Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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 55

QR Code Reader · (App B) is the better choice for users seeking a functional QR scanner, despite its own issues with ads and subscriptions, as QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App (App A) faces severe criticism for deceptive pricing and poor functionality.

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

Both apps, despite high lifetime ratings, are plagued by recent negative reviews primarily concerning aggressive monetization tactics and intrusive ads. App A is particularly criticized for deceptive subscription practices and often failing to scan, while App B, though also ad-heavy and pushing subscriptions, appears to offer more consistent scanning functionality.

Head to head

Features tieR7R8R13R21
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App Users praise App A for being fast and easy to use when it works, with some finding it makes tasks like logging into accounts easier R8R22. However, many report that it simply 'does not work' or 'would not scan' R7R13R21R39.
QR Code Reader · App B is described as a 'great app' and 'the best QR scanner' by some users, noting its speed and ability to scan instantly . It also offers features like creating QR codes . However, some users report it 'doesn’t scan anything' or 'rarely takes you to the site' .
Ease of Use tieR6R10R22R23
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App When functional, App A is considered 'easy' and 'effortless' to use, even for older users R6R22. However, the app's interface is often criticized for being cluttered with pop-ups and subscription prompts, making it difficult to use the core scanning function R10R23R53.
QR Code Reader · App B is generally seen as 'easy' and 'convenient' to use . Some users highlight its 'clean interface' and 'instant' scanning . Conversely, some find it 'too confusing' or difficult for elderly users .
Reliability edge: QR Code Reader ·R7R13R21R23
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App A's reliability is highly questionable, with numerous reports of it failing to scan, saying 'item not found,' or simply 'does not work' R7R13R21R39. Users also report issues with constant ads and pop-ups hindering functionality R23R53R59.
QR Code Reader · App B generally appears more reliable for scanning, with users praising its speed and consistency . However, some users report crashes , failure to scan , or not taking them to the correct digital place . There are also concerning reports of the app being 'hacked' or bringing up 'porn' .
Price/Value tieR1R4R10R15
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App A is overwhelmingly criticized for its pricing, with users reporting charges of $15 a month, $3.99 a week, or $10.66 a month after a short free trial R1R4R10R17. Many feel this is a 'rip off' and 'scam' for an app used infrequently, with charges often occurring without clear consent R15R19R37.
QR Code Reader · App B also faces significant backlash for its pricing, with users complaining about demands for purchase, $9.99/month subscriptions, and automatic charges after a 3-day free trial . Many users find the cost exorbitant for a simple QR reader and feel misled by the 'free' advertising .
Support tieR17R19R37R99
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App Users of App A report difficulty getting refunds for unwanted subscriptions, with Apple reportedly denying eligibility for refunds R17R19. There are also claims of 'bad business practice' regarding charges without knowledge R37.
QR Code Reader · Users of App B also struggle with refunds, with one user stating there was 'no option to cancel' after a free trial and Apple support being unhelpful R99. This suggests a lack of effective support for billing issues.
Pick QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App if

You are willing to risk encountering significant subscription issues and intrusive ads for the chance of a very fast scanning experience, and you are diligent about managing app subscriptions .

Pick QR Code Reader · if

You need a QR code reader that is generally functional and offers features like QR code creation, and you are prepared to deal with ads or pay for a subscription to remove them .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of reviews that appear to be unrelated to QR code scanning, often discussing restaurants, retail experiences, or random phrases. These reviews were excluded from the analysis as they do not provide relevant information about the app's performance. The analysis focuses on reviews directly addressing the app's functionality, pricing, and user experience with QR scanning.

Frequently asked

Are these QR code reader apps truly free?
Neither app is truly free; both offer a short free trial (typically 3 days) before automatically charging a recurring subscription fee, which can be as high as $15 a month for App A or $9.99 a month for App B R1R10.
Do these apps have a lot of ads?
Yes, both apps are heavily criticized for intrusive ads and pop-ups, with users reporting 'multiple pop-up ads' and ads appearing 'every second' or blocking usage R10R23R53R59.
Do these apps actually scan QR codes reliably?
App A has numerous reports of failing to scan or saying 'item not found' R7R13R39R41, while App B generally appears more reliable for scanning instantly , though some users still report it 'doesn’t scan' or 'rarely takes you to the site' .

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. [R7] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Horrible does not work: Horrible does not work
  2. [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!
  3. [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
  4. [R21] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Reader Master: Wouldn’t work
  5. [R6] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 3/5 · GB Authenticate app: Seems easy to use
  6. [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.
  7. [R22] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US Easy: One step and it’s done.
  8. [R23] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Bad: After update too many commercials, you can’t even use it. Every time something pops out on the screen, you exit something else pops out. Very frustrating.
  9. [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.
  10. [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.
  11. [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
  12. [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
  13. [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
  14. [R37] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Be Very Careful. Bad business practice: I used this ONCE to scan a coupon. Never got the Normal Apple box that confirms a subscription. I just happened to look at another subscription & I was charged for $19.99 for a scanner when I used them once in a blue moon. I would have NEVER confirmed this. Bad business practice when they charge ppl without their knowledge!! Not happy at all!!
  15. [R99] QR Code Reader · 1/5 · US No option to cancel: The advertisement says 3 days free trial but after I downloaded this app there was no option to cancel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  16. [R53] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · GB Too Many Traps To Charge You Money: As in title just too many traps and pop ups to get you to take an expensive paid subscription or different paid for apps. Works OK but I just couldn’t it quickly enough!
  17. [R59] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · GB Shocking: Adverts adverts adverts
  18. [R39] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Does not work: I tried it for free 3 free day trial and tried the app to scan a barcode and I couldn’t get it to take a picture so I deleted the app after trying to scan the barcode for fifteen minutes.
  19. [R41] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Would not scan the QR code: Downloaded the free trial app & it would not scan the QR code.

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