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

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone vs QR Reader for iPhone

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 4.6★ · Free + IAP · ⚠ stale 40
Winner QR Reader for iPhone
QR Reader for iPhone 4.7★ · Free + IAP 60

QR Reader for iPhone (App B) is the better choice due to its higher reliability in scanning and generating codes, despite both apps facing similar issues with aggressive monetization tactics.

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

Both QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone (App A) and QR Reader for iPhone (App B) are free with in-app purchases, but App B generally offers more consistent scanning and generation capabilities. App A struggles with basic functionality and a confusing payment model, while App B, though also criticized for its subscription model, appears to perform its core functions more reliably.

Head to head

Features tieR1R3R13R22
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Users of App A report that it often fails to scan QR codes, with some needing multiple attempts or finding it doesn't work at all on their devices R1R3R22. There are also complaints that the app does not deliver on advertised features, specifically the ability to create AI-generated or image-based QR codes R54R56. Some users also noted the absence of a trash space for deleted QR codes R13.
QR Reader for iPhone App B users also experience issues with scanning, reporting that it 'works once in a while' or 'doesn't scan' . A significant number of users also report that the QR code generation feature is broken, with the app freezing or crashing when attempting to create codes R83R101.
Ease of Use tieR4R5R23R26
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App A receives mixed reviews on ease of use; some older users find it 'surprisingly easy to use' R5R23, while others describe the interface as 'difficult' or 'cumbersome' R4R26. Specific complaints include difficulty seeing the app icon/lettering due to poor color contrast and the lack of a zoom feature R4.
QR Reader for iPhone App B is criticized for being 'too hard to use and counter intuitive' and having 'poor directions' for setup . Some users also report that the app's interface doesn't respond to taps .
Reliability edge: QR Reader for iPhoneR1R12R22R32
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Many users report that App A 'doesn't work' at all R1R22R32R38. Some describe 'constant interruptions of service' due to prompts to purchase products R12.
QR Reader for iPhone App B also has reliability issues, with users stating it 'works once in a while' or 'usually doesn't work' . Crashes and freezes are reported when attempting to create QR codes R101. However, some users report it 'still gets the job done' after years or 'usually works fine' .
Price/Value tieR6R7R9R10
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App A is heavily criticized for its pricing model. Users feel 'tricked' by the 'free' designation, only to find it costs 'too much' R6R10. Many report unauthorized charges, difficulty canceling subscriptions, and continued billing after cancellation R7R9R10R18. The annual subscription is noted to be $54 R42.
QR Reader for iPhone App B also faces strong criticism for its pricing. Users are surprised by weekly subscriptions, with one user reporting an auto-renewal at $21.60 after two weeks ($9.99 per week) . Many feel misled by the 'free app' designation, stating it's a 'rip off' and that a QR reader shouldn't require a subscription R81. There are reports of unauthorized charges, including one for over $241 R81.
Support edge: QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhoneR4R30R60R81
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Users of App A report an inability to contact the developer from within the app or via the App Store link R4. There are also complaints about not receiving refunds or responses after being charged multiple times R30R60.
QR Reader for iPhone There are no direct reviews about App B's customer support. However, users who were charged without authorization or after cancellation often resorted to contacting Apple for refunds R81.
Pick QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone if

you are an older user looking for a simple scanner and are confident in managing subscriptions, as some find it easy to use R5R23.

Pick QR Reader for iPhone if

you prioritize a QR scanner that generally works for its core function of scanning, despite potential issues with advanced features like code generation or its subscription model .

Evidence note: Many reviews for both apps appear to be unrelated to the app's functionality, often discussing unrelated services, products, or individuals. This makes it challenging to gauge user sentiment accurately for core features. The high number of positive ratings for both apps contrasts sharply with the negative feedback regarding functionality and pricing, suggesting a potential skew in lifetime ratings.

Frequently asked

Are these QR scanner apps truly free?
No, both apps are advertised as free but quickly transition to paid subscriptions, with users reporting charges ranging from $9.99 per week to $54 per year R6R42. Many users feel misled and report unauthorized charges R10R18.
Do these apps reliably scan QR codes?
Reliability is a significant issue for both apps, with many users reporting that QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone (App A) 'doesn’t work' or requires multiple attempts R1R3R22R38, and QR Reader for iPhone (App B) also 'works once in a while' or 'doesn’t scan' for some .
Can I create custom QR codes with these apps?
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone (App A) has been criticized for false advertising, as it does not create the advertised AI-generated or image-based QR codes, only basic ones R54R56. QR Reader for iPhone (App B) users report that the app often freezes or crashes when attempting to generate QR codes R83R101.

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. [R13] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 2/5 · US Trash section: Where is the trash space? I deleted a qr code and i want it back i got not back up whatsoever and desperately need this what’s the solution????
  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. [R32] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Doesn’t Work: This app doesn’t work on my IPhone 14!
  11. [R6] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 3/5 · US ? So not free after 3 days?: It’s a bit confusing.... free or not?
  12. [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
  13. [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
  14. [R10] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Worthless: Doesn’t work. Can’t cancel “free membership”. Beware
  15. [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??
  16. [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.
  17. [R81] QR Reader for iPhone 1/5 · US RIP OFF: I downloaded this app for the free trial. I canceled 2 days before end of trial but they charged me for the full month anyway. I loathe scams like that. I have proof I canceled before the trial was over. I encourage everyone who’s been scammed to reach out to Apple for a refund. I did & just received mine
  18. [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.
  19. [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
  20. [R38] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Wast of time: Why spend time on an app that does not work?
  21. [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.
  22. [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
  23. [R83] QR Reader for iPhone 1/5 · US QR code does not generate.: …
  24. [R101] QR Reader for iPhone 1/5 · US Crashes or Freezes When Attempting to Make a QR Code: I have not been able to get a QR code without it either freezing or crashing.

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