There are hundreds of different QR Code reader apps available for the iPhone, and I have done some research around them, to see which are the best. I put 11 QR code readers which I had heard about and found on the app store, and tested various aspects of the apps, as well as trying to see if different types of codes can be snapped. These included calendar entries, contacts, URL’s and even a modified code (on the right).

Most of the readers managed with the basics like URL, text & SMS, but a lot of them struggled with the trickier codes like calendar entries & the modified codes. Here are the top 5 in my findings. To see the full results you can see the Google Doc test sheet here. All test codes were created using the Google QR Code API , except the altered image. I have also included QR code links to each app on the right of each app, to download them from the app store.

5. Quickmark – $0.99

Calendar – No
Contact Information – Yes
Email Address – Yes
Geo Location – No
Phone Number – Yes
SMS – Yes
Text – Yes
URL – Yes
Altered Image – No

This was one of the first QR code readers I ever used, thanks to Google who suggested it when they launched their QR code product in the US. The best thing about this app, and something very few of the apps do, is that i opens straight to the screen where you can snap the code. Despite it’s small limitations, this is one of the better designed apps, and a must have for QR Codes.

4. RedLaser – Free

Calendar – No
Contact Information – Yes
Email Address – Yes
Geo Location – Yes
Phone Number – Yes
SMS – Yes
Text – Yes
URL – Yes
Altered Image – No

Although this app isn’t designed specifically for QR Codes, it does a pretty good job with it. The app is fast and resolves the codes quickly as well. The fact that it scans normal barcodes and compares prices etc is a bonus, and another keeper in the QR Code folder on your iPhone

3. BeeTagg Reader Pro – Free

Calendar – No (Reads the image, but does not display the information correctly)
Contact Information – Yes
Email Address – Yes
Geo Location – Yes
Phone Number – Yes
SMS – Yes
Text – Yes
URL – Yes
Altered Image – No

Another favorite of mine, but the fact that it doesn’t read the calendar info correctly is a bit of a let down. The interface in the app is clean and simple, and you can also read codes from previously saved photos.

2. i-nigma – Free

Calendar – No
Contact Information – Yes
Email Address – Yes
Geo Location – Yes
Phone Number – Yes
SMS – Yes
Text – Yes
URL – Yes
Altered Image – Yes

One of the only 2 apps that could read the altred image gives this a nod at number 2, but still can’t read vCalendar events. Pity though, otherwise this would be right at the top. Another plus for this app is that it is also an “instant-open” app, which means no tapping before snapping your code.

1. Optiscan - $1.99

Calendar – Yes
Contact Information – Yes
Email Address – Yes
Geo Location – Yes
Phone Number – Yes
SMS – Yes
Text – Yes
URL – Yes
Altered Image – Yes

Although the price of this app might be a bit high, it is well worth the $2. The app is super fast, and is the the only app able to capture each of the tests successfully. I have to admit, this is by far one of the best apps I have used overall on the iPhone, and is a MUST have if you are going to be snapping QR codes. Just get it :)

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So as you can see a lot of the QR code apps are very similar, but the key for me is speed, which Optiscan delivers. There are constantly new QR code readers being added to the app store, so if you know of any I have missed, leave a comment below, and I will add them to the google doc for future reviews. If you want to keep up to date with the goings on in the QR world, I highly recommend http://2d-code.co.uk/ which delivers the best QR code news daily.

Related articles

• QR Codes — should you be using them? (iowabiz.com)
• What is a QR Code? – Qurify QR Codes – StumbleUpon (chimac.net)
• CNN testing QR codes on TV (redesignmobile.com)

Google have seen the opportunity in QR codes and have started offering US businesses that are listed on Google’s local business listings, a couple of free decals which they can now apply to their shop windows, or wherever they want.

The idea is that, if you need more info on the specific shop, you simply load up you your QR code reader, and snap the QR Code. You will then be redirected to the businesses listing on Google. Here you are able to see tons of information pertaining to the business and even reviews on it.

This is such an awesome idea, and I cannot wait until the full potential of QR codes is realised. I think Google are taking it in the right direction :)

Click here to see a couple of the businesses in the US which have been given the opportunity.

If you need a QR code reader for the iPhone, I highly recommend Quickmark, which is currently free in the app store (first 40,000 downloads)

I have just finished updating my South African iPhone apps page, and discovered a neat little trick when creating QR codes. Using the Kaywya QR Code Generator, I found is, that when the URL you are pointing to is quite long, the image size gets bigger. So for instance, I want to link back to the apps page, which is http://www.marcforrest.com/south-african-iphone-apps-directory/;

If I use the full URL in a QR Code image, it turns out to be quite a big image size wise (214 x 214)

BUT, if I shorten the URL using Bit.ly, it makes the image size a whole lot smaller (135 x 135) , but with exactly the same info in it

Use it don’t use it ;)