Are you wondering how to read QR codes on posters, menus, websites, apps, etc.? Here are the five best free QR code reader online.

This article elaborates on The 5 Best Free QR Code Reader Online in 2024.

QR codes are still a popular way of communicating information due to their ease of use. That is why many brands use QR codes to communicate content or offers to their audiences.

 However, you may only take advantage of the many offers and crucial details offered by these businesses if you know how to read the information on the QR codes. 

Thankfully, you can do so with just your smartphone camera or QR code reader online for free. This way, you will be directed to the destination page without the need to type the address in your browser and run it.

Essentially, QR code scanners are already built into the latest versions of Android and iOS. Unfortunately, this feature is absent on older Android (7x Nougat and older) and iPhone devices (iOS 10x and older). 

So, if you have older smartphones, you can use the best third-party QR code readers. The best thing about these QR code readers is that they have added features that are not available natively on iOS and Android. 

We have chosen the five best QR code readers to help you choose the best QR code reader online for free.

The 5 Best Free QR Code Readers in 2024

There are many QR code reader apps on the App Store and Play Store, ranging from robust code readers to malicious scanner apps. 

We have chosen only the best free QR code readers to avoid jeopardizing your online security and privacy.

1. Kaspersky QR Code Reader and Scanner

This tool is the best QR code reader online for free because it is versatile and secure. Here are other reasons you would love this straightforward tool:

• One of the unique qualities of a QR code decoder is the ability to prevent spammy links. Thankfully, this QR decoder from cybersecurity expert Kaspersky scans and verifies QR codes. So, it can pick up unsafe and malicious codes. Before it can decode any QR code, it checks its security and alerts you if it finds a dodgy code. This tool uses the company’s virus database to identify dangerous links and phishing traps.
• It also has a history tab that has all the past scans. What it means is that the tool keeps a record whenever you scan your codes. So, you can easily access past images, links, and websites with one click.
• You will also like this tool because it is easy to use. Since it is available for both Android and iOS, you can easily make it your smartphone's native scanner app.

2. FreeWebTools QR Code Reader

If you want a QR code reader online free that lets you decode your QR codes in your browser, then FreeWebTools QR Code Reader is the ideal choice. 

This tool is easy to use, fast, and secure. Moreover, it is entirely free and doesn’t bombard you with confusing ads.

Another thing we like about this tool is that it can scan any QR code, irrespective of the type of image. To scan QR codes using this reader, open the tool and follow these steps:

1. First, upload your QR code into the system by clicking the Choose File button.
2. Next, tap on Read QR Code to start reading your QR code. The process takes only a few seconds.
3. Finally, you will get the decoded details of the QR code in the output text field. You can copy this information and use it appropriately.

3. Gamma Play’s QR Reader

If you are looking for a simple yet functional QR code decoder, you will not go wrong with Gamma Play’s QR tool. 

It is a robust point-to-shoot QR code reader online free that can decode QR codes as soon as you scan them. Here are other impressive features of this tool:

• It is efficient at scanning and storing past scans. This tool can scan product QR codes to compare prices online. The app will pass on relevant information to you and discard the rest.
• The app automatically identifies the required action after every scan. The reader can call a phone number, save contact information, or visit the coded URL.
• It also has an inverted scanning functionality. So, you can scan QR codes with squares and black backgrounds.
• It is also important to note that this tool can scan different barcode types.

4. Me QR Scanner

This is another fantastic QR code reader online for free. You will love this QR code reader because:

• The tool is available in different versions, depending on your device. There is a QR code reader for Android, another for iOS, and an online version.
• It is safe to use. The tool supports all anonymity and safety protocols. On top of this, it has a built-in antivirus plugin to check all the codes it scans. Another built-in security measure is anti-phishing software. Anti-phishing software becomes active when you start scanning the codes. It will then pick up phishing content wrapped in links. This ensures that you only scan secure information.
• You will also like it because it stores the history of your scans to enable you to follow up on past scans.

5. Free QR Scanner by InShot

Another super popular QR code reader online free is the Free QR Scanner by InShot. This Android QR code reader supports all QR codes, including WiFi, product information, email, URL, calendar, contacts, books, location, etc. 

It can also scan several types of barcodes, including maxi code, Data Matrix, code 93, code 39, UPC-A, Codebar, and EAN-8.

We also loved it because it is extremely fast and easy to use. There is no need to press buttons or configure zoom options to capture a QR code. 

The app will automatically detect, scan, validate, and decode the QR code. After scanning your QR code, the tool will pop up several options.

Empowering you to visit relevant websites, search for products online, or even connect to a WiFi network without entering a password manually. The only shortcoming is that the app is only available for Android users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to scan a QR code even if I don’t have a scanning app?

You can decode QR codes on your smartphone even if you don’t want to use a scanning app. As mentioned earlier, the latest Android and iOS versions have cameras with built-in QR code scanners.

But if you don’t want to use a scanner app or don’t have a smartphone, here are your options:
- Webcam QR Code Reader: Scanning your QR codes through a webcam is another option.
- Use an online QR Code Reader: This option lets you scan QR codes on your computer screen or browser. The good thing is that a couple of safe tools allow you to decode QR content online.
- Optical Code Readers: If you can’t scan using the other options, you can try optical QR code scanners. These scanners can scan mass QR codes, for instance, QR codes for ticketing and billing.

Does my phone have a built-in QR scanner?

You can’t scan a QR code with just any phone. Only smartphones can scan QR codes. 

The good thing is that most smartphones come with built-in QR code scanners. You can use your native camera app to scan QR codes.

To discover if your smartphone has built-in QR code scanning capability, open the camera app and try scanning a safe code. 

If it directs you to a display banner or website with the QR code details, you know your smartphone has native scanning capability.

How can I decode QR codes without scanning them?

Yes, you can read the content of a QR code without scanning it.

Several online tools can decode QR codes without scanning them.

One of them is the FreeWebTools QR Code Reader. 

All you need to do to decode a QR code is take a picture of the code or screenshot it, and then open the QR code reader online for free and upload the captured image. 

From there, you can decode the image in a few seconds. Please remember that for this option to work, you must have a clear and correctly aligned picture of the QR code.

Can I adjust a QR code?

It is possible to manipulate the content of a QR code, but it has to be a dynamic QR code. 

If that is the case, you can manipulate all aspects of the code, including the type of QR code used, the short URL, and any content on your landing page. 

When you adjust the dynamic QR code, you redirect your code to a new function.

Roundup

The above-listed QR code readers are super competent at scanning various QR codes. What’s more, they are all free to use and do not bombard you with unnecessary ads. 

More importantly, they have built-in privacy and security features to ensure you don’t fall prey to malicious links. 

As you choose your QR code reader online for free, we highly recommend you try all of them until you find what you like.

If you prefer to decode your codes without scanning, take a picture of your QR code and upload the image to a reliable QR code reader online, like FreeWebTools QR Code Reader.