Barcode scanners

Barcode scanners for shops, warehouses, offices and logistics: wired and wireless handhelds, fixed-mount and presentation scanners, mobile and wearable units, plus stands and accessories. Our range of over 1,000 products includes Zebra, Datalogic, Honeywell and Newland. Buyers can compare models by connection, code type and build quality.

How to choose a barcode scanner

Connection. A wired USB scanner needs no charging and is usually the simplest choice for a till or packing bench. Wireless models, which connect by Bluetooth or a radio base station, suit stockrooms and shop floors where you walk to the item. If you go wireless, check that the battery will last a full shift.

Code type. 1D laser scanners read only traditional linear barcodes. 2D imagers also read QR codes and Data Matrix, and most of them can read a code displayed on a phone screen, which matters for e-tickets and loyalty cards. If your needs may change, a 2D imager is the safer option.

Form and workplace. A handheld scanner covers general use. Fixed-mount and presentation scanners sit on a counter or above a conveyor and read items passed in front of them, which speeds up busy checkouts. Mobile and wearable scanners keep both hands free for picking and delivery work. Scan engines are components for building into other equipment, so they are not a ready-to-use scanner for most buyers.

Durability. Warehouses, loading bays and workshops call for a scanner with a stated drop-resistance and dust and water sealing rating. An office or a quiet retail counter rarely needs that level of protection. A stand or holder also keeps a scanner within reach and protects it from falls.

Barcode scanner brands we carry

• Zebra: known for rugged handheld scanners and mobile computers used in warehouses, logistics and healthcare.
• Datalogic: an Italian manufacturer with a long record in retail checkout scanners and industrial reading equipment.
• Honeywell: makes the widely used Voyager and Xenon scanner families, which turn up in shops and light industrial settings.
• Newland: well known for scan engines and OEM modules as well as handheld scanners.
• Socket Mobile: specialises in compact Bluetooth scanners designed to pair with smartphones and tablets.
• Inateck: focuses on wireless and wired scanners aimed at small shops and home offices.

Also in our range: Delock, Qoltec, Equip, Unitech, Opticon and Manhattan. Shoppers can browse wireless scanners, wired handhelds, fixed-mount and presentation scanners, mobile and wearable scanners, stands, holders and accessories, and scan engines.

Barcode scanner FAQ

What is the difference between a 1D and a 2D barcode scanner?

A 1D scanner reads linear barcodes made of parallel lines, while a 2D scanner also reads patterned codes such as QR codes and Data Matrix. 2D imagers can usually read codes from a phone screen as well. If you only scan printed product labels, a 1D model may be enough.

Do I need a wireless barcode scanner?

You need one if you scan items away from a computer, for example in a stockroom, along shelves or beside large goods. For a fixed workstation such as a till, a wired scanner is usually simpler because it never needs charging. Wireless models are dependent on battery life and range.

Can a barcode scanner read codes from a phone screen?

Most 2D imager scanners can read a code shown on a phone screen, but older 1D laser scanners often cannot. Check that the product description mentions 2D or imager reading before you buy. This matters if you scan digital tickets, vouchers or loyalty cards.

Does a barcode scanner need special software?

Most barcode scanners work like a keyboard: connect one by USB or pair it by Bluetooth, and it types the scanned number into whichever field is active. No special software is normally needed for basic use. Some models include configuration tools or setup codes for changing settings such as suffixes or reading modes.