# Bar vs The Sentry

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Sentry at 86% against Bar's 43%. The Sentry also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 20 months). Bar's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Sentry sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Bar asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bar ships an update every 20 months, The Sentry every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 4, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bar | The Sentry |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 42.9% of reviews | **85.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 20 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 14 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) | [Stuart Evans](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499887422) |

## 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


### The Sentry

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-sentry/id1499887423)

This app provides advanced personal security features for teams, including live location sharing, check-ins, and one-touch panic alarms with video capture. It helps deter attackers and ensures team members get home safely.

**Highlights:** Live location sharing, One-touch panic alarms (loud/silent), Video capture with panic alarm, Check-in feature for lone workers, Fake call widget, Global coverage

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Panic Button Premium | $1.99 | per month |
| Panic Button Unlimited | $5.49 | per month |
| Full Version | $5.99 | per month |
| Full Version - Yearly | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bar free?

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

### Is The Sentry free?

The Sentry is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Bar or The Sentry have ads?

Bar shows ads; The Sentry does not.

### Which is updated more often, Bar or The Sentry?

Bar ships an update every 20 months, and The Sentry every 3 months. Most recently, Bar was updated on October 4, 2026 and The Sentry on October 4, 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.*