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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 55

QR Code Reader · (App B) is the better choice for most users due to its generally more reliable scanning and fewer reports of outright non-functionality, despite both apps facing significant criticism regarding aggressive monetization and ads.

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

Both QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone (App A) and QR Code Reader · (App B) are free with in-app purchases, but both are heavily criticized for aggressive monetization, ads, and issues with subscriptions. App B appears to have a slight edge in core scanning functionality and user experience, though it also has its share of problems.

Head to head

Scanning Performance and Reliability edge: QR Code Reader ·R1R3R5R10
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Many users report that App A simply 'doesn't work' or fails to scan, sometimes requiring multiple attempts R1R3R10. However, some users find it 'easy to use' and 'fast' R5R23.
QR Code Reader · App B also has users complaining it 'doesn't scan' or 'rarely takes you to the site' . Conversely, many praise it as 'the best QR scanner' and 'faster and scans any QR code instantly' .
Ease of Use and Interface tieR4R5R23R26
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Some users find App A 'easy to use' R5R23. However, others describe a 'difficult interface' and issues with visibility, such as yellow on white lettering R4R26.
QR Code Reader · App B is described as 'easy' by some , but also as 'too confusing' and 'so intuitive' that users want to delete it instantly . There are also reports of the app being in Chinese for British users .
Monetization and Ads tieR6R7R10R12
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App A is heavily criticized for being a 'scam' and not truly free, with users reporting constant prompts to purchase products, confusing free trials, and unauthorized charges R6R7R10R12.
QR Code Reader · App B also faces significant backlash for aggressive monetization, with users calling it a 'scam' and complaining about incessant ads, demands for purchase, and automatic charges after short trials R75.
Customer Support and Refunds tieR4R7R10R18
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Users of App A report an inability to contact the developer for support or refunds R4R30. There are multiple complaints about failed cancellations and continued unauthorized charges R7R10R18.
QR Code Reader · Users of App B also report issues with cancellations and refunds, with some claiming no option to cancel after a free trial and automatic charges .
Features (Beyond Basic Scan) edge: QR Code Reader ·R4R54R56R75
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App A is criticized for false advertising regarding advanced QR code creation features, specifically the inability to create image-based or AI-generated art QR codes as advertised R54R56. Users also requested features like dark mode and zoom R4.
QR Code Reader · App B users appreciate its ability to create QR codes, for example, for WiFi networks R75. There are also reports of crashes and a persistent, un-disableable 'beep' sound .
Pick QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone if

You are an elderly user who finds it surprisingly easy to use for basic scanning and don't mind navigating potential payment issues R5R23.

Pick QR Code Reader · if

You prioritize a QR scanner that is generally considered 'fast' and 'efficient' for basic scanning, despite the aggressive ads and subscription model .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of reviews that appear to be unrelated to the app's core function (e.g., reviews about oil changes, food, or general services), which dilutes the specific feedback on the app itself. This makes it challenging to get a clear picture of user satisfaction for core features. The high lifetime ratings for both apps are heavily contradicted by recent negative reviews focusing on monetization and functionality issues, suggesting a decline in user experience.

Frequently asked

Are these QR scanner apps truly free?
No, both apps are advertised as 'Free + IAP' but many users report aggressive monetization, constant prompts to purchase subscriptions (e.g., $54 a year for App A, $9.99/month for App B), and even unauthorized charges after short 'free trials' R6R16R42R52.
Do these apps reliably scan QR codes?
While both apps have users who praise their scanning ability R5R23, a significant number of users for both apps report issues with scanning, including the app not working at all or requiring multiple attempts R1R3R10.
Is it easy to cancel subscriptions or get refunds for these apps?
Many users for both apps report extreme difficulty in canceling subscriptions or obtaining refunds, with complaints of no clear cancellation options, continued unauthorized charges, and an inability to contact developers for assistance R4R7R10R30.

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. [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!!!
  4. [R10] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Worthless: Doesn’t work. Can’t cancel “free membership”. Beware
  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. [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!
  7. [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
  8. [R6] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 3/5 · US ? So not free after 3 days?: It’s a bit confusing.... free or not?
  9. [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
  10. [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
  11. [R18] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Scammer. Don’t waste your time: Will charge your Apple account and not refund. Don’t waste your time.
  12. [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.
  13. [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
  14. [R75] 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
  15. [R16] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US A Scam to make everyone pay for something that should be free always.: Every where you go and ad you see has a QR code on it, so if they want us to use or see whatever they are selling, we have to pay for a service in order it to get the code so we can see what it means. The provider of this QR code should pay for it, not the consumer. This makes no sense.
  16. [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
  17. [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.
  18. [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??

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