# Scan vs CodeNow

The clearest difference is monetization model: CodeNow at freemium against Scan's subscription. CodeNow also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and device support (3 vs 1). Scan's advantage is ratings volume (238 vs 3) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 10 days). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Scan sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and CodeNow sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CodeNow holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Scan has 238 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Scan ships an update every 5 days, CodeNow every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Scan | CodeNow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (238 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-qr-code-scanner-app/id6474121786/reviews) | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenow-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id6621245752/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **238** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Size | 228 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flex App Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1665600905) | [Magenta Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1613710846) |

## What reviewers say

### Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-qr-code-scanner-app/id6474121786)

This app provides high-precision scanning for all major 1D and 2D barcode and QR code formats. It offers features like batch scanning, code creation, and organized library management for business and personal use.

**Highlights:** Instant QR and barcode recognition, Batch scan mode for multiple codes, Organized library with folders, QR code generator, Tagging system for scans, Offline mode access, Data export options

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Get Unlimited Access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock QR Code AI Generator | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Get Unlimited Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Get Unlimited Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock QR Code AI Generator | $29.99 | per year |
| Unlock QR Code AI Generator | $49.99 | per year |
| Unlock QR Code AI Generator | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 👍 Easy and simple to use
- 🚫 No ads or distractions
- 🌍 Works everywhere, even internationally
- 💡 Reliable and never lets users down


### CodeNow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenow-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id6621245752)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes to access product details, compare prices, and check nutrition facts. Create and customize your own QR codes for various purposes, with options to personalize their appearance.

**Highlights:** Fast QR & barcode scanning, Product details & price comparison, Nutrition & ingredient analysis, Custom QR code generation, QR code personalization, Scan from media library

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 7 Days Trial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 7 Days Trial | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| 7 Days Trial | $14.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Year | $19.99 | per year |
| 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |
| 1 Year | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Scan free?

Scan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is CodeNow free?

CodeNow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Scan or CodeNow?

CodeNow is rated higher. Scan averages 4.5 out of 5 from 238 ratings, while CodeNow averages 4.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do Scan or CodeNow have ads?

Neither Scan nor CodeNow shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Scan or CodeNow?

Scan ships an update every 5 days, and CodeNow every 10 days. Most recently, Scan was updated on October 11, 2026 and CodeNow on October 10, 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.*