Comparison

QRCode Barcode vs QR Code Reader

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

Head to head
About

QRCode Barcode

Easily read and create QR Codes and barcodes of various types. Scan quickly with autofocus, open links, send emails, or save text. Generate codes from contacts or custom text, and even display them on Apple Watch.

Highlights
  • Scan QR Codes and barcodes
  • Create QR Codes from contacts
  • Create QR Codes from text
  • Open links and send emails from scans
  • Save scanned text or created codes
  • Display QR Codes on Apple Watch
Features
Read full description

Scan QR Codes and barcodes in seconds. Scan codes from photos, use continuous scanning, search your history, export it as CSV, and create QR Codes—all in one app. Show the QR Codes you create on Apple Watch too, so membership cards and check-in codes are ready without taking out your iPhone. Choose an error-correction level. On iOS 26 or later, customize QR Codes with rounded styling and color, and choose an Apple Watch display that prioritizes reliable scanning. 【Scanning】 ・Automatically recognizes QR Code, Micro QR, and common barcode formats ・Scan by simply pointing the camera ・Read QR Codes from photos and screenshots ・Continuously scan multiple codes ・Autofocus and tap to focus ・Open scanned URLs, make calls, and send email ・Add contacts; copy and share text ・Search your scan history ・Export history as a CSV file 【Creating QR Codes】 ・Create from a URL, message, or any text ・Create from contacts on your iPhone ・Keep created QR Codes updated when contact details change ・Save as an image, share, and print ・Display on Apple Watch 【Great for】 ・Reading a QR Code from a photo or computer screen ・Recording multiple codes with continuous scanning ・Managing scan history in CSV ・Sharing a URL or contact with a QR Code ・Displaying a membership card or check-in code on Apple Watch No account required. Start scanning and creating right away. URL scheme: qrcodebarcode:// Supports Dynamic Type. QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED in Japan and in other countries.

About

QR Code Reader

Scan QR codes and barcodes quickly with your iPhone camera. Access your scan history, scan from photos, and use a flashlight for dark environments. Share your scanned items easily.

Highlights
  • Automatic camera activation
  • Scan from photo library
  • Scan history access
  • Flashlight for low light
  • Barcode scanning support
  • Share scan history
Features
Read full description

QR Code Reader is a fast, free QR code scanner for iPhone. Simple and easy to use: open the app, point your camera at a code and it reads instantly, with no buttons to press and no photos to take. The scanned content is recognized automatically, so URLs and text are ready to open, copy or share in seconds. Barcode scanning is supported too. ■ Scan QR codes in seconds The camera starts as soon as you open the app. Aim it at a QR code and it is detected automatically, so you can scan the moment you need to. The app recognizes what the code contains: open the link, copy the text or share it, without typing web addresses by hand. ■ Scan QR codes from images Got a QR code in a screenshot or a photo? The app reads QR codes directly from images in your photo library. When a code appears on your own iPhone screen, you don't need a second device: take a screenshot and read it right away. It also works for QR code images sent by email or chat. ■ Scan history always at hand Every scan is saved to your history automatically, so you can reopen links, websites and text anytime. You can also share the whole history list at once: scan many QR codes or barcodes in a row, then send them all together. Your history is stored locally on your device. ■ Scan barcodes to look up products Point the camera at a product barcode and jump straight to a product search: compare prices and check details while shopping. ■ Main features - Automatic scanning — point the camera at a code and scanning starts on its own - QR code & barcode scanner — reads both QR codes and barcodes - Scan from image — detect codes in photos and screenshots - Scan history — reopen any past scan with one tap - Share in bulk — send your scan history list in one go - Flashlight — scan even in the dark or in low light - Copy, open or share — open results in Safari or Chrome, copy them or send them to friends - Private — scan history stays on your device - No account — no sign-up, no registration - Free — all features are free to use ■ One scanner for many codes - QR codes — open websites, read text, view details - Restaurant menus — scan the code on the table to see the menu - Coupons & promos — scan discount codes from your favorite brands - Food packages — open product pages from QR codes on the label - Posters, flyers & ads — jump to campaigns and event pages - Product barcodes — scan an item and jump to a product search to compare prices ■ Simple, fast and easy to use QR codes are everywhere these days: menus, ads, posters, packages and tickets. With a simple QR scanner on your iPhone, you can check any code the moment you see it. The design is clean, there are no complicated settings, and the app is made for everyday use. If you are new to the iPhone, or you simply want a scanner that just works, this app is for you. ■ Good to know This app is a scanner only: it does not create or generate QR codes. Your scan history is stored locally on your device, and no account is needed at any point. ■ Pricing All features are free to use. The app shows ads, and there are no subscriptions, no in-app purchases and no paid plans. ■ Download QR Code Reader today Scan, save and share QR codes and barcodes with one simple app. Download now and read your first code just seconds after opening the app!

Screenshots

QRCode Barcode4 screens
QR Code Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: QR Code Reader at 163K against QRCode Barcode's 810. QR Code Reader also leads on review sentiment (85% vs 76%). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for QRCode Barcode against 4.7 for QR Code Reader. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 163K ratings behind it against 810, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of QRCode Barcode's written reviews are positive against 85% of QR Code Reader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

QRCode Barcode ships an update every 4 months, QR Code Reader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
QRCode Barcode versus QR Code Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQRCode BarcodeQR Code Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (810 ratings)4.7 (163K ratings) — better
Positive reviews76.5% of reviews85.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings810163K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supportedAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperClimb AppKomorebi Inc.

Customer experience

QRCode Barcode

All ratings810 ratings
Positive90.7%
Neutral2.8%
Negative6.4%
Written reviews85 reviews
Positive76.5%
Neutral4.7%
Negative18.8%

QR Code Reader

All ratings162,488 ratings
Positive92.0%
Neutral3.1%
Negative4.9%
Written reviews916 reviews
Positive85.5%
Neutral2.3%
Negative12.2%

User reviews

QRCode Barcode

From 810 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 💰 Completely free with no hidden paywalls
  • 📱 Supports multiple barcode/QR/Data Matrix formats
  • 💾 Ample storage for scanning history
  • 📤 Export scan history to CSV
  • 🎯 Simple and easy to use interface

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Watch app shows error code WCErrorDomain 7004
  • 🐛 Inconsistent scanning performance for some users
  • 🐛 Watch app fails to display created codes
  • ❌ Misleading free claims (according to some users)
  • 🔧 Limited code management organization

QR Code Reader

From 163K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Friendly and helpful staff
  • 🚀 Fast and efficient service
  • 💡 Convenient features
  • 🤖 Reliable and accurate scanning
  • 🌟 Excellent overall experience

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional scanning issues
  • 💰 Concerns about hidden costs
  • 📋 Unclear instructions or information

Bugs and requests

QRCode Barcode

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Watch app crashes with error WCErrorDomain code=7004 on launch
  • Watch app does not display codes created on iPhone
  • Unable to delete accidentally created codes
  • Three-scan limit before requiring payment (disputed claim)
  • App malfunction on certain QR/barcode types

Requested features

4 requests
  • Folder/organization system for managing scan history
  • Create codes from photos
  • Create codes from notes app
  • Better watch app integration

QR Code Reader

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • App crashes or freezes
  • Scanning not working as expected

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to save and organize scanned data
  • Integration with other apps or services
  • More customization options

In-app purchases

None

QRCode Barcode

No in-app purchases

None

QR Code Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is QRCode Barcode free?
QRCode Barcode is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is QR Code Reader free?
QR Code Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, QRCode Barcode or QR Code Reader?
QR Code Reader is rated higher. QRCode Barcode averages 4.6 out of 5 from 810 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 4.7 from 163K ratings.
Do QRCode Barcode or QR Code Reader have ads?
Both QRCode Barcode and QR Code Reader show ads.
Which is updated more often, QRCode Barcode or QR Code Reader?
QRCode Barcode ships an update every 4 months, and QR Code Reader every 2 months. Most recently, QRCode Barcode was updated on November 1, 2026 and QR Code Reader on November 4, 2026.

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