# Age Pal vs REAL Barcode Authentication

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Age Pal at 100% against REAL Barcode Authentication's 0%. REAL Barcode Authentication's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 22 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Age Pal sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. REAL Barcode Authentication asks for nothing beyond the download.

Age Pal ships an update every 22 months, REAL Barcode Authentication every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Age Pal | REAL Barcode Authentication |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 2 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Barsam Innovations Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1089628356) | [GS1 Hong Kong Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/376625223) |

## What reviewers say

### Age Pal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/age-pal/id1089628357)

Accurately track your age in real-time with this application. A beautiful widget displays your current age directly on your iPhone's notification screen, encouraging mindfulness about time and its value.

**Highlights:** Real-time age tracking, Today Widget display, Mindfulness of time, Appreciation of time's value

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tracking Multiple Ages | $1.99 | one-time |


### REAL Barcode Authentication

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-barcode-authentication/id1127715271)

This app uses your phone's camera to scan encrypted barcodes, providing instant product authentication and trusted information directly from brand owners. It helps identify counterfeit products and offers a way to report issues for further investigation.

**Highlights:** Scan encrypted barcodes, Instant product authentication, Obtain trusted product information, Use mobile camera for scanning, Automatic flashlight and hints, Report fake barcodes

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Age Pal free?

Age Pal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is REAL Barcode Authentication free?

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

### Do Age Pal or REAL Barcode Authentication have ads?

Neither Age Pal nor REAL Barcode Authentication shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Age Pal or REAL Barcode Authentication?

Age Pal ships an update every 22 months, and REAL Barcode Authentication every 2 months. Most recently, Age Pal was updated on September 26, 2026 and REAL Barcode Authentication on October 8, 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.*