# CoderBar vs Passnote

The clearest difference is update cadence: Passnote at every 4 days against CoderBar's every 3 weeks. CoderBar's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CoderBar sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $41.99 per year and Passnote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CoderBar ships an update every 3 weeks, Passnote every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CoderBar | Passnote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 72 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [eLife System Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1455084435) | [SHIFENG ZHANG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886637404) |

## What reviewers say

### CoderBar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coderbar/id1568963214)

This platform focuses on career advancement in the IT industry, offering vocational training and recruitment services. It connects businesses with skilled professionals and provides IT employees with skill enhancement and career planning guidance.

**Highlights:** Vocational training for IT professionals, Recruitment services for businesses, Career planning and guidance, Customized learning content, Direct connection to schools and companies, Business Japanese and IT Japanese training

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 教育VIP会員 | $41.99 | per year |
| VIP会員 | $82.99 | per year |
| 28CB | $5.99 | one-time |
| 42 CB | $8.99 | one-time |
| 131 CB | $27.99 | one-time |
| 180 CB | $39.99 | one-time |
| 271 CB | $59.99 | one-time |
| 432 CB | $94.99 | one-time |


### Passnote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/passnote-japan-it-exam-prep/id6764005710)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro 月額プラン | $5.99 | per month |
| Pro 年額プラン | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CoderBar free?

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

### Is Passnote free?

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

### Do CoderBar or Passnote have ads?

Neither CoderBar nor Passnote shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CoderBar or Passnote?

CoderBar ships an update every 3 weeks, and Passnote every 4 days. Most recently, CoderBar was updated on October 8, 2026 and Passnote on October 17, 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.*