# MSR Reader vs Barcode Generator

The clearest difference is price: Barcode Generator at Free against MSR Reader's $3.99. Barcode Generator also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 7 months). MSR Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Barcode Generator is free to download; MSR Reader costs $3.99 up front. Barcode Generator sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. MSR Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

MSR Reader ships an update every 7 months, Barcode Generator every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MSR Reader | Barcode Generator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-generator-codg/id6749891968/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TCool LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1711330864) | [Jan Augustyniak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1739379260) |

## What reviewers say

### MSR Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/msr-reader-magstripe-data/id6747325787)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Barcode Generator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-generator-codg/id6749891968)

Easily create, scan, and share barcodes and QR codes offline. Supports 9 popular formats for inventory, retail, and event needs. Save, print, and export codes with a simple interface.

**Highlights:** Generate 9 barcode formats, Built-in barcode scanner, Save, print, and share codes, Offline functionality, Favorites and history, Simple and fast interface

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MSR Reader free?

MSR Reader costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Barcode Generator free?

Barcode Generator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do MSR Reader or Barcode Generator have ads?

Neither MSR Reader nor Barcode Generator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MSR Reader or Barcode Generator?

MSR Reader ships an update every 7 months, and Barcode Generator every 3 weeks. Most recently, MSR Reader was updated on October 6, 2026 and Barcode Generator on September 29, 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.*