Today, I shall be deviating a bit in my normal ‘how to’ routines’ as we shall take a look at some of the best barcode and QR code scanner apps. With the popularity in use of QR codes and barcodes by many sellers and websites or apps, it becomes somewhat of a task when choosing the best scanner for your device.

10 BEST BARCODE AND QR CODE SCANNER APPS

For my list, I’ve put into consideration, some factors that I consider make up a really good scanner app – these factors include readability, security and speed of scanning. In no particular order, my list of the top 10 best QR code and barcode scanner apps across all major mobile platforms includes:

1. I-Nigma

This is basically a QR code scanner that can also scan barcodes. It is one of the fastest in this list, although the UI may come out as unrefined to you. But it does its job really well. It is free to download and available on Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows platforms.

2. Bar-code by pw2

Second on my list is Bar-code by pw2, this app scans a wide range of barcodes EAN, ISBN, UPC, QR. Uses either saved images of barcodes or you can use your camera to scan. You can get it for free but then you’ll have to deal with the ads. You can get rid of the ads with $0.99 and for a professional with extra features at $3.99. The app is available on Android and iOS.

3. Kaspersky’s QR Scanner

Exclusively for scanning only QR codes, this app is rated high for its security feature. It is very safe to use as it will protect you from dangerous QR codes that can take you to phishing sites or sites containing malware. There is no instant share option on the app but you can share the link of the scanned codes. To make it more secure it comes with its own browser. Although it is not as fast as you’d want due to the fact that it takes time to verify the safety of the codes, it’ll still do its job. The app is completely free and available on Android and iOS.

4. NeoReader by NeoMedia Technologies, Inc.

Next on our list is NeoReader by NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. it can scan both QR codes and barcodes. After decoding you can either open the link of the decoded code on your browser or share it via SMS, email, Whatsapp or Facebook. The app comes with ads but you can remove them with $0.99. With $0.99 you have the ability to export the link of a scanned code. Available on Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Windows, it is simple to use.

5. QuickMark

The most peculiar feature of this app is its support for bulk scanning. Yes, the app gives you the ability to scan through multiple barcodes or QR codes and export them using .txt or .csv file formats. The app can also be used to create and customize your own barcodes and QR codes and a fun part of using it is the ability to adjust the scanning frame to fit the code. It is available on Android and iOS and for $1.99 you get a Continuous Scan option.

6. Shop Savvy

This is a QR app popular among shoppers. It is a shopping assistant that helps you save whenever you want to buy something. The app is only available for iOS devices. It is simple to use and free on the itunes store.

7. Scan

One of the best – if the decoded code is a phone number, you have the options to either call or save them. If it is a URL, you can open it on your browser. You can use your rear camera or the front camera as well as your flashlight in low-light areas. It stores a list of all previous scans.  It is not free though as it would cost you $1.99 and is available on Android ,iOS, Windows and Kindle.

8. QR Droid

Do you want to create your own QR codes as well as read them? Then this app is what you need. Although this app is only available on Android, this is one of the best QR apps out there. It is completely free to download.

9. Google Goggles

This is a barcode and QR code scanner app from Google. It can read all types of barcodes a well as analyze different types of data. And it is free to download.

10. Norton Snap QR code reader

Lastly, we have Norton’s QR code reader app. As the name says, this scanner is for QR codes only. It uses either your front or rear camera, uses the flashlight of your device. Since it is developed by Norton, be sure of security as the app shows you the Norton rating for a website from a decoded QR code.

CONCLUSION

Although there are a plethora of QR code and barcode scanners on the major mobile app platforms, the list above is my top ten picks. Do have any questions regarding them? Drop your questions in the comments box.