Comparison

Barcode Scanner vs Shelf Companion

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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.

About

Shelf Companion

This app allows teams to manage and audit assets directly from their mobile devices. Scan QR codes or barcodes to quickly access asset details, update information, and conduct real-time inventory audits. It syncs instantly with the web platform and is designed for collaborative team use.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • Real-time inventory audits
  • View and update asset details
  • Assign and release asset custody
  • Multi-workspace support
  • Role-based access control
Read full description

Shelf Companion is the mobile companion app for Shelf — the asset management platform your team already uses on the web. Sign in with your existing Shelf account and put your whole inventory in your pocket. SCAN TO ACT Point your camera at a Shelf QR code — or any barcode you've registered to an asset — and jump straight to that item. Code 128, Code 39, DataMatrix, EAN-13, and external QR codes are all supported. RUN AUDITS FROM THE FLOOR Walk the room, scan as you go, and watch an audit complete in real time. See what's been found, what's still expected, and prioritise by urgency — without a clipboard or a laptop. MANAGE ASSETS ANYWHERE View asset details, update locations, assign or release custody, and check bookings in and out from your phone. Every change syncs instantly with your Shelf web workspace and your activity timeline. BUILT FOR TEAMS Role-aware by design: base users, self-service members, admins, and owners each see exactly what they should. Multi-workspace switching is built in. REQUIRES A SHELF ACCOUNT Shelf Companion is an extension of your Shelf workspace, not a standalone product. You'll need an existing Shelf account (https://www.shelf.nu) to sign in. There is no separate subscription for the app. Questions or feedback: support@shelf.nu

Screenshots

Barcode Scanner4 screens
Shelf Companion4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Barcode Scanner at 4.7 against Shelf Companion's 3.0. Barcode Scanner also leads on ratings volume (1.9K vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Barcode Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode Scanner has 1.9K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Barcode Scanner ships an update fortnightly, Shelf Companion every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Barcode Scanner versus Shelf Companion: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBarcode ScannerShelf Companion
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (1.9K ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews83.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.9K — better2
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperORCA SCAN LIMITEDShelf Asset Management, Inc.

Customer experience

Barcode Scanner

All ratings1,866 ratings
Positive93.0%
Neutral2.1%
Negative4.8%
Written reviews303 reviews
Positive83.5%
Neutral4.3%
Negative12.2%

Shelf Companion

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

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

Shelf Companion

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Barcode Scanner

No in-app purchases

None

Shelf Companion

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Barcode Scanner free?
Barcode Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Shelf Companion free?
Shelf Companion is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Barcode Scanner or Shelf Companion?
Barcode Scanner is rated higher. Barcode Scanner averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.9K ratings, while Shelf Companion averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Barcode Scanner or Shelf Companion have ads?
Neither Barcode Scanner nor Shelf Companion shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Barcode Scanner or Shelf Companion?
Barcode Scanner ships an update fortnightly, and Shelf Companion every 2 weeks. Most recently, Barcode Scanner was updated on October 26, 2026 and Shelf Companion on October 25, 2026.

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