# Shark Scan vs QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shark Scan at none against QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode's 14. Shark Scan also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (3.6K vs 106). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Shark Scan asks for nothing beyond the download.

QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode has 3.6K ratings behind it against 106, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 25% of Shark Scan's written reviews are positive against 18% of QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Shark Scan ships an update every 2 weeks, QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shark Scan | QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (106 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shark-scan-short-dramas/id6503337651/reviews) | **[4.6 (3.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scan-barcode/id6504796378/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 106 | **3.6K** |
| Positive reviews | **25.0% of reviews** | 18.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#146** |
| Size | 51 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chengdu Dance Elephant Technology Co., LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741861571) | [BEGAMOB GLOBAL LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1581766117) |

## What reviewers say

### Shark Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shark-scan-short-dramas/id6503337651)

This app combines lightning-fast QR code scanning with AI-powered recognition for identifying objects and plants. It also offers a library of short dramas and allows users to create custom QR codes from photos, GIFs, or text.

**Highlights:** Fast QR/barcode scanning, AI object recognition, Short drama library, Custom QR code creation, Identify plants, animals, coins

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scan-barcode/id6504796378)

**Currently charting:** #146 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

Easily scan and generate QR codes and barcodes with this efficient and reliable app. Access URLs, contact info, product details, and more. Create custom QR codes and manage your scan history.

**Highlights:** Accurate QR and barcode scanning, QR code generation, Scan history tracking, Share and export codes, Customization options for generated codes

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scan QR Code - Best Sale | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock all features | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access to QR Code Feature | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock Scan QR Code | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Barcode Reader Premium Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock Scan QR Code - Pro | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock All QR Code features | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock Scan QR Code - Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock Scan QR Code & Barcode | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code & Barcode - Pro | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock Scan QR Code | $19.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock Scan QR Code - 1 Year | $24.99 | per year |
| Unlock Scan QR Code - Pro | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Useful QR code generator

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work as advertised
- 🔒 Filled with dark patterns
- 💰 Tricked into weekly subscription
- 🤖 Good reviews are bots
- 🔒 Anything useful is behind paywall

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't do anything but show ads
- Scans take you to unexpected websites

**Requested features**

- Add barcode generator feature


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shark Scan free?

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

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

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

### Which has better reviews, Shark Scan or QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode?

QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode is rated higher. Shark Scan averages 4.3 out of 5 from 106 ratings, while QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode averages 4.6 from 3.6K ratings.

### Do Shark Scan or QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode have ads?

QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode shows ads; Shark Scan does not.

### Which is updated more often, Shark Scan or QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode?

Shark Scan ships an update every 2 weeks, and QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode every 10 days. Most recently, Shark Scan was updated on September 29, 2026 and QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode on October 15, 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.*