# Barcode Scanner vs Simple Journaling

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Scanner at none against Simple Journaling's 1. Barcode Scanner also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (1.9K vs 1). Simple Journaling's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Simple Journaling sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Barcode Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Journaling holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode Scanner has 1.9K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Barcode Scanner ships an update every 10 days, Simple Journaling every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Scanner | Simple Journaling |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-orca-scan/id1161117971/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-journaling/id6760980806/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.9K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 83.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 10 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 26.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ORCA SCAN LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1083450789) | [Jayden Dirksen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886739587) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-orca-scan/id1161117971)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 👍 Customizable fields and options
- 📤 Easy data export and sharing
- 💡 Helpful for inventory management
- 🚀 Quick and accurate barcode scanning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional app freezing or crashes
- 🔒 Requires account creation to use
- 🔒 Limited functionality in free version
- 🔋 Camera issues on some devices

**Reported bugs**

- Deleted local barcodes after update
- Incompatibility with newer iPhone models
- Inconsistent barcode recognition

**Requested features**

- Ability to manually input barcodes
- More advanced reporting and analytics
- Improved sorting and filtering of scanned items
- Support for more barcode types


### Simple Journaling

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-journaling/id6760980806)

This app offers a clean, distraction-free space for daily reflection and gratitude tracking. It helps users understand themselves better by visualizing emotional patterns and providing insights into writing habits. Features include mood tracking, search, and weekly goals.

**Highlights:** Distraction-free journaling, Daily gratitude tracking, Mood tracking and trend visualization, Journal search with mood filters, Weekly goals and streak tracking, Insights and analytics dashboard, AI-powered reflection prompts (Premium)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Scanner free?

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

### Is Simple Journaling free?

Simple Journaling is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Barcode Scanner or Simple Journaling?

Simple Journaling is rated higher. Barcode Scanner averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.9K ratings, while Simple Journaling averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Barcode Scanner or Simple Journaling have ads?

Neither Barcode Scanner nor Simple Journaling shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Scanner or Simple Journaling?

Barcode Scanner ships an update every 10 days, and Simple Journaling every 2 months. Most recently, Barcode Scanner was updated on October 10, 2026 and Simple Journaling on October 7, 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.*