# Parcode vs PacePal

The clearest difference is price: PacePal at Free against Parcode's $2.99. PacePal also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). Parcode's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 89%). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

PacePal is free to download; Parcode costs $2.99 up front. Parcode sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PacePal asks for nothing beyond the download.

Parcode ships an update every 3 months, PacePal every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and August 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Parcode | PacePal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pacepal/id6563148283/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 88.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Whisk Mobile Development Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/415115816) | [PacePal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1758611709) |

## What reviewers say

### Parcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parcode/id6468985169)

This app displays your parkrun barcode directly on your Apple Watch for easy check-ins after your run. Choose from QR code or traditional barcode formats, manage multiple family members' barcodes, and personalize them with color themes. A watch face complication and weekly notification help you find it quickly.

**Highlights:** Display parkrun barcode on Apple Watch, QR code and traditional barcode options, Manage multiple family barcodes, Customizable color themes, Weekly notification reminder, Watch face complication

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Multi-Runner | $0.99 | one-time |


### PacePal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pacepal/id6563148283)

Connect with other runners, discover local runs, and track your progress. Earn points for every kilometer run, with group runs offering double points. Use these points for a chance to win monthly prizes and access training plans.

**Highlights:** Host and join runs, Interactive run map, Earn points for distance, Monthly prize draws, Real-time GPS tracking, In-app messaging, Training plans and pace calculator

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Parcode free?

Parcode costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is PacePal free?

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

### Do Parcode or PacePal have ads?

Neither Parcode nor PacePal shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Parcode or PacePal?

Parcode ships an update every 3 months, and PacePal every 2 months. Most recently, Parcode was updated on September 22, 2026 and PacePal on August 4, 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.*