# Barcode Reader vs QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Reader at none against QR Code Reader's 3. QR Code Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 15 months) and device support (4 vs 2). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Barcode Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Reader ships an update every 15 months, QR Code Reader every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Size | 8 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sonicstar Solutions Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1585168796) | [DEVSRANK](https://appshunter.io/developer/1716669578) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-reader-qr-scanner/id6747625829)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scaniq/id6757142175)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Scanner Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Scanner Yearly Discount | $7.99 | per year |
| QR Scanner Yearly | $14.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Reader free?

Barcode Reader 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.

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

Neither Barcode Reader nor QR Code Reader shows ads.

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

Barcode Reader ships an update every 15 months, and QR Code Reader every 4 weeks. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on October 30, 2026 and QR Code Reader on October 31, 2026.

---

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