# QR Reader vs QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QR Reader at none against QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan's 1. QR Reader also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.3). QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 months) and review sentiment (90% vs 75%). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $7.49 per 7 days. QR Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

QR Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 162 and 67 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of QR Reader's written reviews are positive against 90% of QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

QR Reader ships an update every 6 months, QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Reader | QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (162 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader/id725437436/reviews)** | [4.3 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-barcode-scan/id1520986647/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **162** | 67 |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | **90.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 34 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [iFahja](https://appshunter.io/developer/485682949) | [Hyperse Software LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1777274317) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader/id725437436)

Easily scan QR codes and barcodes with your device's camera. Generate custom QR codes for various information types like URLs, contacts, and text. Features real-time scanning, a built-in web browser, and a history log of all your scans.

**Highlights:** Real-time QR code scanning, QR code generation, Integrated web browser, Scan history logs, Flashlight scanning

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-barcode-scan/id1520986647)

Easily scan QR codes and barcodes with instant decoding. This app also allows you to generate your own QR codes and barcodes, even without an internet connection. Features include a flashlight for low-light scanning and a history of all your scans.

**Highlights:** QR code reader, Barcode scanner, Instant scanning, QR code generator, Offline functionality, Scan history, Flashlight support

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $7.49 | per 7 days |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Super fast and quick scanning
- 👍 Very easy and intuitive to use
- 💡 Ability to create custom QR codes
- 📱 Works reliably with no bugs
- 🎯 Accurate scanning of various codes

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Slow loading times occasionally
- 💳 Deceptive subscription pricing model
- 🚫 Hidden premium paywall after download
- 📦 Doesn't work with shipping barcodes (UPS)
- 💡 Requires good lighting conditions

**Reported bugs**

- Deceptive free version - actually requires subscription
- Unclear subscription cancellation process
- Misleading free trial conversion to paid weekly subscription

**Requested features**

- Dark mode support matching device settings
- Faster loading performance


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Reader free?

QR Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR Reader or QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan?

QR Reader is rated higher. QR Reader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 162 ratings, while QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan averages 4.3 from 67 ratings.

### Do QR Reader or QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan have ads?

Neither QR Reader nor QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Reader or QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan?

QR Reader ships an update every 6 months, and QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan fortnightly. Most recently, QR Reader was updated on November 1, 2026 and QR Code Scanner | Barcode Scan on November 3, 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.*