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

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

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 4.7★ · Free to download 45
Winner QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 4.6★ · Free + IAP · ⚠ stale 35

Given the widespread complaints about deceptive pricing and non-functional scanning in both apps, it is difficult to recommend either, but App A has a slight edge in reported scanning success when it does work.

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

Both QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App (App A) and QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone (App B) face significant criticism regarding unexpected charges and non-functional scanning. App A has more positive mentions of successful and fast scanning, while App B struggles more with basic functionality and has complaints about false advertising.

Head to head

Features edge: QR Code Reader/QR Scanner AppR7R8R13R21
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App Users praise App A for its speed and ease of use when it works, simplifying tasks like logging into accounts R8R22. However, many users report that the app simply 'does not work' or fails to scan codes, even after paying for a subscription R7R13R21.
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App B is described as easy to use and effective by some users . Conversely, a substantial number of reviews indicate that App B 'doesn't work' or struggles to scan codes, sometimes requiring multiple attempts R70. There are also complaints about false advertising regarding the ability to create AI-generated or image-based QR codes .
Ease of Use edge: QR Code Reader/QR Scanner AppR6R10R14R22
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App When functional, App A is lauded for being 'effortless' and 'easy' to use, with some users noting it works 'first time' and is 'so fast' R6R14R22. However, others find it frustrating due to constant pop-up ads that interrupt usage R10.
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Some users find App B 'easy to use' and 'quick' . However, many users report difficulty getting the app to work, describing it as 'cumbersome' or having a 'difficult interface' R64. Frequent prompts to purchase products also interrupt the user experience .
Reliability tieR7R13R14R15
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App A's reliability is highly inconsistent. While some users report it 'actually worked first time' and is 'great' R14, a significant number state it 'does not work' or 'wouldn't work' at all, even after paying for a subscription R7R13R21. There are also reports of the app being a 'scam' or 'rip off' due to unexpected charges R15R19R37.
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App B also suffers from reliability issues, with many users stating it 'doesn't work' or failed to scan R70. Some users experienced it taking multiple attempts to scan . There are also numerous complaints about unauthorized charges and difficulty canceling subscriptions, leading users to label it a 'scam' R70.
Price/Value tieR1R4R10R12
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App App A is heavily criticized for its pricing model, with users complaining about unexpected monthly charges of $15 or $10.66, weekly charges of $3.99, or annual charges without explicit consent, especially after a short 3-day free trial R1R4R10R12. Many feel it's too expensive for an app used infrequently.
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone App B also faces significant backlash over its pricing, with users reporting unexpected charges for annual subscriptions (e.g., $41, $54) after a free trial, or weekly/monthly fees R70. Many users feel tricked into subscriptions and struggle to cancel them, leading to accusations of it being a 'scam' R70.
Support tieR17R19R37R64
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App There are multiple complaints about App A regarding denied refunds for unauthorized charges R17R19. Users express frustration over being charged without their knowledge and then being unable to get their money back R17R19R37.
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone Users of App B report difficulty contacting the developer from within the app or via the App Store link R64. There are also numerous complaints about failed attempts to cancel subscriptions and obtain refunds for unauthorized charges, with users stating they were 'never refunded but continued to charge' R70.
Pick QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App if

you are willing to navigate potential subscription traps for an app that, when it works, is described as fast and easy to use R14.

Pick QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone if

you are looking for a basic scanner and are prepared for potential issues with functionality and subscription management and are not concerned with advanced QR code creation features .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of reviews that appear to be unrelated to QR code scanning, often discussing restaurants, services, or random phrases. These were excluded from the analysis where possible. The high lifetime ratings for both apps are heavily contradicted by recent negative reviews focusing on deceptive pricing and non-functionality. The free-to-download model for both apps appears to be a source of friction, as many negative reviews stem from users being unexpectedly charged after a 'free trial' period.

Frequently asked

Are these QR scanner apps truly free?
No, despite being listed as 'Free to download' or 'Free + IAP', both apps have numerous complaints from users who were unexpectedly charged for subscriptions after a short free trial, with App A charging $15 a month or $3.99 a week, and App B charging up to $54 a year or other weekly/monthly fees R1R4R10R17.
Do these apps actually scan QR codes reliably?
Reliability is a major concern for both apps, with many users reporting that the apps 'do not work' or fail to scan QR codes, even after paying for a subscription R7R13R21, though some users of App A found it worked 'first time' and was 'so fast' R14.
Is it difficult to cancel subscriptions or get refunds for these apps?
Yes, many users of both apps report significant difficulty canceling subscriptions and obtaining refunds for unauthorized charges, with complaints of denied refunds and continued billing despite cancellation attempts R17R19R37R70.

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. [R14] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US It actually worked first time: It actually worked first time.
  8. [R22] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US Easy: One step and it’s done.
  9. [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
  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. [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
  15. [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!!
  16. [R64] 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
  17. [R70] QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone 1/5 · US Worthless: Doesn’t work. Can’t cancel “free membership”. Beware

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