# BARK vs PetSmart

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BARK at 69% against PetSmart's 10%. BARK also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.0) and ads (none vs shown). PetSmart's advantage is chart position (#44 vs unranked). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

BARK holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 30K and 31K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of BARK's written reviews are positive against 10% of PetSmart's.

BARK ships an update every 2 weeks, PetSmart every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BARK | PetSmart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (30K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bark-barkbox-super-chewer/id570764065/reviews)** | [4.0 (31K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/petsmart/id1175467091/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 30K | **31K** |
| Positive reviews | **68.8% of reviews** | 9.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#44** |
| Size | 44 MB | 138 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BarkBox, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/570764068) | [PetSmart LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/383283401) |

## What reviewers say

### BARK

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bark-barkbox-super-chewer/id570764065)

Manage your dog's monthly subscription box with ease. Customize deliveries, track shipments, update your dog's profile for personalized boxes, and access direct support. Receive new toys and treats tailored to your pup's needs and playstyle.

**Highlights:** Real-time shipping updates, Manage subscription details, Personalize dog profiles, Direct human support, Customizable boxes

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎉 Exciting monthly themes
- 🐶 Dogs love the toys and treats
- 💯 High-quality, durable products
- 🤝 Excellent customer service
- 🎁 Customizable subscription options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📦 Inconsistent or delayed delivery
- 🕰️ Outdated app features
- 🤔 Lack of personalization options in app
- 💰 Expensive for some users

**Reported bugs**

- App login issues
- Incorrect billing or missing items

**Requested features**

- Ability to choose specific toys/treats
- Improved app functionality and tracking
- More customization options for subscription


### PetSmart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/petsmart/id1175467091)

**Currently charting:** #44 Top Free · Shopping (US App Store)

Shop for pet supplies, book grooming appointments, and manage your pet's care all in one place. Access helpful articles, earn rewards, and find store locations easily. Get everything you need for your furry, feathered, or scaled family members.

**Highlights:** In-app shopping for pet essentials, Buy online, pick up in store (1-hour option), Treats Rewards loyalty program management, In-app salon booking and appointment management, Doggie Day Camp availability check, PetsHotel reservations, Personalized offers and content

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📅 Easy to book appointments
- 🛒 Convenient online shopping
- 💰 Rewards program with coupons

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and bugs
- 🇨🇦 Doesn't work for Canadian customers
- 🤔 Confusing and unintuitive UI
- ⏱️ Slow loading times
- 🔒 Login and account issues

**Reported bugs**

- Payment processing errors
- Disappearing cart items
- Incorrect store location and inventory
- Inability to complete online orders

**Requested features**

- Add barcode scanner for price checks
- Improve search and filtering functionality
- Allow adding favorite items and past orders
- Integrate pet profiles and medical records
- Provide delivery options beyond in-store pickup


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BARK free?

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

### Is PetSmart free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BARK or PetSmart?

BARK is rated higher. BARK averages 4.9 out of 5 from 30K ratings, while PetSmart averages 4.0 from 31K ratings.

### Do BARK or PetSmart have ads?

PetSmart shows ads; BARK does not.

### Which is updated more often, BARK or PetSmart?

BARK ships an update every 2 weeks, and PetSmart every 10 days. Most recently, BARK was updated on October 25, 2026 and PetSmart on October 25, 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.*