Comparison

QR Codes vs SafeQR Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

QR Codes

Features
Read full description

QR Code and Barcode Scanner. Easy and lightweight. No Ads. Always free QR and Barcode scanner app. No account is needed. Create QR codes to promote for your social channels and events. Generate your own QR code and when a person scans it, you can send them to: - Any URL you choose - Map Locations - SMS Messages - An E-mail address - A Phone number - Custom Text Messages - Events - Influencer pages, Meta, X, Insta,YT QR and barcode scanners and generators are essential for every iOS device. Activate QR can scan and read any type of QR code / barcode Including text, url, ISBN, product, contact, calendar, email, location, Wi-Fi and many more formats!

About

SafeQR Reader

Features
Read full description

"Scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal your information" - Federal Trade Commission, 2023 Stay Safe with SafeQR Reader • Block QR Scams Download and start scanning securely for free! Guard your privacy and protect your data with our advanced AI QR code scanner. QR codes are everywhere, but not all are safe. Scammers often hide harmful links in QR codes to steal your personal information or install malware. Our app uses cutting-edge AI technology to analyze QR codes, summarize their content, and block hidden threats, ensuring every scan is secure and reliable. Key Features: • AI-Powered Protection: Automatically scan and analyze QR codes to detect scams, spoofed sites, and malware. • Malware Defense: Block malicious links hidden in QR codes and safeguard your personal information. • Privacy Shield: Prevent trackers from monitoring your activity by keeping your scans anonymous. • Content Summarization: Get clear, concise summaries of QR code content to make informed decisions before you click. • Fast & Secure: Enjoy quick, accurate, and secure scanning every time. Stay one step ahead of scammers and cyber threats with SafeQR Reader • Block Scams Information about QR Scanner + Pro subscription: Payment will be charged to your Apple ID Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews 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 identify the cost of the renewal. Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. Link to Terms of Service & Privacy Policy: https://qrcodeapp.co/terms

Screenshots

QR Codes4 screens
SafeQR Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QR Codes at none against SafeQR Reader's 3. QR Codes also leads on ads (none vs shown) and device support (3 vs 1). SafeQR Reader's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 2 months). On price 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. SafeQR Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. QR Codes asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

QR Codes ships an update every 2 months, SafeQR Reader daily. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 1 level
QR Codes versus SafeQR Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQR CodesSafeQR Reader
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsDaily — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperActivate Software LimitedUniversityGO LLC

In-app purchases

None

QR Codes

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

SafeQR Reader

Subscriptions3
  • QR Scanner + Pro Weekly3 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • QR Scanner + Pro Monthly3 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • QR Scanner + Pro Annual3 Days trial$79.991 Year

Questions

Is QR Codes free?
QR Codes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SafeQR Reader free?
SafeQR Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do QR Codes or SafeQR Reader have ads?
SafeQR Reader shows ads; QR Codes does not.
Which is updated more often, QR Codes or SafeQR Reader?
QR Codes ships an update every 2 months, and SafeQR Reader daily. Most recently, QR Codes was updated on November 7, 2026 and SafeQR Reader on November 8, 2026.

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