# QR Reader vs Universal QR

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QR Reader at none against Universal QR's 1. Universal QR's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

QR Reader ships an update monthly, Universal QR every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Reader | Universal QR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-qr-scan-and-create/id1114387474/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [nanawork](https://appshunter.io/developer/534858192) | [Yasuko Shikiuchi](https://appshunter.io/developer/316029096) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-simple-qr-reader/id799340912)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Universal QR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-qr-scan-and-create/id1114387474)

Easily scan QR codes to access information and view your scan history. Create your own QR codes and share them with others. This utility app offers a straightforward way to manage and generate QR codes.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes, View scan history, Create QR codes, Share QR codes, Favorite codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Reader free?

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

### Is Universal QR free?

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

### Do QR Reader or Universal QR have ads?

Both QR Reader and Universal QR show ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Reader or Universal QR?

QR Reader ships an update monthly, and Universal QR every 3 days. Most recently, QR Reader was updated on October 9, 2026 and Universal QR on October 13, 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.*