# Barcode Alarm Clock vs BarLock

The clearest difference is rating: Barcode Alarm Clock at 4.4 against BarLock's 3.0. Barcode Alarm Clock also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (1.3K vs 2). BarLock's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 months). On price and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BarLock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Barcode Alarm Clock asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Alarm Clock holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode Alarm Clock has 1.3K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Barcode Alarm Clock ships an update every 4 months, BarLock every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Alarm Clock | BarLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-alarm-clock/id699437630/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barlock-barcode-alarm/id6772532044/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.3K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 49.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 77 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 26.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jarig Duval](https://appshunter.io/developer/539738096) | [CODE IN MOTION SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896060625) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Alarm Clock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-alarm-clock/id699437630)

This app is a loud alarm clock designed for heavy sleepers. It requires scanning a barcode to turn off, forcing you out of bed. Features include customizable loud ringtones, lockable alarms, and a 'don't wake my spouse' option.

**Highlights:** Barcode scan to stop alarm, Blaringly loud ringtones, Impossible to mute alarms, Lockable alarms to prevent cheating, Bedtime reminder and enforcer, Don't wake my spouse button, Customizable themes and clock faces

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Effective at waking up
- 👍 Innovative concept
- 🚀 Forces you to get out of bed
- 👍 Helps with sleep disorder

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🔋 Drains battery
- 🔒 Easy to bypass alarm
- 🔒 Alarm doesn't work on silent

**Reported bugs**

- Alarm doesn't go off sometimes
- Barcode scanner not working properly
- Constant background crash notifications

**Requested features**

- Add option to disable 'Plan B' feature
- Allow importing custom ringtones
- Improve stability and reduce crashes
- Ensure alarm works even on silent mode


### 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 Barcode Alarm Clock free?

Barcode Alarm Clock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is BarLock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Barcode Alarm Clock or BarLock?

Barcode Alarm Clock is rated higher. Barcode Alarm Clock averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while BarLock averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Barcode Alarm Clock or BarLock have ads?

Barcode Alarm Clock shows ads; BarLock does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Alarm Clock or BarLock?

Barcode Alarm Clock ships an update every 4 months, and BarLock every 3 days. Most recently, Barcode Alarm Clock was updated on October 20, 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.*