A free barcode scanner app uses your phone's camera to read product barcodes and QR codes, then shows the link, text or product details behind them. Simple scanners just read the code, while food and shopping apps look up what's in a product. If you only scan QR codes, check your phone's built-in camera first, because you may not need an app.
Barcodes are everywhere, from the cereal box to the parcel label, and QR codes now sit on menus, posters and tickets. A scanner app turns your phone into a reader for all of them.
Here are ten free barcode scanner apps, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. Most are general scanners, a couple are built to check food and cosmetics, and one comes from a company that makes barcode software.
Every app here is a free download on Google Play, but many show ads, and some ask for more permissions than a scanner needs. The table and store labels help you avoid the noisy ones.
Before you install anything, though, check what your phone can already do, because it might be more than you think.
Free barcode scanner apps compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download. Plenty of free apps show ads or offer in-app purchases, and the store labels tell you which, so check them before you install.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| barKoder | Barcode scanner | A scanner from a barcode software maker | Yes |
| Binary Eye | Barcode scanner | Open source scanning | Yes |
| Cognex Barcode Scanner | Barcode scanner | Scanning many barcode types | Yes |
| Google Lens | Visual search app | Scanning codes and searching what you see | Yes |
| Open Food Facts | Food product scanner | Checking food products by barcode | Yes |
| QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play | Barcode and QR scanner | Everyday QR and barcode scanning | Yes |
| QR & Barcode Scanner by TeaCapps | Barcode and QR scanner | Scanning and keeping a history | Yes |
| QR Code Scanner without ads | QR code scanner | QR scanning with no ads label | Yes |
| QR Scanner by Simple Design | Barcode and QR scanner | Simple QR and barcode reading | Yes |
| Yuka | Food and cosmetic scanner | Checking food and beauty ingredients | Yes |
Ten free barcode scanner apps
barKoder
Best for: Curious users and businesses who want a scanner built by a barcode software company.
Binary Eye
Best for: People who want an open source scanner with no Contains ads label on Google Play.
Cognex Barcode Scanner
Best for: People who scan lots of different barcode types and want a scanner from an industrial scanning company.
Google Lens
Best for: People who want to scan codes and also search for things they point the camera at.
Open Food Facts
Best for: Shoppers who want to scan food barcodes and see product details from an open database.
QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play
Best for: Anyone who wants a widely used everyday scanner for QR codes and product barcodes.
QR & Barcode Scanner by TeaCapps
Best for: People who want a quick scanner that keeps a history of what they've scanned.
QR Code Scanner without ads
Best for: People who want a QR scanner whose store listing shows no Contains ads label.
QR Scanner by Simple Design
Best for: People who want a straightforward scanner for both QR codes and barcodes.
Yuka
Best for: Shoppers who want to scan food and beauty products to check their ingredients.
The scanner your iPhone already has
Here's the detail many people miss. Apple's iPhone User Guide says you can use Camera or Control Center to scan QR codes for websites, apps, coupons, tickets and more. In the Camera app, you point the phone so the QR code sits inside the frame, then tap the link that appears.
So for QR codes on an iPhone, you may not need an app at all. Many Android phones have a similar option in the camera or quick settings. A dedicated app earns its place when you scan product barcodes, want a history of what you've scanned, or need food and ingredient details.
What a good scanner app should do
- Read both types: QR codes and product barcodes.
- Show the link first: so you can check it before opening.
- Few permissions: a scanner needs the camera, not your contacts.
- Ads: check the Contains ads label if pop-ups annoy you.
- History: handy for stock checks or shopping lists.
Scanning codes safely
- Open the scanner and point it at the code in good light.
- Read the link or text before you tap it.
- Avoid codes stuck over another code on posters or meters.
- Don't enter passwords on a site you reached from a stranger's code.
- Delete scanners that ask for permissions they don't need.
Barcodes for small sellers
If you sell products, a free scanner is handy for checking stock and testing the barcodes on your own packaging before you print a big batch. Scan a sample from several angles and in poor light, because that's how customers and shops will scan it.
For QR codes on flyers and menus, scan your own code with two or three different phones before it goes to print. It takes a minute and saves a reprint.
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Shopping smarter with your phone
Scanner apps are one way to shop smarter. If you buy tech online, my roundup of coupon sites for tech products is worth a look.
And if you shop on Amazon from your phone, here's whether you can use Apple Pay on Amazon at checkout.
Do you make barcode or QR code apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on scanner apps
Try your phone's camera first. If it reads the codes you scan most, you've saved yourself an app and a load of ads.
If you need more, pick one scanner with clean store labels and sensible permissions, and stick with it. And always read a QR link before you open it, because a scanner can't tell you whether the site behind the code is honest.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an app to scan a QR code?
Often not. Apple says iPhone can scan QR codes with Camera or Control Center.
What is the best free barcode scanner app?
It depends on what you scan. General scanners suit everyday codes, and food scanners suit grocery shopping.
Can a barcode scanner app read QR codes?
Most can read both QR codes and product barcodes.
Are free barcode scanner apps safe?
Choose apps with sensible permissions and check the link before opening it.
Do barcode scanner apps have ads?
Many do. Check the Contains ads label on Google Play.
Can I scan food barcodes to see ingredients?
Yes. Food scanner apps look up product details by barcode.
Can I scan barcodes without internet?
Reading a code works offline, but looking up product details needs a connection.
Can scanner apps keep a history?
Many keep a list of what you've scanned.
Why won't my barcode scan?
Try better light, hold the phone steady and clean the camera lens.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Some apps can scan codes from images saved on your phone.
Are QR codes ever dangerous?
They can lead to scam sites, so read the link before you tap it.
Can I create my own barcode?
Yes, with a barcode generator tool, then test it with a scanner.
