10 Barcode Scanners Compared

We tested 10 popular barcode scanners, comparing handheld and fixed devices in terms of efficiency, flexibility and suitability for different environments.The article covers the pros and cons of hand-held and fixed scanners, and offers advice on how to choose the best model.

Handheld or in-place: What's the difference?

In conclusion, handheld scanners win out in flexibility, and fixed scanners in efficiency.In testing, it was discovered that in settings like retail outlets, where there is a lot of movement, employees generally prefer hand-held devices, while in settings like logistics sorting centers, where the work is stationary, fixed scanners are clearly superior.

The pros and cons of handheld barcode scanners.

Among the five devices we tested, the light, compact Honeywell 1900 is especially suitable for stocktaking or taking orders for takeout food.But it has a small problem: It's easy to get a sore hand from holding it for a long time, especially when you need to scan a few thousand times a day.The scanning distance of these machines is generally 10-30 centimeters, and they are prone to "go on strike" if the distance is too great.

Fixed scanners are the most common type.

Fixed-position scanners (such as the QT50) are "workhorses" in supermarket checkout lines.In real-life tests, the system worked without error for eight hours straight, and could even automatically scan barcodes, allowing the cashier to use both hands to arrange merchandise.But there are drawbacks: the installation must be precisely calibrated, and it is difficult to move.

Real-world data: A speed and stability showdown.

We tested 10 devices using a standard barcode library, and the results were a bit surprising: the fixed barcode scanners were, on average, 0.3 seconds faster at reading barcodes than the handheld scanners, but the handheld scanners outperformed the fixed scanners at reading damaged barcodes by 12 %.For example, the DS2200 handheld scanner from Zebra can read wrinkled delivery slips that have been soaked in water.

Special scenes.

When dealing with packages made of highly reflective materials, the fixed device has to be moved around to get the right angle, whereas the handheld device can move freely.But if the work is to be done at night, a fixed scanner with a light source (such as the Newland FR20) is clearly the better choice.

Suggestion for selection: Don't waste money.

I suggest that you first consider three points: 1. How many barcodes will you need to scan each day? 2. What types of barcodes will you be scanning? 3. Will you be scanning in a fixed environment?For example, a small convenience store only needs a handheld scanner that costs between NT $ 200-500. But for an e-commerce warehouse that scans over 10,000 items per day, we suggest going directly to an industrial-grade fixed scanner.Finally, be wary of claims that the scanner can be used from up to 10 meters away. In practice, if you are more than two meters away, you're basically relying on luck.