# Barcode Reader vs Tide Q Link

The clearest difference is ads: Tide Q Link at none against Barcode Reader's shown. Tide Q Link also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 48 months) and iOS requirement (9.1 vs 15.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, Tide Q Link every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | Tide Q Link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 48 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 6 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aishvarya Sadasivam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062048241) | [InGee Information Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/650556906) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-reader-scan/id1081653184)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Tide Q Link

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tide-q-link-barcode-scanner/id1191397251)

This app allows you to scan barcodes remotely using a physical Tide Q Link device. It offers extensive customization for scan actions, repetition, and barcode types, sending data wirelessly to your connected device.

**Highlights:** Remote barcode data reception, Customizable scan actions, Set barcode repetition count, Adjustable barcode length limits, Supports 13 barcode types, Reset to original settings

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Reader free?

Barcode Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Tide Q Link free?

Tide Q Link is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Barcode Reader or Tide Q Link have ads?

Barcode Reader shows ads; Tide Q Link does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Reader or Tide Q Link?

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, and Tide Q Link every 2 months. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on October 13, 2026 and Tide Q Link on September 26, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*