# Bar vs Barcode Scanner

The clearest difference is update cadence: Bar at every 20 months against Barcode Scanner's every 117 months. Bar also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Barcode Scanner's advantage is review sentiment (60% vs 43%) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ads, 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.

Bar ships an update every 20 months, Barcode Scanner every 117 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bar | Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 42.9% of reviews | **60.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 20 months** | Every 117 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 6 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aishvarya Sadasivam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062048241) | [Ramalingam Sivaramakrishnan](https://appshunter.io/developer/892706271) |

## What reviewers say

### Bar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bar-code-scanner/id1081663531)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera. Open links, save your scan history, and share results quickly. This utility works offline and features a simple, user-friendly design for quick access to information.

**Highlights:** Fast QR and barcode scanning, Scan QR codes from photos, Save scan history, Share and open links, Offline scanning capability, Lightweight and easy to use

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-scan/id1081726304)

Instantly read any barcode or QR code by pointing your camera. Quickly capture and manage information, from product details to URLs. Essential for organizing items, managing inventory, or finding product information.

**Highlights:** Lightning-fast barcode and QR code scanning, Save and export scan history to CSV, Bulk scanning mode for multiple codes, Scan codes from photos, Share scan results easily

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bar free?

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

### Is Barcode Scanner free?

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

### Do Bar or Barcode Scanner have ads?

Both Bar and Barcode Scanner show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bar or Barcode Scanner?

Bar ships an update every 20 months, and Barcode Scanner every 117 months. Most recently, Bar was updated on September 26, 2026 and Barcode Scanner on October 4, 2026.

---

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