# Sparrows HSEQ vs BarLock

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sparrows HSEQ at none against BarLock's 1. Sparrows HSEQ also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.1). BarLock's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 7 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BarLock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Sparrows HSEQ asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sparrows HSEQ ships an update every 7 months, BarLock every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sparrows HSEQ | BarLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barlock-barcode-alarm/id6772532044/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 24 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 26.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sparrows Offshore Services Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1560825394) | [CODE IN MOTION SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896060625) |

## What reviewers say

### Sparrows HSEQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparrows-hseq/id1497084498)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### BarLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barlock-barcode-alarm/id6772532044)

This app helps you wake up by requiring you to scan a unique barcode or QR code from an item across the room to turn off your alarm. It prevents snoozing and ensures you physically get out of bed.

**Highlights:** Barcode and QR code alarm missions, Exact-code matching, Full-screen Scan to Stop, Wrong-item protection, Wake-up check after dismissal, No ads or tracking

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BarLock PRO Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sparrows HSEQ free?

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

### Is BarLock free?

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

### Do Sparrows HSEQ or BarLock have ads?

Neither Sparrows HSEQ nor BarLock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sparrows HSEQ or BarLock?

Sparrows HSEQ ships an update every 7 months, and BarLock every 3 days. Most recently, Sparrows HSEQ was updated on October 8, 2026 and BarLock 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.*