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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

QR Code Reader · vs QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner

QR Code Reader · 4.7★ · Free + IAP 45
Winner Tie
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner 4.7★ · Free + IAP 40

Both QR Code Reader apps struggle with aggressive monetization tactics and numerous user complaints about subscriptions, but QR Code Reader · appears to have slightly better core scanning functionality when ads are not interfering.

Full reviews: QR Code Reader · · QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner

Both QR Code Reader apps, 'QR Code Reader ·' and 'QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner', face significant criticism for intrusive ads and deceptive subscription practices. While some users praise their scanning capabilities, a large number report issues with high-cost subscriptions, frequent crashes, and poor user experience, making it difficult to recommend either without reservation.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: QR Code Reader ·R5R8R15R31
QR Code Reader · Users appreciate the core scanning function, with some noting it's fast and scans instantly, even making a confirmation sound R5R8R38. The app also allows for creating QR codes, such as for WiFi networks R15. However, some users report that it doesn't scan or take them to the correct digital place R31R35R46.
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner The barcode function works for some users , and some find it very useful . However, many users report that the app 'does not work' or 'won't scan' . One user noted it takes 'quite a while to actually scan the barcode' , and another mentioned it couldn't decode several codes .
Ease of Use tieR4R11R23R29
QR Code Reader · Some users find the app easy to use R4R11R29. However, others describe it as 'too difficult for an elderly person' R4, 'too confusing' , or 'so intuitive' that they immediately want to delete it R29. There are also reports of crashes R23.
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner Some users find the app easy to use . However, many complaints revolve around the app being unusable due to constant ads and subscription prompts . One user explicitly states it is 'not user-friendly' .
Reliability tieR3R15R21R23
QR Code Reader · The app is generally seen as functional when it works R15R21. However, some users report issues like crashing R23, not scanning R35, or failing to direct to the correct site R31R46. There are also concerning reports of virus warnings and being hacked R3.
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner Some users state the app is 'working really well' or 'works' . However, many reviews indicate poor reliability, with the app 'not working' , 'won't scan' , or having difficulty decoding codes .
Price/Value tieR1R13R15R19
QR Code Reader · Users are highly critical of the app's pricing, with many complaining about aggressive ads pushing subscriptions R1R13R15R19. The subscription cost is frequently cited as too high, with mentions of $10/month R15R27 or $12.50/month R37, and a 3-day free trial that auto-charges R27R33. Many feel it's not worth paying for a simple QR reader R27R37.
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner The app receives overwhelming criticism for its pricing and monetization strategy. Users report being forced to pay , with subscriptions costing $9.99 weekly or $12 a week . Many feel it's a 'scam' , with charges occurring without consent or clear cancellation options . The app is described as 'not free as advertised' .
Support tieR33R37R39R47
QR Code Reader · There is no direct feedback on customer support. However, users report difficulty canceling subscriptions R39 and being charged without clear consent R33R37R47. One user mentioned Apple not helping with charges R37.
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner There is no direct feedback on customer support. Users report being charged without consent and difficulty canceling . One user states Apple only refunded the last two months of charges .
Pick QR Code Reader · if

You need a QR code creator feature, as some users found this functionality useful R15. You are willing to tolerate aggressive ads or pay a subscription for potentially faster scanning R38.

Pick QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner if

Neither app is strongly recommended due to similar issues with monetization and functionality. However, if you only need basic barcode scanning and are prepared to uninstall immediately if ads are too intrusive, it might work for a single use .

Evidence note: Both apps suffer from a significant number of negative reviews related to aggressive monetization, making it challenging to find consistent positive feedback on core features. Many reviews are short, vague, or unrelated to app functionality, which limits the depth of comparison.

Frequently asked

Are these QR code reader apps truly free?
No, neither app is truly free; both are 'Free + IAP' but aggressively push subscriptions, with users reporting charges of $9.99/month or $12.50/month for QR Code Reader · R15R27R37 and $9.99/week or $12/week for QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner . Many users feel they are forced to pay or are auto-billed without clear consent R22R33.
Do these apps scan QR codes effectively?
User experiences are mixed for both apps; QR Code Reader · is praised by some for being fast and scanning instantly R38, but others report it 'doesn't scan' or fails to take them to the correct link R31R35R46. QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner also has users stating it 'does not work' or 'won't scan' , with one noting it takes 'quite a while to actually scan' .
Are there many ads in these apps?
Yes, both apps are heavily criticized for intrusive ads; QR Code Reader · users complain about ads with tiny or light 'x' buttons that make them hard to close R1, and ads consuming a significant portion of their time in the app R15R49R53. QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner users report 'too many ads' and 'spam and popups' that hide the 'x' button , making the app unusable without subscribing R49.

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. [R5] QR Code Reader · 5/5 · US Thanks: For scanning everything
  2. [R8] QR Code Reader · 5/5 · US The Best!: This is the best QR scanner !!
  3. [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
  4. [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 .
  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. [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!!!
  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. [R21] QR Code Reader · 3/5 · GB Works: Ads annoy but works
  11. [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.
  12. [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
  13. [R19] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Used to be a good app: I bought this app to use to read QR codes, but now it is forcing me to upgrade to a qr/bar code reader, without the option to by pass the ad.
  14. [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.
  15. [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
  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. [R22] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Demands purchase: Demands purchase. Not free as advertised.
  19. [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.
  20. [R35] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Doesn’t scan: Waste of time. Doesn’t scan anything.
  21. [R38] QR Code Reader · 5/5 · US BEST QR CODE READER APP IN APP STORE!!!: Developers made some big improvements with this app in 2025. It’s faster and scans any QR code instantly even makes a confirmation sound. Clean interface. Good utility app
  22. [R46] QR Code Reader · 4/5 · US Needs just a little improvement.: I like this app but it doesn’t take me to the Digital place that’s a QR code leads to.
  23. [R49] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Unusable App: Just force people to pay before downloading. The initial experience of using the app is bombarded with ads both before and after scanning.
  24. [R53] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US I’m overscreen ads: Inserting ad text in clipboard, overscreen ads, blocking. Nah

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