# QRCode Barcode vs QR Reader NEXT

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QRCode Barcode at none against QR Reader NEXT's 1. QRCode Barcode also leads on review sentiment (69% vs 50%). QR Reader NEXT's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

QRCode Barcode ships an update every 4 months, QR Reader NEXT every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and August 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QRCode Barcode | QR Reader NEXT |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (796 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qrcode-barcode/id811899990/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **796** | — |
| Positive reviews | **69.2% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Climb App](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048459) | [nanawork](https://appshunter.io/developer/534858192) |

## What reviewers say

### QRCode Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qrcode-barcode/id811899990)

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:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💰 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

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


### QR Reader NEXT

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-next/id1195423159)

Quickly scan QR codes by simply pointing your camera. Access websites, save scan history, and scan from images in your photo library. Features a built-in light for dark environments.

**Highlights:** Simple camera scanning, Scan from photo library, Scan history saved, Built-in light for dark, Supports QR and Micro QR codes, Actions for scanned data

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads. | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QRCode Barcode free?

QRCode Barcode is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is QR Reader NEXT free?

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

### Do QRCode Barcode or QR Reader NEXT have ads?

Both QRCode Barcode and QR Reader NEXT show ads.

### Which is updated more often, QRCode Barcode or QR Reader NEXT?

QRCode Barcode ships an update every 4 months, and QR Reader NEXT every 2 weeks. Most recently, QRCode Barcode was updated on September 21, 2026 and QR Reader NEXT on August 24, 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.*