Head-to-head

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App vs QR Code Reader

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 4.7★ · Free to download 30

Winner QR Code Reader

QR Code Reader 4.7★ · Free + IAP 85

QR Code Reader (App B) is the clear winner due to its consistent free functionality and reliable scanning, while QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App (App A) is plagued by aggressive monetization tactics and reports of non-functionality.

Full reviews: QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App · QR Code Reader

QR Code Reader (App B) is generally praised for being a fast, reliable, and genuinely free QR code scanner ^R62^R89^R95. In contrast, QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App (App A) has recently shifted to a subscription model, leading to widespread user frustration over unexpected charges, intrusive ads, and the app often failing to work ^R1^R4^R10^R13.

Head to head

Features edge: QR Code Reader^R7^R8^R13^R14

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App Users of App A occasionally praise its speed and ease of use when it works ^R8^R14. However, many recent reviews indicate the app either doesn't scan at all or fails to work after payment ^R7^R13^R21^R25.

QR Code Reader App B users consistently report that it works reliably, is super fast, and accurately identifies QR codes ^R62. Some users also appreciate its internal browser and ability to scan barcodes .

Ease of Use edge: QR Code Reader^R6^R10^R12^R15

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App When App A functions, some users find it effortless and easy to use ^R6. However, many users are frustrated by constant pop-up ads and confusing prompts to subscribe, which hinder usability ^R10^R12^R15.

QR Code Reader App B is widely praised for its simplicity, intuitive design, and ease of use ^R62. Users appreciate that it just works without complications ^R89.

Reliability edge: QR Code Reader^R7^R13^R21^R25

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App A has numerous reports of not working at all, failing to scan, or displaying an 'item not found' error even after paying ^R7^R13^R21^R25. Users also report issues with loading times .

QR Code Reader App B is consistently described as reliable and always working ^R62^R92. One user noted it worked well for a while but then stopped, which seems to be an outlier .

Price/Value edge: QR Code Reader^R1^R4^R10^R17

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App A is heavily criticized for its pricing model, with users reporting charges of $15 a month, $3.99 a week, or $10.66 a month, often after a short free trial or without clear consent ^R1^R4^R10^R17. Many feel it's a rip-off for an app used infrequently ^R1^R4.

QR Code Reader App B is widely praised for being free, with users explicitly stating it works for free and does not require subscriptions ^R62^R89^R92^R95. This is a significant value proposition for its users.

Support tie^R15^R17^R19^R35

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App A has negative reports regarding support, with users being denied refunds for unwanted subscriptions ^R17^R19. There are also claims of the app being a scam or crime ring ^R15^R35.

QR Code Reader There are no direct reviews about App B's customer support. However, one user praised the 'awesome support' they received from a manager named Oliver, though this review seems to be about a different service entirely . Another review mentions 'low pressure sales and just plain friendliness' at a dealership, also unrelated .

Pick QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App if

You are willing to pay a high subscription fee for a QR scanner, despite many users reporting it doesn't work or charges them unexpectedly ^R1^R13.

Pick QR Code Reader if

You want a genuinely free, fast, and reliable QR code scanner that consistently works without intrusive ads or subscription pressures ^R62^R89^R95.

Evidence note: Many reviews for both apps appear to be unrelated to QR code scanning, often describing experiences with restaurants, services, or other businesses. These reviews were excluded from the analysis where their irrelevance was clear. The 'Support' dimension for App B is based on irrelevant reviews, indicating a lack of direct user feedback on actual app support.

Frequently asked

Is QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App (App A) truly free?

No, despite being listed as 'Free to download,' QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App (App A) aggressively pushes paid subscriptions, with users reporting charges ranging from $3.99 a week to $15 a month, often after a short free trial or without clear consent ^R1^R4^R10^R17.

Does QR Code Reader (App B) have ads or subscriptions?

Users of QR Code Reader (App B) consistently report that it is free to use, works without ads, and does not require subscriptions ^R62^R89^R92^R95.

Which app is more reliable for scanning QR codes?

QR Code Reader (App B) is significantly more reliable, with users frequently praising its consistent functionality and speed ^R62^R92, whereas QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App (App A) has numerous reports of failing to scan or not working at all ^R7^R13^R21^R25.

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.

[R7] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Horrible does not work: Horrible does not work
[R8] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US QR code Scanner: Makes lightning into accounts very much easier than having to type out my email and password over and over. Highly recommend!
[R13] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Does not work: Paid for subscription just for it to say item not found. This is a scam
[R14] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US It actually worked first time: It actually worked first time.
[R6] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 3/5 · GB Authenticate app: Seems easy to use
[R10] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Only 3-day free trial: Only 3-day free trial until you’re automatically charged every month. The MULTIPLE pop-up ads for paid version (3 in a row!) was last straw. Awful.
[R12] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 3/5 · GB Still tries to sell: No mention of ‘in-app purchases’ but as soon as it opens offered the option to buy on monthly basis.
[R15] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Disappointing: I’m not falling for a scam. “Continue for free but also subscribe? Shady ahh app. It’s disgusting
[R21] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Reader Master: Wouldn’t work
[R25] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Owner: Scan works (Useless)Take it off my phone!!!!!!!
[R1] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Too expensive: $15 a month for an app that I might use 5 times a year. I’ll do without a QR scanner before I pay that much. I deleted my app.
[R4] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Not free: Was a good app when it was free. Not paying $3.99 a week for an app you use 5 times a year.
[R17] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Refund denied: I haven’t used the scanner for a couple years and the last time I used it it was free and then when I recently used it, they enrolled me in a weekly fee of $10.66 a month They supposedly now canceled but will not return the two weeks they charge me for
[R19] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Rip off: Was charged for ad-free and didn’t sign for it. Apple said, “not eligible for refund”. Be careful
[R35] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US SPAM. SCAM. BOTS. HACKERS!!: this is an absolute crime ring. be careful with your CC and your money. block them! delete them! report them! it is a hoax !!
[R62] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Awesome QR code Reader: Awesome QR code reader, always works, simple and free!!
[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.
[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!
[R95] QR Code Reader 5/5 · US Works very well!!! For free!!!: I really have enjoyed using this app.

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