# Barcode Essentials vs eSIM Plus

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Essentials at none against eSIM Plus's 13. Barcode Essentials also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 16.6). eSIM Plus's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 6 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. eSIM Plus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Barcode Essentials asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Essentials ships an update every 6 months, eSIM Plus weekly. The most recent releases landed on May 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Essentials | eSIM Plus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.0 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/esim-plus-second-phone-number/id1482736281/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1.7K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 39.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 12 MB | 140 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BARCODE ESSENTIALS PTY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1452014319) | [Appvillis](https://appshunter.io/developer/1449023066) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Essentials

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-essentials/id518202117)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### eSIM Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/esim-plus-second-phone-number/id1482736281)

Get a virtual phone number for SMS and calls, and access mobile internet globally without roaming fees. This app uses eSIM technology to provide a second phone line and data plans for travelers, allowing instant activation and easy country switching.

**Highlights:** Virtual phone number for SMS and calls, Global mobile data access, eSIM technology, No roaming charges, Instant activation, Pay-as-you-go plans

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Top Up Balance Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Top Up Subscriptions | $12.99 | per month |
| Top Up Balance Subscription | $17.99 | per month |
| Top Up Balance Subscription | $29.99 | per month |
| Top Up Balance Subscription | $89.99 | per month |
| Top Up Balance | $4.99 | one-time |
| Top Up Balance | $9.99 | one-time |
| Top Up Balance | $14.99 | one-time |
| Top Up Balance | $19.99 | one-time |
| Top Up Balance | $29.99 | one-time |
| Top Up Balance | $44.99 | one-time |
| Top Up Balance | $69.99 | one-time |
| Top Up Balance | $89.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💯 Best app
- 👍 User-friendly
- 🚀 Fast and easy to use
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 💎 Excellent customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Numbers don't work
- 🤖 Poor customer service
- 💰 Expensive and overpriced
- 🚫 Doesn't work as advertised
- 🔑 Intrusive verification process

**Reported bugs**

- Activation issues
- Unreliable SMS/call functionality
- Disappearing account balances
- Compatibility problems with devices

**Requested features**

- More affordable pricing
- Wider global coverage
- Seamless integration with messaging apps
- Improved troubleshooting and support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Essentials free?

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

### Is eSIM Plus free?

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

### Do Barcode Essentials or eSIM Plus have ads?

Neither Barcode Essentials nor eSIM Plus shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Essentials or eSIM Plus?

Barcode Essentials ships an update every 6 months, and eSIM Plus weekly. Most recently, Barcode Essentials was updated on May 22, 2026 and eSIM Plus on September 24, 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.*