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 40
Winner QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 4.6★ · Free + IAP · ⚠ stale 60

QR Code & Barcode Scanner is the better choice for users seeking a more reliable free experience with fewer aggressive monetization tactics, despite some reports of login issues and an outdated interface.

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

QR Code Reader, despite its higher lifetime rating, is plagued by aggressive ads, forced subscriptions, and reports of deceptive billing practices. QR Code & Barcode Scanner offers a more stable free experience, though some users encounter login problems and note its lack of recent updates.

Head to head

Features tieR15R20R60R74
QR Code Reader · Users appreciate QR Code Reader's ability to create QR codes, for example, for WiFi networks R15R20. It is described as fast and efficient R60.
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ QR Code & Barcode Scanner offers a wide range of features, including the ability to create QR codes, which users find useful for various applications R74R94. It is also noted for being lightweight and fast .
Ease of Use edge: QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・R4R11R24R29
QR Code Reader · Some users find QR Code Reader easy to use R4R11R24, with one describing it as 'very easy' R11. However, others report it as too confusing or difficult for elderly users R4. Some also find the interface unintuitive R29.
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ QR Code & Barcode Scanner is generally described as easily understood and navigated . Users appreciate that it makes tasks easier and is simple to pick up and scan . However, some users report difficulty logging in or setting it up .
Reliability edge: QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・R3R23R25R31
QR Code Reader · Many users report that QR Code Reader fails to scan R31. There are also reports of the app crashing R23 and not taking users to the correct digital place . Some users even experienced issues like virus warnings or being hacked R3, or the app bringing up pornographic content R25.
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ While many users find QR Code & Barcode Scanner works well R74, some report that it 'does not work' at all . There are also instances of login problems R64. One user noted that it hasn't been updated in two years, raising concerns about future compatibility .
Price/Value edge: QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・R1R13R15R16
QR Code Reader · QR Code Reader is heavily criticized for its aggressive monetization. Users report being bombarded with ads even after purchasing the pro version R1R15. Many feel it demands purchase R22 and forces subscriptions, with prices like $9.99/month or $12.50/month being deemed too high for a QR reader R27R37. There are numerous complaints about deceptive billing, auto-charges, and difficulty canceling subscriptions R13R16R33.
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ QR Code & Barcode Scanner is generally praised for being free with many features and no required subscription R74R98. Users appreciate that they only need to watch ads for advanced features or if they create too many codes R74R98R119. However, some users report being 'fleeced' by unexpected fees or reoccurring charges . One user also reported an embarrassing ad with offensive language .
Support tieR29R39R47R64
QR Code Reader · Users of QR Code Reader report difficulty finding help R29 and no option to cancel subscriptions R39. Some were advised to contact Apple support for billing issues, but found no option for refunds R47.
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ QR Code & Barcode Scanner users report no response from customer service regarding login issues R64. One user also mentioned emailing about resolving an issue or getting a reimbursement with no answer .
Pick QR Code Reader · if

You are willing to pay a premium for a QR code reader and hope to avoid the ad issues reported by free users, or if you specifically need its QR code creation features and are not bothered by potential monetization tactics R15R20.

Pick QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ if

You are looking for a free QR code scanner with many features and are comfortable with occasional ads to unlock advanced functions R74R98. You prioritize a generally stable scanning experience over a perfectly polished or frequently updated app .

Evidence note: Many reviews for both apps are short, generic, or appear to be about unrelated services, making it challenging to extract specific, relevant details. The free-vs-paid asymmetry is very strong for QR Code Reader, where many negative reviews stem from aggressive monetization tactics and deceptive billing practices for its 'free' tier R1R13R27R37. QR Code & Barcode Scanner also has some complaints about unexpected fees, but these are less frequent and less severe than for App A .

Frequently asked

Is QR Code Reader truly free?
No, many users report that QR Code Reader is not truly free as advertised, demanding purchases and forcing subscriptions, with some reporting charges of $9.99/month or $12.50/month after a short trial, and difficulty canceling R22R27R33R37.
Does QR Code & Barcode Scanner have ads?
Yes, QR Code & Barcode Scanner does have ads, but users generally report that they only appear for advanced features or if too many codes are created in a day, without requiring a subscription for basic use R74R98R119.
Which app is better for creating QR codes?
Both apps allow users to create QR codes R15R20R74R94, but QR Code & Barcode Scanner users express a desire for organizational features like folders for created codes, suggesting it's a valued function R94.

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. [R15] QR Code Reader · 3/5 · US App Works, but hate the Ads: I appreciate the functions that I’ve used on this app, like creating QR codes for visitors too easily scan and log onto the proper WiFi network. In that respect, I think it’s well-programmed, but the Ads are frustrating me. I don’t use this app very often (so not paying $10/mo for a Pro subscription), but I’d say that about 1/3 of the time I’ve spent on it has been wai
  2. [R20] QR Code Reader · 4/5 · US I know that I like it so much that I just make it how I can make QR codes, but make it an AR: Creating and playing my favorite game, City Smash 2
  3. [R60] QR Code Reader · 5/5 · US Excellent Service: Fast and efficient. I made a mistake and called my order in to the wrong restaurant, but they were really nice and accommodated me and got my order out quick.
  4. [R74] QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 5/5 · US Great! No bait and switch.: I’ve been using this for years. No tricks. No gimmicks. Never expire. Sometimes if I create too many in a day, I have to watch an ad or two but still worth it. I work for non-profit and use for so many applications.
  5. [R4] QR Code Reader · 2/5 · US Easy: Too difficult for an elderly person to
  6. [R11] QR Code Reader · 5/5 · US Sorpresa: Se mira muy fácil y sin muchos comerciales
  7. [R24] QR Code Reader · 3/5 · GB All good and fit for purpose: Certainly helped me on my I phone to be recommended
  8. [R29] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US So intuitive: This another one of those apps that are so intuitive that you just want to delete them the instant you begin interacting with them PS the help file that doesn’t exist helped me a lot. I interacted with this app for two minutes, then deleted it. It was so bad I figured out how to write the review.
  9. [R3] QR Code Reader · 3/5 · US Is it a bug or something: I was using it but it said that I had a virus and 1 day later it said I was hacked
  10. [R23] QR Code Reader · 4/5 · US crashes: i like using this app a lot but for some reason it keeps crashing, it’s getting a bit annoying but the app is really good!!!
  11. [R25] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Garbage Porn App: This app was clearly hacked because when you install it, it just brings up porn and tries to send you to porn websites. Absolute garbage.
  12. [R31] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US This app sucks: This app sucks. I think that about sums it up. It rarely takes you to the site .
  13. [R1] QR Code Reader · 2/5 · US Used to love but no more: I used to love this app and I had the pro version. I just cancelled it due to the ads. I probably wouldn’t have minded them but it was the kind of ads where they have x’s so small or light that you can’t get out of the ad as it try’s to force you to get whatever product it is for. It was a great product but they ruined it.
  14. [R13] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US So much help: This app just wants money. Every second buy our this buy our that. Fix this and it won’t scam
  15. [R16] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Asks for money: Don't even download it. · translated
  16. [R39] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US No option to cancel: The advertisement says 3 days free trial but after I downloaded this app there was no option to cancel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  17. [R47] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US DO NOT DOWNLOAD: I got way to many ads over and over and subscription prompts after swiping out I must have a accidently bumped a promt that popped up as I was trying to swipe out I caught it but was told I had to make complaints to Apple support but there is no option to get my money back what a royal joke
  18. [R64] QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 1/5 · US Cannot log in.: No response from customer service.
  19. [R22] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Demands purchase: Demands purchase. Not free as advertised.
  20. [R27] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US $9.99/month…Greed is a thing.: So I have to set everything up to subscribe just to use it for free for 3 days..then it’s $9.99/month for a QR reader. But hey that covers all the necessary updates and new features…FOR A QR READER. I’d give this minus stars just for the greed. NO THANKS.
  21. [R33] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Instant payment without okay: Don’t mind a free trial, but first page to continue a payment window automatically charges do fast couldn’t read the second word and done. No option but pay.
  22. [R37] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Shady purchasing practice: I see I am not the only one this happened to so it shows me we are being ripped off by “trying out” this App. I NEVER pay $12.50 for an App. Much less one that does so little. My camera can do this without an App so why would I buy this? I didn’t, yet I was charged $12.50 for a month!! If I had to scan the inventory at Walmart I couldn’t justify this cost. Don’t expect A
  23. [R98] QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 5/5 · US Compared to another one this one raised the bar 99ft: Its the best free lots of features no subscription required to use at all just watch advertisements for new features I’m impressed 👍
  24. [R119] QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 2/5 · US Opinion sobre apk: Doy 2 estrellas porque no está completo la función con anuncios
  25. [R94] QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・ 5/5 · US Groups or folders: Great app! Love using it for work. The only thing that would make this better is if you could make folders or groups when you create your own QR codes. Like have all the Emails in an Email folder, websites in a website folder. My create QR gets full and it makes it hard to find things sometimes, so I don’t use it as much as I could.

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