# QR Code Scanner vs QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is rating: QR Code Reader at 5.0 against QR Code Scanner's 4.5. QR Code Scanner's advantage is ratings volume (98 vs 1) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Scanner sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and QR Code Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Scanner has 98 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

QR Code Scanner ships an update every 9 days, QR Code Reader every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Scanner | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (98 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner/id6745213752/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scan-create/id6761553603/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **98** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 42.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 68 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lilucat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676061700) | [Riverside Art LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1890261507) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner/id6745213752)

This app allows you to quickly scan various QR codes and barcodes, including Wi-Fi credentials, contact information, and URLs. It also enables you to create custom QR codes with personalized branding and social media links.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Generate custom QR codes, Create social media QR codes, Scan Wi-Fi, contact, and URL codes, Personalize codes with logos and colors, Optimized for iOS speed and performance

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Scanner | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Scanner | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Scanner | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Scanner | $9.99 | per year |
| QR Code Scanner & Generator | $29.99 | per year |
| QR Scanner | Free | one-time |
| QR Scanner | $19.99 | one-time |
| QR Code Scanner | $49.99 | one-time |


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scan-create/id6761553603)

Quickly scan and generate QR codes and barcodes for various purposes, from everyday use to business needs. Features include instant recognition, safe browsing, and batch processing. Offers a free trial for advanced utilities.

**Highlights:** Instant scanning engine, Auto-focus and detection, Safe browsing for URLs, Support for multiple formats, Custom QR code generation, Sequential batch scanning, Local history vault

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Scan QR Code | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlock Scan QR Code | $9.99 | per 7 days |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Scanner free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Scanner or QR Code Reader?

QR Code Reader is rated higher. QR Code Scanner averages 4.5 out of 5 from 98 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

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

Both QR Code Scanner and QR Code Reader show ads.

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

QR Code Scanner ships an update every 9 days, and QR Code Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Scanner was updated on September 21, 2026 and QR Code Reader on September 21, 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.*