What do you need? A wireless barcode scanner? A wired barcode scanner? Don’t know which one you need? Then this article is for you. Here we are about to break down the pros and cons of both, to help you make the educated purchasing decision you need to make! Choosing between a wired and wireless barcode scanner is going to depend on your needs and preferences. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, we will touch on those in detail here.
Wired Barcode Scanner – Pros:
- Reliability
Wired barcode scanners are typically more reliable because they have a direct and stable connection to the computer or POS system. There is no interference or signal dropout.
- Cost
They are often more cost-effective than their wireless counterparts since they don’t require additional wireless technology.
- Power
Wired scanners draw power directly from the device they are connected to, so you don’t need to worry about battery life.
- Simplicity
They are generally easier to set up and use since they don’t require pairing or configuring wireless connections.
Wired Barcode Scanner – Cons:
- Limited Mobility
The biggest drawback of wired barcode scanners is their limited range of movement. You are tethered to the device you are connected to, which can be inconvenient in some situations.
- Cable Management
Managing the cable can be a hassle, especially in busy or crowded environments. If your workplace is crowded, then communicating with each other will be necessary to avoid accidents.
Wireless Barcode Scanner Pros:
- Mobility
Wireless barcode scanners (https://scanavenger.com/) offer greater freedom of movement since they are not tethered to a specific device. This can be especially useful in large warehouses or retail stores.
- Flexibility
They can be used with various devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) without physical connection constraints.
- Reduced Cable Clutter
Since there are no cables to manage, wireless scanners can help maintain a cleaner workspace.
- Real-time Data Entry
Wireless scanners can transmit data in real-time to the connected device, making it easier to keep track of inventory or sales.
Wireless Barcode Scanner Cons:
- Cost
Wireless barcode scanners tend to be more expensive than their wired counterparts due to the added technology and batteries.
- Battery Life
They require regular recharging or battery replacement, which can be inconvenient if they run out of power during a busy workday.
- Signal Interference
In areas with a lot of wireless devices or potential signal interference, wireless barcode scanners may experience connectivity issues.
- Setup Complexity
Initial setup, including pairing with devices and configuring wireless settings, can be more complicated than plugging in a wired scanner.
As you might have guessed by now, the choice between a wired and wireless barcode scanner depends on your needs and how you plan to implement it into your business. If you require reliability and cost-effectiveness, a wired scanner may be the better option. However, if mobility and flexibility are essential, and you are willing to manage batteries and potential connectivity issues, a wireless scanner may be the way to go. Figure it out, make the purchase, and make money!
