6 Best Handheld Barcode Scanners in 2023

If you own a business or a warehouse, you would know the importance of barcode scanners. Whether it’s checking and refilling your inventory or scanning a product to verify its price, a barcode helps in keeping your business organized. However, you’ll need the best handheld barcode scanners to keep track of your inventory too.

A simple scan can tell you the details of the product like price, no. of units in your inventory, etc. While most barcode scanners are generic, we scoured through several pages on the internet and found some cool barcode scanners that can make your job easier. From portable barcode scanners that go on your finger to an iPad attachment, here are the best laser barcode scanners you can buy. But before that –

Buy

The WoneNice barcode scanner is a typical plug-and-play device. Connect it to any computer with a USB port and download relevant software to log your scans. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux and works with Microsoft Word, Excel, Novell, etc.

One of the biggest advantages of the WoneNice barcode scanner is that it’s built like a tank. So despite being affordable, the brand hasn’t compromised on build quality. As per reviews, it’s also extremely reliable in terms of scanning barcodes. Several users have mentioned that it’s fast and rarely misses a scan.

There are a couple of downsides to the WoneNice barcode scanner, though. For starters, it’s a 1D scanner, so it cannot scan QR codes or other 2D barcodes. Secondly, it fails to scan barcodes from a digital screen as per users. Finally, it’s only compatible with computers and not smartphones or tablets.

If you’re fine with these downsides and are looking for an inexpensive barcode reader, you can opt for the one from WoneNice.

Buy

The NetumScan barcode scanner is an improved version of the WoneNice barcode reader. While it supports the same devices and software applications, NetumScan lets users scan barcodes from a display as well.

While all that’s good and dandy, the NetumScan handheld scanner is still a 1D barcode reader. On the upside, it can scan soiled or damaged barcodes, which is a big plus. Another improvement over the WoneNice barcode scanner is that the box includes a stand to house the scanner.

As a result, users have mentioned the NetumScan handheld barcode scanner is a great fit for supermarkets. It’s quick, has a fairly long cable, and is also durable. If anything, you can’t use it with smartphones and tablets or scan QR codes which is a bummer.

Buy

This is the first wireless barcode scanner on this list, and it’s from Nadamoo. Unlike the scanners mentioned previously, the Nadamoo scanner ships with a wireless USB dongle that plugs into a computer.

If you’re wondering, the wireless transmission can take place at a distance of up to 400 meters outdoors. When indoors, the range reduces to 100 meters. As for the battery, the 2,600mAh unit can last for up to 30 days on a single charge with an average of 2,000 scans a day.

Unfortunately, the Nadamoo wireless handheld barcode scanner cannot scan barcodes from a screen. And since it’s a 1D scanner, you will not be able to scan QR codes either. On the upside, Nadamoo has furnished the wireless scanner with a cool more-to-one mode.

On that note, let’s say you have multiple workers scanning barcodes across your warehouse. Well, you can connect all the Nadamoo Wireless Barcode readers to a single receiver. If that fits your use case, the Nadamoo barcode scanner is a good wireless option.

Buy

The Eyoyo Mini barcode scanner is even more compact and pocketable than the Nadamoo barcode scanner. To wit, the scanner has an unconventional design that can easily fit into your pocket too.

Looking for a portable barcode scanner? Eyoyo has you covered. If you travel from warehouse to warehouse in order to scan your inventory, getting the Eyoyo Mini makes a lot of sense. And this is not purely based on the form factor. Apart from the small footprint, the Eyoyo Mini is widely compatible with multiple devices.

While all the options mentioned previously only worked with computers, the Eyoyo Mini can also connect to Android and iOS smartphones. This is possible thanks to the Bluetooth functionality onboard. If you wish to use it with a desktop computer, you also get a wireless dongle in the box.

There are a few downsides to the small form factor, though. It’s a 1D scanner, so you cannot scan QR codes. The onboard battery is also rather small, so a single charge can only last about five hours when used with Bluetooth.

Still, users say the Eyoyo Mini is a great choice for a tiny barcode reader that you can carry with you everywhere.

Buy

Just like the previous scanner from Eyoyo, the USP of this 2D scanner from the brand is that it’s compatible with smartphones and tablets. In fact, the design is such that the Eyoyo barcode scanner snaps onto the back of an iPad or smartphone for easy scanning.

Once you snap the Eyoyo scanner onto a device with a screen, it connects to the phone or tablet via Bluetooth. There are two main advantages of this. Firstly, there are no wires or cables involved, and as such, you’ll revel in a seamless workflow. Secondly, you don’t need to carry two devices with you since the details of the scan are directly displayed on the connected device.

Thanks to the larger form factor, the battery life on this particular scanner is close to 30 hours which is respectable. If you only scan about 5,000 barcodes a day, the brand claims the scanner can last for up to 30 days.

Another advantage of the Eyoyo barcode readers for smartphones and tablets, as mentioned by users, is that it’s a 2D scanner. So while you can scan traditional barcodes, you can also scan modern-day QR codes. This is the only barcode scanner on this list with this feature, so if it’s important to you, add the device to your cart.

Buy

One key point to note about the Eyoyo products mentioned on the list is that they are all designed with user convenience in mind. And, the company’s wearable ring barcode scanner is no different. It’s a tiny wireless barcode scanner that lets you scan products with your fingertips!

Using a traditional barcode reader to scan codes requires one hand to be occupied all the time. This can reduce your productivity or may not allow you to scan as many products as you may want. The Eyoyo wearable Bluetooth ring solves this issue by putting a barcode reader on your finger.

This way, both your hands are free all the time. Grab as many boxes as you wish, point your finger at them, and scan the onboard barcode seamlessly. Since the product uses Bluetooth, you can connect the ring to a smartphone or a computer to view the details of the scan wirelessly.

As per reviews, the Eyoyo wearable barcode scanner makes scanning barcodes extremely convenient, especially if you have to scan a lot of items in a day. While it is expensive and comes with its own set of quirks like 1D-scanning only, it might be worth it if you have a large business and want to improve your workers’ productivity.

While some barcode scanners with Bluetooth can be connected to a smartphone, traditional ones that connect via USB only work with PCs.

A 1D barcode scanner can only scan traditional flat barcodes that are printed on products. On the other hand, a 2D barcode reader can also scan QR codes.

A smartphone camera is capable of scanning barcodes and QR codes. However, in an industrial environment like a shop, warehouse, etc., a traditional laser-based barcode scanner is faster and more efficient.

Depending on your specific usage, you can pick any of the best handheld barcode scanners mentioned above. If you want one for a library, a standard barcode scanner attached to a computer makes sense. In other settings like shops and warehouses, you might want a quicker option that’s wireless or one that’s attached to a large screen like an iPad at all times.

Last updated on 16 August, 2023

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Sumukh has been simplifying tech for the masses and helping consumers pick the right gadgets with his in-depth insights and reviews. He decided to hide his engineering degree in the closet to pursue his passion for writing. Over the past 5 years, he has contributed with guides, reviews, and detailed opinions to notable publications like TechPP and XDA-Developers. When not jamming his fingers on thoccy mechanical keyboards, Sumukh is busy convincing people how VR Gaming is the next best thing after sliced bread.