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Best barcode scanners 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated March 1, 2023
My name is Brayden Diaz. After more than 41 hours of research, including interviewing two experts and spending 10 hours testing 17 popular barcode scanners, I found the best barcode scanners of 2018.
Just read here for my top 3 recommendations. Why are these 3 barcode scanners on top of my list? Well read on… In this section we provide our readers with a comparison table of our top picks. Scroll past the table for a closer look at each of the 3 best barcode scanners in our review section.
Best barcode scanners of 2018
So, what exactly would anyone want to know about barcode scanners? I know most of us don’t really care much about the history and the origin, all we want to know is which of them is the best. Of course, I will spare you the history and go straight on to the best barcode scanners. Many brands have introduced barcode scanners on the market. These brands have resulted in a variety for the user. These require that the consumers be well aware of what they are buying so as to make the best choice. Now, let’s get to the gist of the matter: which are the best barcode scanners for the money? On that note, I review the three best barcode scanners of 2018 to help you get value for your money.
Test Results and Ratings
| Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
| Product |  |
 |
 |
| Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Ease of use |
5 points
|
5 points
|
5 points
|
| Versatility |
5 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
| Construction |
4 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Value |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Awards |  |
||
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the barcode scanners by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – TaoTronics USB Barcode Scanner Wired Handheld Laser Bar Code Scanner Automatic Sensing and Scan Black.
| Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this barcode scanners win the first place?
I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch! I also liked the delivery service that was fast and quick to react. It was delivered on the third day. I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack.
5
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
№2 – WoneNice USB Laser Barcode Scanner Wired Handheld Bar Code Scanner Reader Black
| Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this barcode scanners come in second place?
Managers explained me all the details about the product range, price, and delivery. This is a pretty decent product that perfectly fitted the interior of our office. I recommend you to consider buying this model, it definitely worth its money. The material is pretty strong and easy to wash if needed.
5
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
№3 – USB Automatic Barcode Scanner Scanning Barcode Bar-code Reader with Hands Free Adjustable Stand
| Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this barcode scanners take third place?
This price is appropriate since the product is very well built. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time. We are very pleased with the purchase — the product is great!
5
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
barcode scanners Buyer’s Guide
Form Factors
Once you know what type of scanner you’ll need, the next big question is what form factor the scanner will be. Most of us are familiar with the basic gun-style and in-counter scanners from retail and grocery stores. There are main form factors for scanners, and each has advantages depending on your application and how you’ll use the scanner.
Handheld
These are by far the most common form that scanners come in and are very easy to operate. Simply aim the scanner at the barcode and pull the trigger. Most models, like the Motorola LS2208, will also offer a stand for hands-free operation. Handheld scanners are also available in cordless form to avoid cable clutter and increase your mobility.
Presentation
Presentation scanners, like the Metrologic MS7580, are designed to sit on a counter-top and don’t need to be picked-up or held. These scanners are made for hands-free scanning and will not require triggering to read. Likewise, instead of a single aimer like handheld scanners, presentation scanners have wide reading areas to reduce the need for aiming. You’ll find these types of scanners at retail check-outs since it is easy to scan many items quickly. Just present the barcode in front of the scanner and it will read it automatically.
Mobile Computer
While they also do more than what basic scanners do, mobile computers provide complete freedom since both the PC and scanner are in a single device. Where other scanners need to be connected to a PC, mobile computers like the Motorola MC75A can move around freely while storing information into their internal memory or communicate via Wi-Fi and Cellular (WAN) networks. Mobile computers are ideal for applications that require true mobility like inventory management and asset tracking.
In-counter
In-counter scanners are similar to presentation scanners in that you just present the barcode in front of the reader – however, these are made to be embedded into a counter-top. You have probably come across these types of scanners at grocery stores and self check-out lines. Units like the Datalogic Magellan 8300, are easy to operate for any user. Many models also have integrated scales to completely serve a POS lane.
Fixed Mount
A fixed scanner is a bit more specialized compared to the other types since it is really meant to be integrated with a larger automated system. These scanners are made to be mounted on a conveyor line or in a kiosk and do not have a typical trigger or button to scan. Often, these scanners will always be on or get triggered by external sensors or controllers. Fixed scanners come in a wide range of speeds, like the Microscan MS-9, to accommodate even very high speed assembly lines without any user intervention.
Ruggedness
Regardless of the environment that you’ll be using your scanner in, ruggedness is always something to consider. Environment is a big factor, though you should also consider how the scanner will be used. You may be in a standard environment but if the scanners are mistreated, a more rugged option will help save time and money down the road.
You can always tell a ruggedized scanner by their bright yellow or red cases. They may be more expensive, but the time lost when a scanner breaks and the cost of replacing it quickly balances out the initial extra cost.
Putting it all together
The key, now, is to figure out the best way for your team to work with the barcodes. Some of this will depend on how your inventory is physically stored, some will depend on what your workflow looks like, and some will depend on the software you use.
Generally, you can either scan as you go or scan everything at the end. By scanning as you go, you’re less likely to overlook something as you go, but you’ll be interrupting the flow of the job a bit. By scanning at the end, you can get it all done in one swoop, but you risk missing a part – especially if parts were taken from trays or storage boxes, which won’t have packaging lying around to remind you of their use.
Try both systems and get feedback from your techs on which one worked best for them. The key is to make their lives easier, so be sure to make them part of the decision process.
Creating a customer quote is more straightforward, as you can just scan as you go – no workflow problems to consider. In ESC, for instance, lets you build a quote using the barcode scanner simply by selecting the Scan option.
Not Compatible
Compatible
A barcode printer is one of the basic elements of a barcode system that also includes a barcode scanner or mobile computer, barcode software, and barcode labels. Barcode printers print barcodes to be used on commonly labeled items, such as products, assets, inventory, supplies, pallets and perishables. In addition to printing labels and tags, some barcode printers can even create plastic ID cards, wristbands, tickets and RFID tags.
Industrial Barcode Printers
Ideal for high volume warehouse application, industrial barcode printers can operate in thermal transfer or direct thermal printing mode. They are designed with an all-metal frame and operate non-stop to improve efficiency in your supply chain.
System ID
Jamie Duerksen loves challenges and enjoys the wealth of knowledge that comes from solving them. System ID customers benefit from her expertise—Jamie excels at helping organizations uncover barcode labeling and printing solutions for unique applications and environments. Outside of the office, Jamie embraces the everyday experience of being a wife and mother.
Getting Started
First ensure the scanner you have chosen is connected or paired to your device.
You can test this by opening a word processing app and scanning a barcode, if you are seeing a output of text/numbers you should be ready.
Depending on the type of scanner you have, you may be able to customise the output to include a Return (Enter) at the end of each scan, this will be ideal to make sure that the product is auto added to a sale in Kounta.
Some barcode scanners are more performant than others in terms of scan speed. If performance represents an important aspect as you work in a very demanding environment, then you should definitely consider the scan speed. These are the main features that you should evaluate. All that’s left to do is to check this high-quality selection of powerful barcode scanners that should fit most needs and budgets with ease.
Orbit Honeywell MS7120 Barcode Reader with USB
With lots of powerful features including an incredible scanning speed, the Orbit Honeywell MS7120 is one of the best barcode readers that money can buy. It’s not exactly cheap but it seems capable to deal with more demanding scanning tasks and can be an ideal fit for those with bigger budgets.
It produces laser light in an omnidirectional pattern and it’s capable of linear scanning and working with one-dimensional barcodes and decode them at different angles. Something that can be appreciated especially by those with smaller hands is how easy you can handle this device. It’s small enough to be maneuvered with ease and Orbit includes a stand that allows the scanner to be used in a fixed position.
The scanning speed of 1120 scans per second is certainly impressive and can definitely make a difference if you need to scan lots and lots of items more efficiently. This model needs to be connected to a computer through the included USB cable for it to be able to transmit the barcode data. There’s a special configuration utility which enables the regular firmware updates for taking advantage of improvements or new features.
To accommodate different workstation setups, this model has a head that can be tilted up to 30 degrees. Its 650 nanometers, 900 milliwatt laser is capable of producing 20 lines of light. A great aspect about this barcode scanner is that it’s fully compatible with OPOS and JavaPOS standards that are used in POS systems.
While the scanner is a bit on the noisy side, it’s a very reliable and performant device that can help you save a lot of time and get solid scanning results each time. The range is excellent and overall it works flawlessly, just as you’d expect considering the cost. If you have the budget and wish to make a great investment, the Orbit Honeywell MS7120 is one of the best barcode scanners, recommended for its powerful scanning abilities.
Product Highlights
Youthink managed to cram Bluetooth, a fast processor, a big battery, and a rugged anti-shock design, all in one package. This is a very interesting scanner that seems almost too good to be true at this price point. But rest assured because this model is actually as good as it’s advertised, with only a slight flaw.
This barcode scanner offers both wireless and wired modes of operation to enjoy the freedom from wires and a more reliable wired connection however you like. It makes use of a Bluetooth 4.0 connection to transmit scanned data to compatible devices. For the wired mode it doesn’t need any additional software to set-up as it works in a plug-and-play manner.
Compatibility-wise, this model works with smartphones, tablets, and computers. It doesn’t matter which operating system the device has but if you plan on using the wireless capability Bluetooth is required. Uploading entries can be done with the help of multiple software like Word, Excel, Novell, and QuickBooks.
The scanner is built with durability in mind and you can see that in its break-resistant construction. A certain level of ergonomy can be found in the design considering how comfortable it feels to handle the scanner.
The 750mAh battery should keep the unit charged for approximately 30 hours but this model excels when it comes to performance. The fast scanning speed of 200 times per second and coupled with the 16MB of memory which enables you to save a lot of barcode information paint a very bright picture for this model.
Unfortunately, the main weakness of this scanner is when it comes to operating. The instructions aren’t very intuitive and it can be a bit difficult until you get the hang of this device. Despite that, it’s still is a very good product and highly recommended for those looking for a solid features-per-price ratio but you should keep in mind that this one is for those more familiar with barcode scanners and it’s not recommended for beginners.
ScanLife Barcode & QR Reader
Apart from being a straightforward barcode management app, ScanLife Barcode & QR Reader was also designed as a personalized shopping assistant that will not only allow you to find the best deals on a wide variety of products but also make recommendations based on your purchase and scanning history if you want it to.
Simplify Your Warehouse
Blue Link offers warehouse inventory software with wireless barcode scanning to automate picking, packing, shipping and receiving. The app is fully integrated with Blue Link’s inventory and accounting ERP system, and developed for iOS devices such as the iPhone or iPod Touch.
Inventory Look-Up
Blue Link’s mobile barcode inventory management solution makes it easy for users to quickly scan and look up inventory items. Retrieve information on: product in stock and on backorder, product available at other locations, product ready to be picked and already picked as well as descriptions, categories, pricing and images. The app supports moving product from one location in a given warehouse to another, with the information updating in Blue Link’s back-end ERP system.
Pick & Pack
For more efficient picking and packing, Blue Link’s mobile barcode inventory management solution itemizes all products to be picked and details how employees should go through the warehouse from top to bottom in the fastest order according to bin and shelf location. With serialized and lot tracked products, the app works in much the same way and if a user is unable to find product from a specific lot, the lot can be overridden in real-time to pick the same product from a different lot.
Receiving Inventory
Using Blue Link’s mobile barcode inventory management solution to receive product allows users to scan items at the receiving dock to immediately identify and record product on arrival. It records what items were received and then what bin and shelf number the product was allocated to. In order to deal with any discrepancies in sales orders and deliveries, quantities received in the warehouse get recorded as such in Blue Link’s back-end ERP system for quick comparison against any given sales order.
Eagle Magpie
Calorie counter apps come in a variety of flavours, but their methodology is the same: tell the app your current weight and how much you want to weigh. The app then sets a calorie intake to hit that ideal weight and estimates how long it will take to achieve. From then on, you record everything you eat and drink in the app, and the better ones will even let you scan the barcodes on your grub and grab the details from a food database.
They’re basically a food diary with far less hassle, and though the difficult business of weight loss is a bit more nuanced than a simple calories-in-versus-calories-burned equation, using one is a smart first step on the path to getting in better shape.
Read on for our pick of the five best calorie counter apps for Android and iOS.
Calorie counter apps have barcode scanners to make inputting meals as effortless as possible. Unfortunately, most have limited databases – or at least US-centric ones – so many products aren’t recognised. Lose It! happily scanned in nearly everything I threw its way, from big brands to the supermarket’s own products.
With food and quantity logged, it displays the calories you’ve had and how many are left before hitting that day’s target. Do some exercise and you’ll offset them. You can manually input workouts, but it also communicates with your phone to automatically retrieve activity info.
Macronutrient data shows fat, carbs and protein intake. Head to the companion website and you get even more ways of viewing and analysing your data. Going premium (£2.50/month, £29.99/year) gets you group challenges and access to meal plans and fitness articles, but with the free version offering such a complete, streamlined package, you don’t need to spend a penny to start losing weight – no matter how much the frequent prompts to upgrade might make it seem otherwise.
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CARROT Hunger iOS
The barcode scanner is hit and miss, recognising some fairly obscure products yet claiming ignorance when it comes to a few massive brands, but overall adding foods is quick and simple. There’s even a step-by-step tutorial so you won’t have to act as 24/tech support if you recommend it to a parent or anyone else of the technophobic persuasion. As well as remembering recently and frequently added foods, you can store any meal you make in the database, saving the hassle of entering every ingredient next time it’s on the menu.
There are a few things that must happen before you can continue with this setup.
Now that you have completed the prerequisites lets jump right in and set up your device to be your mobile authenticator.
There you have it, you now have the added security of a 2-step login process with the ease of a code generator on your mobile device. A few things to note: you are only allowed to set up device at a time as an authenticator, make sure to never set this up on a publicly shared device, I recommend adding a password to your device if you set up this feature, remember that security is only as good as the person keeping it.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the barcode scanners by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your barcode scanners wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of barcode scanners
- №1 — TaoTronics USB Barcode Scanner Wired Handheld Laser Bar Code Scanner Automatic Sensing and Scan Black.
- №2 — WoneNice USB Laser Barcode Scanner Wired Handheld Bar Code Scanner Reader Black
- №3 — USB Automatic Barcode Scanner Scanning Barcode Bar-code Reader with Hands Free Adjustable Stand
Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about barcode scanners is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!
