# Barcode Reader vs JAN Reader

The clearest difference is ads: JAN Reader at none against Barcode Reader's shown. JAN Reader also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and iOS requirement (13.6 vs 15.0). Barcode Reader's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 67%). On price, update cadence, 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 59 months, JAN Reader every 68 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | JAN Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 59 months** | Every 68 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aishvarya Sadasivam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062048241) | [Itoh Tomoaki](https://appshunter.io/developer/871816883) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-reader-easyread/id1081654237)

This utility app uses your device's camera to quickly and accurately scan all major barcode and QR code types. It offers features like bulk scanning, reading codes from images, and saving scan history for easy sharing.

**Highlights:** Fast code scanning, Bulk mode for continuous scanning, Scan from camera roll images, Automated scanning processes, Scan history and sharing

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### JAN Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jan-reader/id1447222187)

This utility app scans JAN, EAN, and ITF14 barcodes, allowing you to copy the scanned numbers for use in other applications. It stores up to 999 scan histories with a line break separator and provides haptic feedback on detection for compatible iPhones.

**Highlights:** Scans JAN, EAN, and ITF14 barcodes, Copy scanned numbers, Up to 999 scan history, Line break separator for history, Haptic feedback on detection

**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 JAN Reader free?

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

### Do Barcode Reader or JAN Reader have ads?

Barcode Reader shows ads; JAN Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Reader or JAN Reader?

Barcode Reader ships an update every 59 months, and JAN Reader every 68 months. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on September 14, 2026 and JAN Reader on September 28, 2026.

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