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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 Scanner App

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 4.6★ · Free + IAP · ⚠ stale 40
Winner Tie
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 4.7★ · Free to download 40

Both apps struggle with user perception regarding their 'free' status and have significant complaints about unexpected charges, making neither a clear winner for reliability or value.

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

Both QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone (App A) and QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App (App B) are plagued by user confusion and frustration over their pricing models, with many users feeling misled by free trials leading to subscriptions. While some users find both apps easy to use for scanning, the recurring theme of unexpected charges and difficulty canceling subscriptions overshadows any positive feedback.

Head to head

Features tieR5R23R27R35
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App A is praised for its ability to read all QR codes and display necessary information R35. Some users found it fast and easy to use for scanning R5R23R27. However, there are significant complaints about false advertising regarding the ability to create AI-generated or image-based QR codes .
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App B is noted for its speed and ease of scanning, with some users highlighting its instant recognition of QR codes . It also helps simplify logging into accounts . However, some users report that the app simply 'does not work' for scanning .
Ease of Use tieR1R3R4R5
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Many users find App A easy and quick to use for scanning R5R23R27. However, some report difficulty getting the app to work R1R3R22 and a cumbersome interface R4.
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App B is described as effortless, easy, and fast by some users . Conversely, others find it hard to use or that it doesn't work .
Reliability tieR1R3R9R12
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App A has numerous reports of not working at all R1R22 or requiring multiple attempts to scan R3. Users also complain about constant interruptions with prompts to purchase products R12 and issues with subscriptions not working after purchase R9.
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App B also faces reliability issues, with users stating it 'does not work' . Some users experienced it working the first time , but others reported it wouldn't scan after paying for a subscription .
Price/Value tieR6R10R16R20
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App A generates significant user frustration due to its pricing model. Many users feel it's not truly free, with a trial period leading to unexpected charges R6R10R16R20. Subscriptions are reported to be expensive, with charges like $54 a year R42 or $41 for a year R52.
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App B is heavily criticized for its pricing, with users feeling it's a scam or rip-off . Many users report being charged for subscriptions after a short free trial or without their knowledge . Reported costs include $15 a month , $3.99 a week , or £10 a month .
Support tieR4R10R18R30
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 after cancellation R18R30R36R60 and difficulty canceling subscriptions R10.
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App B users also report issues with refunds being denied and unauthorized charges . The app is described as having 'too many traps' to get users to subscribe .
Pick QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone if

You are willing to navigate potential subscription issues and value the app's reported ability to read all QR codes R35.

Pick QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App if

You prioritize a scanner that some users find exceptionally fast and easy for quick scans , and are prepared to be vigilant about subscription charges.

Evidence note: Both apps have a high volume of negative reviews centered on billing practices and perceived scams, which heavily skews recent sentiment despite higher lifetime ratings. The positive reviews for both apps are often brief and lack specific details, or appear to be unrelated to the app's core function (e.g., reviews about an oil change or breakfast).

Frequently asked

Are these QR scanner apps truly free?
No, despite being listed as 'Free' to download, both apps have significant complaints from users who report being charged for subscriptions after a short free trial or without their explicit consent R6R10R42R52. App A users report charges like $54 a year, and App B users mention costs such as $15 a month or $3.99 a week.
Do these apps work reliably for scanning QR codes?
User experiences are mixed; while some users find both apps easy and fast for scanning R5R23, many others report that the apps frequently fail to work, don't scan, or require multiple attempts R1R3R22.
Is it difficult to cancel subscriptions or get refunds for these apps?
Yes, users of both apps report difficulty canceling subscriptions and issues with refunds. App A users mention being unable to contact developers for help or refunds R4R30 and continued charges after cancellation R36R60. App B users also report denied refunds for unauthorized charges .

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, 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!!!
  2. [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!
  3. [R27] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 5/5 · US Capt. Yowell: Was really fast
  4. [R35] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 5/5 · US QR code reader: It’s good because it read’s all the QR code’s and shows all nesseeryinformation
  5. [R1] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US This sucks!: Can’t get the damn thing to work!!!!
  6. [R3] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 3/5 · US QR scan: It took me 4 Times to work.
  7. [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
  8. [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
  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. [R10] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Worthless: Doesn’t work. Can’t cancel “free membership”. Beware
  12. [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.
  13. [R20] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 2/5 · US One week free trial then cancel: Not worth the weekly price or the monthlyprice
  14. [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.
  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. [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. [R22] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Doesn’t work: I want cancel this crappy app.
  19. [R36] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Awful billing: Cancelled service but still getting notice of attempted drafts of my bank account
  20. [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.

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