Best Barcode Scanners for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: January 11th, 2024

🏷️Barcode scanners are indispensable tools across many industries—whether you're in retail, logistics, healthcare, or manufacturing. This year, 2024, has ushered in a crop of new and improved models designed to boost efficiency and accuracy. Whether you need a rugged scanner for a bustling warehouse or a budget-friendly option for your small shop, we've got you covered.

After exhaustive research, we've compiled the top models to help you make the best choice.

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Overall Best: Honeywell CT60XP

The Honeywell CT60XP is our top choice for 2024 due to its unbeatable combination of durability and performance. Engineered for the most demanding environments, it features real-time data transfer capabilities through Wi-Fi and cellular networks, ensuring seamless connectivity. The large touchscreen is user-friendly, and its robust battery life can withstand a full day of intensive use. With an impressive IP68 rating, the Honeywell CT60XP is resilient to drops, water, and extreme temperatures, making it an excellent choice for inventory management in tough conditions. According to our research, users consistently praise its dependability and high-speed data capture.

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Runner-up: Zebra DS3600

Zebra DS3608-SR (Standard Range) Ultra Rugged Handheld Barcode Scanner Kit(Imager,2D/1D,IP52)

The Zebra DS3600 is our runner-up, standing out for its versatility and rugged design. This handheld scanner excels in diverse settings such as retail, warehouse management, and asset tracking. Built to endure drops and harsh conditions, the DS3600 boasts premium scanning capabilities that set it apart. While it comes at a higher price point, the reliability and performance it offers justify the cost. According to user reviews, it's highly regarded for its long-lasting durability and exceptional scanning accuracy, making it a solid investment for businesses.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$335.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Zebra DS3608 Barcode Scanner? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How far can the Zebra DS3608-SR scanner read barcodes?
The Zebra DS3608-SR scanner is pretty versatile in terms of how far it can read barcodes. The manufacturer's description says it can handle anything from close-up scanning to about 5 feet away (or 1.5 meters, if you're feeling metric). This makes it handy for all sorts of industrial and retail setups where you might not always be right next to the barcode. It's also got a bunch of options for connecting to other devices—like USB, RS232, and Keyboard Wedge. Basically, it means you can plug it into many kinds of systems without much hassle. From what we've gathered in our research, the DS3608-SR is well-liked for its quick and accurate scanning, which is crucial if you're in a busy place like a warehouse or a store. It's built tough to handle rougher environments, so it's a solid pick if you need something durable. So, if you need a scanner that works from various distances and fits easily into your setup, the Zebra DS3608-SR seems like a reliable choice. It should help keep things running smoothly wherever you’re using it.
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Is the Zebra DS3608-SR waterproof?
Yeah, the Zebra DS3608-SR scanner is definitely built to handle tough conditions. According to the manufacturer's product description, it's got some pretty heavy-duty features. For starters, it can survive drops from as high as 8 feet onto concrete, which is no small feat. Plus, with its IP65 and IP67 sealing, it's not just dustproof but also waterproof. This means it can be submerged in water for about 30 minutes. So if you're working in wet or dusty environments, this scanner should hold up well. When it comes to performance, our research shows that the DS3608-SR is quite reliable. It's known for quickly and accurately reading both 1D and 2D barcodes, even if they're damaged or poorly printed. This is super handy in places like warehouses or manufacturing plants where conditions aren't always the best. From what we've found, folks who use this scanner and professional reviews both highlight its durability and efficiency. It also gets good marks for being comfortable to handle, which is nice if you’re scanning a bunch of stuff over a long period. And with its USB and other connectivity options, hooking it up to your systems shouldn't be too tricky. In short, if you need a sturdy, reliable scanner for tough work environments, the Zebra DS3608-SR is worth a look. It’s got that mix of durability and advanced scanning capabilities that makes it a solid tool for industrial settings.
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What is the drop resistance of the Zebra DS3608-SR barcode scanner?
The Zebra DS3608-SR barcode scanner is pretty tough. According to the manufacturer's product description, it can withstand drops from up to 8 feet onto concrete, which is impressive. Plus, with its IP67 rating, it's dustproof, sprayproof, and waterproof, so it can handle harsh industrial environments without a hitch. As for performance, this scanner does well with both 1D and 2D barcodes. Our research shows it can scan from close up or nearly 5 feet away, which is handy in places like warehouses or busy retail settings. It’s particularly skilled at reading difficult barcodes, like those under shrink-wrap or that are damaged, which helps keep things moving smoothly. Many also appreciate the ergonomic design — it doesn’t get uncomfortable, even after a lot of use, which is crucial for those long shifts. It connects easily through USB, so it can integrate with a variety of systems, and it comes with Zebra’s DataCapture DNA suite that helps you maximize its performance over time. In short, the Zebra DS3608-SR isn’t just built to survive tough conditions. It's designed to deliver dependable and efficient scanning for businesses that need durability and performance they can count on.
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Budget Pick: Zebra TC21

For those on a budget, the Zebra TC21 offers a cost-effective yet efficient solution. Despite its lower price, this scanner does not compromise on performance. It features a high-resolution touchscreen display and sturdy construction, making it ideal for smaller warehouses and retail environments. Its compact design and prolonged battery life ensure dependable operation without stretching your budget. According to our research, the Zebra TC21 is highly rated for its value, offering excellent functionality for its price.

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Best Scanner for Retail Store: Zebra DS9308

Zebra DS9308 1D 2D Presentation Barcode Scanner Omni Directional QR Black Image Reader for Screen and Printed Bar Code Scan (DS9308-SR4U2100AZY)

The Zebra DS9308 is the go-to scanner for retail stores, thanks to its compact form and versatile scanning capabilities. Designed to fit seamlessly on counters, this presentation scanner can effortlessly read both 1D and 2D barcodes. Its high-performance features and easy-to-use, plug-and-play setup make it a favorite among retail businesses seeking efficient and reliable barcode scanning. Retail staff appreciate its swift and accurate scanning, which keeps customer lines moving smoothly.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$165.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Zebra DS9308 Barcode Scanner? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What types of barcodes can the Zebra DS9308 scan?
The Zebra DS9308 scanner is pretty versatile when it comes to reading different kinds of barcodes. It can handle both 1D barcodes, like the ones you see on product packaging, and 2D barcodes, including [QR codes](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DQR%2Bcodes%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) found in apps and other digital uses. This versatility is really handy in places like retail stores and restaurants where you might encounter a mix of barcode types. Our research shows that the DS9308 can scan barcodes from just about any surface—whether they're on printed labels, smartphone screens, or even glass countertops. This is thanks to its speedy 800 MHz microprocessor and a high-resolution sensor that make sure it scans quickly and accurately, even if conditions aren't ideal. The manufacturer notes that this scanner is compatible with a bunch of barcode types. For 1D barcodes, it includes popular ones like [UPC](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DUPC%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [EAN](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DEAN%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [Code 128](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DCode%2B128%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). For 2D, it handles [QR Codes](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DQR%2BCodes%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Data Matrix](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DData%2BMatrix%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [PDF417](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DPDF417%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), among others. This wide range makes it great for businesses that need to scan different barcode types quickly. In terms of connectivity, the DS9308 easily hooks up to computers using USB, making it plug-and-play. So, you can get going without any complicated setup steps. Plus, it can automatically adjust to different interfaces, which helps cut down on setup time. One more thing—the DS9308 isn't just about reading barcodes. It's also designed to support around 100 languages, so it's suitable for businesses that deal with international markets or serve diverse customer groups. All in all, the Zebra DS9308 is really effective with lots of barcode types and simple to use, whether you're scanning from paper or digital screens.
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Can the Zebra DS9308 scan barcodes from mobile screens?
Yep, the Zebra DS9308 can definitely scan barcodes from mobile screens. The manufacturer's description mentions that it can handle both 1D and 2D barcodes from not just physical labels but also from digital displays. So, it's pretty handy if you need a scanner that can work with various barcode types, whether they're printed or on a screen. This model is what they call a presentation barcode scanner, which sounds like it's meant to sit in one place while you swipe barcodes in front of it. It's great for settings like retail stores or offices where keeping things fast and efficient is key. From what we've found, people generally think the DS9308 is easy to use, reliable, and accurate across different types of barcodes. Plus, it connects via USB, making it super easy to set up with laptops or desktops—just plug it in, and you're good to go without any complicated installation. If you need a scanner that can smoothly switch between paper and digital barcodes, the Zebra DS9308 seems like a solid pick. It's especially useful in places like retail or warehouses where you need to scan from various surfaces quickly and reliably.
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How fast is the Zebra DS9308 barcode scanner?
The Zebra DS9308 is quite a speedy barcode scanner. Even though the manufacturer doesn't list a specific number for how fast it scans, it's got PRZM Intelligent Imaging technology, which helps it quickly capture and decode high-res barcodes—including those that might be damaged or not printed perfectly. According to our research, this scanner is well-suited for places like retail or point-of-sale systems where quick and accurate scanning is needed. It can handle 1D and 2D barcodes from various surfaces, like printed papers or even your phone's screen. The DS9308 supports lots of barcode formats, like QR codes, DataMatrix, and PDF417. People who have tried it out often mention how reliable and fast it is, plus it's compact enough to fit on a busy countertop without getting in the way. It's built tough, so it can handle heavy-duty use. If you're specifically after RFID scanning, this model doesn't have that capability. You might want to look into other options like [UHF RFID readers](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DUHF%2BRFID%2Breaders%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which are specifically made for RFID tasks. But if it's just barcode scanning you need, the DS9308 is a solid pick.
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Best Fixed: Datalogic Gryphon GFS4400

For fixed-mount scanning needs, the Datalogic Gryphon GFS4400 stands head and shoulders above the rest. Ideal for OEM applications like self-service kiosks, price verifiers, and medical labs, this barcode scanner utilizes advanced imaging technology for rapid and precise data capture. Engineered for robust performance, it's an excellent choice for environments requiring heavy-duty scanning. The Gryphon GFS4400 is lauded for its durability and reliability in automated settings, according to user feedback.

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