# Shark Scan vs QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is rating: QR Code Reader at 4.9 against Shark Scan's 4.3. Shark Scan's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (106 vs 16). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Shark Scan asks for nothing beyond the download.

QR Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shark Scan has 106 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Shark Scan ships an update every 2 weeks, QR Code Reader weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shark Scan | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (106 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shark-scan-short-dramas/id6503337651/reviews) | **[4.9 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-ai-scan/id6745132899/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **106** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chengdu Dance Elephant Technology Co., LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741861571) | [Elite Wealth Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784660633) |

## 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-ai-scan/id6745132899)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes with an AI-powered engine. Identify plants, animals, and objects using your camera. Offers design tools for custom codes and intelligent history management.

**Highlights:** AI-powered QR/barcode scanning, Object identification (plants, animals, products), Custom QR code design tools, Intelligent scan history, Privacy-focused data processing

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Access | $9.99 | per month |
| Limited Offer | $35.99 | per year |
| Yearly Access | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shark Scan free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

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

QR Code Reader is rated higher. Shark Scan averages 4.3 out of 5 from 106 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 4.9 from 16 ratings.

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

Neither Shark Scan nor QR Code Reader shows ads.

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

Shark Scan ships an update every 2 weeks, and QR Code Reader weekly. Most recently, Shark Scan was updated on September 29, 2026 and QR Code Reader on September 27, 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.*