Best Barcode Scanners for Small Business Inventory

If the search brought you here, you must have realized the value of barcoding your inventory. Picking the best barcode scanning devices, however, is cracking up to be more demanding in terms of your time. HandiFox and Barcodes Inc., a leading provider of barcoding solutions in the US, whittled down an overwhelming assortment to a short list of the best barcode scanners for your small business inventory. Let’s get to it.

Best barcode scanners for inventory management

When shopping for a barcode scanner to check your inventory in and out, there are a few factors that you need to consider: barcode types (1D or 2D), your work conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.), scanning distance, battery life, compatibility with your inventory app, and, of course, budget. We’ve measured all the models against these parameters (you’re welcome), and here’s our short list.

• Best introductory barcode scanners 
• Best rugged barcode scanners
• Best Bluetooth barcode scanners
• Barcode scanner handhelds (all-in-one mobile computers)
• Best barcode scanners for Android and iOS

Best introductory barcode scanners

For those who are just starting to integrate barcodes into their business and are on a tight budget, these could be the go-to models:

Zebra LS2208 ($150)

This one has been Zebra’s best-seller for years. It’s a durable, easy-to-use 1D barcode scanner with a decent scanning range and the ability to scan high-density barcodes. Keep in mind that it is corded, so if you need something more portable, you should consider wireless options.

‍Features:

• Durable construction 
• Rapid scanning
• Easy USB connection 
• Comfortable grip
• Suitable for various industries

Pros:

• Reliable performance in demanding settings
• Perfect for high-volume scanning environments

Cons:

• Limited to 1D barcode scanning
• Wired connectivity

Opticon OPN 2006 ($190)

This portable model helps you integrate barcode scanning into your business without breaking the bank. Opticon 2006 allows 1D scanning and can connect via Bluetooth to both Android and iOS devices. It is ideally sized to carry around but not rugged enough to withstand tough warehouse work conditions.

‍Features:

• Compact and lightweight
• Bluetooth connectivity: Android, iOS, and Windows
• High-speed scanning: 100 scans per second
• Memory: 512KB FlashROM, 96KB RAM, and 1MB External FlashROM.

Pros:

• Portable and convenient for mobile applications
• Affordable

Cons:

• Cannot scan barcodes from LCD screens
• Limited to 1D barcode scanning

Socket Mobile S740 (under $400)

This is an exceptionally ergonomic, Android- and iOS-compatible Bluetooth wireless barcode scanner. It reads standard linear 1D and 2D barcodes, letting you do quick inventory checks and entries on the go, in the warehouse or right in the field. The barcode scanner has a replaceable battery and can handle up to 16 hours of non-stop scanning

‍Features:

• Reads 1D and 2D barcodes on paper and screen
• Capable of scanning small barcodes with a range of 2 to 19 inches.
• Lightweight and ergonomic
• Over 16 hours of continuous operation

Pros:

• Versatile scanning capabilities, including OCR fonts

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to basic models

Best rugged barcode scanners

These are meant for rugged barcode scanning. They’re built to withstand dust, water, drops, and extreme temperatures while offering faster scanning, longer range, and better accuracy in poor lighting.

Zebra DS3608-ER (under $800)

Zebra DS3600 series are ultra-ruggedized 1D/2D barcode scanners with an extended scanning range from 3 to 70 ft., built for extreme conditions. These cordless Bluetooth models give you the freedom to move around while also holding the battery to allow over 70,000 scans per charge.

‍Features:

• IP54-rated for dust and water resistance
• Reads 1D and 2D barcodes, including OCR fonts
• Capable of scanning small barcodes with a range of 2 to 19 inches
• Long-lasting, replaceable battery

Pros:

• Durable construction 
• Versatile scanning capabilities

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier than non-rugged models
• Higher cost due to rugged features

Best Bluetooth barcode scanners

Bluetooth-enabled scanners are the obvious choice for those who have to do a lot of scanning on the go.

Zebra CS6080 (under $800)

It’s an ideal solution for doing 1D barcode scanning on the road, in the field, wherever you are, and whenever you need it. It’s a portable, lightweight scanning device that can be easily paired with a wide range of smartphones. It converts between corded and cordless operation and excels at reading challenging barcodes. This model works with Android and iOS devices.

‍Features:

• Can be used as a handheld or hands-free scanner
• Captures 1D and 2D barcodes on paper and electronic screens
• Supports Bluetooth and USB connections

‍Pros:

• Flexible usage scenarios
• Compact and lightweight design

Cons:

• May require additional accessories for certain configurations
• Moderate durability compared to ultra-rugged models

Zebra DS3608 ($800)

This model is a two-time winner (best for rugged conditions and as a Bluetooth option). The ultra-ruggedized Zebra DS3608 is a great bang for the buck, although it’s more expensive than the pocketable CS6080. This barcode scanner has a much longer life cycle, which makes it a worthwhile investment. The downside is that it’s compatible with Android devices only. 

Barcode scanner handhelds (all-in-one mobile computers)

A handheld mobile computer is a pricier but more practical option. It eliminates the need to hold a phone with their inventory app in one hand and a barcode scanner in the other while going about your daily warehouse tasks. 

Zebra TC5x and TC7x series ($1800-2500)

Powered by Android, these mobile computers give you a seamless smartphone experience but operate reliably in ultra-rugged conditions. They can handle your business apps and 1D/2D barcode scanning, saving you all the hassle of looking for compatible smartphones and barcode scanners.

Zebra TC5x series ($1800-2500)

Features:

• Rugged yet lightweight, ideal for field mobility
• 5-inch HD touchscreen
• fast and accurate barcode scanning
• IP68-rated for dust and water resistance
• Drop resistance: 5 ft (1.5m) onto concrete
• Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor
• Runs on Android 10+ 
• Standard and extended battery options available
• Optimized power management
• Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, LTE available on select models

Pros:

• Lightweight yet rugged
• Strong scanning capabilities
• Excellent battery life with PowerPrecision+
• Affordable model among mobile computers

‍Cons:

• Lower durability than in ultra-ruggedized model
• Lacks ultra-long-range scanning capability

Zebra TC7x series ($2500)

Features:

• Ultra-rugged
• 5-inch HD touchscreen for clear visibility
• Long-range scanning capabilities
• IP65 and IP67 ratings for superior protection against dust, and water
• Drop resistance: 10 ft (3m) onto concrete
• Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor
• Runs on Android 10+ 
• Hot-swappable battery
• Wi-Fi 6,  Bluetooth 5.0, LTE support

Pros:

• Built for extreme conditions
• Superior drop resistance 
• Advanced scanning with long-range options 
• Hot-swappable battery

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier than the TC5X series
• More expensive

Cipherlab RS35, RK95 ($600-1800)

Cipherlab RS35 is a ruggedized Android-based handheld computer with 1D, 2D barcode scanning, HFRFID, and NFC capabilities. The Cipherlab RK95 model is another great option from Cipherlab which has both a touch screen and a physical keyboard. Having any one of those in your warehouse steps up your personnel’s productivity and mobility, and reduces the learning process to a minimum.

Cipherlab RS35 ($600)

Features:

• Built to withstand drops and harsh environments
• 5.5-inch Touchscreen provides clear visibility
• Seamlessly combines scanning capabilities with other functionalities
• Offers stable Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connections

Pros:

• Combines the familiarity of a smartphone interface with rugged features
• Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G LTE, and VoLTE
• Hot-swap battery

Cons:

• Might require time to adapt to the RS35's enterprise-focused features

Cipherlab RK95 ($1800)

Features:

• Operates on Android 9.0, upgradeable to Android 12
• Supports input with bare or gloved fingers and stylus
• 1D laser, 2D imager, mid-range 2D imager, and extended-range 2D imager
• Provides multiple keypad configurations
• IP65 rating, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions.
• Cold storage model

Pros:

• The high-speed 2.2 GHz processor
• Multiple scanning options 
• Various keypad configurations and a responsive touch-screen 
• Withstands harsh environments, including extreme cold

Cons:

• relatively large and heavy
• The 13 MP camera is optional, potentially requiring additional investment for users needing image capture functionality

Best barcode scanners for Android and iOS

If your inventory management software runs on Android and iOS mobile devices, there’s always the option of mobile scanning, i.e. scanning barcodes with your phone’s camera. This cost-saving method is, unfortunately, less performant than dedicated barcode scanners. At the end of the day, it boils down to your business needs, so you might want to consider both.

Android-compatible barcode scanners

If you are an Android person, you could go with some of the above-mentioned all-in-one models (Cipherlab RS35, RK95 or Zebra TC5x, TC7x).

In case you have Android phones, you could avoid overspending by purchasing any Bluetooth barcode scanner with the SPP (Serial Port Profile) connection. It’s advisable to check with your software provider if the model has been tested and works with your inventory app.

iOS-compatible barcode scanners

When it comes to iOS devices, you should be looking for MFi-certified barcode scanners. Most options start at as little as $250. Socket’s D740 or S740 are light, yet durable options that work great for 1D/2D barcode scanning on paper and screen. It must be said that not all MFi-certified models pair easily with iOS-based inventory apps.

Before making the purchase, it’s best that you reach out to your software vendor or a hardware provider to confirm compatibility with your inventory management system. So, we’ve come to the question of getting barcode scanner software.

What is the best barcode inventory system for small businesses?

As with barcode scanners, the choice is based on your operational needs and goals, work conditions, internal and external workflows, budget, etc. At HandiFox, we’ve worked hard to make barcoding ubiquitous across all inventory, purchasing, and sales workflows, so you can rely on your inventory app for accuracy and speed. 

HandiFox can record, generate, and print 1D and 2D barcodes for your products, including serials and lots. Barcode scanning is used in the app to intake, count, transfer, order, pick, pack, and sell inventory from your laptop or mobile device (Android or iOS).

Give HandiFox and your new barcode scanner a whirl! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to pair your existing or new barcode scanning devices make sure it is compatible with HandiFox.

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