Handheld Barcode Scanner

Top Handheld Scanners

From: $137.00

Top Selling Retail Scanner

From: $99.00

Top Selling Laser Scanner

From: $256.00

2D Retail Imager

From: $571.00

Industrial 2D Imager

The most popular version of the barcode scanner is far and away the handheld barcode scanner.  This scanner features a handle and trigger similar to a pistol and early versions of the barcode scanner were named pistol grip scanners.

When looking for a handheld scanner there are three main criteria to consider

  1.      What kind of barcodes are you looking to scan?
  2.      What kind of volume of barcodes will you be scanning?
  3.      How rugged of a scanner do you need?

What kind of barcodes are you scanning?

This is the main factor when picking a scanner.  If you will be scanning driver's licenses, QR codes off of a phone, acid etched barcodes on processors, or some kind of specialty barcode then that will necessitate getting a barcode scanner that has the matching capabilities.  2D barcode imagers typically will scan most barcodes in most scenarios, but Direct Part Marks (DPM) and High Density (HD) are two cases of specialty barcodes that have specific scanners available for them.  If you are only scanning 1D barcodes (vertical lines only) such as Code 3 of 9, Code 128, UPC, or EAN13 then a handheld laser scanner or handheld linear imager will fit your needs.  Typically 1D scanners are cheaper than 2D scanners.  

 

What kind of volume of barcodes will you be scanning?

This will factor in two ways, one is how ergonomic the scanner is, if you’re going to be holding the scanner all day then something lighter with a dual finger trigger will be much more comfortable then a heavy mechanical triggered scanner.  The second factor is on how aggressively the scanner will read the barcodes. A 2D imager will allow you to scan barcodes at a bigger angle and a bigger variety of depths then a 1D or contact scanner.  Accuracy is less important as well as orientation.  High volume retail establishments, assembly line work, and ticketing all benefit from a more aggressive and more powerful scanner.  

 

How rugged of a scanner do you need?

Scanners typically come with an IP seal, the higher the number the more durable it is when it comes to water and dust resistance.  Scanners with no IP rating typically cannot get dirty or wet at all without the lens clogging with dirt or fogging up, or the trigger and/or circuitry will be damaged on contact with liquids.  Most retail scanners are designed to allow you to clean the scanner with a basic cleaner while medical and industrial barcode scanners allow more abrasive and toxic chemicals or allow the scanner to be cleaned with running water.

Barcode scanners also have a drop spec where the scanner is rated by how far it can fall onto concrete and how many times.  Typically a retail scanner would have a single 6ft drop spec and an industrial scanner would have a multiple 6ft drop spec.  The more drops and the greater the distance the more durable the scanner tends to be.