# QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode vs PDF Reader

QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode and PDF Reader both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 62% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 18% of QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode's. PDF Reader also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode's advantage is chart position (#145 vs unranked). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. PDF Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode against 4.7 for PDF Reader. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3.8K and 4.8K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 18% of QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode's written reviews are positive against 62% of PDF Reader's.

QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode ships an update every 10 days, PDF Reader weekly. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode | PDF Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (3.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scan-barcode/id6504796378/reviews) | **[4.7 (4.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-easy-editor/id6630367408/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3.8K | **4.8K** |
| Positive reviews | 18.2% of reviews | **61.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Best chart rank | **#145** | — |
| Size | 128 MB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BEGAMOB GLOBAL LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1581766117) | [SPARK TECH LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1709259681) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode

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

**Currently charting:** #145 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 (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scan QR Code - Best Sale | $0.99 | 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 & 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


### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-easy-editor/id6630367408)

Transform your smartphone into a powerful PDF scanner and editor. Easily convert images and documents to PDF, or convert PDFs to other formats. Protect your files with encryption and share them securely.

**Highlights:** Scan documents, Convert images to PDF, Convert PDF to other formats, Crop image sizes, Share documents, Add watermark, File encryption

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Useful features
- 🚀 Fast performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 💰 Excessive ads
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Compatibility problems with newer devices
- Frequent crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- More customization options
- Improved privacy controls
- Better customer support


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

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

PDF Reader is rated higher. QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode averages 4.6 out of 5 from 3.8K ratings, while PDF Reader averages 4.7 from 4.8K ratings.

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

Both QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode and PDF Reader show ads.

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

QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode ships an update every 10 days, and PDF Reader weekly. Most recently, QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode was updated on November 4, 2026 and PDF Reader on November 4, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*