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Keep Your Inventory in Check With the Best Barcode Scanner

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Keep Your Inventory in Check With the Best Barcode Scanner

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Buying Guide: Barcode Scanners

Whether you’re cataloging books or keeping inventory in check, going back and forth to access your product’s information is not only time-consuming but physically tasking as well. That’s exactly why you need to get your hands on a barcode scanner. These handy little devices allow you to scan barcodes effortlessly, whether you’re at home or in a warehouse. The barcode scanner is simply plugged into your desktop or laptop with the help of a USB, dishing out all the information about your product when scanned. If you’re keeping track of inventory in a retail store or starting an e-commerce website, picking out a high-quality scanner is vital. That said, with so many options available, deciding on which one to buy can be quite overwhelming. So, to help you better navigate the market, we have prepared a list of the top barcode scanners in 2023.

A barcode scanner can be a crucial piece of equipment for some businesses, but knowing which one to buy can be difficult due to the wide variety available on the market. That is why we’ve prepared a comprehensive buying guide to make your decision easier by highlighting features you need to consider when looking to buy the ideal scanner. 

Wired vs. Wireless Barcode Scanners

It’s vital to decide whether you want a wired or wireless scanner. Without a doubt, a wireless scanner is more portable and convenient. That said, a wired scanner is not limited by battery life, unlike its counterpart. 

Wireless

If you’re in a warehouse or any other place where you constantly need to move around and have no access to a power outlet, consider buying a wireless scanner. That being said, you need to make sure you buy s scanner with a good battery capacity, ideally more than 2000 mAh so that it can last you through many continuous scanning sessions on a single full charge. With a wireless barcode scanner, you need to make sure it has Bluetooth capabilities so that you can easily connect your scanner to a smartphone to store data. Also, ensure the scanner comes with 2.4 GHz wireless technology as it gives you a wide transmission range for using your scanner and sending data to the computer. 

Wired

If you are planning to use your scanner in a single location, such as at a counter in a retail shop, your best bet is to go with a wired barcode scanner. With wired options, you won’t have to worry about charging the device constantly, and they are more reliable in terms of sending data to the computer.  But, when you buy a wired barcode scanner, do make sure it comes with a reasonably sized cord, preferably around 6 feet in length, so that you don’t need extra space when scanning numerous items. 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Barcode Scanner

Durability

When looking to buy a barcode scanner, you need to ask yourself what kind of environment you’ll use the scanner in.  If you plan on using the scanner in rainy locations or extreme temperatures, then durability should be your main priority. Typically, harsher weather conditions call for a barcode scanner with an IP rating of IP54 or IP65, indicating it can resist dust and water. While indoor environments at room temperature don’t require a super durable barcode scanner, you should always make sure that yours is made of shockproof materials so that it can survive an accidental fall. 

Compatibility

When looking for a barcode scanner, do make sure the device is compatible with the software you use. Generally, it’s recommended to one that is compatible with all operating systems, even Android or iOS. You should also check if the scanner works with common software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, or any other software you use to manage your inventory. 

Setup 

Nobody wants to spend numerous hours browsing the internet for suitable drivers or software you need to get the scanner to work. That is why you should always look for a scanner that has plug-and-play compatibility so that you can save yourself the hassle.

Types of barcodes

If you’ve been delving into barcode scanner specifications, you likely have met with the words 1D and 2D. To put it simply, these are the two most common types of barcodes requiring scanning.  1D barcodes are commonly used for industry, commerce, and logistics. On the other hand, 2D barcodes, like QR codes, are regularly used in marketing and social media posts.  Generally, it is recommended to buy a scanner that’s capable of reading both types of barcodes. But, if you are unable to find one, make sure the scanner you buy is capable of reading the type of code you mostly work with.  You also need to consider how often you work with barcodes that are damaged or faded. If you constantly come across hard-to-scan barcodes, you should get a scanner that is capable of reading such codes. 

01 Tera Barcode Scanner

Starting off our list is this incredibly capable barcode scanner from Tera. Thanks to its impressive 2000 mAh battery, you won’t have to worry about the scanner dying out on you anytime soon while you work. It even features a unique battery indicator light that shows you exactly how much fuel the battery has left and how soon it needs to get recharged.

This barcode scanner comes equipped with 2.4 GHz wireless technology that gives you an exceptional range of up to 328 feet to work in. With its sturdy build and silicone cover, the scanner can withstand drops, dust, and other issues, making it ideal for environments like a warehouse or a busy store.

All in all, due to the high capacity battery and durable design, this barcode scanner is the best overall product on our list.

Pros

  • High capacity battery
  • Durable, ergonomic, dust-proof design
  • Easy to set up 
  • Supports nearly every 1D barcode

Cons

  • Takes time to send data wirelessly
Tera Barcode Scanner

02 NADAMOO Barcode Scanner

The NADAMOO barcode scanner is a great introductory barcode scanner for anyone who is looking to start a new business or wants to get familiarized with the tool. The scanner is easy to set up due to its plug-and-play design, saving you the hassle of having to scramble on the internet for suitable drivers or software. Not just that, it also comes with a user guide, allowing a newcomer to learn the ropes of using a barcode scanner easily. 

With an exceptionally large 2600 mAh battery, you can comfortably use the scanner for up to 30 working days on a single full charge. The scanner is even capable of a more-to-one pairing mode where you can assign multiple scanners to send information to a single wireless receiver. Due to this, it’s highly useful in a store or warehouse environment where numerous people are scanning at once. 

Pros

  • USB plug-and-play design
  • Reads 1D barcodes
  • Can be used both wirelessly and wired
  • Long transmission distance

Cons

  • Some parts may break off
NADAMOO Barcode Scanner

03 NETUM Barcode Scanner

If you are looking for some serious scanning speeds and performance, you’ll be pleased with the NETUM barcode scanner. The scanner has a 260-scan-per-second super decoding ability which allows you to scan a number of 1D barcodes in a matter of seconds so that you can get your job done faster.

Thanks to its Bluetooth compatibility, you can connect the scanner wirelessly to a phone to send data, ensuring you won’t have to lug around a bulky card reader and increasing your productivity. Further, the scanner is compatible with a wide range of operating software such as Windows, Linux, Android, and even iOS. And, with a battery capacity of 2000 mAh, you can easily squeeze out 30 hours of continuous scanning from it. 

Pros

  • High scanning speed
  • Capable of Bluetooth connectivity
  • Long transmission range

Cons

  • Can’t scan QR codes
NETUM Barcode Scanner

04 WoneNice Barcode Scanner

If your looking for a reliable and effective barcode scanner, look no further than this wired barcode scanner from WoneNice. The scanner connects to your computer through a USB cable and has plug-and-play compatibility for ease of use and comfort. It comes equipped with a strong cord that measures up to 6 feet in length so that you can efficiently operate this handheld device without needing more distance.  

The scanner is also compatible with all major operating systems, such as Windows and Mac, as well as other common software like Microsoft Word and Excel. With scanning speeds of up to 200 scans per second, this tool works flawlessly in settings like a warehouse or a retail store. 

Meanwhile, thanks to its durable build and anti-shock design, this barcode scanner can even survive a drop onto solid concrete. 

Pros

  • Convenient 6-foot cable
  • Compatible with almost all software
  • Capable of reading all standard 1D barcodes

Cons

  • No wireless option
WoneNice Barcode Scanner

05 Eyoyo Barcode Scanner

Looking for a compact, portable scanner that can fulfill all your scanning needs? If so, the Eyoyo barcode scanner is the one for you. This lightweight input device is perfect for scanning on the go. Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily connect the scanner to a phone to store your data. 

Don’t let its small size deceive you; this scanner is very much capable of scanning codes with speed and precision. It even boasts advanced 1D scan technology that allows it to read a wide range of commonly used codes, even ones that are damaged or distorted. Due to its competitive price, this barcode scanner is the perfect choice for individuals who are starting out a business and don’t want to invest in a bulker option.

Pros

  • Compact and portable design
  • Compatible with all operating systems
  • Works well with damaged codes

Cons

  • Battery only lasts for a few hours
Eyoyo Barcode Scanner

People Also Asked

Can I use a barcode scanner with my phone?

Yes, you can connect most wireless scanners to your phone through Bluetooth.

Can I use my phone to scan barcodes?

You can use your phone to scan barcodes; however, you will need to download an app that works with your smartphone’s camera to scan the code. 

Can all barcode scanners read all types of barcodes?

Different barcodes require different types of scanners. Laser scanners and linear imagers are used for reading 1D barcodes while imager 2D scanners can effectively read both, 1D and 2D barcodes (which are the most common). 

Alex Baum

Aug 18, 2022

37 Articles Published

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We're not just tech junkies, but we're also tech experts. Each and every "Best of.." list on TechJunkie is curated by our content-area subject matter experts to provide a well-rounded, unbiased perspective to help and inform you, our reader. Our lists are constantly reviewed and updated, so you can be sure you're reading relevant and up to date information.

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