If you follow our blog, you certainly know by now that using barcode scanners for inventory management is an efficient way to keep track of what goes in and out of your stock. In one of our previous articles, we provided a guide on how to select a suitable barcode scanner for what your business requires. But now it’s time to show you a few examples of the highest-rated barcode scanners on the market.
How we selected our recommendations
In our research, we compared models featured on reputable tech review websites (Venture Beat, TheStreet, business.org, Software Testing Help) and on the Amazon Top Rated section. We selected those products that stood out with their reviews and are readily available for purchase. Our main focus was to highlight a few viable options that can be used especially for inventory management. We offer a variety of options, because some companies may need simplicity and convenience, while others could be looking for endurance and reliability.
It’s difficult to find the right barcode scanners for inventory because you often find inconsistent or outdated data, which can make the research process more tedious. It’s common to run into top-ranked hardware that is out-of-stock or discontinued. On top of that, for someone who has just started looking into barcode scanners, the technical jargon may become overwhelming. Certain sellers haven’t made it a priority to make information more digestible.
That being said, we consider this article to be highly useful for gaining an overview and to help you compare different types of scanners. We made it easy to understand what makes each of these scanners unique and how they can help you handle logistics more efficiently.
Our analysis has its limitations, in the sense that we didn’t test the products ourselves. Instead, we are relying on others’ expertise and experiences. So full disclaimer, you need to confirm these choices are a good match for your particular company’s requirements – especially if you plan to buy a large quantity!
Quick overview of our top picks
| Model | Type | Connectivity | Plug-and-play? | Scanning Distance | Main Features |
| NADAMOO Bur3003 | 1D | wireless (with USB transmitter) | yes | n/a | – transmission distance up to 100m indoors and 400m outside – rechargeable battery lasts up to 20h – 2 scanning/ uploading/ pairing modes – internal memory stores up to 100K barcodes |
| Alacrity 8200DW | 1D & 2D | USB | yes | 5-30 cm | – omnidirectional scan – can read incomplete/ blurry/ deteriorated barcodes – motion sensor |
| Wasp WDI4700 | 1D & 2D | USB | no | 1-71 cm (depending on barcode format) | – omnidirectional scan – can read barcodes from mobile devices – white illumination, 4-dot aimer with a center cross, green spot technology – motion sensor |
| WoneNice USB Laser Scanner | 1D | USB | yes | 1-25 cm | – anti-shock design – supports customizable prefix and suffix |
| Tera 5100 | 1D | USB (wired & wireless transmitter) | yes | n/a | – 2 upload modes – can read incomplete/ blurry/ deteriorated barcodes; or printed on reflective surfaces |
This is the overall best barcode scanner (1D barcodes)
The NADAMOO Bur3003 connects through wireless with any devices that have a USB port. Its greatest strength is the large distance transmission, which can reach up to 100m in an environment with obstacles and 400m in a barrier-free space.
It has a rechargeable battery that allows for 20 hours of continuous scanning and it can be used in multiple ways. First, it has two scanning modes: manual trigger mode and continuous scanning. Then, it has two ways of handling scanned data: it can send them directly to the computer, or it can store them in its built-in memory.
The device can store up to 100,000 barcodes. On top of that, this model can be paired in two ways – either one scanner to one receiver or a maximum of 32 scanners to one receiver. The latter is especially useful in large warehouses, where multiple workers need to operate scanning devices at the same time. Because it’s a plug-and-play device, you don’t need any special software to set it up – just pair it and start scanning!
Image source: NADAMOO
The best handsfree barcode scanner (1D & 2D barcodes)
The Alacrity 8200DW is listed among the most capable barcode scanners for inventory, especially because of its strong reading ability. It works with blurry or incomplete barcodes and has omnidirectional scanning capabilities. It has a considerable reading distance – between 5 and 30 cm.
Another one of its strengths is that it resists drops from a height up to 1.5m. At the same time, it’s easy to use, since it’s also a plug-and-play device. And due to its infrared sensors, it can auto-detect barcodes during stand-by.
Image source: Alacrity
The best barcode scanner for high-volume scanning (1D & 2D)
The Wasp WDI4700 industrial model is one of the most accurate barcode readers, especially in a fast-paced environment. Its most important features include a 4-dot aimer with a center cross (for targeted scanning in a multiple barcode environment), white illumination (that helps read colored labels better), and omnidirectional code reading.
In addition, it has a motion sensor that allows it to scan instantly during standby. As the seller says, it requires some programming before being put to use, but it comes with instructions on how to set it up.
Image source: Wasp
Other options with great sets of features
The WoneNice USB Laser Scanner has favorable reviews, but also a broad combination of features. For example, this device supports customizable barcode prefixes and suffixes, which makes it stand out compared to its competitors. At the same time, it can be used easily even from the start because of its plug-and-play capability.
Apart from that, its anti-shock design makes it resist drops on concrete surfaces from a height of 2m. Its scanning distance is not the most impressive (1-25cm), but it should work well in average conditions.
Image source: WoneNice
Another good option is the Tera 5100 because, first of all, it can read damaged or bad quality labels, as well as those printed on reflective surfaces. Also, it has 2 upload modes, as does one of our previous mentions: instant upload and storage mode.
This model is the more cost-efficient option, but it also comes in 2 other variants. The T5100C has more battery life (2500 vs. 2000 mAh), can read barcodes from a screen, and can connect with other devices via Bluetooth. At the same time, the Tera Pro 6900 is USB wired and comes with a stand, while the other two models must be handheld at all times.
Image source: Tera
But these are not the only barcode scanners to consider
Of course, there are many other barcode scanners for inventory that deserve their place on this list. These are just a few picks to help you compare the many options out there. That being said, we’d be glad to know your favorite tried and tested scanners!
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Category Leaders constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of nor constitute an endorsement by, GetApp or its affiliates.
Ștefania Bulgaru is a Digital Marketer for Megaventory, the online inventory management system that can help medium-sized companies synchronize stock over multiple stores. She believes that good communication can solve almost any problem and she likes to stay up to date with the latest digital marketing technologies.