If you’re running a small business or are keeping track of a warehouse, one of the essential tools you must have is a barcode scanner. A barcode scanner, also known as a Point-of-Sale scanner, is a device that captures and reads information from a barcode to help you have smooth and hassle-free business processes from inventory management to check-out.

As simple of a tool as it may be, many small business owners still overlook the need for this device in their store until inaccuracies start creeping into their inventory records. Inventory is a crucial part of any small business; therefore, a barcode scanner is an ultimate must-have if you plan to optimize how you run your small business.  

What does a barcode scanner do?

A barcode scanner makes it easy for you to categorize your items and sale and pulls up prices when buyers are at the checkout. This tool makes sure your transactions are not interrupted. They are also used to keep track of inventory. They can send and save data to your computer with a quick swipe. 

Modern Barcode scanners have become a lot easier to use than ever before. Gone are the days of dealing with bulky decoder boxes and long cables going all over the place. Simply plug the cable into the scanner, PC, laptop, or mobile device (or connect it via Bluetooth), and you are good to go!

While the barcode scanner’s general operation has become much more accessible, there are now more options and various scanners. Picking the right one can be challenging without understanding the different types and options.

Today, we will help you pick a suitable barcode scanner for your small business. 

Here are the best barcode scanners for small businesses:

Brainydeal USB Automatic Barcode Scanner

The Brainydeal USB Automatic Barcode Scanner sits right on top of the list for its easy usage, practical design, and affordable price. It’s currently the number 1 best-seller on Amazon and is a great introductory barcode scanner if you are starting your business and want to get familiarized. It comes with an installation guide, so you won’t have trouble learning the ropes of barcode scanning if you’re new to it.

It has an automatic scan rate of up to 100 scans per second and an inclination rate angle of 45 degrees, with an elevation of up to 65 degrees. It allows owners to do hands-free automatic scanning with its optional stand conveniently.

Zebra scanner DS2208

Up next is the Zebra scanner DS2208 model. Zebra is one of the most popular brands for barcode scanners—and it’s most sought after for a reason. The company has barcode scanners for nearly every industry out there. Whether it’s scanners for your warehouse or stationary scanners for your check-out counters, Zebra’s got it all for you. 

The DS2208 model is priced at $120 on Amazon, and while it isn’t the cheapest barcode scanner, it is exceptionally lightweight, and it offers helpful features like a wide reading window. With this, your employees can scan barcodes from any angle with its omnidirectional scanning, so no time is wasted. Plus, the DS2208 can read both traditional one-dimensional (1D) barcodes and two-dimensional (2D) barcodes like QR codes.

Symcode USB Barcode Reader

If you’re on a tight budget and want to familiarize yourself with the device, then the Symcode USB Barcode Reader is an excellent option. Priced at $15 on Amazon, this handheld scanner is lightweight and doesn’t need any third-party software or app to use it. It works seamlessly with  Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux, and works with the most common business software like Quickbooks and Microsoft Excel.

Despite its low price, the Symcode USB Barcode Reader can support many barcode types, such as UPC/EAN, UCC/EAN 128, Code 39, Code 39 Full ASCII, and many more. It operates via a USB connection and can do both flicker and continuous scanning. 

NADAMOO Bur3003 Wireless Barcode Scanner

The NADAMOO Wireless Barcode Scanner has one of the broadest wireless ranges for barcode scanners. It registers your scanned items directly to your Mac or Windows and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android, iOS PC. 

The NADAMOO Wireless Barcode Scanner is both wireless and USB wired and is capable of uploading your scans into programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word. We think most business owners will like the Bur3003 Wireless model—particularly if they have a large warehouse for inventory.

The Bur3003 connects wirelessly to your laptop or desktop computer, quickly uploading scanned data to your application of choice. And with a 328-foot transmission range (both indoors and outdoors), it can successfully link with your central computer even from a distance. And on the off chance that it cannot connect, the device can store up to 100,000 codes to upload in bulk once connection resumes.

Symcode USB Automatic Barcode Scanner

The Symcode USB Automatic Barcode Scanner is a wired barcode scanner that links to your computer via a 2-meter USB cable. It can do 100 scans per second with a decoding capability, including Code11, Coda Bar, UPC, EAN-13, and more. It’s also one of the only barcode scanners that’s shockproof from up to a 1.5-meter drop on solid concrete, perfect for a business that can be the busiest during rush hours. 

Symcode 2D Bluetooth Ring Barcode Scanner

The Symcode 2D Bluetooth Ring Barcode Scanner is an innovative tiny barcode scanner that fits neatly on your index finger and is best for anyone constantly moving and maintaining track of stocks in a warehouse.

It connects via Bluetooth to your iOS and Android mobile devices without any additional software. It has a built-in 16MB memory that can store 5,000 barcodes, an LED indicator, and a buzzer that can be used with each scan, so you know data is being gathered.

Its CCD image red light sensors are precise and sensitive enough to register and decode various barcodes, such as UPC, ISB/ISSN, Code 39, and many more.

It connects via Bluetooth to your iOS and Android mobile devices without any additional software.

TaoTronics 2-in-1 Bluetooth & Wired Barcode Scanner

TaoTronics 2-in-1 Bluetooth & Wired Barcode Scanner is a powerful barcode scanner that can be connected wirelessly up to 22 to 32 feet via Bluetooth or through a stable wired connection. It works well with devices that use Bluetooth, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, and can upload data via each scan directly.

Best in battery life, the TaoTronics 2-in-1 Bluetooth & Wired Barcode scanner has a battery life that can last up to 30 hours and can be fully charged in 1.5 hours via its USB charging cable. It has an internal 16MB built-in storage, so users can save up to 200,000 barcodes on it and later upload it to their devices with basic business programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel. Its 32-bit processor will allow you to scan up to 200 scans in one second and works with 99 percent of all barcodes.

Symcode Omnidirectional

If you’re down for a completely hands-free option, the Symcode Omnidirectional is built with a high-speed scanning laser with no blind area. It’s the ideal barcode scanner for anyone who wants to process transactions quickly in a stationary setting and has no time for unnecessary delays or interruptions. 

The Symcode Omnidirectional has a whopping 600 scans per second and features 20 lines of optical grafting, quickly detecting every scan from passing products.

Honeywell Granit 1910i

If you have a warehouse to maintain, Honeywell has long been a brand associated with quality hardware. Specifically, we like the Honeywell Granit 1910i, which is used for quick scanning in warehouses. If you need to scan a huge range of barcodes, this Honeywell scanner works for both 1D and 2D barcodes—making it perfect and the most convenient for industrial use.

WoneNice USB Laser Barcode Scanner

USB Laser Barcode Scanner by WoneNice This laser portable barcode scanner easily links to any USB port. It’s perfect for stores and warehouses and works with Word, Excel, Novell, and all other standard Windows, Mac, and Linux applications.

It has a checking rate of 200 outputs each second and an examining point of 55 degrees tendency and 65 degrees height. It involves a 650-670nm Visible Laser as a light source. 

Esky barcode scanner

The Esky barcode scanner is easy to set up and can be used in different circumstances and settings. It is shockproof, and ABS plastic maintains its enhanced durability.

It’s light and portable, making it ideal for groceries, pharmacies, bakeries, bookstores, and boutiques. It works well with Quickbooks, Word, Excel, Novell, and other common Windows, Mac, and Linux applications. 

NETUM

NETUM is one of the best in the market, having one of the most practical and powerful omnidirectional and handheld scanners for retail and supermarket environments. Each scanner is built to accommodate the most serious of traffic and can be installed straight into a cashier’s station, enabling goods to be scanned with a quick swipe of a barcode.

NETUM impresses small business owners with its outstanding product performance plus reasonable prices. For that reason, NETUM omnidirectional and handheld scanners earn the crown with some of the most popular models in the world.

Inaateck Bluetooth Barcode Scanner

Bluetooth Barcode Scanner By Inaateck has keyboards for English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, and has no problem working with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, among other platforms. It’s great because it allows you to scan and upload blurry or broken barcodes in both bright and dim light. It has a long battery life, with a full charge allowing for 15 days of continuous use. It has a connection distance of more than 35 meters, which is perfect if you run a small to medium sized shop.

It features a two-times-thick TPU protective casing compared to comparable scanners. Internal core portions are also given a triple consolidation therapy. Editable prefixes or suffixes up to 32 digits, as well as the ability to hide a portion of a barcode, are some of the unique features.

Basecent USB Quick Laser Barcode Scanner Reader

With a 2.4Ghz tiny USB receiver, the Basecent barcode reader provides cordless scanning, allowing you to scan barcodes in any area of your warehouse or your shop.

This laser scanner can scan at a maximum speed of 300 scans per second. This fast scanner can read UPC, ISBN, EAN, and nearly any other type of barcode label. The transmission distance between the scanner and the USB receiver in wireless mode is 60 to 100 meters (1968.8 feet) indoors and up to 400 meters (1312.3 feet) outdoors, so it is not a surprise why this has made it to our list!

Eyoyo Wireless Barcode Scanner Mini 1D

Eyoyo  Wireless Barcode Scanner contains a 16MB high-capacity memory chip and can store 50,000 QR codes offline. In the open air, it can give up to 200m broadcasts in the 2.4Ghz wireless mode and up to 30m transmissions in the BT mode.

It works with smartphones, tablets, PCs running Windows XP/7.0/8.0/Win 10, Windows Mobile, Android OS, iPhone/iPad, and other platforms. It supports Bluetooth HID Protocol, SPP Protocol, and BLE Protocol.

 

The Bottomline

Having a reliable barcode scanner to help you streamline your business processes is a vital element to have if you’re starting a small business or keeping track of a large warehouse. When your customers are at checkouts, barcode scanners make it simple to sort and pull up pricing, ensuring that the smooth flow of transactions is maintained. They can also transfer and save data in file docs on your computer and keep track of all your inventories with a quick swipe.