# Price Scanner Barcode vs Universal Code Scanner

The clearest difference is ads: Universal Code Scanner at none against Price Scanner Barcode's shown. Universal Code Scanner also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Price Scanner Barcode's advantage is ratings volume (18K vs 1). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Price Scanner Barcode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Universal Code Scanner sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Universal Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Price Scanner Barcode has 18K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of Price Scanner Barcode's written reviews are positive against 71% of Universal Code Scanner's.

Price Scanner Barcode ships an update every 2 months, Universal Code Scanner every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Price Scanner Barcode | Universal Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/price-scanner-barcode/id728175625/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 61.0% of reviews | **71.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 67 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BuyVia, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/488251081) | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) |

## What reviewers say

### Price Scanner Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/price-scanner-barcode/id728175625)

Scan barcodes and QR codes to find the best prices and coupons online. Compare prices from major retailers, read reviews, and save items to a synchronized shopping list. Access deals based on your location.

**Highlights:** Scan any barcode or QR code, Find best prices online, Access coupons and deals, Compare prices from major stores, Read product reviews, Save to synchronized shopping list, Location-based deals

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ad Free Access | $1.99 | per month |
| Ad Free Access | $12.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Useful app for scanning barcodes
- 🚀 Provides accurate price information
- 💡 Helpful for finding deals and returns
- 👍 Easy and simple to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work in Canada
- 🔋 Excessive ads and pop-ups
- 🐛 Inconsistent or inaccurate price information
- 🐛 Scanner functionality not reliable

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes on some devices
- Incompatible with older devices
- Incorrect product information displayed

**Requested features**

- Support for more countries
- Reduce ads and improve user experience
- Improve barcode scanning reliability
- Provide more detailed price comparisons


### Universal Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866)

This app quickly scans and decodes various 2D barcodes and QR codes. It offers enhanced security by checking URLs for phishing and can convert specific payment codes into usable links. The application prioritizes user privacy with no tracking or ads.

**Highlights:** Scans QR, EAN, Aztec, DataMatrix, and more, Checks URLs against phishing (Quishing), Converts EPC QR codes to bank/payto URLs, Shares decoded data via Airdrop, No user tracking or analytics, Ad-free and no in-app purchases

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Donation | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mid Donation | $2.99 | one-time |
| Big Donation | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Price Scanner Barcode free?

Price Scanner Barcode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

Universal Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Price Scanner Barcode or Universal Code Scanner?

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. Price Scanner Barcode averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Price Scanner Barcode or Universal Code Scanner have ads?

Price Scanner Barcode shows ads; Universal Code Scanner does not.

### Which is updated more often, Price Scanner Barcode or Universal Code Scanner?

Price Scanner Barcode ships an update every 2 months, and Universal Code Scanner every 3 weeks. Most recently, Price Scanner Barcode was updated on October 3, 2026 and Universal Code Scanner on September 25, 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.*