Identification · Laser or imager, symbologies, code quality and mounting
A barcode scanner is chosen by the codes and conditions it meets. List every symbology, the smallest code and the reading distance, whether codes are damaged or on screens, and how fast items move. Then remember that reading a code is not the same as proving it is good.
Handheld, presentation, fixed-mount and embedded (scan engine) barcode readers for retail, logistics, manufacturing and kiosks, laser and imager types. Barcode verifiers, label printers and RFID readers are outside this page.
CNFX editorial research · Sources checked October 12, 2026 · 4 sources
Choose laser or 2D imager by the codes and conditions
Dynamsoft, a barcode software maker, compares the two: laser scanners sweep a beam across the code and read linear barcodes (some also read the stacked PDF417), while imagers capture an image and decode 2D codes such as QR and Data Matrix as well as linear codes, and can read "multiple in one pass". [1]
It favours laser scanners for reading at distances of more than two feet and in low light, and calls them a low-cost, proven choice for fast single-code reading, but they use moving mirrors; imagers better compensate for damaged or low-quality codes through image processing and can read codes on screens. [1]
Give the supplier every symbology to be read, the smallest and largest code size, reading distance, whether codes may be damaged, curved or on phone screens, item speed, the host interface and the environment.
02
Separate reading from verifying
Cognex explains that readers decode codes, while verifiers grade code quality against ISO/IEC 15416 (1D), ISO/IEC 15415 (2D) and AIM DPM (ISO/IEC TR 29158) and application standards such as GS1, UDI and HIBCC. Grades run A–F (4–0); C or higher is considered passing. Regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices and defence may require verification reports. [2]
A scanner that reads your test labels well does not prove that your printed codes will read everywhere in the supply chain. If codes leave your site, plan verification at the printer as well as reading at the line.
03
Choose the form and interface
Suppliers list handheld, presentation and desktop scanners, fixed-mount readers for lines and kiosks, wearable scanners and OEM scan engines for building into devices; RTscan, for example, lists a compact scan engine for medical devices, lockers, vending machines and ticketing machines, and EDOO lists wearable, fixed-mount, desktop and handheld scanners and scan engines. [3][4]
Ask for the interfaces (USB, serial, Bluetooth, Ethernet), operating-system compatibility, aiming and illumination, read rate on your codes, and the IP rating and drop rating for the environment.
04
Scan engines, wearables, finger-mounted and POS-bundled readers
Netum lists handheld and data-capture scanners; Syble lists desktop and finger-mounted 2D scanners; MINJCODE lists barcode readers and POS hardware for OEM and ODM; RTscan lists 2D scan engines and fixed-mount readers; EDOO lists wearable, fixed, desktop and handheld scanners and PDAs; OCOM lists laser, CCD, omni-directional, 2D and fixed scanners alongside printers; Jassway lists scanners among POS peripherals; Deli lists barcode scanners among office equipment. [3][4]
05
Laser and mirror against sensor and lens: inside each reader type
The first two rows split by reader type: the laser unit carries the moving mirror, the imager carries the sensor and lens that let it decode 2D codes and screens. [1]
Decodes symbologies; image processing for damaged codes. [1]
Symbology list, settings.
Interface and housing
Connects to host; protects the reader.
Interface, IP and drop rating.
06
Distance, depth of field and environment ratings for a scanner data sheet
Only the scanning-distance row carries a published comparison here; the remaining rows are values to take from the supplier's data sheet, with depth of field quoted per code size.
Field
What it means and published values
Ask the supplier for
Scanning distance (mm)
Dynamsoft: lasers "better at reading at distances more than two feet". [1]
Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.
Codes: [symbologies; smallest and largest size; printed, direct-marked or on screens; condition]
Process: [handheld, presentation or fixed; distance; item speed; codes per item]
Host: [interface; operating system; data format]
Environment: [temperature; dust and liquids; drops]
Quality: [is verification to ISO/IEC 15416/15415 or GS1 needed]
Documents: [datasheet; symbology list; read-rate test on your labels]
RTscan and EDOO sell scan engines for building into devices, Syble finger-mounted 2D readers, OCOM laser and omni-directional scanners beside printers, and MINJCODE readers for OEM and ODM projects.
RTscan Technology Limited
Manufacturing site to be confirmed for the order
Lists 2D scan engines and fixed-mount barcode readers for devices and kiosks.
Explore company information and manufacturing capabilities, then discuss the scope of your project with a relevant supplier.
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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team.
Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review
· Page last updated 13 October 2026
Buyer questions
Can a laser barcode scanner read QR codes?
No for 2D codes; laser scanners read linear codes and some read PDF417, while QR and Data Matrix need a 2D imager. [1]
Can a barcode scanner check if my barcode is good quality?
No; readers decode, while verifiers grade codes A–F against ISO/IEC 15416 or 15415 and standards such as GS1. [2]
Which scanner reads barcodes on phone screens?
2D imagers: Dynamsoft says imagers can read codes on screens, whereas laser scanners work by sweeping a beam with moving mirrors. [1]
Sources and what still needs a direct check
Sources checked 2026-10-12. Dynamsoft is a barcode software maker; its 2019 article compares laser scanners and imagers. Cognex is a machine-vision maker; its guide explains barcode verification. ISO/IEC 15415/15416 and GS1 specifications were not read for this page. Supplier pages describe their own offers.
