# QR Code Reader vs QR Code Scanner

The clearest difference is monetization model: QR Code Scanner at free with in-app purchases against QR Code Reader's subscription. QR Code Scanner also leads on review sentiment (56% vs 24%). QR Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (124 vs 15). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days and QR Code Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for QR Code Reader against 4.7 for QR Code Scanner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 124 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 24% of QR Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 56% of QR Code Scanner's.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 10 days, QR Code Scanner every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 22, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | QR Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (124 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader/id6469319539/reviews) | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-qr-reader/id6502285859/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **124** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | 24.1% of reviews | **55.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 53 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lilucat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676061700) | [满 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653727587) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader/id6469319539)

Easily scan and interpret various QR codes, including URLs, Wi-Fi, and contact information. Generate custom QR codes for social media, websites, and more. Seamlessly integrate codes into Apple Wallet and widgets, with a convenient scan history and backup feature.

**Highlights:** Scan all QR code types, Generate custom QR codes, Integrate codes into Apple Wallet, Add codes to Widgets, Scan from images, Scan history and backup

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Code Scanner | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Reader | $29.99 | per year |
| QR Code Reader | Free | one-time |
| QR Code Scanner | $59.99 | one-time |


### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-qr-reader/id6502285859)

This utility app transforms your device into a powerful QR code and barcode scanner. It can also generate custom QR codes and barcodes, supporting a wide range of code types for efficient data access and sharing.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Create QR codes and barcodes, Supports various code types, Direct app integration, Haptic Touch and Control Center shortcuts, 100% local processing for privacy

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Pro - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Upgrade to Pro - Annual | $9.99 | per year |
| Upgrade to Pro - Annual | $14.99 | per year |
| QR Scanner Pro - Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is QR Code Scanner free?

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

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

QR Code Scanner is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 124 ratings, while QR Code Scanner averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader or QR Code Scanner have ads?

Neither QR Code Reader nor QR Code Scanner shows ads.

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

QR Code Reader ships an update every 10 days, and QR Code Scanner every 2 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on August 22, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on August 20, 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.*