# BinScan vs Backbar

The clearest difference is ads: BinScan at none against Backbar's shown. BinScan also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Backbar's advantage is review sentiment (60% vs 33%). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

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

BinScan holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 33 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 33% of BinScan's written reviews are positive against 60% of Backbar's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

BinScan ships an update fortnightly, Backbar every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and July 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BinScan | Backbar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/binscan/id1454289622/reviews)** | [3.6 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backbar/id1461796151/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **33** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **60.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 76 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [BinWise, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/879755372) | [Backbar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1461796150) |

## What reviewers say

### BinScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/binscan/id1454289622)

Streamline your bar or restaurant's beverage inventory with this app. It significantly reduces counting time and eliminates errors compared to manual methods. Features include camera or Bluetooth scanner support, detailed area management, and manual item addition.

**Highlights:** Scan barcodes with device camera, Pair with Bluetooth scanner, Manage counts by area, Add items manually, Quick-Add for multi-case items, Partials view for partial counts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Backbar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backbar/id1461796151)

This application streamlines bar and restaurant management by simplifying inventory counting, vendor purchasing, and menu costing. It helps reduce costs and improve efficiency for beverage programs. Features include real-time syncing across devices, barcode scanning, and integration with over 1,300 beverage suppliers.

**Highlights:** Real-time inventory syncing, Barcode scanning for products, Streamlined vendor purchasing, Menu costing and pricing optimization, Digital invoice management, Staff education on beverages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BinScan free?

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

### Is Backbar free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BinScan or Backbar?

BinScan is rated higher. BinScan averages 3.8 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Backbar averages 3.6 from 33 ratings.

### Do BinScan or Backbar have ads?

Backbar shows ads; BinScan does not.

### Which is updated more often, BinScan or Backbar?

BinScan ships an update fortnightly, and Backbar every 3 weeks. Most recently, BinScan was updated on June 1, 2026 and Backbar on July 26, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*