Comparison

QR Reader vs Simple QR/Barcode Reader

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

Head to head
About

QR Reader

Instantly scan QR codes from your camera or photos. Access websites, contact information, and more with a simple, intuitive interface. Features include scan history, sharing options, and a built-in flashlight.

Highlights
  • Fast camera scanning
  • Scan QR codes from photos
  • Detect multiple QR codes
  • Automatic scan history
  • Open websites instantly
  • Share scanned content
  • Create QR codes
Features
Read full description

Point. Scan. Done. “QR Reader” is a simple, easy-to-use QR code scanner designed to get you to the information you need—fast. Just open the app and point your camera at a QR code. Quickly scan codes on posters, flyers, product packaging, and more. You can also scan QR codes from photos saved on your device. If an image contains multiple QR codes, you can view each result individually. Key Features • Fast and simple camera scanning • Scan QR codes from photos • Detect multiple QR codes at once • Automatically save your scan history • Open websites in Safari or Chrome • Use email addresses and phone numbers instantly • Share scanned content via Mail, Messages, and more • Display scanned content as a new QR code • Built-in flashlight for dark environments • Optional vibration after scanning • Supports both iPhone and iPad • Designed with VoiceOver and larger text sizes in mind When scanning from a photo, the app only accesses the image you select. It does not require access to your entire photo library. No complicated setup. No confusing controls. Simply scan a QR code whenever you need it. Requires iOS 15.0 or later. Micro QR scanning with the camera is available on iOS 15.4 or later.

About

Simple QR/Barcode Reader

This app quickly and accurately scans QR codes and barcodes using your smartphone's camera. It offers simple operation, saves scan history, and provides relevant actions based on scanned content. Advertisements can be removed with a purchase.

Highlights
  • Fast and accurate scanning
  • Scan from photos
  • Simple one-tap operation
  • Scan history and favorites
  • Automatic action based on content
  • Hide advertisements with purchase
Read full description

Simple and efficient QR/Barcode Reader Simple and efficient QR/Barcode Reader is a simple yet efficient QR code scanner with minimum amount of functions! The barcode reading applications we offer from mediaseek.inc have achieved more than 20 million smart phone users around the world and has been in the high rank in the Free and Popular convenient applications. ◆◆Characteristics of the Simple and efficient QR/Barcode Reader◆◆ 【1】Fast! Accurate! Precision Reading! Our app can read any kind of QR code you want to scan wherever you are. If you have problems scanning a designed QR code with other apps, we recommend our app! If you have a barcode image on your smartphone photo album, you can bring it up and import it without using the camera. 【2】Simple and easy to handle! Tap once to start up the app and it automatically starts scanning the code you apply to the reader. ◆◆Here’s some descriptions of our app◆◆ □Scan Simply hold the QR code or barcode over to the reader and it will read them straight away. Control focus by tapping the screen. □History Our app automatically saves QR codes and barcodes you scan in the History. If you want to store the relevant information of a code without deleting, simply add to your Favorite lists. This way, the information will stay in your app. □After scanning We provide all relevant information associated with the code you scan. For example,  ・URL information…open up web browser  ・Text…Open up search  ・e-mail address…open up mailer  ・barcode…open up a shopping website search. □Setting ・Vibration: You can choose from setting whether to have a vibration sounds after scanning a code or not. □Hiding Advertisement If you want to hide advertisements, it is possible to hide them with some charge. ◆◆Word description◆◆ ・What is QR code? It is 2D barcode that hold much longer data than normal barcode like UPC code. If your cellphone can read QR code, you may not need to type long web site address or people’s information. Most cellphones with camera in Japan have QR code readers in it. ・What is barcode? In Japan, it is known as Japanese Article Number and in Europe it is the EAN code (European Article Number). Also in America and Canada, it is known as UPC (Universal Product Code). It is used for POS system, for recording number of items or shipping control items in the world.

Screenshots

QR Reader4 screens
Simple QR/Barcode Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QR Reader at none against Simple QR/Barcode Reader's 1. QR Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months). Simple QR/Barcode Reader's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 50%). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Both are free to download. Simple QR/Barcode Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. QR Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

QR Reader ships an update every 2 months, Simple QR/Barcode Reader every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on August 24, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
QR Reader versus Simple QR/Barcode Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQR ReaderSimple QR/Barcode Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.4 (256 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews75.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings—256 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 7 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DevelopernanaworkMEDIASEEK Inc.

Customer experience

QR Reader

Written reviews20 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral10.0%
Negative40.0%

Simple QR/Barcode Reader

All ratings256 ratings
Positive85.2%
Neutral5.1%
Negative9.8%
Written reviews24 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral8.3%
Negative16.7%

In-app purchases

None

QR Reader

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Simple QR/Barcode Reader

One-time1
  • Hide the ad$0.99

Questions

Is QR Reader free?
QR Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Simple QR/Barcode Reader free?
Simple QR/Barcode Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do QR Reader or Simple QR/Barcode Reader have ads?
Both QR Reader and Simple QR/Barcode Reader show ads.
Which is updated more often, QR Reader or Simple QR/Barcode Reader?
QR Reader ships an update every 2 months, and Simple QR/Barcode Reader every 7 months. Most recently, QR Reader was updated on August 24, 2026 and Simple QR/Barcode Reader on September 24, 2026.

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