# QR Code Scanner vs QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is rating: QR Code Reader at 5.0 against QR Code Scanner's 3.7. QR Code Scanner's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Scanner sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and QR Code Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 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 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 7 respectively.

QR Code Scanner ships an update every 9 days, QR Code Reader every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Scanner | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-ai-scan/id6752711825/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-smart-scan/id6764343157/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **7** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 38 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MacroSmart Technology Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1798167344) | [Appselect Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1709322114) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-ai-scan/id6752711825)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes to access links, contact info, and more. Create custom QR codes for sharing Wi-Fi passwords, social media profiles, and text. Save your scan history and share results easily.

**Highlights:** QR code scanning, QR code generation, Barcode scanning, Scan history, Easy sharing

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

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


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-smart-scan/id6764343157)

Easily scan QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera. Generate custom QR codes for links, Wi-Fi, and more, with options to personalize their appearance. Offers batch scanning and safe browsing features.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, Custom QR code generation, QR code customization, Auto and batch scan modes, Safe browsing for links, Scan history, Export scan results to CSV

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Week | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Week Plus | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Weekly | $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 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

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

QR Code Reader shows ads; QR Code Scanner does not.

### 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 5 days. Most recently, QR Code Scanner was updated on October 24, 2026 and QR Code Reader on October 24, 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.*