. No account required. No tracking. Just scan. INSTANT QR & BARCODE SCANNER • Lightning-fast scanning — point your camera and get results instantly • Auto-detect and open URLs, WiFi, contacts, email, SMS, phone numbers, text, and GPS locations • Safe link preview — see where a URL leads before you open it • Batch scanning — scan multiple codes in one session • Reads all major formats: QR Code, UPC-E, Code39, Code93, Code128, EAN-13, EAN-8, PDF417, Aztec, Data Matrix, and ITF • Works offline — no internet needed to scan • Full scan history saved automatically POWERFUL QR CODE GENERATOR • Create QR codes and barcodes for URLs, WiFi, phone numbers, email, SMS, text, GPS, and contact cards (vCard, MeCard, BizCard) • Social media templates for Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, YouTube, and App Store links • Add your own logo or brand image to any QR code • High-resolution export — perfect for print, menus, posters, and business cards PROFESSIONAL CUSTOMIZATION TOOLS • Full Color Control: Custom foreground and background colors plus stunning gradient effects • Logo Integration: Add your brand logo with size, shape, and tint options • Pattern Styles: Choose from Square, Circle, or Rounded dot designs • Border Options: None, Rounded, or Circle frame styles • Adjustable Error Correction: Ensure your QR code scans perfectly every time PRIVACY-FIRST DESIGN • No account or sign-up required • No user tracking — your data stays on your device • No unnecessary permissions • Clean, ad-supported free tier with optional Pro upgrade UPGRADE TO QR READER PRO • Unlimited QR scans and creations • Unlock all customization tools • Batch scanning and CSV export • Remove all ads for a clean experience Perfect for shoppers scanning product barcodes, businesses creating branded QR codes, restaurants sharing WiFi and menus, event organizers, teachers, and anyone who needs a fast, reliable, and private QR scanner. Subscription Details: • Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. • Subscription renews automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. • Account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, and the renewal cost will be provided. • You may manage or cancel your subscription anytime by going to your iTunes account settings. • Any unused portion of a free trial, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. For more information, visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT4098 Terms of Service: https://www.fingerjoystudios.com/qrcode/terms-of-service/ Privacy Policy: https://www.fingerjoystudios.com/qrcode/privacy-policy/

Screenshots

Barcode Scanners4 screens
QR Code Reader & Generator App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Scanners at none against QR Code Reader & Generator App's 3. Barcode Scanners also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (88% vs 60%). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. QR Code Reader & Generator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Barcode Scanners asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Barcode Scanners against 4.7 for QR Code Reader & Generator App. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 810 and 1.2K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of Barcode Scanners's written reviews are positive against 60% of QR Code Reader & Generator App's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Barcode Scanners ships an update every 5 months, QR Code Reader & Generator App every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Barcode Scanners versus QR Code Reader & Generator App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBarcode ScannersQR Code Reader & Generator App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (810 ratings)4.7 (1.2K ratings) — better
Positive reviews87.8% of reviews — better60.0% of reviews
Number of ratings8101.2K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size35 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCognex CorporationPenghui Zhao

Customer experience

Barcode Scanners

All ratings808 ratings
Positive91.1%
Neutral3.6%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews188 reviews
Positive87.8%
Neutral3.7%
Negative8.5%

QR Code Reader & Generator App

All ratings1,186 ratings
Positive91.0%
Neutral3.7%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews30 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral3.3%
Negative36.7%

User reviews

Barcode Scanners

From 810 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and accurate scanning
  • 👍 Reliable and easy to use
  • 🔒 No data collection
  • 💡 Supports wide range of barcode types
  • 👍 Excellent parsing and decoding capabilities

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezing issues
  • 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
  • 🐛 Duplicate delay feature not working as expected
  • 🐛 Export to CSV not functioning properly

QR Code Reader & Generator App

From 1.2K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Useful for finding ads
  • 👍 Great experience at Livonia Greenmead Branch
  • 👍 Best scanning app so far

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Won't focus on QR codes
  • 🐛 Constant app crashes
  • 🐛 Couldn't change barcode type
  • 🐛 Buttons don't work after creating QR code
  • 🐛 Doesn't read QR code it created

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 & Generator App

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Takes to blank screen after scanning
  • App closes when selecting a 'type'

Requested features

1 request
  • Option to include photo in manual create mode

In-app purchases

None

Barcode Scanners

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

QR Code Reader & Generator App

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Weekly Subscription3 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Pro Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$1.991 Month
One-time1
  • Pro Upgrade$1.99

Questions

Is Barcode Scanners free?
Barcode Scanners is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is QR Code Reader & Generator App free?
QR Code Reader & Generator App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Barcode Scanners or QR Code Reader & Generator App?
QR Code Reader & Generator App is rated higher. Barcode Scanners averages 4.6 out of 5 from 810 ratings, while QR Code Reader & Generator App averages 4.7 from 1.2K ratings.
Do Barcode Scanners or QR Code Reader & Generator App have ads?
QR Code Reader & Generator App shows ads; Barcode Scanners does not.
Which is updated more often, Barcode Scanners or QR Code Reader & Generator App?
Barcode Scanners ships an update every 5 months, and QR Code Reader & Generator App every 3 months. Most recently, Barcode Scanners was updated on September 22, 2026 and QR Code Reader & Generator App on September 23, 2026.

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