Top QR Code Scanner Apps (For iPhone and Android)
QR codes are everywhere, from restaurant menus to concert tickets. However, you need a QR code scanner to access the information encoded in these QR codes.
The scanner apps easily direct you from black-and-white squares to websites, social media profiles, or even hidden discounts.
We bring you this guide that lists the top QR code scanner apps for iPhone and Android.
What is a QR code scanner?
A QR code scanner can read QR codes from print materials and digital devices. They are built into the camera app of some smartphones, but for ease of scanning and improved functionality, you can also download a dedicated QR code scanner app.
The scanner uses your device’s camera to capture the QR code image. Then, it decodes the pattern of black and white squares to showcase the information linked to the QR code, which could be a URL, text, images, or video.
Top QR code scanner apps for iPhone and Android
1- QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play
Available on: Google Play Store
Average rating: 4.6
Number of downloads: 500M+
Price: Free
QR & Barcode Scanner app by Gamma Play is a free QR code scanner for Android that lets you scan QR codes and barcodes with your phone’s camera. It can decode various QR code formats, including text, URLs, and contact details. The app has automatic scanning, so you don’t need to fiddle with buttons or adjust zoom.
| Pros | Cons |
| Prioritizes user privacy by only accessing the camera for scanning without any added permissionsBacks up scan history to revisit past scansWorks well with both mobile phone and tablet | Displays ads Some users report that frequent scanning drains battery lifeData, once uploaded on the app, cannot be deleted |
2- QR code reader & QR code Scanner by Tahoe Digital LTD
Available on: Google Play Store
Average rating: 4.2
Number of downloads: 1M+
Price: Free. Paid versions starting from $3.49
The QR code reader & QR code Scanner offers a free plan to scan QR codes easily. It also has a paid version that unlocks additional features like ad removal, premium scanning speeds, and advanced QR code formats.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Scans QR codes from both camera and camera rollHas additional security features like scan history deletionWorks well with both mobile phone and tablet | Credit card details required to use the free version Some users have reported being charged automatically for the paid versionThe free version has ads | |
3- QR Code & Barcode Scanner by TeaCapps
Available on: Google Play Store and Apple App Store
Average rating: 4.4 on Google Play Store and 4.7 on Apple App Store
Number of downloads: 50M+
Price: Free. Paid versions starting from $3.99
QR Code & Barcode Scanner by TeaCapps is a free QR scanner app that scans all types of QR codes. It also has a paid version starting at $3.99, which provides users access to unlimited scan history. Users can also scan large amounts of QR codes at once.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons | |
| Ability to scan QR codes saved in the camera rollDoes not require credit card details to sign upRecognizes even damaged QR codes | Asks for full tracking permissions like location and data across appsDisplays ads Only works with iOS 12.0 and above | |
4- QR Code & Barcode Scanner by GY Company
Available on: Apple App Store
Average rating: 4.2
Number of downloads: NA
Price: Free. Paid plans start from $1.19
The QR code scanner by GY Company is a free iPhone app that supports various code types, such as UPC-E, EAN 13, Aztec, and more. The app has a dark mode that ensures easy scanning even in low-light conditions.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Supports multiple languages like English, Chinese, and moreThe dark mode comes with an in-built flashlightBacks up scan history to revisit past scans | Includes identifiers to track data across your apps The free version displays ads Only works with iOS 14.0 and above | |
5- QR Code & Barcode Scanner by QR Easy
Available on: Google Play Store
Average rating: 4.5
Number of downloads: 10M+
Price: Free
The QR Code & Barcode Scanner by QR Easy can scan barcodes and QR codes from your camera. The app also saves a history of scanned codes for easy reference. You can also delete previously scanned codes if needed.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Scans QR codes directly through the cameraCan operate the phone’s flashlight from within the appResponsive support | Sends unnecessary notifications at timesDoesn’t scan if the QR code is too nearUnable to scan existing QR codes saved as images | |
6- QR code reader & scanner by TOH Talent Team
Available on: Google Play Store
Average rating: 4.1
Number of downloads: 1M+
Price: Free
The QR Code Reader by TOH scans and interprets various QR code types, such as text, URLs, ISBNs, contacts, calendars, emails, locations, and Wi-Fi. It operates with minimal user input and button-less scanning. The scanner can also automatically adjust the zoom, enabling scans from any distance.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Works well with both mobile phone and tablet Shows QR scan historyDoesn’t collect any additional user data | Usually unable to scan QR codes that redirect users to booksCannot scan QR codes stored in the camera rollDisplays ads | |
7- QR Code Reader by TinyLab
Available on: Apple App Store
Average rating: 4.7
Number of downloads: 400k+
Price: Free. Paid plans start from $2.99
The free QR code scanner for iOS supports 15+ types of QR codes. It also includes add-on features like scan history, batch scan, and folders for organizing different QR codes. The paid plans start at $2.99 and let you scan unlimited times.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons | |
| Multilingual and supports over 20 languages Folders make it easy to organize scanned codesThe support team is proactive | Paid plans are expensive compared to othersSome users report auto-renews and difficulty in canceling subscriptionFree plan has scan limits and ads | |
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