# JAN Reader vs Barcode Scanner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: JAN Reader at none against Barcode Scanner's 2. Barcode Scanner's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 68 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barcode Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. JAN Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

JAN Reader ships an update every 68 months, Barcode Scanner every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and August 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | JAN Reader | Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 68 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 1 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Itoh Tomoaki](https://appshunter.io/developer/871816883) | [sakatech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198949375) |

## What reviewers say

### JAN Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jan-reader/id1447222187)

This utility app scans JAN, EAN, and ITF14 barcodes, allowing you to copy the scanned numbers for use in other applications. It stores up to 999 scan histories with a line break separator and provides haptic feedback on detection for compatible iPhones.

**Highlights:** Scans JAN, EAN, and ITF14 barcodes, Copy scanned numbers, Up to 999 scan history, Line break separator for history, Haptic feedback on detection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-ean-and-upc/id6474873267)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| プロプラン（1ヶ月） | $0.49 | per month |
| 広告の非表示 | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is JAN Reader free?

JAN Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Barcode Scanner free?

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

### Do JAN Reader or Barcode Scanner have ads?

Neither JAN Reader nor Barcode Scanner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, JAN Reader or Barcode Scanner?

JAN Reader ships an update every 68 months, and Barcode Scanner every 2 weeks. Most recently, JAN Reader was updated on September 10, 2026 and Barcode Scanner on August 25, 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.*