A Bar code is an encoding tag or label that is placed on all merchandise that allows computers to track and ring up products in a fast and efficient way. Bar code are scanned by a bar code scanner device but now the smart phones are also capable of scanning bar codes with the help of some specialized applications.

QR code is two-dimensional bar code and stands for Quick Response Code. QR Code can be used to store addresses and URLs that can appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards or just about any product that users might need information about. QR codes are mostly scanned by smart phones.

These codes have made our life really quick and easy. Below are listed 11 of the best Bar/QR code scanner applications for android phones which are freely available in the android market:

1. Barcode Scanner

Scan bar codes on products then look up prices and reviews. You can also scan Data Matrix and QR Codes containing URLs, contact info, etc. It is the most popular bar code scanner application for android devices which have been downloaded over 10,000,000 times.

barcode scanner

Download Barcode Scanner

2. Google Goggles

Goggles is a unique application which has been developed by Google. It lets you search by taking a picture. Goggles uses image recognition technology to recognize objects and return relevant search results. Goggles can extract contact information from business cards. And it can also read Bar/QR codes.

google goggles

Download Google Goggles

3. QR Droid

Apart from scanning QR codes this application also let you create one, which your friends can scan from your phone’s screen. It can also scan QR codes shown in Android Browser, saved in your SD Card or any QR image given its internet URL.

qr droid

Download QR Droid

4. ShopSavvy Barcode Scanner

Find the best online and local prices. Aim the camera at any product’s barcode, wait for the beep and ShopSavvy will provide you with a list of online and local prices.

shopshavvy

Download ShopSavvy Barcode Scanner

5. ScanLife Barcode Reader

Scan QR & UPC barcodes to launch videos, pricing, coupons & reviews in seconds.
ScanLife turns your camera phone into a all-in-one bar code reader – one of the few apps that can scan QR Codes and UPC Codes found on products.

scan life

Download ScanLife Barcode Reader

6. QuickMark QR Code Reader

QuickMark is a mobile barcode scanner app that allows auto-scanning of multiple barcode formats from your phone. (Quick Code, QR Code, Data Matrix, EAN 8/13, Code39, Code128)

quick mark

Download QuickMark QR Code Reader

7. Barcode Generator/Reader

A simple tool for generating and reading QR code supporting event, contact, email, geo, phone, sms, text, url and wifi.

barcode generator

Download Barcode Generator/Reader

8. GoCart

This is the older style of the popular app ShopSavvy. Feel free to download this if you prefer this format over the newer one. However, this version is no longer supported and won’t receive any more updates by its developers.

gocart

Download GoCart

9. Mobiletag QR Barcode Scanner

A universal scanner allowing you to scan any type of flashcode, datamatrix, QRcode or 1D UPC EAN13 and 2D barcodes to access multimedia content, on your favorites products.

mobile tag

Download Mobiletag QR Barcode Scanner

10. SimpleQRCode

QR Code used at the time of address exchange is created. Since a free text can be added to QR Code to exchange, various information can be given. Moreover, since the information given to the partner who exchanges can be chosen easily, it is very convenient!

simle qr

Download Simple QR Code

11. QR Droid Private

The best QR code app does not ask access to “Your Personal Information”! It’s same as “QR Droid” but with only difference that it does not ask access to your personal information. “QR Droid” is more recommended if you will ever create QR codes from your own Contacts and Bookmarks saved in your device otherwise you should go for QR Droid Private.

Download Droid Private