Comparison

QR Reader vs Essential QR code reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” 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. β€œQR Reader” is a simple, easy-to-use QR code scanner designed to get you to the information you needβ€”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 β€’ Fast and simple camera scanning β€’ Scan QR codes from photos β€’ Detect multiple QR codes at once β€’ Automatically save your scan history β€’ Open websites in Safari or Chrome β€’ Use email addresses and phone numbers instantly β€’ Share scanned content via Mail, Messages, and more β€’ Display scanned content as a new QR code β€’ Built-in flashlight for dark environments β€’ Optional vibration after scanning β€’ Supports both iPhone and iPad β€’ 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 16.0 or later.

About

Essential QR code reader

Easily scan QR codes and various other barcode types. View scanned content, copy text, open URLs, and even recreate QR codes from text. Your scan history is automatically saved for quick access.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • View and copy text content
  • Open URLs directly
  • Recreate QR codes from text
  • Automatic scan history
  • Supports multiple barcode types
Features
Read full description

Free QR code reading app, and no ad! This is completely free. This app allows you to scan QR Code, and shows contents easily. You can copy text and share, or go to browser if it is URL. History is automatically recorded, so you can use it later. Result screen shows not only text reading from QR code, but also be able to re-create QR code from text. Supports other types of bar code other than QR Code: UPC-E Code 39 Code 39 mod 43 EAN-13 (including UPC-A) EAN-8 Code 93 Code 128 PDF417 Aztec Interleaved 2 of 5 ITF14 DataMatrix QR Code is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.

Screenshots

QR Reader4 screens
Essential QR code reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Essential QR code reader at 100% against QR Reader's 50%. Essential QR code reader also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). QR Reader's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 12 months). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

QR Reader ships an update monthly, Essential QR code reader every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences Β· 3 level
QR Reader versus Essential QR code reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQR ReaderEssential QR code reader
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews β€” better
Update frequencyMonthly β€” betterEvery 12 months
AdsYesNo β€” better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supportedFree β€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS16.011.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size5 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DevelopernanaworkWeServe Co.,Ltd.

Customer experience

QR Reader

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

Essential QR code reader

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

QR Reader

No in-app purchases

None

Essential QR code reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is QR Reader free?
QR Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Essential QR code reader free?
Essential QR code reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do QR Reader or Essential QR code reader have ads?
QR Reader shows ads; Essential QR code reader does not.
Which is updated more often, QR Reader or Essential QR code reader?
QR Reader ships an update monthly, and Essential QR code reader every 12 months. Most recently, QR Reader was updated on November 1, 2026 and Essential QR code reader on October 18, 2026.

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