# QR Code Reader vs CodeLab

The clearest difference is monetization model: CodeLab at freemium against QR Code Reader's subscription. CodeLab also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). QR Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (1.2K vs 5) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support 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 CodeLab sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CodeLab holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 1.2K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of QR Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 100% of CodeLab's.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 10 days, CodeLab weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | CodeLab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-qr-ace-scanner/id6751625696/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codelab-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id6763101270/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 87.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Size | 41 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NEO PIXEL LABS PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788472183) | [Ilgin Mert](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895163203) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

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

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 |


### CodeLab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codelab-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id6763101270)

Easily scan and generate various types of QR and barcodes. Customize codes with colors, gradients, and icons. Offers premium features like unlimited generation and an ad-free experience through subscriptions.

**Highlights:** Scan QR and barcodes, Generate custom codes, Customize code colors and gradients, Embed custom icons, Use pre-built templates, Save scan history locally

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weak Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weak Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Year Premium | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is CodeLab free?

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

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

CodeLab is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while CodeLab averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

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

QR Code Reader shows ads; CodeLab does not.

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

QR Code Reader ships an update every 10 days, and CodeLab weekly. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on October 15, 2026 and CodeLab on October 1, 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.*