# MX Keyboard vs Barcode Keyboard

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MX Keyboard at none against Barcode Keyboard's 6. MX Keyboard also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 11.0). Barcode Keyboard's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barcode Keyboard sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. MX Keyboard asks for nothing beyond the download.

MX Keyboard ships an update every 5 months, Barcode Keyboard every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MX Keyboard | Barcode Keyboard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[2.8 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-keyboard-barcodekey/id1452999157/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **11** |
| Positive reviews | — | 61.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 34 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cognex Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/977274716) | [Irvinesoft Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1654264185) |

## What reviewers say

### MX Keyboard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mx-keyboard/id1213396552)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Barcode Keyboard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-keyboard-barcodekey/id1452999157)

Scan barcodes and QR codes directly from your keyboard within any app. Automate data entry into spreadsheets and other applications, streamlining your workflow without switching between apps.

**Highlights:** Scan barcodes and QR codes from keyboard, Use in any app (Excel, Sheets, Messenger, etc.), Automated data entry into spreadsheets, Batch scanning and counting, Supports numerous code types

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Edition (1 Week) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Edition (1 Month) | $14.99 | per month |
| Individual (1 Year) | $99.99 | per year |
| Team (1 Year) | $299.99 | per year |
| Enterprise (1 Year) | $599.99 | per year |
| Large Enterprise (1 Year) | $999.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MX Keyboard free?

MX Keyboard is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Barcode Keyboard free?

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

### Do MX Keyboard or Barcode Keyboard have ads?

Neither MX Keyboard nor Barcode Keyboard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MX Keyboard or Barcode Keyboard?

MX Keyboard ships an update every 5 months, and Barcode Keyboard every 2 months. Most recently, MX Keyboard was updated on October 3, 2026 and Barcode Keyboard on October 1, 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.*