Barcode + QR Code Reader vs PAC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Barcode + QR Code Reader
Quickly scan QR codes and barcodes with this powerful, ad-free utility. It automatically recognizes code content and offers relevant actions like adding contacts, opening URLs, or connecting to Wi-Fi. Supports a wide range of code types for various uses.
- Fast and precise scanning
- Ad-free experience
- Automatic action suggestions
- Supports all common code types
- Add contacts, calendar events
- Open URLs and maps
- Wi-Fi auto-connect
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Barcode is the fastest, most precise, and most user-friendly QR reader and barcode scanner for iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It’s from the makers of the award winning ProCamera app - the photographers’ app - and it offers the same level of sophistication and quality. Unlimited Scanning – No Ads! Use Barcode for pure recognition, for price comparison with Amazon, or instantly browse the web for the scanned information. Use its ability to directly utilize the data of any code you scan: you can add calendar events to your calendar, vCard information to your address book, or open maps to view a location – all with just one tap. You can also easily share the scan results on Twitter and Facebook or via mail and text. HOW IT WORKS Open the app and simply point your device at the code – done! Fully automatic recognition. Barcode will then offer appropriate actions according to the content: - Contacts: add new contact or add individual fields to existing contacts - Call phone number - Add event to Calendar - Copy to clipboard - Open location in Maps - Open URL with Safari or Chrome browser - Open YouTube link - Open iTunes link - Open App Store link - Call or send SMS to a phone number - Send email - WiFi Auto Connect via QR code - Display EAN, UPC, or ISBN: Search products in Amazon or web (opens in Safari/Chrome) - Accessibility and support for VoiceOver - Embedded Facebook integration: Post to wall - Embedded Twitter integration: Send Tweets On devices with flash, the app provides a torch light with adjustable intensity. You can even define a custom URL action to use this app for your own special purpose. BARCODES SUPPORTED Unlike competing apps, this scanner can scan ALL common kinds of codes reaching from the well-known QR codes, AZTEC, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-E, UPC-A, ISBN-10, ISBN-13, I-25, CODE39 (3of9) to CODE128 codes! SUPPORT Please contact us at barcode@cocologics.com or via the in-app customer feedback function if you have any requests or questions. We appreciate your feedback, as it is important for the continued improvement of the app. OPTIONAL BUSINESS UPGRADE – BARCODE PRO The features of the optional Barcode Pro subscription were developed with business and power users in mind: CSV export, any number of custom URLs, and the workflow mode for quick bulk scanning. The subscription will automatically renew at the end of each subscription duration (3 months/1 year), unless cancelled up to 24 hours before the end of the current period. The subscription fee will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Terms of Use: https://barcodeterms.cocologics.com
PAC
Control and manage electronic door opening solutions with this app. It allows for easy installation, configuration, and unlocking of compatible devices. Access is managed through digital eKeys and detailed activity logs are available via a web portal.
- Digital eKey management
- Device installation and configuration
- Scheduled unlocking and relocking
- Activity log tracking
- Support ticket generation
- Multiple lock type support
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PAC-BLU NexGen by Pacific Lock Company is the latest way to control your “Access” series systems in a convenient, user-friendly app. PAC-BLU’s “Access” Series is the only true “jack-of-all-trades” intelligent opening controller in the market that combines power, unparalleled versatility and cost effectiveness. Imagine yourself using the powerful “brain” of the “Access” Series to manage electronic door opening solutions, from a single installation to multiple thousand-unit installations! Now you can control electro-mechanical locks, servo & DC motors, drop bolts and more. The PAC-BLU NexGen app allows you to easily install, configure, remove, and unlock your “Access” devices. The PAC-BLU NexGen app is paired with the “Sentinel” web portal which allows you to easily add new users to your organization, assign digital eKeys and view device details, activity logs, and support tickets generated by your PAC-BLU NexGen mobile apps. PAC-BLU NexGen features include: Digital eKeys: A digital eKey works like a physical key for your lock, but on your phone! eKeys can be assigned using the Sentinel web portal. You can assign multiple types of eKeys to a user including eKeys that allow access at certain times of day, eKeys that allow access to multiple devices in the same device group, and one time use eKeys which expire after being used. Your PAC-BLU NexGen app will automatically display nearby devices that you have valid eKeys for. Then it is as easy at tapping the desire device to unlock it. Installer Screens: A user can be granted “Installer” privileges through the Sentinel web portal. This allows the user to install new devices, configure existing devices, and remove configurations from devices. Multiple Lock Types: The “Access” system comes equipped with multiple different types of outputs that can run devices such as a solenoid, electromagnet, DC motor and servo motor. Each of these lock types has multiple configuration options, such as sensor and/or timer relocking, motor run-time and variable voltage, and locked/unlocked degree positions for the servo motor. Scheduled Open: Using the PAC-BLU NexGen app you can easily set up schedules on your “Access” system. These schedules allow you to set specific times to unlock and relock based on the day of the week. You can also configure exceptions using specific dates that allow you to override the usual schedule which is useful for holidays or other special circumstances. Activity Logs: All activities are tracked and logged into your Sentinel web portal so you can easily see what is happening within your company. These activities include actions such as a new device being installed, a device being unlocked, a support ticket being generated or a user changing their password. Support Ticket Generation: The PAC-BLU NexGen app contains a Support feature which automatically collects important data from the user’s device and reports this to Sentinel to help you diagnose and debug potential user-related issues. Some of the data reported includes phone model, Bluetooth status, GPS location, and a list of devices that are visible to the app. OTA Firmware Upgrades: We are constantly working to improve our systems and a big part of that is updating the firmware on “Access” devices. The PAC-BLU NexGen app will automatically detect if there is a firmware upgrade and will prompt you to update your “Access” systems the next time you connect to it. There are options in the Sentinel web portal to decide which users are able to perform these upgrades and whether the upgrades can be skipped or not. For more information or to purchase a PAC-BLU-enabled device, visit www.paclock.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: PAC at 5.0 against Barcode + QR Code Reader's 4.5. PAC also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 21 months). Barcode + QR Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (93 vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. Barcode + QR Code Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 3 months. PAC asks for nothing beyond the download.
PAC holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode + QR Code Reader has 93 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Barcode + QR Code Reader ships an update every 21 months, PAC fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Barcode + QR Code Reader | PAC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (93 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 69.2% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 93 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cocologics | Pacific Lock Company |
Customer experience
Barcode + QR Code Reader
PAC
Bugs and requests
Barcode + QR Code Reader
Reported bugs
10 issues- App adds extra '0' prefix to scanned barcodes
- Fails to display barcode information after scanning
- Barcode number format becomes unusable when exported to Excel
- App doesn't start or launch properly
- Excessive battery consumption in background
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- Inconsistent focus and recognition issues
- App becomes unstable after building large scan history
- Trailing whitespace added to URLs causing lookup failures
- Focus takes too long on some devices
- Compatibility issues with iPhone 4S, iPhone 6, and iPad 2
Requested features
11 requests- Ability to scan existing photos from camera roll
- Multiple custom URL configurations for different lookup types
- Direct browser search integration (Safari, Chrome)
- Product information lookup and online price comparison
- QR code generation and creation features
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- iPad support
- Ability to update existing contacts instead of creating new ones
- Built-in history with export to text file or spreadsheet
- Toggleable barcode detection beep sound
- Trailing whitespace sanitization for URLs
- Remove automatic URL prefix when copying codes
PAC
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Barcode + QR Code Reader
- Pro-Level$0.993 Months
- Barcode Pro$2.491 Year
PAC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Barcode + QR Code Reader free?
Is PAC free?
Which has better reviews, Barcode + QR Code Reader or PAC?
Do Barcode + QR Code Reader or PAC have ads?
Which is updated more often, Barcode + QR Code Reader or PAC?
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