# QRCode Barcode vs Barcode Scanner

QRCode Barcode and Barcode Scanner both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 85% of Barcode Scanner's written reviews are positive against 69% of QRCode Barcode's. QRCode Barcode's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (796 vs 131). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for QRCode Barcode against 4.6 for Barcode Scanner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QRCode Barcode has 796 ratings behind it against 131, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 69% of QRCode Barcode's written reviews are positive against 85% of Barcode Scanner's.

QRCode Barcode ships an update every 4 months, Barcode Scanner every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QRCode Barcode | Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (796 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qrcode-barcode/id811899990/reviews) | [4.6 (131 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-bar-code-read/id6455989015/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **796** | 131 |
| Positive reviews | 69.2% of reviews | **84.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Climb App](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048459) | [Komorebi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/481596469) |

## 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


### Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-bar-code-read/id6455989015)

This free scanner app quickly reads barcodes and QR codes directly from your camera or photo albums. It offers a history of your scans and includes a flashlight feature for low-light conditions. Ensure camera access is granted for optimal performance.

**Highlights:** Scan from camera, Scan from photo albums, Scan history, Flashlight for dark, Quick launch camera

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QRCode Barcode free?

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

### Is Barcode Scanner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QRCode Barcode or Barcode Scanner?

QRCode Barcode and Barcode Scanner are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 796 and 131 ratings respectively.

### Do QRCode Barcode or Barcode Scanner have ads?

Both QRCode Barcode and Barcode Scanner show ads.

### Which is updated more often, QRCode Barcode or Barcode Scanner?

QRCode Barcode ships an update every 4 months, and Barcode Scanner every 7 months. Most recently, QRCode Barcode was updated on September 30, 2026 and Barcode Scanner on October 5, 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.*