# QR Reader vs Essential QR code reader

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.

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

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Reader | Essential QR code reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [nanawork](https://appshunter.io/developer/534858192) | [WeServe Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1424058912) |

## 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


### Essential QR code reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-qr-code-reader/id1424059446)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*