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

QR Code Reader vs QR Reader for iPhone

QR Code Reader 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner QR Code Reader
QR Reader for iPhone 4.7★ · Free + IAP 40

QR Code Reader (App A) is the better choice for a reliable and genuinely free QR scanning experience, as QR Reader for iPhone (App B) is plagued by reports of unexpected charges and subscription issues.

Full reviews: QR Code Reader · QR Reader for iPhone

QR Code Reader (App A) is praised for its consistent performance and ease of use, with many users appreciating its genuinely free functionality. In contrast, QR Reader for iPhone (App B) faces significant criticism for unexpected subscription charges, poor scanning performance, and a high volume of irrelevant reviews.

Head to head

Features edge: QR Code ReaderR2R7R15R19
QR Code Reader Users find QR Code Reader to be quick, easy to use, and effective for scanning QR and bar codes, with some noting its internal browser and ability to provide information quickly R2R7R15. It is also appreciated for its ability to scan various codes, including those for club cards and online payments R19. However, some users mention broken copy buttons or only a share option for results .
QR Reader for iPhone QR Reader for iPhone is generally expected to scan QR and bar codes . However, many users report that the app fails to scan, doesn't work, or is glitchy . There are also complaints about the app freezing or crashing when attempting to generate QR codes .
Ease of Use edge: QR Code ReaderR2R3R7R9
QR Code Reader Many users describe QR Code Reader as simple, intuitive, easy to use, and straightforward R2R7R15. It is noted for prompt display and quick scanning R7R9R15. Some users initially found it confusing but quickly adapted R3.
QR Reader for iPhone Users frequently complain that QR Reader for iPhone is hard to use, counter-intuitive, or has horrible navigation . Some report a black screen or that the app simply doesn't work .
Reliability edge: QR Code ReaderR2R9R10R14
QR Code Reader QR Code Reader is consistently described as reliable, always working, and never failing R2R9R32R36. However, a few users report that the app stopped working after a while R10R14.
QR Reader for iPhone QR Reader for iPhone is frequently criticized for being unreliable, working only 'once in a while' or not at all . Users report issues like freezing, crashing, or not recognizing codes .
Price/Value edge: QR Code ReaderR2R6R18R20
QR Code Reader Many users praise QR Code Reader for being free, with some explicitly stating 'no ads, or subscriptions needed' or asking the developers to 'Please keep this FREE!' R2R29R32. However, there are some negative reviews claiming it used to be free but now charges, or that it's a 'scam app' that led to credit card charges after clicking an ad R6R18R20.
QR Reader for iPhone QR Reader for iPhone is heavily criticized for unexpected and high subscription charges, with users reporting weekly charges of $9.99 or $21.60, and unauthorized charges of $241 R76R81R87R91. Many users feel misled, believing it to be a free app only to find themselves charged after a 'free trial' R81R91.
Support tie
QR Code Reader There is no specific feedback on customer support for QR Code Reader, but some users mention positive experiences with staff in unrelated reviews .
QR Reader for iPhone There is no specific feedback on customer support for QR Reader for iPhone, but many unrelated reviews praise staff in various service industries .
Pick QR Code Reader if

You need a straightforward, reliable, and genuinely free QR code scanner without hidden costs R2R29R32. You prioritize ease of use and consistent performance for basic scanning tasks R9R15R36.

Pick QR Reader for iPhone if

There is no compelling reason to pick App B based on user reviews, as it has significant issues with unexpected charges and scanning reliability.

Evidence note: Both apps suffer from a high volume of irrelevant reviews, making it challenging to assess app-specific performance. For QR Code Reader (App A), a significant portion of positive reviews are unrelated to the app's function, often praising food, customer service, or other businesses. For QR Reader for iPhone (App B), the problem is even more pronounced, with the vast majority of positive reviews being completely unrelated to the app, often discussing restaurants, hotels, or other services. This skews the lifetime ratings and makes it difficult to gauge genuine user satisfaction for both apps. The negative reviews, however, tend to be more specific to the app's functionality and pricing.

Frequently asked

Is QR Code Reader (App A) truly free?
Many users attest that QR Code Reader (App A) is genuinely free, with no ads or subscriptions needed for its core functionality R2R29R32. However, some users have reported issues with ads leading to credit card charges R6R20.
Does QR Reader for iPhone (App B) have hidden costs?
Yes, many users report that QR Reader for iPhone (App B) has hidden costs, with unexpected weekly subscriptions of $9.99 or $21.60, and even unauthorized charges of over $240, despite being advertised as free or offering a free trial R76R81R87R91.
Which app is more reliable for scanning QR codes?
QR Code Reader (App A) is generally considered more reliable, with users frequently describing it as always working and never failing R2R9R32R36. In contrast, QR Reader for iPhone (App B) is often reported as glitchy, not working, or only functioning intermittently .

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. [R2] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Awesome QR code Reader: Awesome QR code reader, always works, simple and free!!
  2. [R7] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US QR code scanner.: This app functions intuitively with prompt display. Usefulness can not be measured.
  3. [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.
  4. [R19] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Code reader: Correctly id’s every BAR…Highly recommend..
  5. [R3] QR Code Reader 3/5 · US was a confusing QR CODE reader.: Most reviews have nothing to do with this scanner app. QR code reader and connector. has an internal browser, but you can choose others. lm wondering if it reads more than just the link.
  6. [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
  7. [R10] QR Code Reader 1/5 · US Did not work for me: I have had this for a while and it worked good. Now it does nothing at all. Dispointed big time
  8. [R14] QR Code Reader 1/5 · US Review: Not working
  9. [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
  10. [R18] QR Code Reader 1/5 · US Used to be free: Used to be free
  11. [R20] QR Code Reader 1/5 · US Scan will not work!!!!!!!: Wanted me to give credit card information and still will not work. I do not want to be charged for scanned. July 18 2024 Does not scan for me!!!!
  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. [R76] QR Reader for iPhone 1/5 · US Caution!! Unauthorized Charge of $241: Downloaded free app and my account was billed for $241+ Do not download or use app! You will be charged!!!!!
  14. [R81] QR Reader for iPhone 1/5 · US RIP OFF: I downloaded this app for the free trial. I canceled 2 days before end of trial but they charged me for the full month anyway. I loathe scams like that. I have proof I canceled before the trial was over. I encourage everyone who’s been scammed to reach out to Apple for a refund. I did & just received mine
  15. [R87] QR Reader for iPhone 1/5 · US Expensive: This auto renewed after 2 weeks at $21.60 ($9.99 per week). I had used it once.
  16. [R91] QR Reader for iPhone 1/5 · US $$$$ BEWARE: Beware this app cost you weekly! Does not say anything about subscription when you first click on it. Very Misleading
  17. [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!
  18. [R36] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Ease of use: This app is easy to use and reliable.

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