Barcode Scanner vs Recess
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Barcode Scanner
Streamline inventory and asset tracking with a powerful barcode scanning solution. Build custom tracking systems without coding, reduce counting time significantly, and export data easily. Works offline and syncs automatically.
- Scan any barcode type
- Export data to Excel/Google Sheets
- Offline functionality with cloud sync
- Capture photos, signatures, GPS
- Log asset history with location tracking
- Design and print barcode labels
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Tired of manual inventory errors and wasted time? Orca Scan transforms inventory tracking with a powerful barcode scanning solution. Build complete barcode systems without writing code, and reduce counting time by up to 80%. Trusted by 50,000+ organizations, including Fortune 500 companies worldwide. Key Features • Scan any barcode type – QR, UPC, EAN, GS1, FMD, UDI, ISBN • Export data directly to Excel and Google Sheets • Works offline, syncing automatically to the cloud once reconnected • Capture photos, signatures, GPS locations and more with customizable fields • Log full asset history with integrated location tracking • Add barcode scanning to your software via a single REST API • Design and print barcode labels with an intuitive label designer Perfect For • Inventory management and stock control • Asset tracking and equipment monitoring • UDI tracking for medical devices • Batch tracking and warehouse audits • Fire extinguisher inspections • Vehicle maintenance logs and VIN tracking • Book cataloging using ISBN scanning • Event check-in and lead capture with QR codes Why Choose Orca Scan • Works on any device – from smartphones to enterprise scanners • Lightweight app for fast setup and smooth performance • Friendly, responsive customer support (4.7+ stars) • GS1-approved for regulatory compliance • Goes beyond scanner apps by building complete tracking systems • Updated regularly based on user feedback Awards & Recognition • Winner – "Tech for Good" at the 2024 Cambridge Independent Science & Technology Awards • Featured in Business Weekly's 'Killer 50' list of disruptive tech companies • Ranked #2 in "7 Best Barcode Scanner Apps" by MakeUseOf.com What Our Users Say • "I am amazed with the system, its capabilities and functionalities. I've adapted it to an aviation maintenance environment and it's replaced old tedious procedures" – Paulo F. • "It's perfect for managing my book list. Scanning the ISBN adds everything – publication, date, author, and description" – Olivia B. • "I work in a shipping department without RF guns, and this app was a huge help. Exporting to Excel was easy" – Lauren E. • "An absolutely perfect app for what I needed. It made my job a hundred times easier" – Allen Trusted by Businesses Worldwide • iVascular: "We cover 170 consignment locations. It takes 1 person about 15 minutes to do a count now – they spend more time traveling than counting!" • Enfamil: "I chose Orca Scan because of its ease of use and instant implementation" • Masteroast: "The traceability Orca Scan gives us helps us manage inventory more effectively" • Signature Aviation: "What a phenomenal find Orca Scan was" Proven Results • Reduce stock take time by up to 94% – Northumbria NHS • Boost productivity by 400% while saving $200,000 annually – Whirlpool • Cut inventory management time by 60% – CKC Good Food • Recover overlooked assets worth $60,000+ – Signature Aviation • Replace monthly inventories with quick biannual checks With over 300,000 users across 165 countries, Orca Scan continuously evolves to meet your needs. Start transforming your inventory today – and save hours every week with just a few taps. Learn more about how we protect your data at orcascan.com/terms and orcascan.com/privacy Orca Scan. Barcode tracking, simplified.
Recess
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Recess is an iOS app designed to make it easier to disconnect from different apps depending on your enabled Focus mode on your phone. Recess let’s you create one or more configurations (a list of apps to take time away from), which you can then enable by selecting particular Focus modes on your iOS device. To link a Recess configuration to a Focus, visit the Settings app on your device, and under the relevant Focus scroll down to Focus Filters and add a filter.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Barcode Scanner at weekly against Recess's every 9 months. Barcode Scanner also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Barcode Scanner ships an update weekly, Recess every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Barcode Scanner | Recess |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (1.9K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 83.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1.9K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 10 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ORCA SCAN LIMITED | Giles Williams |
Bugs and requests
Barcode Scanner
Reported bugs
3 issues- Deleted local barcodes after update
- Incompatibility with newer iPhone models
- Inconsistent barcode recognition
Requested features
4 requests- Ability to manually input barcodes
- More advanced reporting and analytics
- Improved sorting and filtering of scanned items
- Support for more barcode types
Recess
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Barcode Scanner
No in-app purchases
Recess
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Barcode Scanner free?
Is Recess free?
Do Barcode Scanner or Recess have ads?
Which is updated more often, Barcode Scanner or Recess?
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