7 best QR Code scanner apps for Android and iOS leading the pack in 2023

Need to scan QR Code menus? You don’t need an app with the latest smartphone. Point your camera at the QR Code and you’ll see a notification pop up that will take you to the menu.

Read more about scanning QR Codes for restaurant menus

You don’t need to download an additional app when scanning QR Codes on Android (8 and above) and iOS (11 and above). Just point your native camera at the QR Code and click on the link that pops up on your screen.

Technology has gotten us through the recent pandemic. We saw a lot of contactless solutions springing up here and there that helped us transition into the new normal. One of which are QR Code scanner apps. 

QR Codes became a staple for contactless delivery, pick-ups, and payments. So you can imagine how QR Code scanner apps made a difference.

2022 is no doubt another year for QR Codes – businesses and consumers alike are more than happy to use them since they just make a lot of things easier. With QR Codes, everyone can easily make payments, learn more about a product, share information, get rewards and discounts, start a WhatsApp Business conversation, and so much more.

You’ll find dozens of QR Code scanner apps in both major app stores. And choosing between them can get pretty daunting fast.  So in this post, we’ve laid out 7 of the best QR Code scanner apps for Android and iOS in 2023.

If you want to jump right into the list, here it is –  

1. Kaspersky’s QR Code Reader and Scanner
2. QR & Barcode Reader by Gamma Play
3. QR Code Reader by Scan
4. Bar-Code Reader
5. NeoReader QR & Barcode Scanner
6. QuickMark Barcode Scanner
7. QR Droid and QR Droid Private

Looking for the best QR Code generator? Here’s a guide to choosing the top-rated QR Code Generator. 

Table of Contents

1. Best QR Code scanner apps for Android and iOS in 2023
2. Scanning QR Codes without an app
3. Scan QR Codes with your smartphone camera
4. Frequently asked questions

The latest smartphones with iOS 13 and above and Android 9 and above come equipped with advanced QR Code readers. So you really don’t need to download any third-party app.

But if you don’t yet have the latest smartphones, we suggest using these 7 best free QR Code scanner apps for Android and iPhones.

Related: 9 reasons why your QR Code is not working (It’s not what you think)

Best QR Code Scanner Apps for Android and iOS

Scanning a QR Code with a stock camera app is fast and easy. But chances are, not all your target customer’s smartphones support native scans. Luckily, you can promote one of these best scanning apps as an alternative for your customers.

Here are the 7 Free Best QR Code Reader Apps for Android and iOS in 2023 –

1. Kaspersky’s QR Code Reader and Scanner

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Available on: Apple’s App Store and Google Play

Average rating: 4.5

Kaspersky is infamous for its security products ranging from anti-virus software to robust internet and office security. Here are some reasons why Kaspersky takes the spot as one of the best QR Code scanner apps for Android and iOS – 

1. Kaspersky is an international cybersecurity company that aims to make scanning QR Codes safe with its mobile app. 
2. It offers Kaspersky’s safety checks that ensure a QR Code doesn’t lead to a dangerous link or malicious content. It keeps a history of all QR scans done within the app. 
3. Whenever a user scans a QR Code using the app, it automatically saves the data in the device for easy access to old files, images, and data. 

The mobile app is available on Apple’s App Store as “Kaspersky QR Scanner” and on the Google Play Store as “QR Code Reader and Scanner: App for Android.” 

Kaspersky is rated as one of the best QR Code readers for Android. 

2. QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play

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Available on: Apple’s App Store and Google Play

Average Rating: 4.5

QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play is another fantastic point-to-shoot scanner that decodes a QR Code as soon as it detects it. 

1. This app by Gamma Play is efficient at scanning QR Codes and stores a history of all past scans. It helps users scan product barcodes, letting them compare prices online. 
2. It has an invert scan feature that scans QR Codes with a black background and white squares. 
3. After every scan, the app automatically identifies relevant actions such as visiting a URL, saving contact information, or calling a phone number. 

3. QR Code Reader by Scan

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Available on: Apple’s App Store and Google Play

Average rating: 4.4

Scan’s QR Code Reader is a point-to-shoot application that scans a QR Code as soon as you point your camera at one. 

1. It’s available using the same name on the App Store and Google Play Store.
2. QR Code Reader by Scan is the most popular QR reader on the Google Play Store, with more than 50 million downloads. 
3. It is a lite app that does not take a lot of storage space. The app is free to use but consists of frequent ads. 
4. The QR Code reader can also scan traditional barcodes. 

4. Bar-Code Reader

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Available on: Apple’s App Store and Google Play

Average Rating: 4.0

Bar-Code Reader is amongst the best QR Code readers for Android and iPhone. And that’s for a couple of reasons – 

1. The app lets users share the scanned codes via email or save them on their smartphones.
2. It also supports copying and pasting code into other apps and performing a web search. Users can export a list of all scanned codes through Dropbox or Google drive. 
3. To start a scan, tap on the “TAP TO START SCAN” button and point the camera to your QR Code. You must correctly align the camera with the barcode to scan. 

Businesses and entrepreneurs can get a custom version of this app tailored to their specific needs by contacting the creator at [email protected].

5. NeoReader QR & Barcode Scanner

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Available on: Apple’s App Store and Google Play

Average Rating: 4.0

NeoReader is a universal QR Code reader that can scan all standard barcodes like Data Matrix, QR Codes, Aztec Codes, EAN, UPC, Code 128, and PDF 417. 

You can consider NeoReader a top player amongst the ‘Best QR Code scanner apps for Android and iPhone.’ Here’s why – 

1. It detects the barcode type automatically and scans QR Codes from any direction. Users can even create their own QR Codes and share them using email, SMS, Facebook, or Twitter
2. The app maintains a detailed history of all QR Code scans for easy reference. It supports scans using both front and rear cameras. For external URLs, the app confirms the website first before visiting.
3. The app is straightforward to use. One single click and the user gets directed to the dedicated webpage. 

6. QuickMark Barcode Scanner

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Available on: Apple’s App Store

Average Rating: 4.0

QuickMark barcode scanner app is a free QR Code reader app. The app is a selected partner for Google’s Favorite Places program that improves local searches. 

1. It also supports multiple barcode formats such as Quick code, QR Code, Data Matrix, EAN 8/13, Code39, and Code 128. 
2. Users can access a web link, make a phone call, send an email, add contacts, navigate locations, and add events directly to the calendar. 
3. The app reduces the number of clicks required to do these actions. It also facilitates scanning barcodes from images. 
4. The in-app purchase feature offers bulk scanning of QR Codes. Users can export a .csv to a dropbox account.

7. QR Droid and QR Droid Private

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Available on: Google Play

Average Rating: 3.8 and 4.3

QR Droid and QR Droid Private came from the developers at DroidLa. The difference between these two apps is the number of features you’re permitted to use. QR Droid Private lets you use more features than the basic QR Droid. 

1. With QR Droid, you can create QR Codes for sharing contacts, location paths, bookmarks, and installed apps. 
2. These apps have a sort and group function that helps you organize and access QR Code scan history. 
3. It does not open USSD links automatically, preventing potential wipe attacks on your device. The app comes with a QR Droid widget for instant on-screen access. 

Most of these QR Code scanner apps are free. And the best free QR Code reader app includes Kaspersky’s QR Code scanner, Neo Reader QR Code scanner, and Barcode QR Code scanner app available on Android and iOS. 

Did you know that businesses can leverage QR Codes to maximize ROIs in marketing campaigns? With Beaconstac’s QR Code generator, you’ll get the best free QR Codes with a logo. Try it now.

The majority of smartphones already support native QR Code scanning. But consumers with legacy devices can use QR scanner apps for accessing content linked to QR Codes. 

Scanning QR Codes without an app

The latest iOS and Android smartphones already have built-in advanced QR Code readers.  So, you really won’t need to download any third-party app. 

If you’re using a device with an OS version similar to or above Android 8 and iOS 11, you can quickly scan QR Codes using the built-in QR Code readers.

On iOS 11 and above

Apple’s iOS 13 upgrade has introduced improvements that boost QR scan performance. The app launch speed of the new iOS 13 is twice as fast as the previous version. iOS devices, including iPhones, have become quicker and more accurate with QR Code scans. 

The latest operating system lets users use the flashlight for scanning QR Codes in low lighting. Still, if your iPhone runs on versions lower than iOS 11, you’ll need a QR Code scanner app.

On Android 8 and above

Android smartphone users can scan QR Codes without an app if their operating system is Android 8/Oreo and above. The latest Android 10 enables users to share passwords securely through a QR Code. Smartphones using Android version 7 and below require an external mobile app. 

Check out this comprehensive list of Android 8 and Android 9 smartphones that scan QR Codes without an app.

Scan QR Codes with your smartphone camera

iOS and Android smartphones (iOS 11 and above, and Android 8 and above) have in-built QR Code scanners in their native camera app feature. And it’s the easiest way to scan a QR Code without downloading a third-party app. The camera feature in these new devices is advanced enough to scan a QR Code under harsh conditions. 

To scan a QR Code, simply open your camera, point it to the QR Code, and open the notification banner that appears to access its contents.

Which QR Code scanner app is safe to download for your smartphone?

For users with Android 8 and above and iOS 11 and above, a QR Code can be scanned using the camera without installing an external QR Code scanner. 

But, for others that have to install a QR Code scanner, follow these steps – 

1. Check if the app is available on Android and iOS operating systems
2. Check its reviews and offerings 
3. Check if it scans QR Codes without prompting for other actions on your smartphone. 

We suggest installing the Kaspersky QR Code scanner since it comes with built-in security to help users ward off any suspicious activities and protect them. Kaspersky QR Code scanner offers a secure mobile experience for both iOS and Android users.

Frequently asked questions about QR Code scanner apps

1. What’s the best QR Code scanner app for iPhone and Android?

Here is the list of QR Code scanner apps we’ve covered above. Remember, you may or may not need any of these apps depending on your smartphone OS version. Newer ones come with an advanced QR scanner integrated into the native camera.

1. Kaspersky’s QR Scanner
2. QR and Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play
3. QR Code Reader by Scan
4. Bar-Code Reader
5. NeoReader QR & Barcode Scanner
6. Quickmark Barcode Scanner
7. QR Droid and QR Droid Private

2. Can you scan a QR Code without an app?

Yes, you can. Most smartphones come with an in-built QR Code scanner through the camera. You don’t have to install any extra app to scan QR Codes. 

There are other ways to scan a QR Code if you don’t own a smartphone – 

1. Online Decoder: If you need to scan a QR Code on a computer screen but don’t have a smartphone in reach, use an online decoder. ZXing Decoder Online is one of the best ones out there. 
2. Webcam QR Code Decoder: QR Codes can be scanned via a webcam to decode them. Try apps like WebQR to start scanning. 
3. Optical QR Code Scanners: These scanners are an alternative to QR Code apps. They are either handheld or fixed optical scanners. You can use them to scan mass QR Codes like those on ticketing and billing that need to be connected to computer software to run.

3. Does my phone have a QR Scanner?

To scan a QR Code, you must have a smartphone. Most smartphones come with an in-built QR Code scanner in their cameras. 

To check if your phone has an in-built QR Code scanner, open your camera and point it at a QR Code. If the QR Code directs you to a webpage containing the QR Code details or displays a banner, then your phone has a QR Code scanner. 

If not, then you will have to install a QR Code scanner app. 

4. How can I scan a QR Code with my phone?

Open the camera on your smartphone, and position your phone, so the QR Code appears in the digital viewfinder. Click on the prompt that appears on-screen to launch the QR Code. 

If your phone does not support QR Code scanning, you’ll need to install a QR Code scanner app. We recommend Kaspersky’s QR Scanner, NeoReader, and Bar-Code for scanning QR Codes on both iOS and Android phones. 

5. Do I need an app to scan a QR Code?

If your smartphone has iOS 11 and above or Android 8 and above, you don’t need to download a third-party app. You can use the in-built QR scanner on your smartphone’s native camera.

If your smartphone doesn’t have the supporting operating system, install a QR Code scanner app such as Kaspersky’s QR Scanner, NeoReader, and Bar-Code to scan QR Codes on iOS and Android phones.

6. How to scan a QR Code from a screenshot or a picture on my phone?

If your smartphone has the latest operating system, you can scan a QR Code from a screenshot or a picture on your phone using Google Lens.

To scan a QR Code with Google Lens, fire up the Lens option on your smartphone to access the QR Code’s content. Learn more about that here. 

7. Does the iPhone have an in-built QR Code scanner?

Yes. If your iPhone has iOS 11 and above, you can use your smartphone’s native camera app to scan a QR Code.

8. Is a QR Code reader with no ads free?

Yes! Some QR Code reader apps, such as Kaspersky’s QR Scanner and QuickMark, let you scan QR Codes for free without displaying any ads. Other QR Code scanner apps may charge you a small fee for more advanced features such as ads removal, continuous scanning, and code export.

9. Do QR Code scanner apps use my mobile phone’s plan data?

Upon scanning, QR Code scanner apps require an internet connection to load the content inside the QR Code. Use your mobile phone’s internet plan or a WiFi.

10. Which is the best QR Code scanner app for Windows PC and Mac?

We recommend using QR Code for a Windows 10 PC and QR Journal for Mac.

Suggested Reads:

1. Best Dynamic QR Code Generators: Review, Compare, and Decide
2. QR Code Marketing: QR Code use cases for proximity marketing in 2023
3. iBeacon and beacon apps: 10 best apps that are leading the pack
4. What is Proximity Marketing and How does it Work?
5. QR Codes on Receipts: Boost Post-Purchase Revenue & Engagement
6. Phygital Marketing – What retailers need to know about marketing’s newest channel

A majority of smartphones already support native QR Code scanning. Consumers with legacy smartphones can use QR scanner apps for accessing content linked to QR Codes. Together, this comprises the entire consumer market. Businesses can hence leverage QR Codes to maximize return on investment in marketing campaigns. Learn how to utilize QR Codes and enrich your marketing campaigns. Schedule a demo now!

• Author Details

Author Details

Aditya Rajput

Content Marketer , Beaconstac

Enthusiastic about marketing and improving the ROI of businesses.

https://www.beaconstac.com

[email protected]