Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

QR Code Reader vs QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・

QR Code Reader 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner QR Code Reader
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 4.6★ · Free + IAP · ⚠ stale 60

QR Code Reader (App A) is the better choice for most users due to its consistent performance, ease of use, and a perception of being genuinely free, despite some recent negative reviews.

Full reviews: QR Code Reader · QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・

QR Code Reader (App A) generally offers a reliable and fast scanning experience, with many users appreciating its free functionality. QR Code & Barcode Scanner (App B), while also offering features, faces more criticism regarding its paywalls, ads, and login issues, making App A a more straightforward option for basic QR scanning needs.

Head to head

Features tieR19R41R49R22
QR Code Reader App A is praised for its ability to correctly identify both QR and bar codes, and some users find it helpful for specific tasks like shopping or accessing church communication R19R41R49. However, one user noted that copy buttons were broken, limiting sharing options R22.
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ App B offers an 'insane amount of features' and supports many forms of 2D codes, which some users appreciate R89. It also allows users to create their own QR codes, though some wish for better organization like folders . However, some advanced features require watching ads , and some users report features not working completely .
Ease of Use edge: QR Code ReaderR2R7R11R15
QR Code Reader Many users find App A to be simple, straightforward, intuitive, and easy to use R2R7R11R15. Some users initially had a hard time getting used to it but then found it easy .
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ App B is described as 'easily understood and navigated' by some R69, and some users find it makes things easier . However, a significant number of users report it's 'not easy to use' and can be 'long winded' .
Reliability edge: QR Code ReaderR2R9R32R36
QR Code Reader App A is frequently described as 'always works,' 'reliable,' 'super fast,' and 'never fails' R2R9R32R36. However, some recent reviews indicate it 'did not work for me' , 'not working' , or had 'bad scanning' .
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ While some users state App B 'works' and is 'working well enough' , a considerable number of reviews report that it 'does not work' or has 'problems' . There are also reports of login issues R64.
Price/Value tieR2R29R32R35
QR Code Reader Many users praise App A for being 'free' R2R29R32R35. However, some recent negative reviews mention it 'used to be free' , or that it asked for credit card information and still wouldn't work . There are also accusations of it being a 'scam app' that leads to phishing websites and charges R6.
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ App B is described as 'the best free' with 'no subscription required' if users watch advertisements for new features . However, many users complain about being 'fleeced' with fees or recurring charges without clear disclosure R103. There are also complaints about ads, including one with offensive content , and ads being required to unlock features .
Support edge: QR Code ReaderR28R45R64R103
QR Code Reader There is no direct feedback on customer support for App A, but some reviews mention positive experiences with staff in unrelated contexts, which might be mistaken for app support R28R45.
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ App B has a direct complaint about 'no response from customer service' R64 and a user who tried to resolve an issue or get a reimbursement with no answer R103.
Pick QR Code Reader if

You need a fast, reliable, and generally free QR code scanner for everyday use R2R9R35. You prefer a straightforward app with minimal ads or hidden costs, although recent reviews suggest caution R29R6.

Pick QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ if

You are looking for an app with an extensive range of features, including the ability to create your own QR codes, and are willing to tolerate ads or potential in-app purchases to unlock them R89.

Evidence note: A significant number of reviews for both apps appear to be unrelated to the app's actual function, discussing restaurants, dentists, storage units, or other services. This makes it challenging to fully assess certain dimensions and may skew lifetime ratings. The free vs. paid asymmetry is present, with both apps having free tiers and IAPs, and both receiving complaints about unexpected charges or intrusive ads.

Frequently asked

Do these apps scan barcodes as well as QR codes?
Yes, both apps are designed to scan both QR codes and barcodes R19R69R89.
Are these apps truly free?
Both apps offer free functionality, but users report encountering ads and in-app purchases (IAPs) or unexpected charges R2R29R35R6. App A has users who praise its free nature, but also complaints about being charged, while App B explicitly mentions watching ads for free features and has many complaints about undisclosed fees.
Do these apps have issues with fake reviews?
Yes, App A has a review explicitly stating that the app is 'paying for obviously fake reviews that aren’t remotely related to the app' R8. Many reviews for both apps are indeed unrelated to QR code scanning, discussing various businesses and services.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R19] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Code reader: Correctly id’s every BAR…Highly recommend..
  2. [R41] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US For church!!: I love this app because I am able to see all church communication!
  3. [R49] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US QR code reader: QR CR is so convenient! Especially at Sam’s when you fully have your club card. You can scan the SAMS CLUB QR code then SHOP AND PAY ON LINE WITHOUT WAITING IN LINE!! I love it really!
  4. [R22] QR Code Reader 2/5 · GB Asks to track data and then copy buttons are broken: A consent cookie form pops up when you open the app asking you to agree to at least 30+ different types of tracking and advertising options. Instant bad feeling about the app. It does work I did some testing but, the copy buttons are broken, so you have to manually copy the data and can’t share it properly. Pretty poor app.
  5. [R2] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Awesome QR code Reader: Awesome QR code reader, always works, simple and free!!
  6. [R7] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US QR code scanner.: This app functions intuitively with prompt display. Usefulness can not be measured.
  7. [R11] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Great: Great and friendly app
  8. [R15] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Useful: This is quick, easy to use, and helps me find out more information about the things I’m interested in.
  9. [R9] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US QR reader: Works like a charm every time I need to scan something it’s super fast and reliable
  10. [R32] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Please keep this FREE!: I’ve enjoyed using your application for many years and find it reliable, convenient and able to work in all conditions. Thank you!
  11. [R36] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Ease of use: This app is easy to use and reliable.
  12. [R29] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Simple and straightforward: This app does what it needs to do efficiently. No ads, or subscriptions needed to use it, unlike many other iOS apps.
  13. [R35] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Works very well!!! For free!!!: I really have enjoyed using this app.
  14. [R28] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Marlee: Great customer service 😌
  15. [R45] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Awesome support: Oliver, the great manager, helped me to find just the right storage through the easy access mobile and made registering so simple. I am very grateful for his caring and compassionate support and assistance. I could not have done it on my own. Oliver is especially kind and patient with elders.
  16. [R64] QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 1/5 · US Cannot log in.: No response from customer service.
  17. [R103] QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 1/5 · US Ryoko: Awful! Weird part is tricked me into buying it every page would tell you you need this you need this s I’m waiting for pricing to e up I got a thank you for your purchase and 8 months paid service.. w months later numerous calls troubleshooting I’ve had pushing it 2 days of service. Emailed you about resolving this issue or reimburse my money and you guessed no answer. One of you at this co
  18. [R69] QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 3/5 · US Barcode scanner: QR code & Barcode Scanner is easily understood and navigated. After code is scanned the app takes you directly to a page to click the url link . Very convenient
  19. [R89] QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 5/5 · US Scan Away!: The app has an insane amount of features that might overwhelm you at first. But for all its intents and purposes, it's incredibly lightweight and runs fast. You can simply pick it up and scan now, and dig into what you want or need later. I'm also happy with the many forms of 2D codes that it can support.
  20. [R6] QR Code Reader 1/5 · US scam app: Has only one ad, which consists of what looks very much like a button marked continue.Managed to use it many times without being fooled into hitting it, but finally did, at a distracted moment. Led directly to a phish website called Cinema something that conned me into giving it my cc info. Charged me $2. I was willing to forget it, but a week later it tried to see if it could get away w
  21. [R8] QR Code Reader 1/5 · US Obviously fake reviews: This app is paying for obviously fake reviews that aren’t remotely related to the app. Untrustworthy; do not use.
  22. [R1] QR Code Reader 1/5 · US I think my iPads broken: In my settings I couldn’t find the camera option
  23. [R5] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Fish Hoopers-Monterey: The food is amazing as well is the view. We had Cup of Clam Chowder/Garlic Bread Rockefeller Oysters, Fish and Chips and Pasta Isabella. All the food was amazing and can’t wait to come again.
  24. [R12] QR Code Reader 1/5 · US Worthless: Why can’t your Store or drop off scan a code so that a label can be written. I would’ve had to take this to Columbus some 35 miles away in order to ship by FedEx. It was much cheaper just to send it to USPS. I find your company to be a total waste, thank you.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store