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

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

QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 4.7★ · Free to download 45
Winner QR Reader for iPhone
QR Reader for iPhone 4.7★ · Free + IAP 60

QR Reader for iPhone is the better choice due to its slightly more reliable scanning functionality and significantly fewer complaints about deceptive pricing and aggressive monetization compared to QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App.

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

While both apps claim to be free, QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App faces widespread criticism for deceptive subscription practices and intrusive ads, often failing to scan even after payment. QR Reader for iPhone also has some complaints about unexpected charges, but its core scanning functionality appears more consistent.

Head to head

Features tieR7R8R13R21
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App Users praise QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App for its speed and ease of use when it works, with some noting it makes tasks like logging into accounts easier R8R22R34. However, there are also reports of the app not working at all or failing to scan barcodes R7R13R21R39.
QR Reader for iPhone QR Reader for iPhone is generally described as helpful for scanning and getting information . However, some users report that it only works occasionally, doesn't scan, or crashes when trying to generate QR codes .
Ease of Use tieR6R22R23R26
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App When functioning correctly, QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App is described as easy to use, effortless, and fast R6R22R26R34. However, some users find it frustrating due to constant pop-ups and difficulty navigating the app R23R53.
QR Reader for iPhone Users appreciate QR Reader for iPhone for its straightforward scanning . Conversely, some find it too hard to use, counter-intuitive, or report that it freezes and disappears in the middle of use .
Reliability tieR7R13R14R16
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App receives mixed reviews on reliability. Many users state it 'actually worked first time' and is 'very satisfied' R14R16. However, a significant number report that it 'does not work' or is 'horrible' R7R13R21R39.
QR Reader for iPhone QR Reader for iPhone has users who say it 'gets the job done' and 'usually works fine' . However, there are also reports of it only working 'once in a while', not scanning, or being 'glitchy' .
Price/Value edge: QR Reader for iPhoneR1R4R10R15
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App is heavily criticized for its pricing model. Users complain about it being 'too expensive' at $15 a month or $3.99 a week for an app used infrequently R1R4. Many feel it's a 'scam' due to unexpected charges after a short free trial, or being charged without consent R10R15R17R19. The app is also plagued by 'too many commercials' and 'pop-up ads' even in the free version R10R23R53R59.
QR Reader for iPhone QR Reader for iPhone also faces complaints about unexpected charges and subscriptions. Users report being billed $241 or $21.60 weekly after a free trial, even after canceling R81. Many express frustration that a basic QR reader requires a 'cost and subscription' .
Support tieR17R19R81
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App There is no direct feedback on customer support for QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App. However, users mention issues with refunds being denied R17 and Apple stating they are 'not eligible for refund' after being charged R19.
QR Reader for iPhone There is no direct feedback on customer support for QR Reader for iPhone. One user encourages others to reach out to Apple for refunds if scammed, indicating a lack of direct app support R81.
Pick QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App if

You prioritize a potentially very fast scanner when it works, and are willing to navigate aggressive monetization attempts or pay for a subscription R8R22R34.

Pick QR Reader for iPhone if

You are looking for a QR reader that is generally more reliable in its core scanning function and has fewer, though still present, complaints about deceptive pricing . You are also prepared to scrutinize any subscription prompts carefully R81.

Evidence note: Many reviews for both apps are irrelevant, appearing to be reviews for unrelated businesses or services, which makes it challenging to draw comprehensive conclusions on all dimensions. The pricing and subscription issues are a dominant theme for both, but significantly more pronounced and negatively skewed for App A.

Frequently asked

Are these QR scanner apps truly free?
No, despite being listed as free to download, both apps have significant complaints about unexpected charges and mandatory subscriptions after short free trials. QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App charges up to $15 a month or $3.99 a week R1R4, while QR Reader for iPhone has reports of weekly charges of $9.99 or even a one-time charge of $241 .
Do these apps work reliably?
Reliability is mixed for both apps; QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App is praised for being fast when it works, but many users report it 'does not work' or fails to scan R14R34R7R39. QR Reader for iPhone also has users stating it 'gets the job done' and 'usually works fine', but others report it 'works once in a while' or 'doesn't scan' .
Are there many ads in these apps?
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App has numerous complaints about 'MULTIPLE pop-up ads' and 'too many commercials' that make it difficult to use, even before attempting to charge for an ad-free version R10R23R53R59. Reviews for QR Reader for iPhone do not specifically mention ads, focusing more on unexpected subscription 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. [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. [R22] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US Easy: One step and it’s done.
  7. [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.
  8. [R26] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US Retired: Using app is effortless. Well done.
  9. [R14] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US It actually worked first time: It actually worked first time.
  10. [R16] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US Great app: Great app
  11. [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.
  12. [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.
  13. [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.
  14. [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
  15. [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
  16. [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
  17. [R81] QR Reader for iPhone 1/5 · US RIP OFF: I downloaded this app for the free trial. I canceled 2 days before end of trial but they charged me for the full month anyway. I loathe scams like that. I have proof I canceled before the trial was over. I encourage everyone who’s been scammed to reach out to Apple for a refund. I did & just received mine
  18. [R34] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 5/5 · US this thing is lowkey addicting: ok so i was literally just messing around w my phone at lunch and my friend was like scan this and shoved a qr code on his water bottle at me 😭😭 i didnt even have a scanner so i grabbed this one real quick and BRUH it was so fast like i pointed my camera and it just *knew* instantly what it was??? no loading no spinning wheel no nothing it just went BAM heres the li
  19. [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.
  20. [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!
  21. [R59] QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App 1/5 · GB Shocking: Adverts adverts adverts

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