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

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App vs QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 4.7★ · Free to download 45
Winner QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner 4.7★ · Free + IAP 40

Both QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App (App A) and QR Code Reader, Barcode Scanner (App B) suffer from significant user complaints regarding unexpected subscriptions and aggressive monetization, making it difficult to recommend either, but App A has a slight edge in reported scanning functionality when it works.

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

Both App A and App B are QR code scanner apps that have faced strong backlash from users due to unexpected charges and aggressive subscription models, despite being advertised as free. While some users praise the scanning speed and ease of use for App A, many others report it failing to scan or charging them without consent. App B also has numerous complaints about hidden subscriptions and excessive ads, with some users reporting it doesn't work at all.

Head to head

Features and Functionality edge: QR Code Reader/QR Scanner AppR7R8R13R14
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App Users who successfully use App A report it is fast and easy to use for scanning QR codes R8R14R22. Some users specifically mention it works instantly without loading . However, a significant number of users report that the app simply 'does not work' or 'would not scan' codes R7R13R21.
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner App B users report that the barcode function works for some , and some find it very useful . However, many others state it 'does not work' or 'won't scan' . One user noted it takes 'quite a while to actually scan the barcode' .
Ease of Use edge: QR Code Reader/QR Scanner AppR6R10R22R23
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App Many users find App A easy to use, describing it as 'effortless' and 'one step and it’s done' R6R22. However, some find it difficult due to constant pop-ups and attempts to sell subscriptions, which interfere with usage R10R23R27R53.
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner While some users find App B useful , the overall ease of use is severely hampered by 'too many ads' and 'popups' . Users also complain about paywalls blocking basic functionality, making it not user-friendly .
Reliability and Stability tieR7R13R14R21
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App A's reliability is highly inconsistent. Some users report it working perfectly on the first try R14, while many others experience it 'not working' at all, even after paying for a subscription R7R13R21. There are also complaints about it taking too long to load .
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner App B also shows inconsistent reliability, with some users saying it works well but others reporting it 'does not work' or 'won't scan' . One user noted it 'got worse' after an update .
Price/Value and Monetization tieR1R4R10R12
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App A is heavily criticized for its pricing model. Users report being charged $15 a month R1, $3.99 a week R4, or $10.66 a month R17 for an app they use infrequently. Many feel it's a 'scam' due to unexpected charges, hidden subscriptions, and aggressive pop-ups for paid versions, even when trying to use a 'free' option R10R12R17. There are also reports of charges without consent or difficulty getting refunds R17.
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner App B faces similar, if not more severe, criticism for its monetization. Users report being charged $9.99 weekly for over two years R64, $10 a week , or £7.99 a week without their knowledge or consent. Many describe it as a 'scam' or 'bait and switch' due to immediate attempts to sell subscriptions and paywalls for basic features . Users also complain about 'too many ads' and pop-ups that make the app unusable without paying .
Pick QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App if

You are willing to navigate aggressive subscription prompts and hope to get a fast, functional scanner, as some users report positive experiences with its scanning speed .

Pick QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner if

You are looking for a basic barcode scanner and are prepared to encounter numerous ads and subscription prompts, as some users report the barcode function works .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of reviews that appear to be unrelated to the app's core function (e.g., restaurant reviews, unrelated personal comments), making it challenging to extract relevant feedback. The high lifetime ratings for both apps are heavily contradicted by recent negative reviews, particularly concerning monetization practices. The 'free' nature of both apps is misleading, as many users report immediate and aggressive attempts to charge for subscriptions or excessive ads.

Frequently asked

Are these QR scanner apps truly free to use?
No, despite being listed as free to download, both apps aggressively push paid subscriptions, with users reporting charges of $15 a month, $3.99 a week, or $10.66 a month for App A, and $9.99 weekly or £7.99 a week for App B, often without clear consent R1R4R17R64.
Do these apps work reliably for scanning QR codes?
The reliability is mixed; while some users report App A works instantly and easily R14, many others state both App A and App B frequently 'do not work' or 'would not scan' codes R7R13R21.
Are there many ads or pop-ups in these apps?
Yes, both apps are heavily criticized for excessive ads and pop-ups that interfere with usage and aggressively push paid subscriptions R10R23R27R53.

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. [R14] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US It actually worked first time: It actually worked first time.
  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. [R21] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Reader Master: Wouldn’t work
  10. [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.
  11. [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.
  12. [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.
  13. [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
  14. [R64] QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner 1/5 · US scam people scam app: stealing $9.99 weekly for over 2-years. AND Apple only refunded me last 2 months. I am suing APPLE
  15. [R27] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · US Absolute Sham: Requires you to opt-in to an add-free subscription after explaining you don’t have to pay for the add-free version. The app opens with a screen that has two buttons: 1 button says Continue with free version and 1 button says View Plans. When you click on either button your iPhone opens the bottom-of-the-screen security dialogue box and it advises you to Double click your side versio
  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!

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