UPCgen vs Instagram Comments Scraper: Detailed Comparison

Overview

UPCgen is a free barcode generator designed for e-commerce sellers, warehouses, and publishers who need valid UPC, EAN, ISBN, ITF-14, Code 128, FNSKU, and Data Matrix codes. It emphasizes GS1 validation and platform approval for Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and Walmart. Instagram Comments Scraper is a Chrome extension that exports Instagram post comments to CSV or Excel files, targeting social media managers, marketers, and researchers. It handles rate limits and requires no Instagram password.

Feature Comparison

FeatureUPCgenInstagram Comments Scraper
Primary FunctionGenerate valid barcodes for products and logisticsExport Instagram post comments to CSV/Excel
Target UsersAmazon FBA sellers, Shopify/Etsy sellers, warehouses, self-publishers, pharma operatorsSocial media managers, marketers, researchers, giveaway organizers
Output FormatsPNG, PDF, SVG, EPS, CSV (bulk export)CSV, Excel
Bulk ProcessingGenerate up to 10,000 codes at onceHandles large comment sets but subject to Instagram rate limits
Platform IntegrationStep-by-step guides for Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, eBay, Walmart, KDPChrome extension works directly on Instagram post URLs
Authentication RequiredAnonymous generation available (1 code/24h); free registration for 5 codes/24hNo Instagram password needed; uses extension-based parsing
Data Columns ExportedN/A (barcode generation only)id, text, username, profile url, profile pic url, date
Rate Limit HandlingNo rate limits; instant generationCooldown mode with exponential backoff when Instagram rate limits hit
CustomizationBespoke services for custom barcode workflowsLimited to comment export; no custom fields

Pricing

UPCgen: Free tier allows 1 code every 24 hours without registration. Free registration increases to 5 codes every 24 hours. For higher volumes, a subscription is required (pricing not publicly listed).

Instagram Comments Scraper: The Chrome extension is free to install and use. There are no subscription tiers mentioned, but heavy usage may be limited by Instagram's rate limits.

Pros and Cons

UPCgen Pros

  • Generates GS1-valid barcodes with correct check digits
  • Supports multiple barcode types (UPC, EAN, ISBN, ITF-14, Code 128, Data Matrix, FNSKU)
  • Bulk generation up to 10,000 codes with multiple export formats
  • Anonymous generation available without sign-up
  • Platform-specific guides for major marketplaces

UPCgen Cons

  • Free tier severely limited (1 code per day anonymous, 5 with registration)
  • Subscription pricing not transparent
  • No direct integration with e-commerce platforms (manual code entry required)

Instagram Comments Scraper Pros

  • One-click export of Instagram comments to CSV/Excel
  • No Instagram password required – respects user privacy
  • Handles rate limit errors with automatic cooldown
  • Lightweight Chrome extension (2.39 MiB)
  • High user rating (4.8/5 from 1.2K ratings)

Instagram Comments Scraper Cons

  • Only works on Instagram post comments – no stories or reels support mentioned
  • Subject to Instagram rate limits which can slow down large exports
  • Limited to comment data; no engagement metrics or sentiment analysis
  • Developer is a non-trader, so EU consumer rights may not apply

Verdict

UPCgen and Instagram Comments Scraper serve completely different purposes. Choose UPCgen if you need to generate valid, platform-approved barcodes for selling products on Amazon, Shopify, or other marketplaces. Choose Instagram Comments Scraper if you need to quickly export and analyze Instagram post comments for social media marketing or research. Both are free to start but have limitations that may require paid upgrades or patience with rate limits.