AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodes vs CTS Multi Barcode Labelsfor Shopify (2026)
AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodes and CTS Multi Barcode Labels cater to distinct needs within the Shopify ecosystem. AR: Buy GTINs targets merchants looking to enhance their product visibility and approval rates on marketplaces like Google Shopping by providing GTINs/UPCs. The app emphasizes the importance of having valid barcodes for online marketplaces. It offers the crucial service of acquiring GTINs without brand registration, though it explicitly warns against their suitability for marketplaces like Amazon or Bol that require brand-registered codes. CTS Multi Barcode Labels, on the other hand, focuses on internal inventory management and fulfillment efficiency. It enables merchants to print barcode labels for products and orders, supporting a variety of printer types and offering powerful customization through Liquid code. The app's strength lies in its flexibility, integration with Stocky POs, and ability to generate QR codes, addressing needs related to tracking and fulfilling orders rather than marketplace compliance. The focus is on creating and printing labels tailored to the store's products, inventory and orders.
At a Glance
AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodes
66 reviews
CTS Multi Barcode Labels
89 reviews
Detailed Overview
AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodes
Buy GTINs / barcodes for your products so they are more likely to get approved in marketplaces.
Key Features
- With valid GTIN / UPC barcodes your products are more likely to get approved.
- Skip manual work and auto add new GTIN barcodes to products.
- You will receive 10 barcodes for testing.
- Non-brand registered GTINs, require no annual renewal.
- These are GTIN13 numbers (13 digits). Add a zero in front to make GTIN14.
CTS Multi Barcode Labels
Print labels for products and orders. Powerful Liquid support, address labels, Stocky POs and more.
Key Features
- Works with Dymo, Zebra, Brother, Rollo, TSC, GoDEX, inkjet, laser, and more.
- Customize templates with Liquid code, fonts, Metafields, logo, etc.
- Assign sequential barcodes and SKUs to your products in a few clicks.
- Generate QR codes that link to the product page and order page.
- Stocky integration for quick and easy label printing from purchase orders.
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 |
Rating AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodes4.9/5 CTS Multi Barcode Labels4.8/5 | ||
| Reviews | 66 | 89 |
Reviews AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodes66 CTS Multi Barcode Labels89 | ||
| Core Functionality | Buying GTINs for Marketplace Approval | Printing Barcode Labels for Inventory & Fulfillment |
Core Functionality AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodesBuying GTINs for Marketplace Approval CTS Multi Barcode LabelsPrinting Barcode Labels for Inventory & Fulfillment | ||
| Target Merchant | Merchants selling on Google Shopping (primarily) or other marketplaces and needing GTINs | Merchants needing to manage inventory, print labels, and streamline fulfillment |
Target Merchant AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodesMerchants selling on Google Shopping (primarily) or other marketplaces and needing GTINs CTS Multi Barcode LabelsMerchants needing to manage inventory, print labels, and streamline fulfillment | ||
| Brand Registry Requirement | Not brand registered, suitable where brand registry is not required | Not applicable |
Brand Registry Requirement AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodesNot brand registered, suitable where brand registry is not required CTS Multi Barcode LabelsNot applicable | ||
| Customization | Limited, primarily focuses on providing GTINs | Extensive, using Liquid code for label templates |
Customization AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodesLimited, primarily focuses on providing GTINs CTS Multi Barcode LabelsExtensive, using Liquid code for label templates | ||
| Printer Compatibility | Not applicable | Dymo, Zebra, Brother, Rollo, TSC, GoDEX, inkjet, laser |
Printer Compatibility AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodesNot applicable CTS Multi Barcode LabelsDymo, Zebra, Brother, Rollo, TSC, GoDEX, inkjet, laser | ||
| Integration | Limited to GTIN assignment | Stocky integration |
Integration AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodesLimited to GTIN assignment CTS Multi Barcode LabelsStocky integration | ||
| Ease of Use | Relatively simple GTIN acquisition and assignment | Potentially steeper learning curve due to Liquid code customization |
Ease of Use AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodesRelatively simple GTIN acquisition and assignment CTS Multi Barcode LabelsPotentially steeper learning curve due to Liquid code customization | ||
| Value Proposition | Improved product approval and performance on marketplaces via purchased GTINs | Enhanced inventory management and streamlined fulfillment processes |
Value Proposition AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodesImproved product approval and performance on marketplaces via purchased GTINs CTS Multi Barcode LabelsEnhanced inventory management and streamlined fulfillment processes | ||
Our Verdict
For merchants prioritizing product visibility and approval on marketplaces like Google Shopping, especially when brand registry isn't a stringent requirement, AR: Buy GTINs/UPC/EAN barcodes is the more suitable choice. It provides a direct solution for acquiring necessary GTINs to meet marketplace requirements. However, it's crucial to understand its limitations concerning brand-registered marketplaces.
If the primary need is efficient inventory management, label printing, and streamlined order fulfillment within their Shopify store, CTS Multi Barcode Labels is the superior option. Its flexibility in customizing labels, wide printer compatibility, and integration with Stocky POs make it a comprehensive tool for internal operations. The slightly lower rating is offset by a higher review count, suggesting broader usage and experience.
Common Questions
Which app is better for selling on Amazon?
Neither app directly caters to Amazon sellers needing brand-registered GTINs. AR: Buy GTINs explicitly states that its codes are not suitable for marketplaces like Amazon that require brand registration. CTS Multi Barcode Labels focuses on printing, not GTIN acquisition.
Can I use these apps to create barcodes for my retail store?
CTS Multi Barcode Labels is designed for creating and printing barcode labels for internal use in your retail store, like for inventory management. AR: Buy GTINs provides barcodes intended for online marketplaces and may not be the best fit for creating in-store product labels.
Is it easy to add the purchased GTINs to my Shopify products with AR: Buy GTINs?
Yes, AR: Buy GTINs highlights the ability to auto-add new GTIN barcodes to products, suggesting a streamlined integration process.
Does CTS Multi Barcode Labels offer any support for different barcode types?
While the app description doesn't explicitly list supported barcode *types*, it mentions supporting 'virtually any product field' and generating QR codes, implying flexibility in handling different barcode formats via Liquid templating. Contacting their support for specific barcode types is recommended to confirm.
How do the trial barcodes from AR: Buy GTINs work?
AR: Buy GTINs provides 10 barcodes for testing. Merchants should use these to assess the suitability of the non-brand registered GTINs on their target marketplaces *before* purchasing a larger quantity, per the app description.
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