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Head-to-head · QR Code Scanner Apps

NeoReader vs Simple QR

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
NeoReader #5 in QR Code Scanner Apps 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit NeoReader
Simple QR #8 in QR Code Scanner Apps 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Simple QR

NeoReader leads on 1 check, Simple QR on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Free planboth

NeoReader and Simple QR score identically on our rubric (7.9 out of 10) for qr code scanner apps; NeoReader sits at #5 and Simple QR at #8 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

Simple QR offers scan history; NeoReader doesn't. NeoReader offers ad-free option; Simple QR doesn't.

NeoReader is the better fit for people scanning codes across devices and web pages. Simple QR is the better fit for android users wanting a free, open-source scanner.

  • NeoReader fits best

    People scanning codes across devices and web pages

  • Simple QR fits best

    Android users wanting a free, open-source scanner

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Side by side

Feature NeoReader 7.9/10 Visit ↗ Simple QR 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.9
Ranking #5 in QR Code Scanner Apps #8 in QR Code Scanner Apps
Best for People scanning codes across devices and web pages Android users wanting a free, open-source scanner
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Browser extension Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome extension Android
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features NeoReader 2/4 · Simple QR 2/4
Scan history — ✓ (best)
Offline scanning ✓ ✓
Flashlight support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Ad-free option ✓ (best) —
Specs
Codes supported Both Both
Platforms iOS, Android android
Our review
Pros
  • Reads QR codes and multiple 1D and 2D barcode formats.
  • Finds multiple codes in one image and previews contents before opening links.
  • Works offline after saving the engine; browser extension scans web pages.
  • Scans camera or imported images, including QR codes and common barcode formats
  • Creates QR codes for text, URLs, contacts, Wi-Fi, and more
  • History, bookmarks, backup/restore, and content-specific actions
Cons
  • Original iPhone and Android apps have been retired; phone access is through a browser.
  • The scanner itself does not retain scan history.
  • Requires saving the scanner engine on a device before offline use.
  • Available on Android only
  • Mobile deployment may not fit desktop workflows
  • No separate paid ad-removal option is documented
Our verdict

NeoReader is a free browser-based scanner for people who need to read QR codes and barcodes across phones and computers. It supports QR codes and formats including EAN, UPC, Code 128, Data Matrix, Aztec and PDF417. Scanning can start from…

Read the review →

Simple QR combines QR and barcode scanning with code creation and record keeping in an Android mobile app. It suits people who want a free, open-source scanner for everyday personal or small-scale use, including scanning from the camera or…

Read the review →
  1. NeoReaderQR Code Scanner Apps 7.9Free plan
  2. Simple QRQR Code Scanner Apps 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • NeoReader — where it wins

    • Reads QR codes and multiple 1D and 2D barcode formats.
    • Finds multiple codes in one image and previews contents before opening links.
    • Works offline after saving the engine; browser extension scans web pages.

    Where it doesn't

    • Original iPhone and Android apps have been retired; phone access is through a browser.
    • The scanner itself does not retain scan history.
    • Requires saving the scanner engine on a device before offline use.

  • Simple QR — where it wins

    • Scans camera or imported images, including QR codes and common barcode formats
    • Creates QR codes for text, URLs, contacts, Wi-Fi, and more
    • History, bookmarks, backup/restore, and content-specific actions

    Where it doesn't

    • Available on Android only
    • Mobile deployment may not fit desktop workflows
    • No separate paid ad-removal option is documented

More comparisons

All QR code scanner apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update