# Blockr vs Barcode Reader & QR Scanner

The clearest difference is ads: Barcode Reader & QR Scanner at none against Blockr's shown. Barcode Reader & QR Scanner also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and review sentiment (71% vs 47%). Blockr's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Blockr sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Barcode Reader & QR Scanner sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Barcode Reader & QR Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 367 and 149 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of Blockr's written reviews are positive against 71% of Barcode Reader & QR Scanner's.

Blockr ships an update every 2 weeks, Barcode Reader & QR Scanner every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Blockr | Barcode Reader & QR Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (367 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blockr-sms-spam-text-blocker/id6502702219/reviews) | **[4.6 (149 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-reader-and-qr-scanner/id6736975860/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **367** | 149 |
| Positive reviews | 47.4% of reviews | **71.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 131 MB | 99 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [The App Shop, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1746511328) | [Atom Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1774204765) |

## What reviewers say

### Blockr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blockr-sms-spam-text-blocker/id6502702219)

This AI-powered app automatically blocks unwanted texts and calls, including scams, robocalls, and telemarketers. It offers customizable protection with real-time updates to a scam database, ensuring a clean inbox and call log.

**Highlights:** AI-powered spam text blocking, Real-time spam call blocking, Customizable blocking preferences, Continuously updated scam database, Anti-smishing defense, Block political and promotional spam

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blockr Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Blockr Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Blockr Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Limited Time Offer (Yearly) | $39.99 | per year |
| Blockr Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Blockr Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Blockr Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Individual | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Blocks spam texts effectively
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🔒 Helps maintain privacy
- 😊 Provides relief from constant spam

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent performance, some spam still gets through
- 🤔 Overly aggressive blocking, leading to important messages being blocked
- 💤 Lack of customer support responsiveness
- 💰 Subscription-based model with hidden costs

**Reported bugs**

- App stops working after updates
- Blocking not working as expected for certain types of spam
- Issues with syncing blocked content across devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to whitelist specific senders or numbers
- Option to automatically reply 'STOP' to spam messages
- Integration with desktop/laptop for a more comprehensive solution
- Improved analytics and reporting on blocked messages


### Barcode Reader & QR Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-reader-and-qr-scanner/id6736975860)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes to access information, create custom codes for sharing, and browse safely with a built-in security scanner. Save your scan history and enjoy a comfortable viewing experience with dark mode.

**Highlights:** ScanShield for safe scanning, Fast QR & barcode scanning, Create custom QR codes, Saved scan history, Dark Mode, Easy sharing

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly discounted subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly subscription | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Blockr free?

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

### Is Barcode Reader & QR Scanner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Blockr or Barcode Reader & QR Scanner?

Barcode Reader & QR Scanner is rated higher. Blockr averages 4.2 out of 5 from 367 ratings, while Barcode Reader & QR Scanner averages 4.6 from 149 ratings.

### Do Blockr or Barcode Reader & QR Scanner have ads?

Blockr shows ads; Barcode Reader & QR Scanner does not.

### Which is updated more often, Blockr or Barcode Reader & QR Scanner?

Blockr ships an update every 2 weeks, and Barcode Reader & QR Scanner every 6 weeks. Most recently, Blockr was updated on November 8, 2026 and Barcode Reader & QR Scanner on November 4, 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.*