From healthcare to logistics, RFID scanners are transforming multiple industries. They make it infinitely easier to track, identify, and organize inventory. However, if you want to get the best results when working with RFID technology, you’ll need to invest in a dependable scanner from a trusted brand.
This guide will help you find the ideal RFID scanner for your business. Read on to learn about the 20 best RFID scanners for 2023.
Need guidance on purchasing an RFID scanner? Connect with our team of tech experts by filling out our contact form.
1. Zebra RFD9090
When it comes to RFID readers, Zebra stands out from the crowd as one of the best brands to choose from. Zebra readers tend to be durable, reliable, and effective, and the Zebra RFD9090 is the perfect example of what this brand can do.
With its ultra-rugged design, the Zebra RFD9090 features dual IP65 and IP67 sealing. It can cope with dust, dirt, and water with ease, making it a good fit for factory floors and similar environments. It’s even drop-proof at up to six feet, so it can survive the odd bump or fall.
Since the RFD9090 has both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 built-in, it should have no trouble with connectivity or communications. Plus, with its long-range antenna, the RFD9090 can read tags over 75 feet away.
RFD9090’s long-range scanning setup comes at the cost of not being able to detect tags that are relatively close. In large warehouses, however, it’s going to excel.
Product Ranking: 10/10
Pros:
- Tough, durable design
- Excellent connectivity
- Extended range for long-distance scanning
Cons:
- Not suitable for close-quarters scanning
Why We Love It: The Zebra RFD9090 is the ultimate long-range RFID reader, with a resistant outer shell and powerful tech under the hood.
2. Zebra RFD9030
The Zebra RFD9030 has a lot in common with the RFD9090. In fact, since they’re both part of the RFD90 series, they’re almost identical, but the RFD9030 has one key difference: it’s designed for short-range scanning at a distance of approximately 22 feet.
Aside from that, this model has the same features and advantages as its long-range sibling. It features a rugged design, complete with IP65 protection against sprays, moisture, and dust.
The RFD9030 also has a handy quick-release battery for user convenience, along with a comfortable handle and ergonomic trigger.
Product Ranking: 10/10
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Super for close-range scans
- Reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- Unsuitable for long-range reading
Why We Love It: The RFD9030 is a rugged and reliable RFID reader for close-range scanning. Its hard-wearing exterior allows it to function flawlessly, even in harsh conditions.
3. Honeywell IH40
Honeywell is another leader in the RFID scanner industry, responsible for some of the most versatile devices you can find. The IH40 is one of this company’s top creations, suitable for retail, warehouses, logistics, manufacturing, and other industries.
For tracking and organizing your inventory, few devices can compete with the IH40. Its handy “Tag Finder” mode allows it to pinpoint the exact location of any item or pallet you’re looking for in seconds.
Honeywell’s IH40 also boasts a very high tag read rate and a pleasant, ergonomic design, with a read range of around 20 feet.
Product Ranking: 10/10
Pros:
- Versatile design for use across multiple industries
- “Tag Finder” feature for tracking down items
- Ideal for organizing inventory
Cons:
- Battery life could be a little better
Why We Love It: The Honeywell IH40 is a powerful handheld RFID reader for keeping track of large inventories.
4. Honeywell IH25
Here’s another terrific RFID reader and tag from Honeywell. The Honeywell IH25 is an easy-to-use device, well-suited for those who are just starting out with RFID technology. It also offers both 1D and 2D barcode scanning, making it a fine fit for companies working with a mix of RFID and barcodes. It’s IP54 certified, so it should fare well in most commercial settings.
The IH25 allows companies to track and tag stock up to 25 times faster than traditional barcode scanning. Even large shipments and vast inventories can be organized rapidly and efficiently with the IH25.
Plus, with a massive 4,000 mAH battery, the IH25 can be used for extended periods of time, as you won’t have to worry about running out of power during a long shift.
The IH25 is a short-range scanner.
Product Ranking: 10/10
Pros:
- Designed with user comfort in mind
- Decent battery life
- Ideal for beginners
Cons:
- Only useful for short-range scans
Why We Love It: The IH25 is the ideal entry point to the world of RFID scanning, with a comfortable design and effective technology.
5. Zebra MC3330XR
If you’re looking for a powerhouse RFID scanner with an array of advanced features, meet the Zebra MC3330XR. This high-end RFID reader is chock-full of features to speed up and streamline your RFID scanning and tracking.
It comes with a powerful processor, an integrated NFC reader, and a huge touchscreen. You can even design RFID apps through the MC3330XR’s computing platform.
Not only that but thanks to its superior technology, this reader offers faster and more accurate read rates compared to similar models from other brands.
This bevy of features comes at a cost, and that’s the MC3330XR’s higher price.
Product Ranking: 9.7/10
Pros:
- Advanced features for developers
- Exceptionally fast read rate
- Huge 7,000mAH battery
Cons:
- Complex for beginner users
- More expensive
Why We Love It: The Zebra MC3330XR is a truly next-level RFID device. In the hands of developers, it can be a very powerful tool.
6. Zebra MC3390XR
The Zebra MC3390XR has a lot in common with its short-range sibling, the Zebra MC3330XR. The only big difference is that this device is designed for long-range RFID scanning. Businesses with vast warehouses and huge inventories can make great use of the 60-foot read range of this scanner.
The Zebra MC3390XR also comes complete with long-range 2D data capture, allowing workers to gather data on dozens or hundreds of items, all with the single press of a trigger.
Another terrific feature of the MC3390XR is its lightweight, comfortable design; it’s so light that workers can easily operate it with a single hand.
Product Ranking: 9.7/10
Pros:
- Reliable long-range scanning
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- Powerful computing platform built-in
Cons:
- Not for beginners
Why We Love It: The MC3390XR is a long-range RFID scanner you can use for years, with a comfortable design and future-proof features.
7. Zebra RFD8500
The Zebra RFD8500 makes this list thanks to its versatility. It’s easily one of the most adaptable RFID scanners around, ready to provide the reliable and cost-effective RFID reading you need to get the product in and out fast.
This top-tier scanner offers seamless support for Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems. You can pair it with an array of different mobile devices, and it can be used either in standalone mode or with a mobile device attached, for your convenience.
As well as being versatile, it’s also a highly efficient device, capable of reading up to 900 tags a second and powered by a 4,410mAH battery.
Product Ranking: 9.8/10
Pros:
- Works well with all major operating systems
- Flexible design with multiple modes of operation
- Rapid read rate
Cons:
- The design is a little chunky
Why We Love It: The Zebra RFD8500 once again demonstrates Zebra’s dominance in the RFID industry, with peerless flexibility and ease of use.
8. Zebra RFD40 Standard
Well-suited for those in the retail sector, the Zebra RFD40 Standard offers lightning-fast read times. It’s capable of reading over 1,300 tags every single second, allowing you to scan and track huge shipments, lots, batches, and inventories.
With a colossal 7,000mAH battery, the RFD40 Standard can go the distance. It also features a relatively rugged design, with IP54 sealing to guard against dust and water, coupled with 5-foot drop resistance.
Product Ranking: 9.8/10
Pros:
- Huge battery
- Very fast read rate
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Lacks compatibility with certain devices
Why We Love It: The Zebra RFD40 Standard offers reliable RFID scanning and tracking at a very fair price when compared to models of the same class.
9. Zebra RFD40 Premium
If you liked the Zebra RFD40 Standard but wish it had a little better connectivity, the Zebra RFD40 Premium is exactly what you need. This model features everything great about the RFD40 Standard like 1,300+ tag reads per second and enhanced battery capacity.
The big difference is that it also comes with Wi-Fi 6 built-in. This opens the doors to superior over-the-air device management. With the combination of Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth, the RFD40 Premium is fully future-proof, ready to connect to current and future devices in seconds.
Product Ranking: 10/10
Pros:
- Easily connect to any device
- Massive battery for extended use
- Lightweight, ergonomic handle
Cons:
- Lacks IP67 case
Why We Love It: The Zebra RFD40 Premium builds on the solid foundations of the RFD40 Standard, with a myriad of prospective applications in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and other industries.
10. Zebra DS9908
Seeking a hybrid scanner that can cope with both barcodes and RFID tags? If so, the Zebra DS9908 is one of the top choices around. Perfect for point-of-sale use in the retail sector, this hybrid scanner can help you speed up your service and keep customers happy, while also improving inventory management.
The Zebra DS9908 also comes with some interesting bonus features, like Document Capture, which lets you capture detailed scans of documents. For such a small and simple device, the DS9908 is capable of quite a lot.
Product Ranking: 9.5/10
Pros:
- Two scanners in one
- One of the most lightweight scanners
- Can be used hands-free
Cons:
- Retail sector specific
Why We Love It: The Zebra DS9908 is the perfect hybrid scanner for speeding up your point-of-sale experience.
11. Honeywell Optimus 5900
The Honeywell Optimus 5900 was the precursor to Honeywell’s IH25. Despite being older, it’s still a very solid device, boasting impressive levels of versatility and a powerful 5,000mAH battery for extended sessions of use.
With Adaptus Imaging Technology 5.0, this device can read barcodes in addition to RFID tags. It has Bluetooth and 802.11b/g connectivity, along with an IP54-rated exterior that can cope with general exposure to dirt, dust, and water.
Product Ranking: 9.4/10
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery
- Comfortable to work with
- Doesn’t need to be paired with mobile devices
Cons:
- The design is quite basic and outdated
Why We Love It: The Honeywell Optimus 5900 may not have the sleek looks of modern rivals, but it’s still more than capable of meeting your RFID needs.
12. Honeywell IH21
The Honeywell IH21 is another classic model that still does the trick in warehouses and logistics centers across the globe. Combined with a compatible Honeywell handheld computer, the IH21 can read dozens of tags at close-range (up to 20 feet) every single second. It also has a 150° reading field, so you barely need to move it to scan tags all around you.
Product Ranking: 9.5/10
Pros:
- Rapid tag reading
- A great budget buy
- Reliable and sturdy design
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
Why We Love It: The IH21 is a very dependable piece of equipment that is easy to work with for beginners, despite not having the bells and whistles of more modern models.
13. Datalogic DLR-BT001
While many RFID readers are relatively bulky handheld devices, the Datalogic DLR-BT001 has a totally different design. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this mini RFID reader has a surprising amount of features crammed in its tiny case. It offers a 35-inch read distance, over 12 hours of runtime per charge, and up to 40,000 tag readings. It also comes with a handy lanyard.
Product Ranking: 9.6/10
Pros:
- Small and super lightweight design
- Ideal for scanning tags on-the-go
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Not as powerful as other scanners
Why We Love It: The DLR-BT001 is a truly unique device, proving that RFID-reading technology can be condensed into the smallest of sizes.
14. Datalogic Falcon 5500
The Falcon 5500 is one of Datalogic’s top RFID readers, favored by many users for its industrial-grade durability. Ready to cope with the dust and dirt of factory floors and warehouses, the Falcon 5500 is a reliable reader you can count on for long-term use. It features an intuitive and ergonomic keypad for configuration and data entry, and it’s capable of reading 100 tags every seven seconds.
Product Ranking: 9/10
Pros:
- Very durable
- Comfortable to carry
- Rapid battery charging
Cons:
- Slower read times
Why We Love It: The Falcon 5500 is a handy item to have in factory and logistics environments, with its rugged design allowing it to cope with day-to-day hazards.
15. Datalogic 2128P
The Datalogic 2128P is a beginner-friendly RFID reader that works flawlessly with Datalogic’s own Memor 10 or 11 PDA. With its simplified interface and handy features, like RFID Tag Finder and RFID Scan Write, the Datalogic 2128P is a breeze to work with. With minimal training, workers will be able to get the most out of this device, scanning hundreds of tags at a range of up to 29.5 feet.
Product Ranking: 9/10
Pros:
- Easy to work with
- Fast read speeds
- Rapid attaching and detaching of paired devices
Cons:
- The battery will need charging regularly
Why We Love It: The Datalogic 2128P is a terrific option if you’re looking for a device that blends a beginner-friendly UI with advanced-level technology.
16. Janam RFD-T1-002UL
Comfort was clearly on the minds of the Janam team when they designed the RFD-T1-002UL. This feather-light and exceptionally comfortable reader is a joy to work with, suitable for all-day use in industries like retail, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. It also comes with a respectable 3,350mAH battery, offering surprisingly good runtime on every charge.
Product Ranking: 9/10
Pros:
- Impressive battery life
- Very user-friendly
- Ergonomic handle for extended use
Cons:
- Limited compatibility options
Why We Love It: The RFD-T1-002UL is all about the user experience. While other readers may tire your hands, this one feels comfortable to use, hour after hour.
17. Zebra FX9600
Zebra FX9600 is one of the few fixed readers on the list but for a good reason. With high-grade performance, massive read ranges, and unmatched accuracy, this is one of the finest fixed readers money can buy. Even in harsh environments where metals and other materials can interfere with the signal, the Zebra FX9600 keeps on performing.
Product Ranking: 9/10
Pros:
- High RF sensitivity
- Excellent accuracy
- Rapid deployment
Cons:
- Needs to be installed in the right location
Why We Love It: The Zebra FX9600 is as good as it gets in fixed RFID scanning technology.
18. Zebra FX7500
The Zebra FX7500 is another top-tier fixed RFID reader from one of the industry’s leading brands. Powered with advanced RFID radio technology, the FX7500 can deliver rapid read rates and unparalleled accuracy. Plus, since it’s powered by Linux-based software, it’s a very flexible device that can be configured in many ways to suit your specific industry and working environment.
Product Ranking: 9/10
Pros:
- Rapid read times
- Good levels of accuracy
- Flexible to fit in with different industries
Cons:
- Not as rugged as other readers
Why We Love It: The Zebra FX7500 is the kind of RFID scanner you can simply set up and leave to do its thing. It’ll scan countless tags for you with minimal reconfiguration required.
19. Zebra ST5500
Aimed at businesses in distribution, manufacturing, and retail, the Zebra ST5500 is a fixed RFID reader which can track inventory location with remarkable accuracy. In addition, with its reinforced exterior, it can work well even in the harshest locations like plant floors and warehouse docks.
Product Ranking: 9/10
Pros:
- Strong, resilient design
- Built to last for years of use
- Impressive accuracy and consistency
Cons:
- Quite big and bulky
Why We Love It: The Zebra ST5500 takes ruggedness to the next level, with a nigh-impenetrable exterior shell to safeguard the high-end RFID tech hidden inside.
20. Datalogic DLR-PR001
The DLR-PR001 is Datalogic’s leading long-range fixed RFID reader. It offers rapid read speeds and can be purchased with an integrated GPRS modem for added functionality. Plus, when compared to other fixed readers, the DLR-PR001 is surprisingly compact, allowing for easy installation in many different locations. However, it’s less durable than the top performers, so carry it with caution.
Product Ranking: 9/10
Pros:
- Compact design
- Easy to install
- Optional extras
Cons:
- Easily damaged
Price Range: $1,600-$1,850
Why We Love It: The DLR-PR001 makes long-range RFID reading easy and convenient, and there are very few fixed readers with such a compact form.
Talk to an Expert
With so many different RFID scanners to choose from, it’s no wonder that many businesses struggle to pick the right device. Not only do you have to choose a trusted brand, but you also need to consider so many different aspects, from range and read speed to ergonomics, budget, and more.
The list above shows 20 of the best RFID readers, but you may still need assistance selecting the ideal one for your business needs. Energy Electronics can help with that. As a leading supplier of RFID scanners, we can provide expert-level guidance and recommendations to help you make the right choice. Simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you.
