A QR (Quick Response) code is a 2D barcode containing information in a machine-readable optical label about virtually anything. URLs, addresses, contact lists, phone numbers, texts, images, etc. It was first designed for the automotive industry in Japan as far back as 1994 and has since gained public attention due to its ease of use.
Modern smartphones ship with a built-in feature that enables them to read QR codes without the need for 3rd party apps. All you have to do is open your camera, point the lens at the QR code of interest and a notification will pop up and direct you to the relevant menu.
Nevertheless, there are tons of phones that don’t have this built-in feature and many users need to resort to secondary installations. It’s also possible you want a dedicated QR code scanner app on your phone and if that is the case, you’re in luck!
In today’s article, we provide you with a list of the best QR code scanner applications available on the PlayStore listed in order of their ratings. They are all free but not all of them are ad-free and they aren’t all equally beautiful. Make sure you go through it carefully before making your choice.
1. FREE QR Scanner
This FREE QR Scanner supports all QR/barcode formats and can be used for reading and decoding contacts, products, WiFi, books, text, URLs, coupon codes, calendars, location, etc. Its features include a scan history, offline usage, flashlight, auto-zoom, scan QR codes from the gallery, and privacy safe (it needs only camera permission).
2. QR Code Reader and Scanner
QR Code Reader and Scanner is a free smart Kaspersky QR Scanner with the ability to protect phones from rogue QR codes that contain malicious links and content with phishing traps.
Its features include reading behind the maze of lines, alerts for when QR codes contain dangerous links, cleaning the contact list, and scan history.
3. QR & Barcode Scanner
QR & Barcode Scanner is among the fastest QR scanner apps in the market with its easy-to-use interface. It supports all barcode formats such as ISBN, URL, email, Wi-Fi, product, coupons, etc.
Its other features include creating QR codes, scanning images, scanning from Gallery, and sharing contact info via QR.
4. QR & Barcode Reader
This QR & Barcode Reader is a modern QR code scanner app with support for all the common barcode formats: EAN, Code 39, QR, Aztec, Data Matrix, and UPC.
Its functionality includes opening URLs, connecting to hotspots, reading VCards, finding product and price information, add calendar events, etc. It also features security and performance extras.
5. FREE QR Barcode Scanner
This FREE QR Barcode Scanner is a super-fast, secure QR scanner and barcode reader for Android with support for all code types (1D and 2D). It supports using the flashlight, saving scan history, instant scan, and QR code generation. It used to go for $4.99 but it is now free forever.
6. QR Code & Barcode Scanner
QR Code & Barcode Scanner is an ad-free, lightweight QR code reader and barcode scanner app loved for its efficiency and feature set. Just like with the apps listed before it, you can use it to scan all common code formats without losing time.
Unlike some of the apps listed before it though, it doesn’t just offer a modern interface – it contains no ads.
7. QR Code Reader and Scanner
QR Code Reader and Scanner: Barcode Scanner is fast, free, and supports all barcode formats. It has a barcode generator which allows users to customize and appearcance of generated QR codes as well as the option to embed differet data types within it e.g. WiFi, Text, URL, email, etc.
8. QR Code Reader
QR code reader is a high-quality QR code application designed for decoding (scanning) and encoding (creating) information quickly and reliably. It can be used to scan all barcode format types as well as to generate several QR code types including ISBN, phone numbers, sms, email, location, and URL.
Its features include scan history, create barcodes from bookmarks, sharing barcodes, scanning code from gallery, etc.
9. Free QR Scanner
Free QR Scanner – Barcode Scanner, QR Code Reader is a lightning-fast QR scanner app with support for all code types including Code39, Quick Code, EAN8, EQS, Code128, and qrcode Data Matrix.
Its features include auto-zoom, offline usage, flashlight support, price scanner, instant scan, and scan history.
10. Free QR Code Scanner
Free QR code Scanner is a free QR code scanner Android software built to be accurate and robust. It supports many data types and features the ability to connect to WiFi hotspots, find locations, use the flashlight for scanning QR codes in the dark, zoom in and out, generate barcodes, generate QR codes, and a modern user interface.
QR Codes seem to have become a lot more popular in 2020 with a lot of new barcode apps hitting the PlayStore and more businesses making use of QR codes and barcodes to embed information that they want potential customers to have. Some even get fancy with it.
While modern smartphones can scan barcodes easily, they don’t have the built-in feature to generate one and that’s where these apps are sure to come in handy. Is there anyone you have been using that didn’t make it to the list? Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments section below.
