Barcode scanners

This category contains barcode scanners for shops, warehouses, logistics, production sites and small businesses that need to read product, parcel or document codes quickly and accurately. Our range has over 1200 models, from corded and wireless handheld scanners to 1D and 2D imagers. The leading brands are ZEBRA, DATALOGIC, HONEYWELL and NEWLAND.

How to choose a barcode scanner

Code type. 1D (linear) scanners read traditional barcodes such as EAN and Code 128. 2D imagers also read QR codes and Data Matrix, as well as codes shown on a phone screen or slightly damaged labels. If you may need to scan e-tickets or coupons, or your code formats are likely to change, a 2D model is the safer choice.

Connection. A corded USB scanner needs no charging and suits a till or a fixed workstation. Wireless models connect over Bluetooth or through a base station, which lets staff move around a warehouse or shop floor. Check the battery life and whether a charging cradle is included.

Working environment. In warehouses and production, scanners are often dropped onto concrete, so drop resistance and the IP rating for dust and water protection matter. A simpler housing is enough at a shop checkout, while healthcare settings benefit from a casing that is easy to clean and disinfect.

Scanning distance. A checkout needs only a few tens of centimetres, but high warehouse shelves call for models designed for long-range reading. Manufacturers state minimum and maximum distances for a given code size, so compare these figures with your real labels.

Brands in our range

• ZEBRA: known for warehouse, logistics and healthcare equipment, with rugged handheld scanners and mobile computers built for heavy daily use.
• DATALOGIC: an Italian manufacturer best known for retail checkout and industrial scanners.
• HONEYWELL: a US technology company offering scanners for retail, logistics and healthcare.
• NEWLAND: a Chinese manufacturer known for 2D imagers and scan modules that are built into other equipment.
• SOCKET MOBILE: specialises in Bluetooth scanners that pair with smartphones and tablets.
• OPTICON: a manufacturer of Japanese origin, known for small handheld scanners and scan modules.

Also in our range: INATECK, DELOCK, QOLTEC, MANHATTAN, EQUIP and ARTDEV.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 1D and a 2D barcode scanner?

A 1D scanner reads only traditional linear barcodes, while a 2D scanner also reads QR codes, Data Matrix and other two-dimensional codes. 2D models also tend to read codes from a phone screen without trouble. If your code types may change, a 2D scanner is the better investment.

Can I connect a wireless scanner to a phone or tablet?

Yes, a Bluetooth scanner can be paired with a phone or tablet if the device and the app support it. In most cases the scanner behaves like an external keyboard, and the scanned code appears in the selected field. It is worth checking the manufacturer's compatibility list for your operating system before buying.

Will a scanner work with my till or warehouse software?

Most USB scanners appear to the computer as a keyboard, so they work with any program that accepts typed text. Check the interface (USB or RS-232) and whether the scanner can be set to send Enter after each code. If your software needs a special connection, look for the manufacturer's stated compatibility.

Which scanner should I choose for a warehouse?

For a warehouse, a rugged wireless 2D scanner with sufficient reading distance and a replaceable or quick-charging battery is usually the best fit. Drop resistance and the IP rating matter more here than on a shop floor. If staff walk between racks all day, a wireless connection saves a lot of time.