5 Best Free Barcode & QR Code Scanner Apps

QR Codes have been used since the 1990s to provide real-time information via scannable images. Now, businesses are using QR Codes in their brick-and-mortar stores, during trade shows, and on print and digital marketing collateral to promote their products. 

While many modern smartphones have QR Code scanners built into their cameras, that’s not the case for some older mobile devices. Mobile devices that don’t have built-in scanners need to rely on QR Code scanner apps.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best free QR Code scanners to help you make the right choice for your business. 

1. QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play

The QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play is one of the most popular tools on the Google Play Store. With over 100 million downloads, this QR scanner has a 4.5 cumulative Google Play rating (2.45 million reviews) as of November 2023.

This scanner can process virtually any legitimate QR Codes and barcodes in seconds and has a simple user interface with few bells and whistles: Users simply open the app and scan their codes; no extra buttons or zooming are required. 

Additional key features

• Built-in point of sight that can automatically scan barcodes

• Available for all Android and Apple devices

Operating systems

The QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play is available for all iOS and Android devices. However, it doesn’t have a web version. 

2. Kaspersky QR Scanner

The Kaspersky QR Scanner is another highly popular tool available in Apple’s App Store. With this tool, you can easily scan QR Codes and access all kinds of information, from Wi-Fi passwords to PDFs. 

The Kaspersky QR Scanner uses your smartphone’s camera to automatically scan QR Codes. With this tool, you can:

• View text with a built-in web browser so you can conveniently read text files without having to leave the app. 

• Preview website content and check to see if incoming websites are secure. 

• View and copy the credentials of a Wi-Fi network to quickly access a local network. 

Additional key features

• Warnings that notify you of suspicious links (malware, phishing, and broken links)

• Technical support for any issues with the app

• Easily add scanned contact information to your smartphone

Operating systems

Kaspersky QR Scanner is only available on the App Store. 

3. QR & Barcode Reader

The QR & Barcode Reader is a convenient barcode scanner available solely for the Google Play Store. This scanner relies on three different decoding engines (Google ML Kit, Zing, and ZBar) and supports all types of barcodes. This app can also process additional information, such as contact details, email addresses, and phone numbers. 

The QR & Barcode Reader offers a continuous scan option for bulk entries. You can also see the history of the barcodes you scanned. On top of that, users can export their findings in multiple formats. 

While this app is completely free to use, there are in-app ads you should be mindful of. Nonetheless, this app only requires internet access and your smartphone camera to work. You don’t need to grant it any unnecessary permissions. 

Additional key features

• Supports all major barcode formats

• Allows you to filter and export the data from the barcodes you’ve scanned. You can choose to export your data in Excel and CSV files.

• Scans pictures from your gallery

• Uses the latest Android User Interface technology, making it easy to download and use 

Operating systems

The QR & Barcode Reader is only available for the Google Play Store. 

4. QuickMark Barcode Scanner

QuickMark offers an intuitive barcode and QR Code scanner for Apple and Android devices. With this tool, you can:

• Create your own QR and barcodes from URLs, contact information, text messages, and locations. 

• Scan cross-platform QR Codes and barcodes across many different formats. 

• Access information quickly in order to add new contacts, open map navigation, and access links. 

With the QuickMark Barcode Scanner, it’s never been easier to scan a broad range of digital codes with convenient functionality. 

Additional key features

• Design your own QR Codes with eye-catching colors and images. 

• Update your QR Codes anytime with ease.

• Create short URL codes to autodirect a visitor’s device to the target destination. 

• Monitor your campaigns with real-time analytics and metrics so you can adjust your codes and strategies. 

Operating systems

The QuickMark Barcode Scanner is available for iPhone and Android devices. There is also a browser extension available for Google Chrome. 

5. NeoReader QR & Barcode Scanner

With NeoReader QR & Barcode Scanner (by Amazon), you can create and scan all kinds of QR Codes and barcodes. This user-friendly app removes the need for complicated phone menus, typing out lengthy URLs, or sifting through search results.

Additional key features

• Scan all major barcodes, including QR, UPC, Data Matrix, Aztec, EAN, and more.

• Scan any code with zero taps. 

• Open URLs, send emails, make phone calls, and more by scanning accessible QR Codes and barcodes.

Operating systems

This barcode scanner is only available on Amazon devices. 

Create QR Codes for any vertical with QR Code Generator PRO

In some cases, you may not just need to scan QR Codes—you might also need to create them. The manufacturing, logistics, and events industries are just a few instances where businesses have incorporated creating and scanning QR Codes into their workflows.

If you’re looking for a powerful QR Code tool that can create codes in bulk, provide insights and analytics for more information-driven campaigns, and give you plenty of customization options, look no further than QR Code Generator PRO.     

QR Code Generator PRO allows anyone to create Dynamic QR Codes that link to:

• URLs

• Text

• Emails and SMS

• MP3s

• PDFs

• Bitcoin

• Images

• And more!

All you have to do is insert any of these formats or files into the QR Code Generator dashboard, and it will automatically generate a QR Code. Afterward, you can customize and download or print your QR Codes in a wide range of shapes and colors. 

With QR Code Generator PRO, you can even leverage QR Code tracking to see who interacts with your codes—and how they do it. What’s more, developers can embed the QR Code Generator API into their applications to expand customization features. 

Create an account today to see what QR Code Generator can do for your business!