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

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone vs QR Code Reader

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 4.6★ · Free + IAP · ⚠ stale 40
Winner QR Code Reader
QR Code Reader 4.7★ · Free + IAP 85

QR Code Reader (App B) is the better choice due to its consistent performance, reliable free functionality, and fewer complaints about deceptive billing practices.

QR Code Reader (App B) generally offers a more reliable and straightforward scanning experience, with many users praising its speed and consistent performance. QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone (App A), while having some positive reviews for ease of use, is plagued by numerous complaints regarding its functionality, intrusive ads, and confusing or unauthorized subscription charges.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: QR Code ReaderR1R3R10R22
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Users of QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone report inconsistent performance, with some stating it doesn't work at all or takes multiple attempts to scan R1R3R10R22. There are also complaints about false advertising regarding advanced QR code creation features R54R56.
QR Code Reader QR Code Reader users consistently praise its functionality, noting that it 'always works', is 'super fast and reliable', and 'functions intuitively' R62. Some users appreciate its ability to read both QR and bar codes .
Ease of Use edge: QR Code ReaderR4R5R23R26
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone While some users find QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 'easy to use' and 'quick' R5R23, others report a 'difficult interface' and find it 'cumbersome' or 'no easy' R4R26.
QR Code Reader Many users describe QR Code Reader as 'simple and free', 'quick, easy to use', and 'straightforward' R62R89.
Reliability & Stability edge: QR Code ReaderR1R10R12R22
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone suffers from significant reliability issues, with multiple reports of the app not working, failing to scan, or having 'constant interruptions of service' due to prompts R1R10R12R22.
QR Code Reader QR Code Reader is frequently praised for its reliability, with users stating it 'always works', 'works like a charm every time', and 'consistently work well' R62R92. However, a few recent reviews mention it 'did nothing at all' or 'will not work' .
Price & Value edge: QR Code ReaderR6R7R9R10
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone generates widespread complaints about its pricing model, with users feeling tricked into subscriptions after a short trial R6R10. Many report unauthorized purchases, difficulty canceling, and continued charges R7R9R30. The app is described as a 'scam' by some .
QR Code Reader QR Code Reader is largely seen as a valuable free app, with users appreciating that it is 'simple and free' and 'no ads, or subscriptions needed' R62R89R92. There is one report of a 'scam app' that led to credit card charges, but this appears to be an outlier compared to the overall sentiment R66.
Support & User Experience tieR4R30R52R60
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Users of QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone report a lack of developer contact options R4 and difficulty getting help or refunds for billing issues R30R52R60. The app's interface is criticized for poor visibility R4.
QR Code Reader Reviews for QR Code Reader do not frequently mention direct support interactions. One review notes 'broken copy buttons' and issues with data tracking consent forms, indicating potential UX flaws . Many positive reviews, however, highlight the app's 'friendly' nature and 'awesome support' for general use .
Pick QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone if

You are willing to navigate potential subscription issues and intrusive ads for an app that some users find easy and quick to use R5R23.

Pick QR Code Reader if

You prioritize a consistently working, reliable, and genuinely free QR code scanning experience with minimal ads or deceptive billing practices R62R89R92.

Evidence note: Many reviews for both apps, particularly App B, appear to be unrelated to the app's core functionality, discussing unrelated services or products. This makes direct comparison on some dimensions challenging and skews the overall rating perception. For App A, there's a strong free-vs-paid asymmetry, with many negative reviews stemming from unexpected charges after a 'free' trial.

Frequently asked

Is QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone truly free?
No, many users report that QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone is not truly free, often requiring a subscription after a short trial period, with some users reporting charges of around $54 a year or $41 for a one-year subscription R6R40R42R52.
Does QR Code Reader have ads or subscriptions?
QR Code Reader is generally praised by users for being free and not requiring subscriptions or having intrusive ads R62R89R92. However, one user reported a 'scam app' experience involving a single ad leading to a phishing website and credit card charges R66.
Can I create artistic QR codes with QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone?
No, despite advertisements suggesting the ability to create beautiful, AI-generated or image-based QR codes, users report that QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone only creates basic, two-tone QR codes R54R56.

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. [R1] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US This sucks!: Can’t get the damn thing to work!!!!
  2. [R3] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 3/5 · US QR scan: It took me 4 Times to work.
  3. [R10] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Worthless: Doesn’t work. Can’t cancel “free membership”. Beware
  4. [R22] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Doesn’t work: I want cancel this crappy app.
  5. [R4] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Difficult interface and No ability to contact: Cannot contact developer from the app or from their link in this App Store description Also, they need to develop a dark mode interface to make everything easier to see The app icon/lettering yellow on white background or light gray on white etc is difficult to see It would be helpful also if they had a zoom feature with the software to make the text
  6. [R5] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 5/5 · US Retired person: I am in my late 70’s and I was hesitant to get and use the QR scanner but I was pleasantly surprised by how easily it is to use and how quickly I can take care of things!! I recommend my fellow retired persons to get and use it!!!
  7. [R23] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 5/5 · US QR Scanner is Tops for me: So easy to use and it actually simplifies tasks! What’s not to like… nothing, just opposite!
  8. [R26] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Cumbersome: I will give up any platform if I need to type the alphabet with number configuration each time I need access
  9. [R12] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 3/5 · US Constant interruptions of service: When trying to use the reader the site constantly pops up prompts to purchase its products
  10. [R6] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 3/5 · US ? So not free after 3 days?: It’s a bit confusing.... free or not?
  11. [R7] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 2/5 · US Not happy with scanner!! Please cancel now !! 11-22-2025: Not Happy with Scanner!! Please now!! 11-22-2025
  12. [R9] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 3/5 · US Roger rousseau: I cannot use the apps since the day i purchased a on year subscription
  13. [R30] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US 1st try failed to scan - can I get help or get my y back??: How do you get help or a refund??
  14. [R52] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Unauthorized purchase: I just downloaded the app and only used it once after one week I saw a unauthorized purchase on my card from this app for $41 one year subscription. I am getting really worried I cannot afford the subscription. I would really appreciate if you could help me get a refund.
  15. [R60] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Never refunded but continued to charge: Submit for a refund after the app charged me multiple time. with no response. Then they continued to charge my card without permission.
  16. [R40] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US No easy: Cost Too much I am removing it
  17. [R42] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US No Free App: Don’t be fooled by the free app it’s $54 a year and most people are totally unaware of this Don’t Download
  18. [R62] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Awesome QR code Reader: Awesome QR code reader, always works, simple and free!!
  19. [R66] 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
  20. [R89] 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.
  21. [R92] 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!
  22. [R54] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Not even remotely close to what it promised in the ad: On Facebook, they had an ad of beautiful QR codes with AI generated art, they stated that this app can create those images. It clearly does not. It’s just a QR code app nothing more FALSE advertisement.
  23. [R56] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Does not Create Graphic or Image Based QR Code 😞: I really hate that what drew me in to download this app is was what appeared to be the ability to create image based QR codes I was really impressed and excited . But after downloading I realized this is not the case it creates basic run of the mill plain Jane QR codes (Black and White or a picked Foreground color and Background color meaning two t

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