A bar code reader is nothing more than a scanner capable of reading, through a laser, the bars and spaces that form a code. Generally, after receiving the information, it transmits it to a computer via cable or wireless, leaving it to the PC to decode the sequences and interpret them as they have been programmed.
Barcode scanners are mainly used in logistics companies, commercial companies, and for carrying out certain office practices. They have spread widely in recent years, so much so that they are also used in homes today.
With a barcode scanner, combined with the appropriate software, we can for example catalog and reorganize our collection of books, DVDs, CDs, and any other type of article, easily and effectively.
So here we had selected some of the latest and advanced bar code scanners that are given below.
SaleRANK NO. 1
NADAMOO Wireless Barcode Scanner 328 Feet Transmission Distance USB Cordless 1D...
- Long Distance Wireless Transmission Technology.Delivers up to 400m transmission in open air/100m transmission indoor. No More Data...
- Come with 2600mAh Large Battery, full charge allows 30 working days if scans 2000 barcodes a day, which can greatly extend working...
- Two paring mode: One-to-one mode,More-to-one mode. At one-to-one mode,one scanner only transmit barcode to the one usb receiver....
- Two working mode:Instant upload mode / storage mode. Internal offline storage supports up to 100,000 barcodes in offline storage...
- Two scanning mode:Key the trigger to begin scanning or switch to automatic mode for quick scanning without pressing any buttons
SaleRANK NO. 2
Tera 1D 2D QR Barcode Scanner Wireless and Wired with Battery Level Indicator...
- 【Battery Level Indicator and 2000mAh Capacity】Larger battery enables longer continuous usage and twice the stand-by time of...
- 【Ergonomic Design】 The curved handle is extended and thickened, tailor-made for North America customers. Specially designed...
- 【Anti-Shock Silicone】 The orange anti-shock silicone protective cover can avoid scratches and friction while falling from the...
- 【2.4 GHz Wireless + USB 2.0 Wired Connection】 Plug and play with the USB receiver or the USB cable, no driver installation...
- 【Digital and Printed 1D 2D QR Bar Code Symbologies】1D: Codabar, Code 11, Code93, MSI, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, Code 39, EAN-8,...
RANK NO. 3
Barcode Scanner with Stand, Anyeast USB Wired Inventory 2D 1D QR Code Scanners...
- 【Plug and play, Easy to Use】 Anyeast barcode scanner no need to install any drivers and software, just connect the device via...
- 【Adjustable Stand】 The library scanner equipped an adjustable stand, we can freely to adjust the best scanning angel as need....
- 【Stronger Decoding Ability】 With advanced CMOS sensor, the handheld inventory scanner can easily decode most of 1D 2D QR...
- 【3 Types of Scanning Modes】 This USB wired barcode scanner with key trigger scanning , auto-sensing scanning and continuous...
- 【More Customer Function】 Anyeast bar code scanner support custom settings, like add/hide prefix or suffix, hide characters...
RANK NO. 4
NETUM Bluetooth Barcode Scanner, Compatible with 2.4G Wireless & Bluetooth...
- Widely Compatible: Bluetooth Barcode Scanner for iPhone iPad Android Tablet PC, Support HID / SPP / BLE mode via bluetooth, Work...
- Strong Recognition Ability: With the 2500 pixels high-resolution CCD sensor Engine, Rapidly decodes all 1D and stacked barcodes...
- Automatic Scanning: NT-1228bc barcode scanner have three scanning modes: manual trigger mode, continuous scanning mode and...
- 2600mAh Battery Upgraded: Continuous scanning up to 200,000 times on a full charge. After a full charge the scanner can be used...
- Programmable Configuration: Add custom prefixes/ suffixes, delete characters, Add keyboard keys/ combinations (terminator TAB,...
SaleRANK NO. 5
WoneNice USB Laser Barcode Scanner Wired Handheld Bar Code Scanner Reader Black
- Plug and play, This laser handheld barcode scanner has simple installation with any USB port and Ideal for businesses, shops and...
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux; works with Word, Excel, Novell, and all common software
- Scanning Speed: 200 scans per second. Scanning angle: Inclination angle 55°, Elevation angle 65°. Operational Light...
- Decode Capability: Code11, Code39, Code93, Code32, Code128, Coda Bar, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, JAN.EAN/UPC Add-on2/5...
- Color: Black. Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.6 x 6.1 inches. Type of Cable: 2M or 6ft straight cable. Shock: 1.5m drop on concrete surface....
RANK NO. 6
2D Wireless Barcode Scanner,JRHC Portable Inventory Scanner & Data Collector...
- Multi-function 2D barcode scanner: This inventory scanner is a 3-in-1 multi-function wireless barcode scanner, which integrates...
- Fast decoding capability: This bar code scanner can read 1D barcodes and 2D codes in all directions. Identify 1D: Codabar, Code...
- Up to 150M long-distance transmission: The store inventory barcode scanner is connected to the computer through a 2.4G wireless...
- Convenient operation: The shape of the barcode scanner wireless is composed of a HD color screen and 26 buttons, which is...
- 1000MAH Large capacity battery :The barcode scanner for library has a built-in lithium polymer battery, which can be charged using...
SaleRANK NO. 7
Alacrity Upgraded 2D Industrial Barcode Scanner with Wireless Charging Stand,...
- 【Wireless Charging, Enjoy Freedom】 Simply place the scanner on the stand and wireless charging stand will do the rest. No need...
- 【Extreme Long Signal Transmission Distance】 Alaciry 433MHz RF wireless barcode scanner adopts long-distance transmission...
- 【Industrial High Resolution Scan Engine】 Alacrity barcode scanner adopts one of the top-level scan module built in 1M pixel...
- 【Versatile Customized Configuration Options】 Handsfree Intelligent sensor mode/ Trigger scan mode. Vibration/buzzer settings....
- 【Industrial-grade Superior Durability】Alacrity industrial barcode reader has great SHOCKPROOF function with strong ABS...
SaleRANK NO. 8
Bluetooth Barcode Scanner Wireless: 1D Bar Code Reader Handheld Scanning UPC...
- Code Compatibility: The barcode scanner supports reading various 1D barcodes -UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Code128, Code39, Code...
- Battery Indicator: The handheld barcode scanner comes with a unique battery indicator light that displays the remaining battery...
- Easy and Quick Barcode Capture: Bluetooth barcode scanner scanning speeds at up to 200/sec. with strong recognition ability &...
- 3 in 1 Bluetooth Wireless Connection: BUTORY barcode scanner wireless-4591 series supports 2.4G wireless(No need to purchase...
- Long Distance Wireless Transmission: Easy and quick to set up. Wireless transmission distance reaches up to 328 ft. in barrier...
RANK NO. 9
NetumScan Handheld USB 1D Barcode Scanner with Stand, Wired CCD Bar Code Reader...
- ➤CCD Image Scanning Technology - NetumScan barcode reader is equiped with advanced CCD sensor, which can quick capture 1D codes...
- ➤Plug and Play - Simple installation with any USB port, compatible with Mac Win10 Win7 Win8.1 iOS7 Linux etc. Works with Word,...
- ➤Sturdy Anti-shock and Durable Design - Ergonomic design with high-quality ABS making it can support withstand repeated drops...
- ➤Supported 1D Bar Code - 1D Decode Capability: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, ISSN, ISBN, Code 128, GS1-128, Code39,...
- ➤Widely Use Range - This NetumScan Handheld barcode scanner can be used in supermarkets, convenience stores, warehouse, library,...
RANK NO. 10
NETUM QR Code Scanner, Mini Barcode Scanner Bluetooth Compatible, Small Portable...
- The imager Barcode Scanner is equiped with advanced CMOS sensor, which can easily capture 1D/ 2D（QR/ PDF417/ Data Matrix,etc）...
- Physical power switch: save energy in case of error operation.
- The Pocket bar code scanner comes with 3-in-1 Connection Design：Compatible with Bluetooth Function; 2.4G Wireless connection...
- Manual Scan & Auto-sensing Scan & Continuous Scan. 1200mAh battery ensures 20 hours of continuous handsfree scanning, no pressing...
- Two upload mode :Instant upload mode / Storage mode. Internal offline storage supports up to 100,000 barcodes in offline storage...
RANK NO. 11
JRHC USB Laser Barcode Scanner 1D Wired Handheld Bar Code Scanner for Mobile...
- Continuous Usage All Day: The USB Barcode Scanner is designed for continuous usage all day, which significantly reduces downtime...
- Plug and Play: JRHC USB barcode scanner with a USB cable for connection, no need to install any driver and software. compatible...
- Scanning Speed: 200 scans per second. Scanning angle: Inclination angle 55°, Elevation angle 65°. Operational Light...
- Decode Capability: Code11, Code39, Code93, Code32, Code128, Coda Bar, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, JAN.EAN/UPC Add-on2/5...
- Widely Use Range: The Sumicor 2m wired barcode scanner is widely used in supermarket, restaurant, retail stores, warehouse,...
RANK NO. 12
Handheld USB Barcode Scanner Wired Automatic 1D Bar Code Reader for Supermarket,...
- Handheld Laser barcode scanner can be used to scan and decode linear one-dimensional (1D) colored barcodes.
- Effectively scans barcode in a variety of hash conditions, including through , glass/plastic, in bright sunlight, in dark...
- Plug and Play, no software or app installation required，compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux; works with Quickbook, Word,...
- Decode Capability， UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, ISBN/ISSN, Code 39, Code32, Code128, Code bar, Interleaved 2 of 5, Industrial 2...
- Wide Use Range: Can be used in supermarket, convenience store, warehouse, library, bookstore, healthcare for file management,...
Buying Guide to Select the Best Barcode Scanners
Today on the market there are many different models of barcode readers. Precisely because there are many alternatives, it is important to clarify a series of concepts and doubts that revolve around the topic. Below we will go into more detail, trying to clearly explain how this scanner works and for what functions it is usually used.
When Did the First Barcode Reader Start Operating?
The first barcode ever was developed by an American science student in the late 1940s. The idea came after he inadvertently listened to two businessmen who complained about the slowness of the process by which customers’ products were differentiated and paid for at the checkout.
The invention was patented in 1948, but only in the following years did it begin to spread. The definitive success was achieved in 1974 when the company Symbol Technologies gave birth to the first real barcode reader.
The first-ever code was read in the Troy supermarket, a small town in Ohio, for a pack of chewing gum. In 1980 the same company also developed the first manual laser reader.
How Do You Connect the Barcode Reader to Your Computer?
Almost all the latest generation readers are equipped with USB connection, the fastest and most reliable. In this case, to connect the scanner, simply connect it to the USB port of the computer, without downloading any additional software.
Many models also have built-in Bluetooth and wifi function, which makes them even more comfortable to use because they avoid having annoying cables between their feet. Radiofrequency readers are those most used by logistics companies and in department stores.
They do not require the use of cables and the connection quality is better than Bluetooth, which is why they are the most recommended for professional needs. These are reinforced tools, manufactured to withstand knocks, falls, and outdoor use.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of A Barcode Reader?
In the table below we have related the advantages and disadvantages of using these devices in the workplace. Although the benefits they bring are far more numerous than the negative notes, the possible drawbacks should not be overlooked: they are the ones that indicate which elements or characteristics are decisive for our specific needs for use.
Advantages
- Speed of customer service
- Avoid price or quantity errors
- Improve staff performance
- Faster and more reliable inventory
- Possibility of coding all sorts of articles
- Improve productivity
- Costs are cut
Disadvantages
- Important initial investment
- Possible errors in reading data from worn labels
- Investment in staff training
- Possible imbalances in the inventory due to the wrong use of the scanner
How Can I Generate Bar Codes Recognizable by Readers?
Investing in a good barcode reader is important, as is making sure that the labels to be scanned are legible. You can use Exel or other free online programs to create your codes, try to process them effectively so that they adapt to your needs.
If you will use the scanner in working environments, we advise you to complete the purchase with a laser printer or a label maker, useful for capturing data through the scanner itself.
The quality of the paper on which the labels are printed is another relevant factor, we certainly do not want to constantly run into problems reading the codes. In short, it is always better to be careful in every detail and not leave anything to chance.
You can choose any type of numbering you want for your business, as long as it is applied to products for internal use within the company. If, on the other hand, you have to identify your products from a legal point of view.
In order to be able to distribute them, you will need to obtain the various permits through the relevant bodies, which will take care of authorizing the required barcodes.
Why Is It Better to Use a Barcode Reader Rather than An App?
For several years now, smartphone applications capable of reading bar codes have spread. These apps, often free, can scan many of the most used codes, including QR for advertising. However, these are applications intended for single-use, not regular, certainly not professional.
Many of these, such as those that support us in cataloging our books or CDs, has an integrated barcode reader. The use made of it, therefore, is above all recreational and limited to the home environment, and the performance it guarantees cannot be compared to a real barcode scanner, not even to the cheapest models on the market.
Type of Bar Codes Used
Most barcode scanners can read both linear and two-dimensional (2D) scanners. The former is the most common on an industrial, commercial, and logistical level.
As for 2D codes, which can store more information, we must say that they are not very extensive, therefore some readers cannot read them because they are too compressed.
2D code reading scanners are also the most popular because they allow you to capture codes from all angles, generating faster scanning than readers who only interpret linear codes. They are also more reliable in reading irregular or partially damaged surfaces.
Environmental Conditions
Another relevant aspect is that concerning the environmental conditions in which the device will be used. Industrial scanners are drop and impact-resistant, and well sealed to prevent dust or moisture from entering internal gears.
They have been reinforced to withstand even the most extreme conditions. Some professional barcode readers are equipped with rubber protection, not only to facilitate its grip but also to cushion any shocks or jolts. They must also be able to be used in extremely hot or cold environments, therefore the quality of the manufacturing material is really important: think carefully before making reckless choices.
Frequency of Use
The frequency with which we will use this accessory varies according to the method of use. The barcode readers for the industry are very resistant and reliable, able to scan faster and at a greater distance than other less performing models.
They cost more, it is true, but the expense is compensated by higher efficiency and prolonged durability. If, on the other hand, you have a small company, you can focus on a more modest, fixed, or laser gun barcode reader, still capable of reading 1D and 2D codes.
The volume of your sales is the main parameter on which to focus to find the most suitable model. For a kiosk or a bar, a pistol reader will be enough, for example, while for a small supermarket, a fixed omnidirectional reader will be more suitable.
