With the release of Windows 10 Mobile, many really useful features from Windows Phone 8.1 were removed. One of this features is the opportunity to scan QR codes, barcodes and text. Now, with this feature gone, you need to use third-party apps to perform the same actions. While t here are a lot of apps in the Store, for this purpose, most of them are not free and others are useless. We did a little research and found four apps, which we think that will perfectly fit your needs. Let's get started:

1. QR Scanner RS

QR Scanner RS is one of the most appreciated apps in the Windows Store , with a rating of 4.6/5. The app is light, well organized and easy to use. Just point your smartphone to a QR code or a bar code and the results are shown. You can then tap the result, which will be opened in your web browser.

Also, you can set the app to launch your result automatically. Go to Auto Launch Settings, and choose the options that suit you best.

When you scan a barcode and search for providers, the app can help you find the most useful results by choosing any search engine you like.

Also, if you experience bad lighting conditions, you can always use the flashlight button from the Configurations menu.

Unfortunately, the app can only scan QR codes for web links and barcodes and it can't scan other types of QR codes. For this purpose, you need to purchase the premium version - QR Scanner +, for $ 1.99.

Overall, we like this app a lot. The results are displayed and opened instantly and it's really well put together. It would have been great if you could change the colors of the app, but it's an insignificant issue. Try this app and tell us what you think.

2. QR Code Offline

QR Code Offline is another reliable app for scanning QR codes. In contrast to QR Scanner RS, you can't scan barcodes, only QR codes. We noticed that scanning QR codes with this app is a little bit slower, but the difference isn't that significant.

In contrast to the previous app, you can scan codes not only from your camera, but also by opening them from your saved pictures.

The app will display the type of QR code that it is scanning, its content and the actions you can perform:

• If the code type is uri, you can tap the link and it will open in your web browser.

• If the code type is sms you can send the text or save the number to your contacts using the buttons below.

• If the app displays a phone number or a full contact, you can call that number or save it to your contacts.

• If the code type is Geolocation, you can locate the place on the map, or navigate to it using your navigation apps.

• If the code type is Calendar event or Text you can copy or edit the information and paste them somewhere else.

Another thing we like, is the opportunity to create any type of QR codes: text, sms, phone, geolocation, email, event, contact. After typing the information, you can choose the QR code's color and save it in your album.

Overall, we think that this app is pretty good. It has more features than the previous app, but in terms of performance and design, it does not excel. Also, the remove ads button is poorly placed, so it might overlap with essential content, which is really annoying. Try it for yourself and tell us what you think.

3. QR Code Scan

QR Code Scan is another good choice when it comes to QR code scanners for Windows 10 Mobile. The app is rather basic, having the following tabs: the main scanning screen, qr reader, recent, settings, privacy policy and about us. You can navigate through these screens by swiping left or right.

The app is able to scan any type of QR code. Once it detects a code, your smartphone will vibrate and display its content, alongside some buttons with the actions that you can perform with the content, similar to QR Code Offline.

What we don't like is the fact that the app is rather slow, the design is quite unpolished and the vibration can't be disabled when scanning codes. Overall, the app is good, is does the job but it's not excellent.

4. Red Laser

Red Laser is another useful app for scanning QR codes. Developed by eBay, the app helps you scan barcodes or search for items to make sure that you have all the information you need, including product details, ratings, reviews and pricing.

Like most of the apps we presented, Red Laser can not only detect links and barcodes but also other types of QR codes, such as phone numbers or text, which will be stored in the history for you to view them later.

Like some o f the apps we presented, you can create your own QR codes, which you can then store in your album and share them as you please.

Another thing this app can do is create shopping lists. Name your list, choose a list icon and start adding different items by scanning codes, searching for them online or adding them from your history.

Another cool feature is the opportunity to store Loyalty cards for your favorite stores. If you are not able to scan the barcode, just type the card number and a barcode will be automatically generated.

We like this app a lot, although it's not entirely focused on scanning QR and barcodes, and it's mainly used for shopping. However, it can prove to be very useful. Try this app for yourself and tell us what you think.

Conclusion

As you can see, any of the apps presented in this roundup are reliable choices and you can choose the one that best meets your needs. Although QR Scanner RS is the best in terms of performance and design, its scanning capacity is limited to barcodes and links, while other apps can scan multiple types of codes and even create QR codes. If you think there are better apps for Windows 10 Mobile which you think that they deserve to be mentioned, don't hesitate to share them with us in the comments below.