The 5 Best QR Code Readers

Find out about the 5 best QR Code Readers.

QR Code readers are useful for scanning QR codes and accessing coded information. But, not all QR code readers are created equal. We’ve researched the best QR code readers and found the best to save you time and frustration. Here are the best QR code readers available:

  1. NeoReader QR and Barcode Scanner
  2. Bar-Code Reader
  3. Scan QR Code Reader
  4. QRStuff QR Reader
  5. Gamma Plan QR and Barcode Scanner

Recommended: Try TRUiC’s free QR code generator, it doesn’t require any personal information.

Best QR Code Reader Apps Compared

1. NeoReader QR and Barcode Scanner

The NeoReader QR Code Scanner is a mobile app providing a QR Code scanning service. The NeoReader QR Code Scanner is available for iOS and Android. The QR code scanner app uses the camera of a smartphone to scan and decode QR Codes.

NeoReader does one thing better than any other QR and Barcode Scanner: it reads them with the click of a button. Open the app, click one button, and you will be taken where you expect to go.

With NeoReader, you can scan: 

  • QR codes
  • Data matrices
  • Aztec codes
  • EAN
  • UPC
  • Code 128

NeoReader Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

  • NeoReader is very easy to use. With one single click, the user is directed to the dedicated webpage.
  • Made for Android and Apple devices.
  • NeoReader automatically identifies the type of barcode and scans it from any direction. 
  • Converts the barcode into a link that can be shared on social media or via email or text message. 
  • Users can also create and share their own QR Codes with custom messages and web addresses.
  • Designed to help you scan QR Codes with your camera. 
  • Records the codes that it scans in a library for future reference. 
  • Scan QR Codes with both the front and rear facing camera on your phone. 
  • Confirms the website address before visiting it (for safety reasons).
  • NeoReader has a free QR code generator accessible from their website.

Cons

  • Must create an account to access some features

NeoReader Main Features

  • NeoReader is simple to use (one click)
  • Gain access to a WiFi network or unlock a secure gate
  • Scan more than just QR codes (bar codes, EAN, etc.)
  • Compatible with Apple and Android devices

Average Rating

4.1 / 5 – Stars

NeoReader Pricing

Free

2. Bar-Code Reader

Developed by an Italian software company, Bar-Code Reader is a well regarded mobile app that reads QR codes. It is a free app that scans and reads any QR code. Bar-Code Reader can decode QR codes with a single tap and read them from digital devices as well as physical materials such as QR codes printed on train tickets, books, labels, and more.

With Bar-Code Reader, you can scan: 

  • QR codes

Bar-Code Reader Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

  • Made for Android and Apple devices.
  • App lets users share the scanned codes by email or save them to your smartphone.
  • Supports copy/pasting code into other apps or performing a web search. 
  • Can export a list of all scanned codes through Dropbox or Google Drive.
    You can start a scan by tapping the “Start Scan” button and pointing the camera at your QR Code. 

Cons

  • Camera must be aligned with the barcode exactly for it to work properly. 

Bar-Code Reader Main Features

  • Compatible with Apple and Android devices
  • Customizable app options (contact infor@pw2.it)
  • Easily scan QR codes
  • Very fast
  • It is reliable
  • Does not require any user training
  • Very easy to use
  • No specific hardware is needed

Average Rating

4.0 / 5 – Stars

Bar-Code Reader Pricing

Free

3. Scan QR Code Reader

Scan QR Code Reader is one of the most downloaded QR code readers on the Google Play store. It has been downloaded by millions and has over 40,000 reviews. 

It is easy: just use your phone’s camera along with this app to scan QR codes.

With Scan QR Code Reader, you can scan: 

  • D1 and D2 codes
  • QR codes
  • Data matrices
  • Aztec codes
  • EAN
  • UPC
  • Code 128

Scan QR Code Reader Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

  • Made for Android and Apple devices.
  • Available under the same name on both App Store and Google Play.
  • Scan QR Code Reader is the most popular QR reader on Google Play.
  • This app is light, takes up little storage space, and is free to use.
  • Frequent ads but they are small and easy to bypass. 
  • Scan QR Code reader can scan traditional barcodes as well.

Cons

  • Users report frustration scanning mini QR codes. 

Scan QR Code Reader Main Features

  • Form follows function (simple and clean layout)
  • Scans QR codes instantly (no waiting)
  • Simple to use 
  • Scans in low light visibility with phone’s flashlight
  • App saves your scan history
  • You can use this app without an internet connection

Average Rating

4.4 / 5 – Stars

Scan QR Code Reader Pricing

Free

4. QRStuff QR Reader

QRStuff QR Reader is fourth on the list for one reason only: it only scans QR codes. Besides this, it is one of the best QR code readers we’ve reviewed. The user interface is clean and modernized. The user experience is in a league of its own.

The QRStuff QR Reader scans quickly and accurately and even reveals the connected link (URL) so you can decide if you want to visit it or not (great for uncovering misleading and deceptive marketing hacks).

The best part about this QR code reader is you don’t have to download an app to use it on your phone. Since it is browser based, you can go to the website and simply save it as a shortcut to your phone’s home screen. Whenever you need to scan a QR code, click on the shortcut and it is immediately ready to scan (no click needed).

With QRStuff QR Reader, you can scan: 

  • QR codes

QRStuff QR Reader Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

  • QRStuff QR Reader is web based, so you do not have to download an app on your phone. You can simply create a shortcut on your phone’s home screen.
  • Scans QR codes fast and shares the attached link so you know where you’re being redirected
  • Click the shortcut and scan, no additional buttons to click
  • QR Stuff also has a free QR code generator, allowing you to create both static and dynamic QR codes.

Cons

  • Must create a free account to access some features

QRStuff QR Reader Main Features

  • QRStuff is simple to use (open and scan)
  • Web-based QR code scanner
  • Access a web link
  • Make a phone call
  • Compatible with Apple and Android devices

Average Rating

4.3 / 5 – Stars

QRStuff QR Reader Pricing

Free

5. Gamma Plan QR and Barcode Scanner

Gamma Plan QR and Barcode Scanner seems to be the most downloaded QR code reader on the internet. This app is ranked high, has multi-function capabilities, and seems to be one of the most reliable QR readers out there.

With Gamma Plan QR and Barcode Scanner, you can scan: 

  • QR codes
  • Data matrices
  • Aztec codes
  • EAN
  • UPC
  • Code 128

Gamma Plan QR and Barcode Scanner Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

  • Scans QR codes and barcodes
  • Extremely reliable
  • High ratings on Google Play store
  • Easy to use
  • It is a free app
  • Easy to download
  • It has a nice interface
  • No internet connection is required to scan barcodes
  • It has a scanning result preview
  • It scans barcodes quickly

Cons

  • Lots of ads placed on the app

Gamma Plan QR and Barcode Scanner Main Features

  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • Scan QR/barcode for products, images, contacts, web links, WiFi networks, and many more
  • Clean user interface
  • Compatible with Apple and Android devices

Average Rating

4.5 / 5 – Stars

Gamma Plan QR and Barcode Scanner Pricing

Free

Why Should I Use a QR Code Reader App?

There are numerous reasons to use a QR Code reader app. Here are some of the more important reasons:

  • Connect to links, phone numbers, and text messages
  • Access websites and download mobile applications
  • Provides a more interactive experience for a user, such as a map with directions
  • Provide a user with instant access to information, such as a web form or survey
  • Easy way to share contact information
  • More convenient than typing a URL into a browser
  • Directing users to your website
  • Contactless and hands-free experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Use QR Code Reader Apps to Scan a QR Code?

No, you do not need to use QR code reader apps to scan a QR code. QR codes can be scanned directly from the device’s camera. They can also be scanned using a browser-based QR Code reader, like QRStuff.com/scan.

What is the difference between QR code reader and scanner?

A QR code reader and QR code scanner are the same thing. These terms are interchangeable and used to describe scanning software and devices that read QR codes.

Which is better: a QR code or a barcode?

QR codes and barcodes are used for two different purposes — one is not better or worse than the other. A QR code is used to access data usually stored online. A barcode usually references a product and can be programmed independently of the internet. Barcodes are used more for inventory management purposes.