Comparison

CtrlTV vs Barcode QR Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CtrlTV

Control your smart TV directly from your iPhone without any setup. This app connects to your TV over Wi-Fi, offering full remote functionality, a built-in keyboard for easy typing, and quick access to apps. It's designed to replace lost or broken remotes with a seamless user experience.

Highlights
  • Instant Wi-Fi connection
  • Full remote control
  • Built-in keyboard
  • Touchpad and keypad modes
  • Playback control
  • Quick app launches
  • Home Screen widgets
Features
Read full description

Lost your TV remote? Control your smart TV from your iPhone fast, free, no setup. CtrlTV finds your TV on your Wi-Fi network and gives you full control right from your phone. No extra hardware. No batteries to replace. No more searching the couch. KEY FEATURES • Instant Wi-Fi connection no setup, no pairing dance • Full remote control: power, volume, channels, navigation • Built-in keyboard type passwords and searches in seconds • Touchpad and keypad control modes • Smooth playback control play, pause, skip • Auto-reconnect to your TV • Home Screen widgets in four themes • Quick app launches directly on your TV • Clean, modern, native iPhone design WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT • Replace your lost or broken remote in seconds • Type 10× faster than tapping arrow keys on your TV remote • Open your streaming apps on the TV straight from your phone • No ads. No clutter. No nonsense. COMPATIBILITY • Works with most Wi-Fi smart TVs from 2016 onward that support network remote control • Open CtrlTV on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV it lists every set it can reach • Not finding your TV? Contact support and we'll help REQUIREMENTS • iPhone and smart TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network • App launching is a one-time in-app purchase Download CtrlTV and turn your iPhone into the only remote you'll ever need. CtrlTV is an independent app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any television manufacturer. All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About

Barcode QR Reader

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
Read full description

A fast, private scanner for QR codes and barcodes. Use your camera, pick a photo, or scan an image shared from another app. See what a link really is before you open it, and clear tracking parameters with a tap. Scan several codes at once, then share any result. It reads QR, PDF417, Aztec, Data Matrix, Wi-Fi, contact cards, boarding passes, and more. Everything stays on your device. No ads, no tracking, and no in-app purchases.

Screenshots

CtrlTV4 screens
Barcode QR Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: CtrlTV at Free against Barcode QR Reader's $0.99. CtrlTV also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). Barcode QR Reader's advantage is iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

CtrlTV is free to download; Barcode QR Reader costs $0.99 up front. CtrlTV sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Barcode QR Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CtrlTV ships an update weekly, Barcode QR Reader every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
CtrlTV versus Barcode QR Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCtrlTVBarcode QR Reader
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.018.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAnatoli PetrosyantsKIVANC YAZAN

Customer experience

CtrlTV

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Barcode QR Reader

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

CtrlTV

One-time1
  • Launch Apps on TV$1.99
1 purchases

Barcode QR Reader

One-time1
  • Premium$0.99

Questions

Is CtrlTV free?
CtrlTV 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 CtrlTV or Barcode QR Reader have ads?
Neither CtrlTV nor Barcode QR Reader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CtrlTV or Barcode QR Reader?
CtrlTV ships an update weekly, and Barcode QR Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, CtrlTV was updated on October 31, 2026 and Barcode QR Reader on October 31, 2026.

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