# Bar vs Barcode Scanner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Scanner at none against Bar's 1. Barcode Scanner also leads on review sentiment (78% vs 64%). Bar's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 9 months). On price, monetization model, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bar sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Barcode Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bar ships an update every 2 months, Barcode Scanner every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bar | Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (130 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-read/id6455989015/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **130** |
| Positive reviews | 64.0% of reviews | **77.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.4 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Roberto Sonzogni](https://appshunter.io/developer/402429427) | [Komorebi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/481596469) |

## What reviewers say

### Bar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bar-code/id422314523)

Scan barcodes and QR codes to save, email, copy, or search for information online. Export scanned data and photos to your PC for use in other applications. Ideal for small businesses, libraries, or home organization.

**Highlights:** Scan barcodes and QR codes, Save scanned codes for later, Email scanned codes, Copy/paste codes into other apps, Search scanned codes on the web, Export data and photos via iTunes file sharing, Integrate with web apps via URL scheme

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove ads and enable web app mode | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast scanning
- 👍 Simple and effective
- 📤 Ability to email scanned barcodes
- 🔍 Reads various barcode types

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy after updates
- 🚫 Doesn't work on some devices
- 💤 Slow or inaccurate scanning
- 📢 Intrusive ads

**Reported bugs**

- Scan history list disappearing
- Crashing when switching camera modes
- Inability to scan certain barcode types

**Requested features**

- Direct link to open scanned URLs
- Option to save scanned barcodes in folders
- Ability to export data to spreadsheets


### Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-read/id6455989015)

This free scanner app quickly reads barcodes and QR codes directly from your camera or photo albums. It offers a history of your scans and includes a flashlight feature for low-light conditions. Ensure camera access is granted for optimal performance.

**Highlights:** Scan from camera, Scan from photo albums, Scan history, Flashlight for dark, Quick launch camera

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bar free?

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

### Is Barcode Scanner free?

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

### Do Bar or Barcode Scanner have ads?

Barcode Scanner shows ads; Bar does not.

### Which is updated more often, Bar or Barcode Scanner?

Bar ships an update every 2 months, and Barcode Scanner every 9 months. Most recently, Bar was updated on June 11, 2026 and Barcode Scanner on September 23, 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.*