# Retro Tracker vs BarLock

The clearest difference is update cadence: BarLock at every 3 days against Retro Tracker's every 8 days. Retro Tracker's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Retro Tracker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and BarLock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Retro Tracker ships an update every 8 days, BarLock every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Retro Tracker | BarLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barlock-barcode-alarm/id6772532044/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 179 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.1 | 26.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [George Chalkiadoudis](https://appshunter.io/developer/1040522966) | [CODE IN MOTION SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896060625) |

## What reviewers say

### Retro Tracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-tracker/id6761183024)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $9.99 | per year |


### BarLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barlock-barcode-alarm/id6772532044)

This app helps you wake up by requiring you to scan a unique barcode or QR code from an item across the room to turn off your alarm. It prevents snoozing and ensures you physically get out of bed.

**Highlights:** Barcode and QR code alarm missions, Exact-code matching, Full-screen Scan to Stop, Wrong-item protection, Wake-up check after dismissal, No ads or tracking

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BarLock PRO Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Retro Tracker free?

Retro Tracker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is BarLock free?

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

### Do Retro Tracker or BarLock have ads?

Neither Retro Tracker nor BarLock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Retro Tracker or BarLock?

Retro Tracker ships an update every 8 days, and BarLock every 3 days. Most recently, Retro Tracker was updated on October 15, 2026 and BarLock on October 7, 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.*