# Barcode vs akey

The clearest difference is price: Barcode at Free against akey's $0.99. akey's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Barcode is free to download; akey costs $0.99 up front. Barcode sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. akey asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode ships an update every 3 weeks, akey every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode | akey |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-bar-code-reader/id1192120417/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **12** | — |
| Positive reviews | 42.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 38 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yen Nguyen Thi Hai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1808401365) | [炜炜 陆](https://appshunter.io/developer/1620114538) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-bar-code-reader/id1192120417)

This app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes to provide product information, compare prices, and access web links. It also functions as a QR code generator for various data types. Save money by scanning coupons and comparing in-store prices with online options.

**Highlights:** Scan all QR code types, Scan product barcodes, Compare prices, Generate QR codes, Save scan history, Share scanned codes

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly PREMIUM Scanner | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly PREMIUM Scanner | $24.99 | per year |
| Lifetime PREMIUM Scanner | $29.99 | one-time |


### akey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/akey/id1621287164)

A minimalist tool for securely recording account credentials. Keep your usernames and passwords organized in a simple, streamlined interface. Protect your sensitive information with this straightforward utility.

**Highlights:** Minimalist design, Secure credential storage, Account organization, Simple interface

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode free?

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

### Is akey free?

akey costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Barcode or akey have ads?

Barcode shows ads; akey does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode or akey?

Barcode ships an update every 3 weeks, and akey every 2 weeks. Most recently, Barcode was updated on October 5, 2026 and akey on October 11, 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.*