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 45
Winner Tie
QR Reader for iPhone 4.7★ · Free + IAP 40

Both QR Code Reader apps suffer from significant issues, primarily aggressive monetization tactics and reliability problems, making neither a clear winner, but QR Reader for iPhone has slightly more severe complaints about unauthorized charges.

Full reviews: QR Code Reader · · QR Reader for iPhone

Both QR Code Reader and QR Reader for iPhone are plagued by user complaints regarding intrusive ads, forced subscriptions, and unreliable scanning. While both apps have high lifetime ratings, recent reviews indicate a sharp decline in user satisfaction due to aggressive monetization and functionality issues.

Head to head

Features (Scanning & Creating) tieR5R15R31R35
QR Code Reader · Users appreciate QR Code Reader's ability to scan various codes and create QR codes for purposes like WiFi networks R5R15. However, some users report the app doesn't scan at all or fails to direct them to the correct digital place R31R35R45.
QR Reader for iPhone QR Reader for iPhone is praised by some for its scanning capabilities and getting the job done . Conversely, many users report that the app simply 'doesn't work,' fails to scan, or crashes when attempting to generate QR codes .
Ease of Use tieR4R11R29R45
QR Code Reader · Some users find QR Code Reader easy to use R4R11, but others describe it as 'too difficult for an elderly person' or 'too confusing' R4R29R45.
QR Reader for iPhone While some users find QR Reader for iPhone straightforward , a significant number of reviews indicate it's 'too hard to use' and 'counter intuitive' .
Reliability & Performance edge: QR Code Reader ·R3R23R31R38
QR Code Reader · QR Code Reader has mixed reviews on reliability. Some users praise its speed and instant scanning R38, but others report crashes R23, the app not taking them to the correct site R31, or even displaying virus warnings and hacking claims R3.
QR Reader for iPhone QR Reader for iPhone struggles with reliability, with multiple reports of the app not working, freezing, crashing, or displaying a black screen . Some users also report being hacked after using the app .
Price & Value (Monetization) tieR1R15R19R22
QR Code Reader · QR Code Reader is heavily criticized for its aggressive monetization. Users report being bombarded with ads, including unskippable ones R1R15R19R49. Many complain about forced subscriptions, high monthly fees ($9.99/month, R27, ), and deceptive free trials that auto-charge without clear cancellation options R22R27R37.
QR Reader for iPhone QR Reader for iPhone also faces severe criticism for its pricing model. Users report unauthorized charges, including a $241+ bill R76 and weekly auto-renewals at $9.99/week or $21.60 after two weeks R87. Many feel misled by the 'free app' advertisement, stating it demands payment or subscription . Users also report being charged even after canceling free trials .
Pick QR Code Reader · if

You are looking for an app that some users find fast and efficient for scanning, despite the significant ad and subscription issues R38.

Pick QR Reader for iPhone if

You are willing to risk potential unauthorized charges and reliability issues for an app that some users find effective for basic scanning .

Evidence note: Both apps have a high number of irrelevant reviews, often praising unrelated services or products, which inflates their lifetime ratings. Recent reviews for both apps are heavily negative, focusing on aggressive monetization and functionality issues, which contradicts the high lifetime scores. The 'free vs paid' asymmetry is very strong here, as both apps are advertised as free but quickly push for expensive subscriptions, leading to much negativity from users expecting a truly free service.

Frequently asked

Are these QR code reader apps truly free to use?
No, despite being advertised as 'Free + IAP,' both apps are heavily criticized for demanding subscriptions and implementing aggressive monetization tactics, with users reporting charges ranging from $9.99/month for QR Code Reader to $9.99/week or even $241+ for QR Reader for iPhone R27R37R76R87.
Do these apps have issues with ads?
Yes, QR Code Reader is frequently criticized for intrusive ads, including those with tiny or light 'x' buttons that make them hard to close, and ads that block functionality R1R15R19R49.
Do these apps reliably scan QR codes?
User reviews for both apps indicate mixed reliability; while some users report successful and fast scanning R5R38, many others complain that the apps fail to scan, don't work, or crash frequently R31R35R45.

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. [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
  3. [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 .
  4. [R35] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Doesn’t scan: Waste of time. Doesn’t scan anything.
  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. [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.
  8. [R45] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US What’s wrong with your app: It was too confusing and it did not scan
  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. [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
  12. [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.
  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. [R22] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US Demands purchase: Demands purchase. Not free as advertised.
  15. [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.
  16. [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
  17. [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!!!!!
  18. [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.
  19. [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.

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