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Best Barcode Scanners

Updated March 2022
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
NADAMOO Wireless Barcode Scanner
NADAMOO
Wireless Barcode Scanner
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

The versatility, long battery life, and extensive wireless range of this barcode scanner make it an excellent choice.

Pros

Maximum wireless range of 400 meters. Able to scan 260 codes per second. Upload data to the cloud or the scanner’s memory drive. Fast charging. Up to 20 hours of continuous battery life.

Cons

Not compatible with mobile devices and tablets.

Best Bang for the Buck
WoneNice USB Laser Barcode Scanner
WoneNice
USB Laser Barcode Scanner
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

A fairly sturdy model for its low price point, with a sleek and simple design.

Pros

Pairs almost seamlessly with most devices, including Macs. Lightweight but sturdy, holding up to frequent use. USB cord allows for easy and versatile use. Scanning speed of 200 scans per second.

Cons

Doesn’t pick up small-sized bar codes, glossy bar code labels, or colored codes very well.

Teemi Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
Teemi
Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Versatile and reliable, this scanner is optimized for a wide range of platforms and is loaded with an array of useful features.

Pros

Wireless range of 60 meters. Bluetooth connectivity with PCs, tablets, and mobile devices. Durable. On-screen keyboard. Auto-scan mode. Up to 30 hours of continuous battery life.

Cons

Flexible stand sold separately.

ScanAvenger Wireless 2D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
ScanAvenger
Wireless 2D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

This model's near-universal compatibility, huge wireless range, and extensive battery life are worth the cost.

Pros

Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. Works with all major platforms. Innovative vibration notifications. Up to 48 hours of continuous battery life. Maximum range of 300 feet.

Cons

Reports of it stopping working after regular use.

Inateck Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
Inateck
Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

If you need a versatile barcode scanner capable of reading a variety of code types, this durable model is worth consideration.

Pros

Scans many kinds of 1D and 2D barcodes. Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz wireless, and wired connectivity. Especially rugged. Up to 12 hours of battery life. Stores up to 270,000 barcodes. Lightweight.

Cons

Initial Bluetooth setup could be smoother.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
62
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best barcode scanners

If you need a barcode scanner for your business, there's good news and there's bad news. The good news is that there are hundreds of different models available, each with a slightly different set of features. The bad news is that there are hundreds of different models available, each with a slightly different set of features.

To find the barcode scanner that’s right for you, it helps to understand a bit about how they operate and what the specific features enable them to do. After that, choosing the right model becomes a much easier task. For example, there are two main types of barcodes, but not every scanner can read both types. The right scanner for you is the one that can read the type of barcodes you use.

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Barcode scanners have a high degree of accuracy. If the unit fails to read a barcode, it’s usually the fault of the barcode, the operator, or an environmental condition, not the scanner itself.

Key considerations

There are basically two types of barcode scanners. The problem is they can look exactly the same. It’s important to understand the difference between the two or you may end up with a scanner that doesn’t work with your barcodes. 

Laser scanner

Like it sounds, a laser scanner uses a laser along with a reciprocating mirror or rotating prism to scan barcodes. The laser moves from side to side, registering not only the width of the black bars but also the white space between them. It does this by registering the amount of light reflected back to the unit: white reflects light while black absorbs it. Since the process involves delicate moving parts, these scanners need to be tough and impact resistant. If your laser scanner isn’t rugged, the first time you drop it could be the last time you use it.

Image scanner

The easiest way to explain an image scanner is to think of it as being like the camera on your phone. While that isn’t precisely how it functions, it does focus on why it differs from a laser scanner. Since a laser scanner scans from side to side, it can only determine how wide and how far apart the bars are. An image scanner can read left to right as well as up and down, so it can interpret a whole image. Additionally, an image scanner is better at interpreting worn or damaged barcodes, and it can read images off a screen, which is essential for customers who prefer to use coupons on their smartphone instead of printing them.

The initial barcode design was in the shape of a bull’s-eye. Unfortunately, that design proved impractical due to the limitations of technology at the time.

Staff
BestReviews

Features

Wired vs. wireless

If all the items that need to be scanned are brought to you, such as at a checkout register, you can save money by choosing a barcode scanner that plugs directly into your laptop or computer. However, in most instances, you’ll need a portable barcode scanner that utilizes either Bluetooth or WiFi technology.

Range: All wireless technology, whether Bluetooth or WiFi, has a maximum range. When considering a barcode scanner, remember that there are a number of factors, such as walls, other WiFi devices, and stacks of inventory, that can reduce that maximum range. Be certain the barcode scanner you’re considering has the range you need in your workplace.

Functions

Auto-sensing: This feature is typically found on a fixed or desktop unit, such as you might find at a self-service checkout station in a grocery store. These models don’t require that the user activate them; they’re always ready to scan. In order to operate one of these scanners, you simply move the barcode into the unit’s field and it automatically scans.

Internal storage: Many barcode scanners have internal storage. If you’re doing inventory, the information is stored in the handheld scanner so you can upload it to a computer later. This fail-safe feature can eliminate a lot of frustration. If your barcode scanner has internal storage and you accidentally move out of range, you won’t lose your scans. It also allows you to work offline, which, in many instances, means you can work much more quickly.

Pairing: If you have a large warehouse and several people working on the same task, you want to have the ability to pair several barcode scanners to one device so all the information gathers in one place.

Modes: As you move up in price, a barcode scanner functions more like a portable computer. It may feature a variety of modes, such as inventory and price check, that allow you to accomplish a specific task more easily.

Design

Ergonomic: You could be using a handheld scanner for hours at a time. The ideal model is lightweight and ergonomically designed so it feels comfortable and well balanced in your hand.

Durable: Besides being able to survive the inevitable knocks and drops, a barcode scanner needs to be built so dust can’t get inside and diminish its functionality.

Dyk1 
Did You Know?
A laser scanner isn’t able to read an image on a phone screen, even if it’s a 1D image.
Staff
BestReviews

Barcode scanner prices

Inexpensive: As technology advances, the price tends to drop. It’s possible to get a barcode scanner for as little as $20. These models are wired and limited in scope, but if this suits your needs, one of these could be the barcode scanner for you.

Mid-range: You can find a wide variety of scanners between roughly $40 and $150. For the most part, these are handheld, wireless barcode scanners. Once you pass $50 or $60, many have the ability to scan both 1D and 2D barcodes. Toward the higher end of this price bracket, the models may come with a stand so they can function as stationary scanners.

Expensive: Once you get into the $200 range, you’re moving into rugged units that are built to withstand impacts from accidental drops. As you move into the $500 and up range, the barcode scanners are more like portable computers, giving you the ability to perform a number of operations besides merely scanning.

The first functioning barcode scanner was the size of a refrigerator and used to track railroad cars.

Staff
BestReviews

Tips

  • Check the distance. Barcode scanners have an ideal scanning distance. If the barcode is too close or too far away, it might not scan.
  • Check the scanner configurations. Most barcode scanners need to be configured. If you’re having trouble scanning, make sure your barcode scanner is properly configured for your precise needs.
  • Check the barcode. Products often contain multiple barcodes, especially in retail. Be certain the one you’re scanning is the one your scanner can read. Also, if your barcode scanner can scan multiple types of barcodes, make sure it’s set correctly. If the barcode you’re trying to scan is faded or marred in any way, it might not scan. Sometimes, a barcode is just tough for the scanner to read. This could be caused by a number of factors, such as the barcode being too small, being in color, or not having ample space around it.
  • Check the angle. A laser scanner can only scan when it’s even with the barcode or perpendicular to it. If you try scanning at a 45° angle, it won't work. If there’s clear tape over the barcode, the scanner can still function, but if there’s glare, the scanner might not work. Angle the barcode to eliminate the glare.
  • Check the conditions. Dust, low light, or condensation might make it difficult for your scanner to read a barcode.
  • Check the battery. As simple as it sounds, if your wireless barcode scanner suddenly stops scanning, the battery might be dead.
I2 
Barcode scanners aren’t just used in retail. They can be used anywhere you need to track a large amount of data, such as in the healthcare and shipping industries.

FAQ

Q. Why do some barcodes look like a series of parallel lines while others look like a pixelated grid?

A. The barcode that is made up of parallel lines is a 1D barcode. These barcodes can have as many as 25 characters, but most are typically shorter so the barcode isn't too wide. A 1D barcode has information in one direction: horizontally, left to right. With a 2D barcode, the information is organized both horizontally and vertically. Because of this, 2D barcodes can contain much more information in a much smaller space. A 2D barcode can hold up to 2,000 characters.

Q. Can a barcode scanner read both 1D and 2D barcodes?

A. It depends. The answer is no if you have a barcode scanner with a laser. A laser scanner simply scans left to right, so it can only recognize the information on a 1D barcode. If you have an image scanner, it functions more like a digital camera. An image scanner captures the 2D barcode and translates the entire image into a string of data. An image scanner can also accurately interpret a 1D barcode. In short, a laser scanner only reads 1D barcodes while an image scanner is capable of reading both 1D and 2D barcodes.

Q. Is a laser barcode scanner dangerous?

A. A barcode scanner uses a low-level Class II laser. It’s considered safe for most individuals because the radiation level is low and the typical response is reflexive only: blinking or looking away. However, some individuals’ eyes are more sensitive to light, they may wear corrective lenses that intensify the beam, or they may suffer a seizure when exposed to flashing light. Because of this, a barcode scanner should never intentionally be aimed at anyone's eyes.

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