Apr. 28, 2025
In the contemporary business landscape, characterized by rapid advancements and dynamic market trends, efficient inventory management and streamlined point-of-sale processes stand as imperative factors for businesses of all sizes.
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Barcode scanners have emerged as indispensable tools in achieving these goals, aiding in tracking products, managing stock, and improving overall operational efficiency. When it comes to choosing a barcode scanner, one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for a wired or wireless variant.
This article delves into the differences between wired and wireless barcode scanners, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages, and helping you make an informed decision tailored to your business needs.
The barcode scanner market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising retail automation, healthcare sector adoption, and e-commerce logistics boom. According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, Barcode Scanner Market Report by Product (Handheld Barcode Scanner, Stationary Barcode Scanner), Type (Wired Barcode Scanner, Wireless Barcode Scanner), Scanner Type (Rugged Barcode Scanner, Non-Rugged Barcode Scanner), Technology (Camera Based Reader, Charge Coupled Device Reader, Laser Scanner, Omni Directional Barcode Scanners, Pen Type Reader, RFID Reader, Smart Phone Based Scanner, and Others), Component (Solutions, Services), End-Use Sector (Retail and Commercial, General Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics and Warehousing, Commercial Aviation, Defense, and Others), and Region 2025-2033", The global barcode scanner market size reached USD 7.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 13.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.13% during 2025-2033.
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Wired Barcode Scanners
A wired barcode scanner is a type of electronic device used for scanning and decoding barcodes printed on various items, products, or documents.
Unlike wireless barcode scanners, which establish a connection without physical cables, wired scanners are connected directly to a host device, such as a computer, point-of-sale system, or cash register, using a physical cable.
Wired barcode scanners are commonly used in retail environments for point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and order processing.
They are also utilized in manufacturing and distribution centers for tracking and managing products as they move through various stages of the supply chain.
Wireless Barcode Scanners
A wireless barcode scanner is a handheld electronic device designed to scan and decode barcodes printed on items, products, or documents, without the need for a physical cable connection to a host device. Unlike wired barcode scanners, which are tethered to a computer or other devices through cables, wireless scanners use various wireless communication technologies to transmit scanned data to a receiving device.
Wireless barcode scanners find applications in various industries, including retail, warehousing, healthcare, and logistics. They are especially useful for tasks such as inventory management, order picking, and asset tracking in large and dynamic environments.
Difference between Wired and Wireless Barcode Scanner
Here’s a closer look at difference between Wired and Wireless Barcode Scanner
Choosing the Right Barcode Scanner for Your Business in Australia
Scope Link Barcode Technologies is a versatile and customer-centric service provider, offering an array of barcode scanning solutions that cater to a diverse range of business needs.
With an understanding that different businesses require different tools, we offer both wireless and wired barcode scanners.
By carefully evaluating your needs, budget, and operational environment, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business’s goals and ensures efficient and seamless operations in the long run.
Barcode technology offers many benefits to retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. For example, they enable more accurate inventory management, real-time visibility into products and stock, and more efficient checkout processes. However, businesses need the proper hardware, including a choice between a wired or wireless barcode scanner, to get the most value from their barcode solutions.
Both wired and wireless barcode scanners share several hardware features. For instance, you can find both types in laser scanners or imagers designed for reading 1D barcodes (like UPC codes) and 2D scanners capable of reading both 1D and QR codes.
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Additionally, both wired and wireless scanners are available with various ingress protection (IP) ratings. These ratings indicate the level of resistance to dust and liquid infiltration. For example, an IP rating of 42 means the device is protected from solid objects larger than 1 mm (indicated by the first number, “4”) and from water droplets (indicated by the second number, “2”).
There is also a range of scanner form factors, including handheld, presentation, fixed-mount, and in-counter models. The choice depends on your specific needs, such as scanning groceries at a checkout counter or shelf tags during inventory counts. It’s also essential to consider the environment in which you’ll use the scanner.
The following comparison of wired and wireless barcode scanners will help you choose the best option based on your application needs and other crucial business factors.
Wired barcode scanners are ideal for fixed locations like checkout counters or back-of-house workstations. They provide reliable, fast data transmission without the risk of interference from other devices. Wired scanners are typically plug-and-play, making them easy to set up and use quickly.
These scanners are also generally more affordable than their wireless counterparts and don’t require battery replacements, reducing their total cost of ownership (TCO).
Depending on the model, wired scanners can deliver fast, accurate scanning of 1D and 2D barcodes on various surfaces, including paper, uneven packaging, and screens with protective film. For example, Star’s BSH-20U and BSH-32U handheld barcode scanners can function as both a presentation scanner on a counter and a handheld device. This model offers a large field of view, onscreen barcode capture, and an infrared sensor for efficient scanning, even in low-light conditions.
Barcode scanning typically requires you to take the product to the scanner, not the other way around. Wireless barcode scanners free you from cords and cables that limit movement and allow you to use presentation or fixed-mount scanning when wired connectivity isn’t available.
Leading wireless barcode scanners have a long battery life with up to 12 hours of continuous use and offer reliable wireless data transmission. Star’s wireless barcode scanners, such as the BSH-32B and BSH-HRBT, are also easy to move between locations and have plug-and-play setup with any point-of-sale (POS) software.
Simply connect via Bluetooth or the included USB dongle (USB dongle is imbedded in the charging cradle for the BSH-32B), and the scanner immediately works – no need to download any additional drivers. Star’s wireless scanners also have six scanning modes for convenience and capture images on paper, uneven media, and onscreen.
Wireless scanners add flexibility to operations, allowing you to quickly accommodate changes in workflow, like when consumer behaviors shift to curbside pickup. They’re ideal for inventory management, stock takes, and cycle counts, enabling employees to capture data instantly and accurately.
Wireless barcode scanners are also easily scalable. If you need to equip extra employees, you can add more scanners without altering your business infrastructure.
Consider whether employees work at a checkout counter, stationary workstation, or need mobility. Also, don’t forget to take ergonomics into account. Repeatedly using a handheld might lead to fatigue and injury, whereas a wired fixed-mount scanner could prevent those issues.
Additionally, ensure the model has the power to provide the speed necessary to keep up with the scanning volume employees need to do their jobs efficiently.
Determine where employees will use the scanner. A wireless barcode scanner may be the only choice if a wired connection isn’t possible. If a wired connection is possible, you may want to consider whether interference from other devices could diminish a wireless scanner’s performance. In that case, go with a wired barcode scanner.
Both wired and wireless barcode scanners have pros and cons, but when you consider workflow requirements, budget, and environmental factors, you’ll make the optimal choice for your application.
You can also contact your barcode technology solution provider to find the best scanner for your business. For example, antimicrobial scanners are available for companies in the healthcare industry, while rugged scanners are for more industrial or outdoor settings.
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