Comparison

DNA Barcoding Assistant vs Plasmids X

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

DNA Barcoding Assistant

This application helps field technicians collect and organize specimen metadata for biodiversity research. It captures unique identifiers, taxonomic identifications, images, and collection details, exporting them for easy import into spreadsheets and databases.

Highlights
  • Capture specimen metadata
  • Record taxonomic identifications
  • Attach digital images
  • Geospatial data logging
  • Barcode scanning (EAN/UPC, QR, Code 128, etc.)
  • Manual sample ID input
  • Export data to email/spreadsheets
Features
Read full description

The DNA Barcoding Assistant is a mobile technician application that provides an intuitive interface to acquire specimen metadata for the International Barcode of Life (iBOL) project and other biodiversity initiatives. Core features enable users to capture unique identifiers and compile records that contain provisional user-assigned taxonomic identifications, digital images, geospatial data, and collection event details for specimens obtained in the field. The specimen records created with the DNA Barcoding Assistant are exported to the iPhone Mail app as attachments that are readily imported into an Excel spreadsheet. Imported text and linked image data can then be authenticated, edited, and uploaded to the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) using the specimen data and image submission protocols outlined in the BOLD handbook. To streamline the process of cataloging and tracking field specimens that are destined for museums, tissue banks, and other vouchering institutions, the DNA Barcoding Assistant integrates open-source technology to extract identifiers and other forms of data encoded by barcode symbols affixed to specimen storage containers (e.g. vials, Whirl-Pak®, Nalgene® bottles, etc.). Currently supported barcodes include: EAN/UPC Product Codes, QR Codes, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, DataBar (RSS), and Interleaved 2 of 5 and data matrix. A user may also manually input a sample ID, if desired. For educational audiences, the DNA Barcoding Assistant is a particularly versatile e-learning tool for students engaged in various biodiversity-based explorations aimed at promoting bioliteracy.

About

Plasmids X

Design, create, and analyze custom DNA plasmids with this intuitive molecular genetics tool. Supports importing, editing, and sharing plasmids, with powerful in silico analysis features for researchers and students.

Highlights
  • Create plasmids from sequences
  • Import from .dna and Genbank files
  • Edit plasmids by adding features
  • In silico analysis (sequence alignment, PCR, digestion)
  • Share and collaborate on plasmids
Features
Read full description

PlasmidsX is a plasmid editor for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Open your constructs, see them as clear circular and linear maps, read every base with its annotations, and plan restriction digests, all on your device. MAPS AND SEQUENCE • Circular and linear plasmid maps with features, primers and restriction sites. Tap any feature to see its details. • A sequence view with both strands, translations, feature tracks and enzyme sites • Find sequences, select a range by its coordinates and copy exactly what you need ANNOTATE AND ANALYZE • Add, edit, sort and search features and primers • A primer library shared by all your plasmids • Find open reading frames • Restriction analysis with the commercially available enzymes from REBASE, aware of Dam, Dcm and CpG methylation • Digest & Gel: pick enzymes and see the fragments on a virtual agarose gel • Saved versions of every plasmid, so you can go back YOUR LIBRARY • Import GenBank, FASTA, SnapGene (.dna) and ApE files from Files, Mail or any other app • Export FASTA and images of the map and the sequence, or print them • A Home Screen widget with your recent and favorite plasmids • Built for iPhone, iPad and Mac, with keyboard shortcuts, pointer support, Dark Mode, Dynamic Type and VoiceOver PLASMIDSX PRO Viewing, importing, annotating and analyzing are free. A PlasmidsX Pro subscription adds: • Sequence editing: type, paste, cut and delete bases, reverse complement, set the origin • Cloning: restriction and ligation, Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate, Gateway and PCR • Alignment of sequencing reads to your plasmid • BLAST searches and sequence downloads from NCBI • GenBank and SnapGene export PlasmidsX Pro is an auto-renewing subscription, billed monthly or yearly. Payment is charged to your Apple Account when you confirm the purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless you cancel it at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, and your account is charged for the renewal within the 24 hours before the period ends. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple Account settings. PRIVACY PlasmidsX has no account, no ads and no tracking. Your plasmids stay on your device. Data leaves your device only when you ask: a BLAST search sends your query sequence and contact email to NCBI, and a download from NCBI sends the accession number, your contact email and, if you set one, your NCBI API key. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://aminmahpour.com/privacy_plasmids.html

Screenshots

DNA Barcoding Assistant1 screens
Plasmids X4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: DNA Barcoding Assistant at 5.0 against Plasmids X's 3.4. DNA Barcoding Assistant also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 14) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 26.0). Plasmids X's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 10 months) and ratings volume (7 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Plasmids X sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. DNA Barcoding Assistant asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

DNA Barcoding Assistant holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Plasmids X has 7 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DNA Barcoding Assistant ships an update every 10 months, Plasmids X monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
DNA Barcoding Assistant versus Plasmids X: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDNA Barcoding AssistantPlasmids X
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better3.4 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews—33.3% of reviews
Number of ratings17 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS10.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCoastal Marine Biolabs Integrative Biosciences ProgramAmin Mahpour

Customer experience

DNA Barcoding Assistant

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Plasmids X

All ratings7 ratings
Positive57.1%
Neutral14.3%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative66.7%

In-app purchases

None

DNA Barcoding Assistant

No in-app purchases

14 purchases

Plasmids X

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Yearly3 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time12
  • A cup of coffee!$1.99
  • Split View Support$1.99
  • Manual Cloning$3.99
Show 9 more
  • In-silico PCR Support$3.99
  • NCBI Entrez Support$3.99
  • Local Alignment Support$3.99
  • A box of joe!$4.99
  • BLAST Support$4.99
  • ApE File Support$4.99
  • Genbank Support$4.99
  • dna File Support$5.99
  • All Features$24.99

Questions

Is DNA Barcoding Assistant free?
DNA Barcoding Assistant is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Plasmids X free?
Plasmids X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, DNA Barcoding Assistant or Plasmids X?
DNA Barcoding Assistant is rated higher. DNA Barcoding Assistant averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Plasmids X averages 3.4 from 7 ratings.
Do DNA Barcoding Assistant or Plasmids X have ads?
Neither DNA Barcoding Assistant nor Plasmids X shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DNA Barcoding Assistant or Plasmids X?
DNA Barcoding Assistant ships an update every 10 months, and Plasmids X monthly. Most recently, DNA Barcoding Assistant was updated on September 26, 2026 and Plasmids X on October 9, 2026.

Other comparisons