# AQL vs QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner at 4.7 against AQL's 3.3. QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 19 months) and ratings volume (73K vs 3). AQL's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 16.6). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. AQL asks for nothing beyond the download.

QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner has 73K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 51% positive.

AQL ships an update every 19 months, QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AQL | QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aql/id608818916/reviews) | **[4.7 (73K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-readerbarcode-scanner/id1226650677/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **73K** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **50.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#41** |
| Size | 1 MB | 127 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pro Q.C. International Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/599909091) | [Air Apps Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/1316153435) |

## What reviewers say

### AQL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aql/id608818916)

This utility calculates sample sizes and acceptable defect numbers for product inspections based on ANSI Z1.4-2003 standards. It simplifies creating sampling plans for random product inspections, replacing traditional paper methods for inspectors.

**Highlights:** Determine sample size, Calculate allowable rejects, Based on ANSI Z1.4-2003, Prepare sampling plans, Digital replacement for paper cards

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-readerbarcode-scanner/id1226650677)

**Currently charting:** #41 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

Instantly scan and generate QR codes and barcodes. Compare prices, manage inventory, and create custom codes for various purposes. Supports multiple formats and batch scanning for efficient organization.

**Highlights:** Instant QR code and barcode scanning, QR code and barcode generation, Price comparison for shopping, Batch barcode scanning, Inventory management tools, Scan history and lookup

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Air Apps One - 1 Week | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Air Apps One Starter - 1 Week | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Air Apps One Welcome - 1 Week | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Air Apps Pro - 1 Week | $11.99 | per 7 days |
| Air Apps One - 1 Week | $11.99 | per 7 days |
| Air Apps One Welcome - 1 Week | $11.99 | per 7 days |
| Air Apps One Starter - 1 Week | $11.99 | per 7 days |
| Air Apps One - 1 Week | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Air Apps One - 1 Month | $19.99 | per month |
| Air Apps Pro | $19.99 | per month |
| Air Apps Pro | $69.99 | per year |
| Air Apps One - 1 Year | $69.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick and easy to use
- 👍 Accurate scanning
- ✨ Helpful for various purposes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔐 Misleading subscription model
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 🤖 Aggressive upselling tactics
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with some products

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to cancel subscription
- Inconsistent scanning performance

**Requested features**

- Free version with limited scans
- Clearer subscription details
- Option to permanently unlock full features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AQL free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner free?

QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AQL or QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner?

QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner is rated higher. AQL averages 3.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner averages 4.7 from 73K ratings.

### Do AQL or QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner have ads?

Neither AQL nor QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AQL or QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner?

AQL ships an update every 19 months, and QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner every 2 weeks. Most recently, AQL was updated on October 14, 2026 and QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner on October 23, 2026.

---

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