# Barcode Reader vs Frontier

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Reader at none against Frontier's 6. Barcode Reader also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Frontier sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Barcode Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Reader ships an update fortnightly, Frontier monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | Frontier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-reader/id1491475632/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 14 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.3** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Azenta, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1491475631) | [Appkitekt Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771314634) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-reader/id1491475632)

This free application scans and decodes 2D Datamatrix and Linear 128 barcodes found on sample storage tubes. It enables the export of a list of codes for integration into laboratory information management systems.

**Highlights:** Reads 2D Datamatrix barcodes, Reads Linear 128 barcodes, Decodes sample storage tube codes, Exports code lists, Integrates with LIMS systems

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Frontier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/frontier-ai-cognitive-coach/id6762355060)

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Frontier Weekly Smart Mode | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Frontier Weekly Genius Mode | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Frontier Monthly Smart Mode | $5.99 | per month |
| Frontier Monthly Genius Mode | $8.99 | per month |
| Frontier Yearly Smart Mode | $44.99 | per year |
| Frontier Yearly Genius Mode | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Reader free?

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

### Is Frontier free?

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

### Do Barcode Reader or Frontier have ads?

Neither Barcode Reader nor Frontier shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Reader or Frontier?

Barcode Reader ships an update fortnightly, and Frontier monthly. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on October 2, 2026 and Frontier on October 7, 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.*