# Scan vs Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

Scan and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Scan's written reviews are positive against 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's advantage is ratings volume (650 vs 24). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Scan sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per year and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Scan against 4.6 for Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader has 650 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Scan's written reviews are positive against 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's.

Scan ships an update weekly, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Scan | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-qrscan-code-reader/id972406049/reviews)** | [4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **650** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 72.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 16 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **18.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Sufiyan Yasa](https://appshunter.io/developer/439511524) | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) |

## What reviewers say

### Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-qrscan-code-reader/id972406049)

This app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes, opening links and ensuring their safety. It offers advanced barcode scanning, history saving, and product lookups with a flashlight for low-light conditions.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Open QR code links, Check link safety, Flashlight support for low light, Advanced barcode formats, Save scan history, View EAN country codes

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly subscription | $2.49 | per year |
| Platinum lifetime access | $4.99 | one-time |


### Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495)

Easily scan, read, and decode over 20 types of QR codes and barcodes. Save your scan history, generate custom codes, and view product details. Supports various scanning methods and export options.

**Highlights:** Scan 20+ QR code and barcode types, Scan from photos, Generate custom QR codes, Save, search, and filter scan history, View product details via Google/Amazon, Export history as text or CSV

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 📵 No ads or distracting pop-ups
- 💰 Free to use (historically)
- 🎯 Does one job well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Switched to paid subscription model
- 🐛 Broken functionality on iPhone 12
- ❌ Fails to scan QR codes and barcodes
- 🔍 Missing zoom feature
- 😕 Non-intuitive operation

**Reported bugs**

- App stopped working on iPhone 12 - no barcode recognition
- Cannot scan from photos
- Fails to read unclear or damaged QR codes
- Data matrix format not supported
- Inconsistent app name across platforms (iPhone vs App Store)

**Requested features**

- Zoom functionality for better scanning
- Integrated search option within app
- Data matrix code support
- Scan history/log feature
- Ability to delay browser opening after scan


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Scan free?

Scan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Scan or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader?

Scan is rated higher. Scan averages 4.7 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 from 650 ratings.

### Do Scan or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader have ads?

Neither Scan nor Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Scan or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader?

Scan ships an update weekly, and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Scan was updated on September 28, 2026 and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader on October 2, 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.*