Zebra Barcode Scanner Comparison – The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Scanner
Zebra Barcode Scanners Compared – The Ultimate Guide
Barcode scanners are essential tools for businesses that rely on efficient data collection and inventory management. Zebra Technologies offers a wide range of powerful barcode scanners designed for various applications. In this comparison, we review four of the best Zebra scanners: the Zebra LI4278, the Zebra DS3678 (in two variants), and the Zebra RFD8500. Discover which scanner best suits your needs.
Zebra LI4278 – The Flexible 1D Handheld Scanner
The Zebra LI4278 is a wireless 1D barcode scanner ideal for retail, logistics, and mobile applications. It not only scans 1D barcodes from paper labels but also captures barcodes from screens like those of smartphones or tablets. With its wireless Bluetooth v2.1 technology, users can move freely without being restricted by cables, making this scanner especially versatile.
Built for durability, the Zebra LI4278 withstands drops from up to 1.8 meters, making it perfect for intensive use in demanding environments. Its long battery life, offering up to 57,000 scans per charge, ensures uninterrupted use throughout the workday. The scanner comes with a charging station that allows for operation while charging—ideal for continuous workflows.
- Scannable Barcodes: 1D barcodes from paper and screens
- Bluetooth Range: Up to 100 meters
- Battery Life: Up to 57,000 scans per charge
- Durability: Withstands drops from up to 1.8 meters
Zebra DS3678-SR – The Robust All-Rounder
The Zebra DS3678-SR is the perfect barcode scanner for demanding environments like warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or outdoor areas. With its ability to scan both 1D and 2D barcodes, the DS3678-SR is a versatile all-rounder. It can scan barcodes from up to 2.1 meters away and provides wireless freedom thanks to Bluetooth 4.0.
This scanner is built for extreme conditions: it is IP67 certified, meaning it is water- and dustproof. It also withstands drops from up to 2.4 meters on concrete and remains operational even after submersion in water. With the included charging station, you can seamlessly integrate the DS3678-SR into your workflows without worrying about charging times.
- Scannable Barcodes: 1D and 2D barcodes
- Range: Up to 2.1 meters
- Bluetooth: 4.0
- Durability: IP67 certified, withstands drops from up to 2.4 meters
Zebra DS3678-HP – With Display and Keypad for Specialized Applications
The Zebra DS3678-HP offers more than just barcode scanning. With a 2.0-inch color display and a 19-key keypad, this scanner allows for manual input and advanced user interaction directly on the device. This makes it ideal for work environments where additional data entry is required.
The DS3678-HP can also scan OCR text (Optical Character Recognition) in addition to 1D and 2D barcodes, making it perfect for industries that require precise scanning capabilities. With an IP68 rating, this scanner is extremely durable, waterproof, and shock-resistant—an indispensable tool in demanding work environments.
- Display: 2.0-inch color display
- Keypad: 19 alphanumeric keys
- Scannable Barcodes: 1D and 2D barcodes, OCR text
- Durability: IP65 and IP68 rated, withstands drops from up to 2.4 meters
Zebra RFD8500 – The RFID-Barcode Combination
The Zebra RFD8500 combines RFID technology with barcode scanning in one device. This makes it the ideal choice for businesses that need to capture both RFID tags and barcodes. With its Bluetooth connectivity, the RFD8500 easily pairs with mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets and supports both 1D and 2D barcodes.
Its robust design is perfect for use in warehouses, retail, or logistics. The scanner offers an impressive reading range of up to 6 meters and can read more than 900 RFID tags per second. Combining RFID and barcode scanning, the RFD8500 is a flexible and future-proof solution for companies aiming to maximize efficiency and accuracy.
- Scannable Barcodes: 1D and 2D barcodes, RFID tags
- Reading Range: Up to 6 meters (RFID)
- Reading Speed: Up to 900 RFID tags per second
- Compatibility: Works with Android, iOS, and Windows devices
Conclusion: Which Zebra Scanner Suits You Best?
The choice of the right barcode scanner greatly depends on your business’s specific needs. The Zebra LI4278 is ideal for retail and mobile applications, while the DS3678-SR is suited for robust industrial environments. If you need advanced input options and OCR capabilities, the DS3678-HP with display and keypad is the best choice. For businesses looking to combine RFID and barcode scanning, the RFD8500 provides a future-proof solution.
No matter which scanner you choose, you’ll find the best Zebra scanners at competitive prices on Kaufweise.com.
