Comparison

MX Keyboard vs WatchBar

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

Head to head
About

MX Keyboard

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MX Keyboard allows users to scan barcodes into any iOS or web application using MX Series Mobile Terminals or MX-100 Barcode Reader.

About

WatchBar

Features
Currently charting
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Barcode Power, Wherever You Are WatchBar is your complete barcode solution β€” generate, scan, save, and display barcodes on iPhone and Apple Watch. Whether you're at checkout, redeeming rewards, or managing product codes, WatchBar keeps your essentials ready at a glance. All for a one-time $0.99 purchase. No ads. No subscriptions. No sign-in required. CORE FEATURES Generate Barcodes Instantly Create barcodes from any number with support for 70+ formats including: β€’ UPC Family (UPC-A, UPC-E) β€’ EAN Family (EAN-13, EAN-8) β€’ QR Codes & Micro QR β€’ Code 128, Code 39, Code 25, Codabar β€’ Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec β€’ GS1 DataBar (PLU barcodes) β€’ ITF-14, Han Xin, MaxiCode β€’ Postal codes (USPS, Royal Mail, Australia Post) …and many more specialized formats! Advanced Barcode Scanning Professional-grade camera scanning with precision controls: β€’ Real-time detection of 70+ barcode formats β€’ Torch/flashlight toggle for low-light scanning β€’ Pinch-to-zoom (1.5x–3x) for distant barcodes β€’ Double-tap auto-focus for perfect clarity β€’ Haptic feedback & audio confirmation β€’ Selective format scanning β€” choose which types to detect β€’ Instant barcode details and data display PLU Database β€” 235 Produce Codes Never search for produce codes again: β€’ Comprehensive database of fruits, vegetables, and organic items β€’ Search by name or code β€’ Filter by category (Fruits, Vegetables, Organic) β€’ One-tap barcode generation from any PLU β€’ Integrated into widgets for instant access Save & Organize Your Barcodes β€’ Save unlimited barcodes with custom labels β€’ Automatic generation and scanning history β€’ Searchable history with full details β€’ All data stored securely on your device β€” not the cloud Share & Export β€’ Share barcodes via Messages, Email, AirDrop, and more β€’ Export data in JSON, XML, or plain text formats β€’ Selective data export (saved barcodes, history, scans) β€’ Full backup capabilities for data portability APPLE WATCH INTEGRATION Full watchOS App β€’ Native Apple Watch app with complete barcode functionality β€’ Seamless sync of saved barcodes and history β€’ Generate and display barcodes on your wrist β€’ Access PLU database from your Watch β€’ Scan hands-free at stores, events, or memberships Watch Complications β€’ Four complication types: circular, corner, rectangular, inline β€’ Quick-launch shortcuts to Saved Barcodes, Library, or History β€’ Display directly on your watch face for instant access WIDGETS & LIVE ACTIVITIES iOS Widgets β€’ Home screen widgets for PLU codes and favorites β€’ Lock screen widgets (iOS 16.2+) for instant barcode access β€’ Configurable widget content and sizes Live Activities & Dynamic Island β€’ Display active barcodes on Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro+) β€’ Persistent lock screen Live Activities for scanning β€’ Multiple barcode activities with easy management BUILT FOR EVERYONE β€” FULL ACCESSIBILITY WatchBar is designed to be accessible to all users: β€’ VoiceOver Support β€” Complete screen reader accessibility with custom actions β€’ Dynamic Type β€” Responsive text sizing up to extra large sizes β€’ High Contrast Mode β€” Enhanced contrast with thicker borders and bold fonts β€’ Reduce Motion β€” Respects motion sensitivity settings β€’ Color-Blind Friendly β€” Non-color status indicators (patterns and icons) β€’ Minimum Touch Targets β€” 44Γ—44pt tap areas for easy interaction β€’ All controls accessible via assistive technologies PRIVACY & DATA OWNERSHIP Your data, your control: β€’ All barcodes stored locally on your device β€’ No cloud sync, no account required β€’ Export your complete data library anytime β€’ No tracking, no analytics, no third parties β€’ Full privacy policy transparency WHY WATCHBAR? Because you deserve simplicity β€” no clutter, no logins, no recurring fees. Just clean, fast, and reliable barcode access wherever you go. Download WatchBar today and carry your codes with confidence β€” all for $0.99.

Screenshots

MX Keyboard4 screens
WatchBar4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MX Keyboard at Free against WatchBar's $0.99. MX Keyboard also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 17.6). WatchBar's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 5 months) and chart position (#193 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

MX Keyboard is free to download; WatchBar costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MX Keyboard ships an update every 5 months, WatchBar every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences Β· 3 level
MX Keyboard versus WatchBar: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMX KeyboardWatchBar
PriceFree β€” better$0.99
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 4 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Best chart rankβ€”#193 β€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch β€” better
Requires iOS9.3 β€” better17.6
Further details β€” not scored
Size34 MB78 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCognex CorporationTravis Peebles

In-app purchases

None

MX Keyboard

No in-app purchases

None

WatchBar

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MX Keyboard free?
MX Keyboard is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is WatchBar free?
WatchBar costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do MX Keyboard or WatchBar have ads?
Neither MX Keyboard nor WatchBar shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MX Keyboard or WatchBar?
MX Keyboard ships an update every 5 months, and WatchBar every 4 days. Most recently, MX Keyboard was updated on October 3, 2026 and WatchBar on October 5, 2026.

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