# Simply Things vs bar'd

The clearest difference is monetization model: bar'd at free against Simply Things's paid. Simply Things's advantage is iOS requirement (18.4 vs 26.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Simply Things against 5.0 for bar'd. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Simply Things ships an update monthly, bar'd every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simply Things | bar'd |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-things-to-do-list/id6736968467/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bard-barcode-app-blocker/id6761489805/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.4** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel Arden](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800564620) | [Kenneth Rapko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1889931958) |

## What reviewers say

### Simply Things

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-things-to-do-list/id6736968467)

A clean, minimalist task management application designed for focus and simplicity. It offers seamless iCloud synchronization across Apple devices and emphasizes a distraction-free user experience. Early supporters receive lifetime access to all features.

**Highlights:** Clean, minimalist interface, iCloud sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Distraction-free task management, Secure data storage, Lifetime access for early supporters

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### bar'd

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bard-barcode-app-blocker/id6761489805)

This app enforces digital discipline by linking your phone's Focus Modes to physical barcodes. Scan a barcode to unlock distracting apps, ensuring genuine accountability for your screen time. Track your progress and build streaks towards focused hours.

**Highlights:** Enforce focus modes with physical barcodes, Shield distracting apps at system level, Customizable app whitelists, Automated daily focus schedules, Track focused hours and streaks, On-device data privacy

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simply Things free?

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

### Is bar'd free?

bar'd is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Simply Things or bar'd?

Simply Things and bar'd are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do Simply Things or bar'd have ads?

Neither Simply Things nor bar'd shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simply Things or bar'd?

Simply Things ships an update monthly, and bar'd every 3 weeks. Most recently, Simply Things was updated on November 4, 2026 and bar'd on October 31, 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.*