# Barcode Alarm Clock vs Zero Dark

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Alarm Clock at none against Zero Dark's 1. Barcode Alarm Clock also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). Zero Dark's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 4 months). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Zero Dark sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Barcode Alarm Clock asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Alarm Clock ships an update every 4 months, Zero Dark every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Alarm Clock | Zero Dark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-alarm-clock/id699437630/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.3K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 49.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 77 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Jarig Duval](https://appshunter.io/developer/539738096) | [Labii Reatum LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/6795851919) |

## 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


### Zero Dark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zero-dark-wake-up-alarm-clock/id6802299940)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Zero Dark Pro | $2.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Alarm Clock free?

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

### Is Zero Dark free?

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

### Do Barcode Alarm Clock or Zero Dark have ads?

Barcode Alarm Clock shows ads; Zero Dark does not.

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

Barcode Alarm Clock ships an update every 4 months, and Zero Dark every 9 days. Most recently, Barcode Alarm Clock was updated on November 6, 2026 and Zero Dark 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.*