Since the use of barcode technology is only increasing by the day, the market for barcode scanners stays strong, with a minimum CAGR growth of 7% by 2027. There are plenty of options to choose from, from a 2D image scanner to laser-based barcode scanners. The choice depends on your business needs and goals.
Handheld barcode scanners have long been in use because of their mobility. This feature makes it an ideal device for all inventory operations as all items can be easily inventoried without bringing them to a fixed barcode image scanner. But, handheld scanners do have some limitations. They don’t work effectively in scanning barcodes from a distance. Hence, be it a laser-based barcode reader or 2D image scanner, each comes with pros and cons of its own. Let’s compare both and see which one’s best for your business.
Laser-Based Barcode Scanner
These barcode scanners have been there among us for a long time. If we talk about their structure, laser-based barcode scanners are made of parts that include moving mirrors. The functioning of these scanners is based on sweeping as a laser across a barcode, capturing the information, and decoding it. Hence, it is well understood that a laser-based barcode scanner is made up of several moving parts, which makes it prone to breaking or failing. Below are the pros and cons of laser-based barcode scanners.
Pros
- Despite looking fragile, laser-based barcode scanners are widely used in industrial applications such as inventory and warehousing. It’s because of the improvements that keep happening every year.
- Laser scanners are good at reading barcodes from around 2 feet, which is usually not possible with other barcode readers.
- Since laser barcode scanners make use of laser technology, the laser light illuminates the barcode and works fine even in the conditions of low lighting.
- Laser barcode scanners are capable of scanning one barcode at a time. Hence, they are fast.
- The low-cost of laser-based barcode scanners makes them ideal to be used in various settings.
Cons
- Most laser-based barcode scanners can only scan linear barcodes and PDF417 codes. Hence, they are not the best choice for applications that require the scanning of composite and 2D barcodes.
- They cannot read multiple barcodes at a time.
- Laser-based barcode readers do not work well with damaged barcodes.
- These barcode scanners are not capable enough of reading barcodes off a screen. Hence, they have a low success rate.
2D Imager Scanners for Barcodes
2D image scanners make use of a camera and several image processing techniques to read and decode barcodes. In today’s technological landscape, smartphones can be considered as 2D barcode scanners.
Pros
- 2D image scanners read linear and two-dimensional barcodes, such as DataMatrix barcodes, QR codes, etc.
- 2D barcode scanners may not be as low-cost as handheld barcode scanners, but they are pretty affordable as any smartphone can be transformed into an image scanner.
- They are very quick at reading barcodes and can read multiple codes at a time.
- A 2D image scanner can read barcodes on screens.
- With image processing, a 2D barcode reader can read even damaged or low-quality barcodes.
Cons
- 2D barcode scanners may not work as effectively as laser-based barcode readers in low lighting. But, some use the LED light for better scanning.
The Conclusion
If we compare a laser-based barcode reader to a 2D image scanner, the latter has multiple benefits over the former. Also, the software for the 2D barcode reader can be easily customized as per the requirements of your business. Not to mention, there are several editions such as barcode scanner JS (JavaScript) edition for web applications, C, C++, Python, .NET, and Java for desktop applications, and Android & iOS editions for mobile apps.
Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK is one such barcode scanner that can read barcodes at a speed of 500+ per minute. It offers all the editions mentioned above, from barcode scanner JS to Android & iOS. You can download the 30-day free trial to explore all its features and make a decision. Try the online demo here.