# Sound Meter vs Barcode QR Reader

The clearest difference is price: Sound Meter at Free against Barcode QR Reader's $0.99. Sound Meter also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). Barcode QR Reader's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Sound Meter is free to download; Barcode QR Reader costs $0.99 up front. Sound Meter sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and Barcode QR Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Sound Meter ships an update every 5 months, Barcode QR Reader fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sound Meter | Barcode QR Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.99 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Size | 6 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CHARAFA BOUKHALFA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1561258175) | [KIVANC YAZAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1688685137) |

## What reviewers say

### Sound Meter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-meter-db-level-detector/id6751549160)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly PRO | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly PRO | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly PRO | $14.99 | per year |


### Barcode QR Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-reader/id6761772999)

This utility app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes from your camera, photos, or shared images. It helps you preview links, remove tracking, and supports various code types. All processing is done locally on your device for enhanced privacy.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Use camera, photos, or shared images, Preview links before opening, Remove tracking parameters, Supports multiple code types (Wi-Fi, contact, boarding pass, etc.), Local processing for privacy

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sound Meter free?

Sound Meter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Barcode QR Reader free?

Barcode QR Reader costs $0.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Do Sound Meter or Barcode QR Reader have ads?

Neither Sound Meter nor Barcode QR Reader shows ads.

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

Sound Meter ships an update every 5 months, and Barcode QR Reader fortnightly. Most recently, Sound Meter was updated on September 17, 2026 and Barcode QR 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.*