People's rating

Best qr & barcode scanners apps

Top 30 by 5,054 real reviews. We scored the product itself, not the storefront star that gets gamed.

30apps

5,054reviews read

19with a gamed star

How we score

We read up to 500 real reviews per app and rate the product itself. We look at accuracy, depth and original writing versus generic AI filler. Price and bug complaints we ignore as noise. Star authenticity compares the storefront rating with what people actually write.

1
Qrafter: QR Code Reader
4.6★ storeGenuine3,953 ratings62/100 people's
One of the few scanners that genuinely lets you create QR codes for multiple data types: contacts, WiFi networks, calendar events, and plain text. It works reliably and handles codes from different countries. One historical low point: a monetization switch that invalidated lifetime purchases users had already paid for. Ads that appear between a scan result and the link you are about to open are a real annoyance.
Strong
Wide range of QR code generation types. Scan history is saved. Reliable support for codes from different countries and formats.
Weak
Ads are injected between the scan result and the link tap, and sometimes look like the destination page itself. Calendar event generation does not let you set a specific date and time. WiFi QR requires a minimum password length. Lifetime purchases were once revoked after an app update.
For
Someone who needs to generate several types of QR codes and keep a scan history, and who is willing to put up with ads or pay to remove them.
2
Free QR Code Reader simply to scan a QR Code
4.4★ storeGenuine1,996 ratings58/100 people's
One of the rare free QR scanners with no forced subscription, and that is the main reason users stay loyal. It scans fast, opens links without intermediate screens, and has worked reliably for years according to long-term users. Weak spots: localization breaks under non-standard regional device settings, and older iPads behave unpredictably. Ads are present but not in an aggressive loop.
Strong
Genuinely free with no subscription and no hidden conditions. Instant redirect after scanning. Works on menus, tickets, and documents. Stable across years of use.
Weak
Interface language does not switch when the phone has a non-standard regional setting. Date input field bug on iPad. No way to open an App Store link directly from a scan result.
For
Someone who needs a reliable everyday QR scanner for menus, tickets, documents, and links, without hitting a paywall.
3
Barcode Scanner - Price Finder
4.9★ storeDoubtful4,346 ratings46/100 people's
Focused on price lookup: scan a barcode and it immediately offers to search Google or Amazon. That is a real use case for in-store shopping. Weak point: the product database is incomplete and many codes return no match. The app explicitly collects scan history, which is a real risk if you scan personal documents like a driver's license or passport.
Strong
Goes straight to an Amazon price search right after scanning. Scan history is saved for reuse.
Weak
Product database is incomplete. Based on reviews, the real hit rate is around 10-20%. PDF417 (driver's license barcode) can be read, but data may be collected per the privacy policy. No name-based search, only by code.
For
A shopper who wants to quickly check a price on Amazon without leaving the shelf.
4
Scan QR Code Now
4.6★ storeDoubtful11,188 ratings44/100 people's
The few relevant reviews suggest the app handles basic scanning fine. Complaints center on subscription pricing that goes as high as $520 per year according to one reviewer, not on scanning quality itself.
Strong
Does what it says quickly: scans codes without extra steps.
Weak
Subscription price is out of proportion with functionality that free alternatives provide.
For
Someone who only needs basic scanning and is willing to review the pricing model before installing.
5
QR Code Generator - MQRG
4.6★ storeDoubtful3,483 ratings44/100 people's
Positioned as a QR code generator with extended types. The real problem: the free tier offers almost no useful functionality, and everything interesting is behind a subscription. Templates do not persist between sessions. In the free version the generated QR code carries a purple watermark that interferes with scanning by other apps. User data is sold to third parties per the privacy policy.
Strong
Wide selection of QR code types for generation. Multi-link QR lets you direct different users to different URLs.
Weak
Templates do not save, forcing you to re-enter data every time. You can only export a finished code once. The watermark on free codes blocks other apps from reading them. User data is sold to third parties.
For
A small business owner or designer who needs dynamic QR codes with click analytics and multiple destination types.
6
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ・
4.6★ storeDoubtful93,108 ratings42/100 people's
Basic scanning works, history is stored, and URL links open directly. Code generation exists but is almost entirely behind a paywall. The developer has not shipped an update in two years, which is a compatibility risk for newer iOS versions.
Strong
Scan without extra screens: read a code, get a link, tap it.
Weak
Code generator is locked behind the paid version. The free tool set comes down to a single action.
For
Users who only need scanning and have no interest in generation.
7
Barcode Scanner - QR Scanner
4.5★ storeGamed41,945 ratings40/100 people's
Technically fast and accurate: reads old and damaged barcodes. QR generation is included. One real problem: the freemium barrier kicks in after literally a few scans, making the free version non-functional.
Strong
Reads old and damaged barcodes where other apps give up.
Weak
The free version is essentially a demo: a handful of scans, then a hard paywall with no way around it.
For
Users who are willing to pay for a stable, accurate scanner without ads.
8
QR Code Reader/QR Scanner App
4.7★ storeGamed139,983 ratings38/100 people's
The in-app review prompt forces a five-star rating, which is direct manipulation. Basic scanning works, but the flow has regressed after updates. Monetization is aggressive with stacked popups.
Strong
Simple QR-based login instead of typing a username and password.
Weak
After an update, the automatic redirect after scanning was removed. You now need a manual step, which is annoying during repeated use.
For
Users who need basic scanning for account logins and do not mind dealing with popups.
9
QR Pro - QR Code Scanner
4.5★ storeDoubtful27,192 ratings38/100 people's
The app shows you the code content before you follow a link, which is a genuine plus. But batch scanning was removed in updates, and the scanner now grabs the first code in frame without waiting for you to aim. The functional minimum works, but the app degrades with each update.
Strong
Preview of link content before following it. Users appreciate the ability to decide where they are going.
Weak
Batch scanning mode was removed. Every scan now opens a separate screen. The scanner does not wait for you to aim and immediately captures the first code in view.
For
Someone who wants to see a URL before tapping it and does not work with a stream of codes.
10
QR Code Reader + QR Scanner
4.4★ storeDoubtful6,755 ratings38/100 people's
A basic QR and barcode scanner with no notable advantages. The only workable scenario is a one-off scan, after which the app prompts for a rating. The scan result is displayed as static text with no way to open the link or copy it. Users who paid to remove ads still see them.
Strong
Instant code reading in normal lighting conditions.
Weak
The scan result cannot be copied or opened as a link. The 'remove ads' purchase does not actually remove ads. No scan history, no batch mode for any kind of real use.
For
Someone who needs to read a code once and manually type out the URL.
11
QR Code Reader & Code Scanner
4.3★ storeDoubtful45,770 ratings36/100 people's
Scanning works and recognizes UPC codes without perfect framing, which is a real advantage. QR generation is present with useful types like contacts and URLs. But a wall of ads between scans turns every use into a test of patience.
Strong
Recognizes UPC codes without perfectly aligning the frame. Works well on the move and in low light.
Weak
A mandatory ad appears after every scan with no way to move to the next code without interruption.
For
Users who occasionally need to scan product barcodes while shopping.
12
QR Code Reader ·
4.7★ storeGamed668,710 ratings32/100 people's
Used to be fast. Performance degraded after monetization. Ads are embedded aggressively and cover action buttons. Basic QR scanning still works, but the interface is increasingly built around conversion rather than the task.
Strong
Historically fast auto-recognition of a code without extra taps.
Weak
After updates, scanning stopped being automatic. A manual submit is now required, breaking the familiar flow.
For
Users who need one quick scan every few months and do not mind putting up with ads.
13
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone
4.6★ storeGamed49,555 ratings31/100 people's
The App Store rating is completely disconnected from real user experience. A textAvg of 1.72 speaks for itself. What is real: scanning works, generation is included, history is saved. But the UX is primitive, support is absent, and the interface has not been updated.
Strong
Works without a mandatory trial and without forcing a purchase for basic scanning.
Weak
Deleted codes cannot be recovered. There is no backup or trash folder.
For
Older users who need the simplest possible scan with no extra features.
14
QR Reader for mobile
4.6★ storeDoubtful9,771 ratings31/100 people's
Based on the few on-topic reviews: the app can scan barcodes, but the interface is confusing. Users report difficulty canceling a trial and being charged after deleting the app.
Strong
Basic scanning works. One user noted a successful first barcode scan.
Weak
Interface causes confusion. The subscription mechanic is opaque. Hard to figure out without instructions.
For
Hard to recommend. Too little data on real scanning experience.
15
Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader
4.5★ storeGamed2,102 ratings31/100 people's
The app gates basic features behind a paywall and, based on several reviews, asks for a high rating as a condition of access. Users who made it past that barrier note the scanning speed and support for multiple code types. Price comparison via Amazon and eBay leads to a generic search result rather than the specific product. History is saved with a photo.
Strong
Saves a scan with a photo of the product. Supports multiple code types. Fast camera response. Works as an inventory tool.
Weak
Forcing a rating as a condition of feature access is manipulation of the App Store review system. Amazon price lookup leads to a generic search, not the specific product. Part of the interface appears in Chinese with no language option.
For
Someone who needs photo-based inventory with export capability, if they can get through the monetization barriers.
16
QR Code Reader，Barcode Scanner
4.7★ storeGamed68,851 ratings29/100 people's
Aggressive monetization with deliberately hidden ad controls. Basic barcode scanning works per reviews, QR is unreliable. A predatory billing pattern is confirmed.
Strong
Barcode scanning works reliably even in the basic mode.
Weak
The ad close button is intentionally colored to match the background image, a dark pattern.
For
Not recommended for anyone.
17
QR Code Generator, QR Template
4.8★ storeGamed17,181 ratings29/100 people's
A QR code generator with a template library. Basic generation works, but most interesting options like a logo inside the code, dynamic links, and cloud upload are locked behind a paid subscription. Support does not respond to emails.
Strong
Quickly creates a simple QR code from a link or text with no extra steps.
Weak
After paying for a subscription, some features remain inaccessible or break. Support goes silent for weeks.
For
Someone who needs a one-time static QR code with no branding. The free version is enough for that.
18
QR Reader for iPhone
4.7★ storeGamed1,419,060 ratings28/100 people's
The app exists, but its rating was not built by its actual users. From the real signals: basic scanning works, history is present, but aggressive subscription prompts push people away. The product's reliability cannot be meaningfully assessed from the available data.
Strong
Long-term users note stable basic scanning without degradation over time.
Weak
No transparency when a trial ends. Users do not understand when the paid subscription started.
For
Not recommended for almost anyone, due to opaque billing and a contaminated review base.
19
QR Code Scanner · Barcode
4.4★ storeDoubtful2,597 ratings28/100 people's
The app works inconsistently and is aggressively monetized through ads. Users report camera aiming errors, inability to create custom QR codes (only from a fixed template list), and a limit of one free generation. Ad load is extreme, reportedly more than 12 impressions in two minutes per one tester. Basic QR scanning sometimes works but is unreliable.
Strong
Opens links quickly when a scan succeeds. Includes a manual barcode entry option.
Weak
Camera does not always lock onto the target code. Code generation is limited to templates with no custom content. An ad appears after every action. Push notifications arrive even when the app is not in use.
For
Hard to identify a target user. Too many barriers for basic use. Users leave quickly for alternatives.
20
QR Code Reader: Quick Scan
4.7★ storeGamed158,741 ratings22/100 people's
High probability of paid fake reviews plus a confirmed phishing case via in-app advertising. This product is dangerous.
Strong
Built-in browser and the ability to choose which external app opens a link.
Weak
An ad disguises itself as a UI button and leads to phishing sites.
For
Not recommended for anyone.
21
QR Code Barcode Scanner & Read
4.3★ storeGamed3,494 ratings22/100 people's
The one confirmed use case is scanning a store barcode for a rough price estimate. Ads appear after every interaction: on open, on tab switch, before and after showing a result. Niche scenarios like scanning Nike shoe codes do not work. Price lookup returns no result for most items.
Strong
Basic barcode scanning in a store sometimes works for a quick price check.
Weak
Ads at every step make the interface nearly unusable without paying. Price database is incomplete, most scans return nothing. Push notifications include spam like 'Lisa wants you'.
For
Not applicable.
22
QR Code: Reader & Generator
4.5★ storeGamed12,665 ratings15/100 people's
The app does not let you reach the scanner without agreeing to a trial. Small QR codes under about a centimeter cannot be read. The subscription activates without explicit user confirmation, and users report unexpected charges.
Strong
When scanning does launch, users describe the process as fast and simple.
Weak
The subscription prompt appears before any action in the app. Small codes are not recognized.
For
Not recommended. Aggressive monetization blocks access to the basic function.
23
Qr-Code Scanner & Creator App
4.5★ storeGamed3,556 ratings15/100 people's
Almost no real functional content is visible in the reviews. From the few functional observations: the QR generation button sends you to a Google search instead of creating a code, and access to scanning is blocked without a subscription. The app locks the user out after the first free scan.
Strong
Not applicable. Insufficient data.
Weak
Requires a subscription to continue after the first use. The first scan can take several minutes and return nothing. The QR code creation feature opens a browser instead of generating a code inside the app.
For
Not applicable.
24
QR Code Reader＊Barcode Scanner
4.5★ storeGamed21,719 ratings12/100 people's
Basic scanning is unreliable. The app returns 'unknown' on most barcodes. Free access is limited to a few scans and then requires payment. Many irrelevant reviews in the corpus.
Strong
Quick setup and launch. Some users note everything worked on the first try.
Weak
Barcodes are recognized poorly or not at all. The free scan limit is not disclosed at install.
For
Practically no one. Too unreliable for regular use.
25
QR Code Scanner & AI Generator
4.6★ storeGamed6,188 ratings12/100 people's
Almost nothing can be said about how this app actually works. Honest, substantive reviews are nearly nonexistent. The few that exist say it is slow, it costs money, and an older version was better. AI QR code generation in the title is clearly the key marketing claim, but no reviews confirm any real value from it.
Strong
Not applicable. Insufficient data.
Weak
Not applicable. Insufficient data.
For
Not applicable. Insufficient data.
26
QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan
4.5★ storeGamed7,444 ratings10/100 people's
Everything is behind a paywall. Even basic barcode scanning requires a subscription. The app activates a trial silently and then charges $7.99 per week. Scanning QR codes from screenshots (the photo library) does not work without paying.
Strong
When the scanner does work, users say it reads codes quickly and accurately. One user found it useful at a salvage yard.
Weak
A subscription screen appears before any attempt to use the app. Scanning from an image is not available without payment.
For
Not recommended in its current state.
27
QR Code & Barcode Scanner app.
4.7★ storeGamed5,166 ratings8/100 people's
The app uses a dark subscription pattern: users do not realize a paid period has started, cannot find a cancel button inside the app, and keep getting charged after deleting it. Actual scanning is barely discussed in reviews. The problem is not the engine quality. Users leave before doing a single real scan.
Strong
Not applicable. Insufficient data.
Weak
Subscription activates implicitly through a three-day trial. Cancellation is not available in app settings, only through Apple ID. Charges continue after deletion.
For
Not applicable.
28
QR Code Reader, Scan Barcode
4.6★ storeGamed3,403 ratings6/100 people's
Based on real reviews, the app functions primarily as an ad delivery vehicle with a minimal scanner inside. Ads appear after every action: on open, on tab switch, before scanning, after the result. A dark subscription pattern is documented, with users reporting $7 per week charges without clear consent. Actual scanning either does not work or produces obvious results that the phone camera handles just as well.
Strong
Not applicable. Insufficient data.
Weak
Ads literally at every step. Dark pattern during trial activation. Scanner functionality does not exceed the iPhone's built-in camera.
For
Not applicable.
29
Scan QR Code.
4.7★ storeGamed15,666 ratings5/100 people's
Based on reviews, the app either does not scan at all or launches a hidden subscription immediately after installation. Actually testing the scanning is nearly impossible because a payment prompt fills the screen.
Strong
Nothing specific can be identified from real reviews.
Weak
A hidden subscription activates on first launch. Actual scanning does not work for most users.
For
Not recommended for anyone.
30
SkyBlueScan: QR Code Scanner
4.6★ storeGamed4,002 ratings5/100 people's
Based on review content, this app functions primarily as a subscription trap. Users write exclusively about being unable to unsubscribe, being charged without consent, and being billed after deleting the app. There are no real observations about scanning quality at all.
Strong
Not applicable. Insufficient data.
Weak
Subscription activates without any clear indication. No cancel button is found inside the app. Documented cases of $50 charges without pressing any confirmation button. App continues billing after deletion.
For
Not applicable.