Barcodes are everywhere: products, loyalty cards, packaging labels, library books, you name it. With one scan of these striped bars, light energy is converted to electrical energy, which is converted to powerful data. Naturally, one question we get around here a lot is "How do I scan barcodes with my phone?" In 2024, you can scan QR codes and barcodes with the built-in camera on your mobile device if you’re on Android (version 9 and beyond) and iOS (version 11 and beyond.) Open the camera, aim at the QR or barcode label, and a link or text string will pop-up on your phone.
However, a QR & Barcode scanner app can offer peace of mind. They can prevent bad barcodes and malware from intercepting credit card or other contact information through a simple, suspicious QR code.
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From inventory management to consumer awareness, there are many ways to use barcode scanning technology; additionally, there are convenient barcode scanner apps available for both iPhone (iOS) and Android devices. A mobile app for barcode scanning allows you to turn any tablet or mobile phone into a barcode scanning utility. Furthermore, some mobile scanning apps can send data to an easily accessed platform - allowing users to work together to maintain the accuracy of their data. Consumers can also use barcode scanning applications to find out more information regarding products they want to purchase. Barcode scanner apps have proven extremely popular among consumers, especially during peak shopping seasons. Everyday consumers also use their phones to scan QR codes, the two-dimensional codes found on packaging, business cards, marketing materials, and more.
For businesses that don’t have a dedicated scanner for all the barcodes they handle in a day, nothing beats having scanning software on your employee’s mobile devices. Some devices come with native mobile scanning apps, with relatively fast scanning speed, but they may not plug into the other inventory management software that your business relies on.
Related Article: How Barcodes Work
1. QR & Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play
One of the fastest scanning speeds available for mobile devices
- 4.5 Stars with 500 Million Downloads on Google Play
- Free download $6.49 for the ad-free version
- Download: Google Play | App Store
When 500 million people recommend an app for something their phone already does, it's worth taking a second look. QR & Barcode Scanner (and QR & Barcode Scanner PRO) from Gamma Play is a scan-on-sight reader that includes a QR code maker, scanning QR codes from images, a batch QR code scanning tool, and the ability to export data to TXT or CSV files. The versatility includes offering a social sharing barcode scanner app for displaying contact information from one single device.
Open the app, aim it at a universal product barcode or QR code, and the app does the rest.
2. Google Lens by Google
An omnichannel search tool capable of translating both QR codes and Japanese
- 4.7 Stars with 1 Billion Downloads on Google Play
- Free search features embedded in a barcode scanning and translation tool
- Download: Google Play | App Store
A bit more than a dedicated scanning device app, Google Lens scans QR codes, universal product codes, and can search images for barcode information. While a Google product, it is available for all smart phones via the Google app. Lens can translate code content or foreign languages within the camera at the low, affordable price of "free." Additionally, it communicates with Google products, such as Google Docs and Sheets. While searching photos for barcodes might not yield a perfect match, you can get a secure 2D barcode (QR code) scan without worrying about bad barcodes. Meanwhile, scanning products will invite you to price alerts in related searches.
The one downside is that it's primarily a consumer app. Businesses who need an inexpensive app for inventory counts or attendance at a time station should probably look elsewhere.
3. QR Code Reader by TeaCapps
A solid option for barcode scanning utility, light on phones, fast on scanning speed
- 4.6 Stars with 100 Million Downloads on Google Play
- CSV Exporting and custom search features that adapt to the scan content
- Download: Google Play | App Store
This light barcode and QR code reader achieves faster scanning speed via secure browser features, loading only what's relevant. Meanwhile, QR Code Reader and QR Code Reader Pro retains a limitless scan history, perfect for inbound package tracking software that synchronizes with Google Drive or exports CSV, XLSX, and more. There's a pinch-to-zoom feature and functionality to turn on the phone's flashlight for accurate tracking on scans.
4. Barcode Scanner - Price Finder by Essential Labs
Price-hunting made easy with a scanner and QR code reader
- 4.7 Stars with 1 Million Downloads on Google Play
- CSV Exporting and custom search features that adapt to the scan content
- Download: Google Play | App Store
Comparison shopping via 2D barcode reading, the Barcode Scanner - Price Finder is a quick click scanning tool designed to make finding the right price for any product easy. Typically used for scanning UPCs, the barcode scanning technology also operates as a secure browser. Worthy of special mention: This app's barcode detection software works regardless of phone orientation. Wave a 2D barcode nearby, and it'll make an accurate scan. While limited in application, the app has been served with regular software upgrades to create a stable barcode scanning experience while staying light for phone users.
