Tablets with built-in barcode scanners are useful devices for scanning 1D, 2D, A4, legal, or other types of files and data. They make any warehouse, manufacturing, or service field job more straightforward and productive.
If you’re on the lookout for a barcode scanner for your business, you’ve come to the right place. This article shares the top 15 best scanner devices currently available to help you get the job done quickly and effectively. Fill out our contact form to start talking to a tech expert about your tablet barcode scanner needs!
BIG UPDATE: We now have a Custom Product Configurator that you can use to get a custom quote for the perfect device for your needs.
How to Choose a Barcode Reader?
The best barcode scanner for your business mainly depends on where you’ll be using the device. Our first tip, therefore, is to analyze your work environment. If there are hard floors or concrete in the vicinity, you should go with rugged tablets. These devices are designed to withstand drops, which, as you probably know, are the main cause of damage for mobile devices.
Second, think about the air quality. Is there a lot of dust, sawdust, or other microscopic particles where you work? If so, it’s essential to pick a tablet with a suitable Ingress Protection (IP) rating. You want to go for IP67 at the very least to increase the lifespan of your barcode scanner in dusty environments.
The lighting of your workspace also plays a huge role in choosing a mobile scanning device. If you perform most of your duties outside, look for scanners with high brightness levels. The barcode scanner must read data accurately, and it can only do so under proper lighting conditions.
Another crucial factor to consider is the user keyboard requirements. Will the worker be using gloves to operate the device? You may want to go with glove-friendly barcode scanners or those with number key placement at the bottom of the device.
Finally, consider the types of barcodes you’ll scan. Most of the job gets done with 2D imaging. For example, if you’re scanning mobile phones rather than paper documents, 2D imaging is your best choice. Laser scanners can’t read phone screens. Also, make sure to pick scanners with Advanced Great Range features if you plan to scan barcodes from a long distance. Some solutions can scan from up to 50 feet away, which may be essential for your business.
Top Tablets with Barcode Scanners
Now that we’ve shared some tips for choosing a barcode scanner, let’s move on to the central part of the article. Below is our list of the top 15 tablets with barcode scanners for 2023.
1. DT Research DT301 (Our Top Pick)
We’ve worked with countless tablets with barcode scanners, and the DT Research 301Y is without a doubt the top tablet on the market right now! It is designed for rugged use and it stands up to all the tests that we put it through.
Featuring a slim yet robust enclosure, the DT301Y/301Q with 10.1” TFT display is powered by the Intel® CoreTM i or Qualcomm octa-core processor, offering optimal combinations of performance and power savings. An incredible Windows tablet with a barcode scanner.
One of the best parts about the DT 301Y is that you can customize the specs to suit your exact needs.
If you are interested in getting a quote or learning more about this device, feel free to fill out the form below and reach out to one of our tech experts. We will respond within 1 business hour!
3. Honeywell RT10
If you’re after a tablet with robust scanning capabilities and advanced software, Honeywell RT10 is the way to go. The device helps you stay connected with your employees and turn data into action with its operational intelligence.
Honeywell RT10 has built-in 1D and 2D scanning capability with near, mid, and far-range scanning possibilities. It operates on a 10.1-inch high-resolution screen and is an excellent device for fast user adaptation. It uses the Android OS and is durable and productivity-optimized. The IP65 rating means this tablet is resistant to water and dust and comes with hot-swappable batteries to overcome any downtime issues.
4. Honeywell ScanPal EDA70
The Honeywell ScanPal EDA70 runs on Android 7 Nougat and has a 7-inch touchscreen and an integrated smart scanner. It can withstand drops of concrete from up to 4 feet. The display is readable outdoors, supports a 4G LTE network, and has an IP64 rating, meaning it’s dust and waterproof.
Anyone looking for a rugged smart scanner device on a budget should consider this solution. It’s enterprise-ready with real-time connectivity and enhanced data capture features. This mobile computer is an excellent match whether it’s used for field service, customer engagement, on-demand delivery, or the logistics sector.
5. Unitech TB85 Rugged Tablet
The Unitech TB85 is an 8-inch mobile tablet with an optional scanning module for 2D barcodes. It runs on an Android 8 and octa-core processor. Thanks to the 8200mAh battery, it can easily make it through a full day of active use. The tablet has an IP67 rating and can withstand four-foot drops into concrete. Relatively lightweight at only 1.4 pounds, this tablet is easy to carry around, making it suitable for use in the warehouse, transport, and field service sectors. With an operating temperature from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, there’s hardly a place where it can’t operate.
If you’re on the lookout for a robust, fully functional, and lightweight device, the TB85 is worth considering.
6. Panasonic Toughbook L1
Here’s one of the most stylish tablets with a barcode scanner on our list. The Panasonic Toughbook is a slim, Android-based seven-inch tablet true to its name – a real tough book. The device runs on a quad-core processor with 2GB memory and 16GB internal storage and has IP67 and IP65 ratings, making it suitable for use in all weather conditions. The screen is glove-supportive and has storage for an optional passive stylus. The rear camera is full HD 8MP with LED light, excellent for performing tasks that rely on video and image recording.
It can be used in enterprises to collect data from workers in stores, warehouses, transportation, delivery, and other environments where the job mostly gets done outdoors.
7. Pioneer POS Dash Tablet
Pioneer DASH is a 10.1-inch tablet perfect for working with customers, whether it’s in retail stores, gyms, or other facilities that require scanning for identity verification. The device has versatile features such as a magnetic stripe reader, biometric reader, smart card reader, and 2D barcode scanner. It can also be connected to devices using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB ports.
The tablet has three mounting options: standard LP base, advanced UP base, and wall mount. Users can also detach the device from the dock for more mobility or rotate to landscape or portrait view, depending on their needs.
The Intel Quad-Core processor, 2GB RAM, and 32GB of storage make this Windows-operating tablet an excellent solution for everyone looking for a robust scanning device for working with customers.
8. Sonim RS60
Sonim RS60 is a powerful handheld computer, smart scanner, and Android 10 tablet. It’s designed to withstand the most demanding performance standards and makes scanning and communicating a breeze. Its multi-shift 8000mAh battery supports quick charging, so you never have to worry about running out of power.
The advanced scanning engine makes scanning fast and easy and can even scan in poor lighting conditions and recognize worn tags. The 6-inch Gorilla Glass 3 display is outdoor-viewable and has an anti-fingerprint coating.
The sturdy, fully rugged, and drop-tested design is perfect for the harsh working environments found in the warehouse, manufacturing, transportation, or logistics industry.
Please Note: Although the Sonim RS60 is technically NOT a tablet, we added it to the list because of its advanced features and ruggedness.
9. Conker SX50
Looking for an efficient barcode reader in the form of an Android phone? Then Conker SX50 may be just what you need. This productivity-boosting mobile scanner has a 5-inch screen, weighs only half a pound, and can fit into your pocket.
The tablet has integrated 2D barcode scanning features, an IP67 rating for dust, water, and dirt, and an optional pistol grip. It runs on a powerful octa-core processor, has 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a fingerprint reader.
Thanks to its versatility, Conker SX50 fits most industries, including retail, wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, and hospitality.
10. Zebra ET56
The Zebra ET56 is an enterprise-ready tablet and by far the thinnest of its kind. Workers can hardly tell the difference between Zebra ET56 and their at-home tablet, and Android-powered OS makes the transition even smoother.
This tablet is built to withstand drops to concrete, harsh weather conditions, spilled liquids, and even a full-force hose-down regardless of the thin design. The 10.1-inch tablet comes with advanced touchscreen technology that makes it operable even when wearing wet gloves.
When it comes to scanning, this tablet can scan 1D and 2D barcodes and other documents with the help of the Zebra SE4750 scan engine.
11. Panasonic Toughpad FZ-E1
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-E1 is the smallest barcode reader on our list. Although it only has a 5-inch screen, don’t let this tiny handheld device fool you. It’s built with military-grade toughness and is enterprise-ready. It runs on Windows 10 and can satisfy the needs of most workers in any environment, including hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, warehouse, and more.
The key features include a quad-core Qualcomm processor, Wi-Fi, optional 4G LTE connection, Bluetooth 4.0, IP65 and IP68 ratings, and 14-hour battery life. The best thing about the 6200mAh battery is that it’s user-replaceable, ensuring the tablet serves you for a long time.
Overall, this is an excellent device for business owners looking for small yet efficient barcode scanners.
12. Conker NS6
Conker NS6 is a 6-inch handheld device perfect for the retail, distribution, hospitality, and logistics sectors. It runs on a Windows OS and has a Gorilla Glass touchscreen, quad-core CPU, and 4GB of RAM. The 5000mAh battery lasts up to six and a half hours when actively used with high brightness.
It has a 2D barcode scanner and NFC as optional features and carries the IP65 rating for a fully rugged device. One of the smallest full Windows 10 devices on the market, this tablet is worth considering for anyone looking for a pocket-friendly barcode scanner with a familiar operating system.
13. Zebra XSLATE L10
Zebra is known for its robust, extremely durable, and fully-functional rugged tablets. XSLATE L10 is no exception. With a variety of tablet configurations and a shared ecosystem, this device sets new standards in vehicle, office, and field-based operations. Depending on your needs, there are three different models. The XPAD L10 version has an in-built barcode reader.
The super-powerful octa-core processor and up to 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM memory leave plenty of space for performing complex tasks. It operates on Android 10, can withstand drops from up to 6 feet, and has an IP65 rating. There are plenty of connectivity options as well, with two USB 2, USB-C, audio jacks, RJ-45 ethernet port, dual nano sim, and others.
This is a great device in terms of manageability, performance, and ease of use.
14. xTablet A1180
xTablet A1180 is one of the most compact and lightweight solutions on the list. It weighs 2.46 pounds, runs on Android 9, and has a Rockchip RK3399 processor. The 10-inch screen is sunlight-viewable, and it’s backed by a sturdy design optimized for working in any environment.
This tablet is easily mountable, making it an excellent choice for the forklifts, manufacturing, warehouse, construction, transport, and logistics sectors. The carry briefcase handle and a hand strap make this tablet comfortable for multiple-hour use.
The device can store the Honeywell N3680 1D/2D scanner, making it suitable for most tasks requiring user or product identification. The IP65 rating means this handheld is dust and waterproof, and the XL batteries make sure you get running time throughout the shift.
15. Sonim RS80
Sonim RS80 is a fully rugged tablet and an all-in-one smart scanner and mobile computer. The sturdy design, user-replaceable battery, and integrated barcode scanner make it one of the most versatile solutions on the list. It has an 8-inch touchscreen with an IP67 rating for dust, water, and dirt. It runs on Android 10 and an eight-core Qualcomm MSM8953 processor, and the 8200mAh removable battery is more than enough to handle all-day shifts.
This fully functional mobile scanner is perfect for the warehouse, transport, manufacturing, field service, fire, and EMS, or law enforcement sectors. We picked Sonim RS80 as our top choice for the balance of specs, price, and company support.
16. xTablet T8650
xTablet T8650 is an 8-inch cousin of the xTablet A1180, sharing many of its excellent specs. Anyone in a highly mobile workforce can benefit from the small-sized yet extremely versatile barcode scanner tablet. Weighing less than two pounds, this tablet is super easy to carry around and operates in just about any weather condition.
Thanks to its 10-hour battery life, enhanced scanner, and upgraded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity features, this is one of the best mobile tablets to boost work productivity. Data capture is undoubtedly made easy with the built-in imager for reading moving barcodes.
Suitable for forklift mounting, it’s a great option for the warehouse and logistics sectors.
17. TRT-4380-10
TRT-4380-10 is a powerful tablet with a 10.1-inch screen and an optional barcode scanner. The capacitive touchscreen has an optional 750-nit high bright LCD and a fingerprint reader. It’s suitable for most highly mobile indoor and outdoor work environments such as warehouse management, transportation, field service, or retail.
The standard storage is 32GB, but the tablet is upgradeable to 128GB to store plenty of important data sets. The 16:10 screen aspect ratio makes the device easy to manipulate when mounted. For this reason, it’s best used for forklifts and similar vehicle mounting.
Talk to a Tech Expert
Since there are many high-quality barcode scanner options out there, it can be hard to choose the best device for your business. If you need help in picking the best options for barcode scanning tablets, Energy Electronics can help.
Reach out to us and get a special quote for the industry’s most advanced Tablet Barcode Scanners. One of our tech experts will respond within 1 business hour.