How to Compare Prices Without a Barcode
You can compare product prices without a barcode by using a photo instead. Here's how to compare real store prices for a product — and buy it at the cheapest one — when you don't have a barcode to scan.
One way to do this is with PriceLens: a mobile app that compares real product prices using a photo instead of a barcode, then lets you go straight to the store with the price you want. Here's how it works.
1. Why You Might Not Have a Barcode
A barcode isn't always available when you want to check a price. It might be worn off, torn away, or missing entirely if the product is secondhand or no longer in its original packaging. You might also be comparing something you don't physically have in hand — a product you saw at a friend's place, in a shop window, or in a photo online. In situations like these, there's often nothing to scan.
2. A Photo Works Instead of a Barcode
PriceLens doesn't ask for a barcode at all. Instead, it starts from a photo of the product — one you take on the spot or one you already have saved. The photo itself gives PriceLens the visual information it needs to analyze the product, so you don't need to find a barcode, enter a product number, or scan anything.
3. How PriceLens Identifies the Product
From that photo, PriceLens identifies the product, including its brand and model when they are visible, along with its general product type. See our full guide on how PriceLens identifies a product from a photo for a closer look at how this works.
4. Comparing Real Prices Across Stores
Once the product is identified — including its brand and model when possible — PriceLens searches online stores for matching listings and gathers the real prices currently shown for them. Results are sorted from cheapest to most expensive, with a quick summary of the lowest, highest, and average price. These are real store listings, not estimates — but prices can change, so treat the results as a snapshot of the moment you searched rather than a permanent price.
5. Going to the Store When You're Ready
PriceLens doesn't sell anything itself. Once you find the result you want, you can open that store listing and complete the purchase directly on the store's own page.
6. When a Barcode Isn't Available — or You Just Don't Want One
Not having a barcode doesn't have to slow you down. Whether the barcode is missing, damaged, or simply not something you want to use, you can start with a photo instead and compare real store prices before choosing where to shop.
Can I compare prices without a barcode?
Yes. PriceLens lets you start with a photo instead of a barcode, then compares matching prices from stores.
Do I need to know a product's barcode number?
No. PriceLens doesn't use barcode numbers at all; it works from a photo instead.
What if my product's barcode is missing or damaged?
That's fine — since PriceLens never asks for a barcode, a missing or damaged one doesn't affect your search.
Can I compare prices using just a photo?
Yes — PriceLens can start the search from a photo of the product and compare its real prices across stores.
How do I buy the product once I find the cheapest listing?
PriceLens doesn't sell products itself. Once you find the result you want, you go to that store's page and complete the purchase there.
Is PriceLens free?
Yes — downloading PriceLens is free, and you get 1 free search every day, no purchase required. For more searches, you can buy affordable credit packs anytime inside the app (1 search = 1 credit). You sign in with your Google account to manage your credits and your daily free search.
PriceLens is available now on Google Play. The App Store (iOS) version is coming soon.