By Robin Owens 5 days ago, Scanners
The best barcode scanners to buy this year.
Whether you are an owner of a small business or work at a large warehouse, you will need to use a barcode scanner to optimize your workflow and perform all the tasks faster.
Such devices come in handy when you need to categorize the products you are selling and serve your customers faster. They are also useful when you need to save information about your inventory and create a database on your PC.
I have hand-picked the best options available on the market to help you choose the best USB barcode scanner for your needs. Manufacturers released many barcode readers that can be used for solving a wide variety of tasks. They also differ in size, so you will easily find a suitable model.
All of them are extremely easy to use. Besides, they are compatible with many devices and come at different price ranges. Some barcode scanners have a long wireless range which makes them perfect for those who don’t want to clutter their workspace with cables.
Decoding Rate: 500/s| Scanning Distance: ≤328ft | Interface: USB Wi-Fi | Image Sensor: 640*480
⊕ Ultra-fast charging
⊕ Impressive wireless range, a small dongle
⊕ Compact and easy to use
⊕ Reads low-quality barcodes
⊖ Annoying vibration
If you want to find a universal barcode scanner, take a look at this handheld device created by Tera. You can adjust its frequency to your liking and use it in a continuous mode. What I liked the most is that I didn’t even need to configure the software settings. You can scan a barcode and select any mode you like.
With the help of this device, you can read any barcode quickly, as it’s 32-bit CPU accounts for impressive decoding performance. To prevent it from being scratched, manufacturers designed it with a silicone cover that also absorbs shocks. As this model has the IP54 rate, it’s protected against small particles and water. The LED indicator lets you know that a transaction has gone through.
Decoding Rate: 200/s| Reading Distance: 2.5 - 600mm | Interface: USB | Resolution: 0.10mm (4mil) PCS0.9
⊕ Reads 1D barcodes
⊕ Can be used without a battery
⊕ The stand is designed to prevent skidding
⊖ Expensive
To make this device more comfortable to use, Esup released it with a tiltable stand that can be rotated 360 degrees. It allows you to use this wired barcode scanner while keeping your hands free. It comes with a long USB cable that lets you move around freely when you are working.
You won’t face any difficulties when switching to another mode. It’s enough to press the button on the handle for 10 seconds and select any mode you like. The body of this model is made of durable ABS plastic. As it has the IP54 grade, it’s securely protected from moisture and dust particles. The design is quite nice, besides, the device is easy to configure and use. You can use it in either manual or automatic mode. Its speed reaches 200 scans/sec.
Scanning Rate: 200/s| Reading Distance: 2.5-600mm | Interface: USB | Depth of Field: 0-600mm
⊕ 200 scans per second
⊕ Drop-resistant
⊖ Lacks advanced features
The WoneNice USB Laser is a cheap option that will be perfect for budget-conscious users. Besides being extremely lightweight, this plug-and-play device reads barcodes with high precision. It will be especially useful if you decide to decode Code32, Code11, JAN.EAN/UPC Add-on2/5 MSI/Plessey, Code93, Coda Bar, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Code39, Telepen, China Postal Codes, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code128, Industrial 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5.
Another advantage of this USB barcode scanner is that you can easily connect it to your device. You need to pay attention to the red light diode to know if the scanning was successful or not. This option is a must for owners of small retail stores who don’t have loads of cash laying around.
CPU: ARM Cortex 32 Bit | Ram: 16MB | Interface: USB Wi-Fi | Battery capacity: 2000mAh
⊕ Impressive 2000mAh battery
⊕ Digital and printed 1D and 2D codes
⊕ Made of silicone for impact protection
⊖ A hefty price
This small barcode scanner has advanced connectivity options, as it supports a 2.4Ghz wireless, USB 2.0 wired and Bluetooth connection. It can be used both under Windows and macOS. Besides QuickBooks, Word, Excel, Novell, it integrates with other programs as well. This option is suitable for banks, large retail stores, post offices, warehouses and various institutions. As it is equipped with a 2000mAh battery, it can last over 60 days without being charged provided you don’t use it often. In a continuous scanning mode, it can last up to 19.5 hours.
The device is covered by a special protective layer made of silicone. It ensures that you won’t scratch it incidentally. Besides, the barcode reader can withstand falls from a small height. As this model comes in orange color, you will easily find it if you lose it in your warehouse or store.
Decoding Rate: 300/s| Scanning Distance: ≤328ft | Interface: 2.4G Wireless/USB Wired |
⊕ Simple to handle
⊕ Supports a 2.4GHz wireless and USB2.0 wired connection
⊕ Reads all kind of barcodes
⊖ Overly expensive
The WoneNice 2.4GHz is a wireless barcode reader that can be considered as one of the best options available despite its hefty price. Its key selling point is that it can handle even the most difficult tasks with ease. It supports a 2.4GHz wireless and USB 2.0 wired connection, which lets you scan many products in no time.
If you plan to use it indoors, pay attention to the fact that its range will be up to 30 m (100 ft). When it comes to outdoor use, the transmission distance reaches 100 m (328 ft). Keep in mind that you need to connect it to your device with a USB cable. Its native software is regularly updated, which allows you to use the most recent features.
Decoding Rate: 260/s | Interface: USB/ Wi-Fi |Battery capacity: 1300mAh
⊕ Comes with a USB dongle
⊕ CMOS image sensor for barcode reading
⊖ Doesn’t read barcodes from the screen
Regardless of which OS you prefer, Windows, macOS or Linux, this 1D laser barcode reader is compatible with all of them. It supports both wireless and wired USB connection. Thanks to its plug-and-play functionality, you won’t need to install any drivers.
As it has a 2000 mAh, you can use it for up to 2 hours in a continuous scanning mode. If you don’t need to scan products often, it can last up to 2 weeks. You can fully charge it in 4 hours and use up to 40,000 times between re-charges.
Scanning speed: 100times/sec| Scanning distance: 10~600mm| Interface: USB Wi-Fi | Light source: Visible laser 650nm
⊕ Reads 0.1 mm barcodes
⊕ Scan frequency of 100 times per second
⊖ Occasionally lags
Fangtek created a reliable automatic barcode scanner that will serve you for years to come as it’s made of durable materials. Being equipped with a 32-bit CPU, it delivers high-speed performance. This 650 nm model is known for its impressive scanning capacities, as you can use it to scan poor-quality codes.
This device has a low error rate of 1 in 5 million, which makes it perfect for owners of small and large businesses. Being made or polycarbonate and ABS plastic, it can withstand active use. Besides, you can choose any available language for its UI.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Tera 5200C
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Esup ES 3300
Stand |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
WoneNice WN2806G
Budget |
CHECK PRICE → |
Warehouse owners often face difficulties when trying to buy a good handheld scanner as there are all too many devices available. If you are wondering how to pick the best USB barcode scanner on the market, you need to take into account several parameters.
Before choosing a device, make sure to read reviews on the various types of barcode scanners. When you get an idea, which type suits you most, it will be easier for you to find a reliable device that will help you facilitate your workflow.
Fixed Scanners
They are mostly suitable for retail stores. With them, you can quickly scan a barcode of every product and transmit the information to a terminal. Some people prefer calling them “tethered” scanners.
Portable Batch Scanners
If you don’t need to transmit data to your PC immediately, opt for a compact batch scanner that is capable of storing information. Unlike devices with a cable, they usually come with batteries, which lets you use them virtually anywhere. Their key advantage is that they come with an LCD monitor and keypad, which helps you to solve various tasks more quickly. There are handheld, truck-mountable and wearable models.
Wireless Scanners
Those who want to find a more reliable solution will enjoy using a wireless barcode scanner. Besides storing data just like batch scanners, these devices transmit it to your system in real-time, which accounts for higher effectiveness. Thanks to it, your data will be regularly updated, which lets you get access to it at any time. It’s especially helpful when you need to get the most up-to-date information about your inventory or keep a track of your assets.
Consider Your Flooring
Most people seem to be unaware of just how often mobile devices get damaged because of accidental drops. This is why it’s important to choose the right flooring for your warehouse. While some barcode scanners aren’t protected against shock-impact, there are plenty of rugged options available that can be used in unfavorable conditions. If you don’t have special flooring, it’s better to opt for the latter as they can withstand being dropped.
Think about Air Quality
Another important factor to consider is the air quality in a warehouse. If it’s quite dusty inside, don’t forget to check out the Ingress Protection (IP) rating when buying a device. It’s also important for those who plan to use handheld models near water. To ensure that your handheld inventory scanner will withstand these challenges, pick a device with a 68 IP or higher.
What Are Your Lighting Conditions
If a warehouse is poorly lit, it might cause your scanning device to malfunction as not all models have a low-brightness mode. For brightly lit rooms and stores, use a high-brightness model.
Regardless of the lighting, make sure to test a device before making a final decision. It will help you understand if a barcode scanner gun can be used at your premises.
What Are the Keyboard Needs of the User
In some cases, people might need to type numbers when using a barcode reader. For this purpose, find a model that comes with a number pad. You might also think of buying a device with large keys, as they are more comfortable to use if your employees wear gloves. I recommend you to test every option personally to ensure that the size and the placement of the keys are right.
What Type of Barcodes Will You Be Scanning
For working with barcodes, take into account the scanning distance and the code type. 2D barcode scanners are suitable for any task, while linear devices read only 1D barcodes.
For scanning barcodes from a long distance, opt for models with an extended range. Such models can scan 2D barcodes from a distance of up to 50 feet.
While the task of choosing the best device might seem difficult at first, you will easily cope with it if you clearly understand what you are aiming for. Make sure to take into account the parameters that I have described to make the right choice.
There are fixed, portable batch and portable wireless barcode scanners. Besides, manufacturers designed many models of each type.
Every horizontal barcode contains information about a product written from left to right. You can scan it by using different types of barcode scanners.
If you need to scan 1D and 2D barcodes, it might be a smart idea to purchase a 2D barcode reader. It will be perfectly suitable for reading outdated 1D barcodes, so you won’t have any difficulties when serving your customers or working with your suppliers.
If you have a warehouse, you will need to use a device with a high IP rating as such models are better protected from dust and moisture. They can also absorb shock-impact and won’t break easily if you drop them on the floor. To ensure better protection, manufacturers use durable materials, which results in a higher price.
