# QR Code Scanner vs Bar Code Reader

The clearest difference is update cadence: Bar Code Reader at every 5 days against QR Code Scanner's every 3 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

QR Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, Bar Code Reader every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Scanner | Bar Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bar-code-reader-qr-scanner/id6742775260/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **7** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 30 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nam Tran](https://appshunter.io/developer/938096393) | [长金 陶](https://appshunter.io/developer/1657336976) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner/id6504156806)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Bar Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bar-code-reader-qr-scanner/id6742775260)

This app quickly scans and generates QR codes and barcodes for various data types like URLs, contacts, and Wi-Fi. It offers a history of scans and allows for easy sharing. Optimized for low-light conditions, it prioritizes user privacy.

**Highlights:** Ultra-fast and precise scanning, QR code and barcode generation, Scan history management, Effortless sharing and exporting, Flashlight support for low-light, Privacy and security focused

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Scanner free?

QR Code Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Bar Code Reader free?

Bar Code Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Neither QR Code Scanner nor Bar Code Reader shows ads.

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

QR Code Scanner ships an update every 3 weeks, and Bar Code Reader every 5 days. Most recently, QR Code Scanner was updated on September 12, 2026 and Bar Code Reader on September 28, 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.*