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Barcode scanner price in India: ask our team for today's competitive price. Share your requirement and budget, and we will help you choose the right configuration and send a written quotation with current pricing and delivery time.
The short answer
Question 1: which codes?
Choose a 2D imager if you scan QR codes or codes on phone screens; a 1D laser reads linear barcodes only. A 1D barcode is the familiar row of bars and spaces; a 2D code, such as a QR code, stores data both across and down.
| Question | 1D laser scanner | 2D area imager |
|---|---|---|
| What it reads | Linear barcodes only, such as EAN-13 and Code 128. | Linear barcodes and 2D codes such as QR, Data Matrix and PDF417. |
| How much data a code holds | A series of digits, such as a serial number (Zebra). | More than 7,000 characters (Zebra). |
| Codes on phone screens | A 1D laser scanner cannot scan from a backlit device such as a phone (Zebra). | Reads codes on phone screens: it photographs the code and decodes it (Zebra). |
| Angle | The scan line has to cross the bars. | Reads the code at any angle (Zebra). |
| Bright sunlight | Very bright sun can wash out a laser so the code does not decode (Zebra). | Still decodes outdoors in bright sun (Zebra). |
| Dirty or damaged codes | A 1D scanner has difficulty with dirty or damaged barcodes (Zebra). | Varies by model; the model pages list each maker's reading ranges and features. |
Rule of thumb: buy 2D unless you are sure you will never need a QR code. Of the general-purpose handheld scanners in this guide, only the Zebra LI4278 is 1D-only: it is a linear imager, not a laser, so it reads 1D barcodes on phone screens too, but never QR codes.
The statements marked Zebra are from Zebra's own explainer, listed under Sources.
Question 2: how far do staff move?
Both read the same codes. The difference is power and how far the scanner can go from the computer.
| Question | Corded | Cordless |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Powered by the PC or POS it plugs into. Nothing to charge. | Battery in the scanner, charged in its base or cradle. |
| How far from the PC | As far as the cable reaches. | The maker's Bluetooth range from the base, given on each model page: up to 100 m for several models below. Walls, racks and metal shelving reduce it. |
| Battery | None. | Given per model, for example up to 100,000 scans per charge on the Honeywell Voyager XP 1472g. |
| Connection | USB, RS-232 or keyboard wedge cable, by model. | Through the base connected by USB, or directly over Bluetooth where the model supports it. |
| Best for | Fixed billing counters, pharmacies and goods-inward desks. | Shelves, stockrooms, racks and docks, and large items that cannot be brought to the counter. |
Several families come in both forms: Zebra DS3608 (corded) and DS3678 (cordless), Honeywell Granit XP 1990iXLR and 1991iXLR, Newland HR2000 and HR2000-BT. Choose the family by the codes and the floor, then choose corded or cordless.
Question 3: small, far or marked codes?
Rugged scanners come in versions tuned for a kind of code. The examples are copied from our model pages.
| Version | What it is for | Example from our model pages |
|---|---|---|
| SR (standard range) | Everyday labels at arm's length. | Zebra DS3608-SR: 4.4 cm to 1.5 m (40 mil Code 128). |
| HD (high density) | Very small codes on electronics and small parts. | Zebra DS3608-HD: Code 128 at 3 mil, read at 5.1-7.6 cm. |
| XR / XLR (extended range) | Labels on high racks and pallets, read from the floor or a forklift. | Zebra DS3600-XR: 3.3 cm to 32 m by barcode size. Honeywell Granit XP 1990iXLR: 100 mil Code 39 to 24 m. |
| DP / DPM (direct part mark) | Codes marked straight onto metal or plastic by dot peen or laser etch. | Zebra DS3608-DP and DS3678-DP; Newland NVH300 and NVH220. |
Reading range depends on the size of the barcode: a large pallet label reads from much further away than a small product label. Each model page gives the maker's range for named barcode sizes.
Which model for which job
Pick the place closest to yours. The quote button sends us the job so we can reply with matched models.
A corded 2D handheld at the till reads product barcodes, QR codes and codes on customers' phones.
Consider: Zebra DS2208, Newland HR2000, Honeywell Xenon Ultra 1960
A hands-free (presentation) scanner reads items as they are passed over it; staff keep both hands free.
Consider: Zebra DS9308, Zebra DS9908, Newland FR80
A cordless 2D handheld lets staff walk to the shelf and scan there instead of carrying items to the PC.
Consider: Honeywell Voyager XP 1472g, Newland HR2000-BT, Zebra DS8200
A rugged scanner sealed against dust and water and rated for drops onto concrete; extended-range versions read rack labels from the floor.
Consider: Zebra DS3678-SR, Zebra DS3600-XR, Honeywell Granit XP 1991iXLR
A DPM scanner reads codes dot-peened or laser-etched onto metal and plastic parts.
Consider: Zebra DS3608-DP, Newland NVH300, Newland NVH220
A healthcare scanner with a disinfectant-ready white housing and a green LED aimer instead of a laser.
Consider: Zebra DS4608-HC
A fixed-mount scanner stays in place and reads each item as it passes.
Consider: Zebra DS55, Newland Soldier 180, Newland Soldier 300
Scanner types
For billing counters and desks. Powered by the PC; nothing to charge.
For shelves, stockrooms and docks. Battery powered, with a charging base.
Sit on the counter and read items passed in front of them.
Sealed, drop-rated scanners for warehouses, plants and cold rooms, including DPM versions.
Before you order
Most scanner complaints are set-up questions, not faults. Settle these before you order.
Over USB, most scanners act as a keyboard: the code appears wherever the cursor is. Zebra's DS2208 does this by default. A few programs want the scanner as a COM port instead, which needs the maker's driver. To check a scanner, scan into Notepad: if the code appears there, the scanner works and any problem is in the software setup.
Many billing screens add the item only when Enter follows the code; others want Tab, or nothing. Every maker can add or remove these with a setup barcode from the scanner's guide. Tell us your software and we set it before delivery.
Scanners default to a US English keyboard. If your computer uses another layout, some characters can come out wrong until the scanner's keyboard country is changed to match.
The EAN-13 barcode on a product carries only the product number. Batch, expiry and serial number come from a GS1 DataMatrix or GS1-128 code, which needs a 2D scanner and software that reads those fields. Send us a photo of your labels and we confirm the scanner and settings.
Bluetooth ranges are measured in open air; racks, walls and metal shelving cut them. Many Zebra cordless scanners can, once batch mode is turned on, store scans taken out of range and send them on return, and some Zebra cradles pair up to seven scanners. Check both on the model page or ask us.
Healthcare scanners are approved for specific disinfectants, and Zebra warns that unapproved agents may void the warranty. For the DS4600-HC, Zebra's list includes 70% isopropyl alcohol and 10% bleach, but bleach is not approved on the cradles. Match your ward's disinfectant to the model's list.
Current models
For counters and desks.
| Model | Reads | Connection | Build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra DS2208 | 1D and 2D, incl. QR and Data Matrix | USB · RS232 · keyboard wedge · IBM 46XX | IP52 · 1.5 m drops |
| Zebra DS4608 | 1D, 2D, DotCode, OCR | USB · RS232 · keyboard wedge · IBM 46XX | IP52 · 1.8 m drops · 2,000 tumbles |
| Honeywell Xenon Ultra 1960 | 1D, PDF417, 2D, DotCode, OCR | Corded: USB, RS-232, keyboard wedge | IP52 |
| Newland HR2000 | 1D, 2D, GS1 Digital Link | USB and RS-232 | IP52 · 1.5 m drops |
For shelves, stockrooms and docks.
| Model | Reads | Wireless | Battery | Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeywell Voyager XP 1472g | 1D, 2D and phone screens | Bluetooth 4.2, up to 100 m | 2,400 mAh Li-ion, replaceable | IP52 |
| Newland HR2000-BT | 1D and 2D | Bluetooth 5.0, up to 100 m | 2,600 mAh, replaceable | IP52 · 1.5 m drops |
| Newland HR3000-BT | 1D, 2D, postal and OCR | Bluetooth 5.0, up to 100 m | 2,600 mAh, replaceable | IP52 · 1.5 m drops |
| Zebra DS8208 / DS8288 | 1D, 2D, OCR, Digimarc | Bluetooth 5.2 with BLE | 3,500 mAh battery or PowerCap | IP52 · 1.8 m drops |
| Zebra LI4278 | 1D barcodes only (no QR or other 2D codes) | v2.1 Class 2 · up to 100 m with presentation cradle | Up to 57,000 scans per charge | IP53 · 1.8 m drops |
For warehouses, plants, docks and cold rooms.
| Model | Type | Range | Build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra DS3608-SR | Corded ultra-rugged standard-range barcode scanner | 4.4 cm to 1.5 m (40 mil Code 128) | IP65 / IP68 · 3 m drops |
| Zebra DS3678-SR | Cordless ultra-rugged standard-range barcode scanner | 4.4 cm to 1.5 m (40 mil Code 128) | IP65 / IP68 · 3 m drops |
| Zebra DS3600-XR | Ultra-rugged barcode scanner | 3.3 cm to 32 m (by barcode size) | IP65 / IP68 · 3 m drops |
| Honeywell Granit Ultra 2100i | Industrial barcode scanner | XLR: 100 mil Code 39 to 30 m | IP65 and IP68 |
| Honeywell Granit XP 1990iXLR | Industrial long-range barcode scanner | 100 mil Code 39 to 24 m | IP65 and IP67 |
| Honeywell Granit XP 1991iXLR | Cordless industrial long-range barcode scanner | 100 mil Code 39 to 24 m | IP65 and IP67 |
For codes marked onto metal and plastic parts.
| Model | Type | Reads | Build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra DS3608-DP | Ultra-rugged direct part mark (DPM) barcode scanner | Printed codes and direct part marks | IP65 / IP68 · 3 m drops |
| Zebra DS3678-DP | Ultra-rugged cordless direct part mark (DPM) barcode scanner | Printed codes and direct part marks | IP65 / IP68 · 3 m drops |
| Newland NVH300 | Corded industrial DPM barcode scanner | Printed 1D/2D and DPM (laser-etched, dot-peened) | IP64 · 2.4 m drops |
| Newland NVH220 Lophius AI | Industrial DPM barcode scanner | 1D, 2D and DPM | IP64 scanner |
For counters, kiosks and lines.
| Model | Type | Reads | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra DS9308 | Presentation (hands-free) 1D/2D barcode scanner | 1D, 2D, DotCode, OCR | USB · RS232 · keyboard wedge · IBM 46XX |
| Zebra DS9908 | Hybrid presentation barcode scanner | 1D · 2D · Digimarc · OCR | USB · RS232 · keyboard wedge · IBM 46XX (RS485) |
| Newland FR80 | On-counter 1D/2D barcode scanner | 1D and 2D, paper and screens | USB · RS-232 · handheld port |
| Newland FR4080 | Desktop (hands-free) 1D/2D barcode scanner | 1D and 2D, paper and screens | USB · RS-232 |
| Zebra DS55 | Fixed-mount barcode scanner | 1D, 2D, OCR | USB · RS232 |
Every value is copied from the model's own page on this site, which links the maker's datasheet. Open a model for full specifications.
Questions buyers ask
No. A QR code is a 2D code, so it needs a 2D imager. A 2D imager reads ordinary 1D barcodes as well, so one scanner covers both.
A 2D imager will. Zebra notes that a 1D laser scanner cannot read from a backlit screen such as a phone. If customers show codes on their phones at your counter, choose a 2D model.
The scanner is not sending Enter after the code, or your software expects Tab instead. Scan the maker's 'add Enter' or 'add Tab' setup barcode, then test again. If the code appears correctly in Notepad but not in your billing screen, the setting belongs in the software.
Wrong characters usually mean the scanner's keyboard country does not match the computer's layout. Nothing at all usually means the scanner is set to COM port mode without the driver installed. Both are fixed with setup barcodes from the scanner's guide.
Only if the pack carries a GS1 DataMatrix or GS1-128 code with those fields, and your software reads them. A plain EAN-13 barcode carries only the product number.
Each model page gives the maker's Bluetooth range from the base: up to 100 m for the Honeywell Voyager XP 1472g and Newland HR2000-BT, and at least 100 m line of sight for the Zebra DS3678. Walls, racks and metal shelving reduce it. Tell us your layout and we will check the range at installation.
If scanners are dropped on concrete, used in cold rooms or dusty sheds, or shared across shifts, yes. The scanners in the rugged industrial table above are sealed to IP65 or better and rated for 3 m drops (maker figures on each model page).
It depends on the model, the version, accessories and quantity. Ask our team for today's competitive price: share your requirement and budget, and we will help you choose the right configuration and send a written quotation with current pricing and delivery time.
Our discontinued models guide, linked below, gives each maker's end-of-sale date and the model the maker names as the replacement.
Send what you scan (labels, phone screens, part marks), where, how many users and the software you use. We will quote the scanners, stands, cradles and setup.
Sources