Comparison

QR Reader vs The QR Code Generator

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

The QR Code Generator

Easily create and customize QR codes with various styling options like custom colors and shapes. This app offers an ad-free experience and supports offline generation, prioritizing user privacy. Choose between a free version with basic features or a premium version for advanced customization and QR code types.

Highlights
  • Instant QR code generation
  • Customizable colors and shapes
  • Text overlays
  • Ad-free experience
  • Offline generation
  • Privacy-focused data handling
Features
Read full description

Generate, customize, and share your QR codes with ease! The QR Code Generator supports a variety of styling options, including custom colors, circular designs, and overlays with text - so your QR codes can stand out wherever you use them. Key Features: Quick & Easy: Convert your input data into a QR code instantly Styling Options: Customize QR color, shape (including circular), and add text overlays Ad-Free Experience: No intrusive ads, ever Dark Mode Ready: Beautiful in both Light and Dark Mode Offline Capability: Generate QR codes anytime, anywhere Privacy First: We never collect your data Free Version: Ad free Save your QR codes Create text-based QR codes Standard QR Code Appearance Pro Version: All Free Version features Verify generated QR codes Generate various QR code types (Text, Wi-Fi, URL, Phone Number, SMS, Email Address, Geolocation, vCard) Change the style of your QR codes with advanced customization options. Circular and Heart Shaped QR Code Appearances Terms of Use - standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

QR Reader4 screens
The QR Code Generator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QR Reader at none against The QR Code Generator's 3. QR Reader also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). The QR Code Generator's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price and device support 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. The QR Code Generator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. QR Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

QR Reader ships an update every 2 months, The QR Code Generator fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on August 24, 2026 and September 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
QR Reader versus The QR Code Generator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQR ReaderThe QR Code Generator
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.7 (129 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews62.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings—129 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DevelopernanaworkAdam Feher

Customer experience

QR Reader

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

The QR Code Generator

All ratings129 ratings
Positive90.7%
Neutral3.9%
Negative5.4%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive62.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative37.5%

In-app purchases

None

QR Reader

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

The QR Code Generator

Subscriptions2
  • Pro - Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Pro - Yearly$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Generator$59.99

Questions

Is QR Reader free?
QR Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is The QR Code Generator free?
The QR Code Generator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do QR Reader or The QR Code Generator have ads?
QR Reader shows ads; The QR Code Generator does not.
Which is updated more often, QR Reader or The QR Code Generator?
QR Reader ships an update every 2 months, and The QR Code Generator fortnightly. Most recently, QR Reader was updated on August 24, 2026 and The QR Code Generator on September 5, 2026.

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