# QR Code Reader vs AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner

The clearest difference is monetization model: AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner at free with in-app purchases against QR Code Reader's subscription. AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). QR Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (1.4K vs 5) and chart position (#187 vs unranked). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 1.4K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 89% of QR Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 86% of AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 10 days, AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner weekly. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-qr-ace-scanner/id6751625696/reviews) | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-qr-code-and-barcode-scanner/id6759136817/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.4K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **89.1% of reviews** | 85.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#187** | — |
| Size | 41 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NEO PIXEL LABS PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788472183) | [星 魏](https://appshunter.io/developer/1858016241) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-qr-ace-scanner/id6751625696)

**Currently charting:** #187 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes to provide detailed product information, including price comparisons and authenticity verification. It also allows for the generation of custom QR codes for various data types.

**Highlights:** Instant price checks across major platforms, Detailed product information (nutrition, allergens), Barcode authenticity verification, Batch scanning and image import, Customizable QR code generator, Scan history and favorites, Export scan results to CSV/Excel

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium - Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium - Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium - Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium - Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium - Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium - Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium - Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium - Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium - Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


### AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-qr-code-and-barcode-scanner/id6759136817)

Quickly scan and generate QR codes and barcodes. This tool simplifies accessing information from various sources, from product labels to restaurant menus, and allows for easy creation and sharing of your own codes.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Create custom QR codes, Auto-scan functionality, Share generated QR codes, Scan product barcodes and coupons

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner free?

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

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

AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner averages 4.8 from 5 ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader or AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner have ads?

QR Code Reader shows ads; AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner does not.

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

QR Code Reader ships an update every 10 days, and AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner weekly. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on November 5, 2026 and AI QR Code & Barcode Scanner on November 5, 2026.

---

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