Are you cataloging your books and looking for an easy way to input ISBN numbers? Or are you starting a lending library and looking for a barcode scanner to make checking out books easier? If so, then you need book barcode scanners in your life! Here are 10 of the best book barcode scanners to help you find the right scanner for all your book scanning needs.
What Are Barcode Scanners?
Barcode scanners, sometimes also called barcode readers, are devices used to scan barcodes and transmit data to a computer. There are many different types of barcode scanners used for a variety of purposes, but in our case we’re specifically talking about book barcode scanners…so scanners that are used to scan the ISBN barcodes on books in your home or books in the store.
These scanners are useful, as they can help you save time when inputting your books into a cataloging system or can help you identify books you’re looking for in bookstores, thrift stores, and more. So let’s check out a few things you need to consider before buying your first (or next) barcode scanner!
What to Look For in a Book Barcode Scanner
Here are a few of the most pertinent things you should consider before purchasing a barcode scanner. Many of these features are ones that are up to your personal preference, so you should be aware of how you plan to use the scanner before you buy!
1. 1D Barcode Scanner vs 2D Barcode Scanner
One of the first things you should consider is whether you need a 1D barcode scanner or a 2D barcode scanner. You’ll find the best scanners of both types on this list, but which type you choose will depend on your needs.
One-dimensional or 1D barcodes represent data with varying widths and spacings of parallel lines. These types of barcodes are also sometimes called linear, but you’ll most often see them referred to as 1D.
Meanwhile, two-dimensional or 2D barcodes use squares, rectangles, and dots to represent the data on both vertical and horizontal dimensions. A good example of this type of barcode is a QR code. 2D barcode readers read 1D barcodes as well and can also read barcodes from a screen/LCD display, so if reading barcodes from a screen is important to you then you should go with a 2D option.
If you know that you won’t have a need to scan any QR codes or other 2D barcodes and you won’t need to read barcodes from a screen/LCD display, then it’s totally fine to go with a 1D barcode scanner. Otherwise, you may want to go ahead with a 2D barcode scanner as that will give you the most functionality and flexibility.
2. Wireless or Corded Scanners
Another aspect you’ll want to consider is whether the barcode scanner is wireless or corded. Again, there isn’t one “right” choice here but it just depends on your expected use and your preferences.
Corded scanners often connect to the computer using a USB, so if you go with this option you’ll need to always have your computer close by. Wireless scanners are usually more convenient for things like scanning books, as you can move around more easily. However, if going with a wireless scanner you will want to check out the distance range so you know how far away you can move from the computer and still have the scanner work. Some scanners offer a larger distance range than others.
3. Bluetooth Capability
If you’re looking at wireless book barcode scanners, something else to consider is whether they offer Bluetooth capability or not. Some wireless scanners require you to plug in a mini USB receiver in order to use them, while others will allow for Bluetooth connection.
While both options are perfectly acceptable, if you have a scanner that allows Bluetooth connection then it’s more likely you could (and easier to) connect it to your phone if you wanted to (whereas those with a USB receiver would need a USB port to connect). This is perhaps a minor point to consider before buying, but depending on your expected use scenarios it could be important.
4. Connectible to Which Devices (Computer, Smartphone, etc.)
Piggybacking off of the Bluetooth capability, you’ll want to double check that the ISBN scanners you’re looking at allow connection to the devices you plan to use it with. Many listings will explicitly say whether smartphone connection is an option, so if it’s important to you then just double check before you buy!
5. Stand or No Stand for Scanner
Another minor point to consider is whether the scanner you’re buying comes with a stand for placement when not in use. This is something that may not be important to you, but if it is then it’s worth keeping an eye out for one with a stand!
6. Type of Scanning Device
And last, but still very importantly, you’ll want to consider the type of scanner you want to buy. ISBN barcode scanners come in a variety of styles, including regular hand scanners, pocket-sized scanners, and ring scanners. So if you’re looking for a particular size or style, be sure to consider that before your buy.
10 Best ISBN Barcode Scanners
Now that we’ve discussed some of the key features you’ll want to think about before you choose a barcode scanner, here are 10 of the best barcode scanners for books on the market today! You can use the features we talked about above to help you decide which is the right one for you.
1. Tera Wireless 1D Barcode Scanner
First up on our list of the best book barcode scanners is this Tera Wireless 1D Barcode Scanner.
This scanner is a regular handheld scanner measuring in at 2.7″ x 3.5″ x 6.3″, with a good grip and a flat trigger to make scanning more comfortable. You can choose between two scanning modes: scanning on key trigger, or continuous mode where you don’t have to press the trigger. It also offers a large battery for continuous usage, and has a battery indicator light that shows the remaining battery level so you never have to worry about how much battery life is left!
It’s easy to set up and offers a USB receiver or a USB cable connection, so you have the option of using it both wireless and corded depending on your needs. It’s not compatible with smartphones or tablets, however, so if you’re looking for a scanner to use with a smartphone then this is not the one to choose.
Since this is a 1D scanner, you should also be aware that it is not compatible with 2D barcodes, QR codes, or barcodes on digital screens. This will be just fine if you only plan to scan barcodes on physical books! However, if you have any need for QR codes or scanning on digital screens, go with a 2D model like this one instead.
Buy the Tera Wireless 1D Barcode Scanner now!
2. ScanAvenger Wireless 2D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
Next up is the ScanAvenger Wireless 2D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner, which is another regular handheld scanner that is perfect for use with book barcodes.
This scanner does not require any software installations, but is instead plug and play with your choice of wireless, bluetooth, or USB connection. You can connect to both Mac and Windows computers, as well as Android and Apple mobile and tablet devices.
With this device, you have three different scanning modes: manual (with the trigger), continuous, and auto sense. This gives you plenty of options for your scanning needs, and you can also scan 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes (including QR), and barcodes on digital screens.
If you choose to go with a wireless or Bluetooth connection method, the scanner has a transmission range of between 98 feet to 493 feet depending on how many obstacles are in the room…which gives you plenty of space to move around and scan books even in different rooms without worrying about connection!
Buy the ScanAvenger Wireless 2D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner now!
3. Inateck Bluetooth 1D Barcode Scanner
The Inateck Bluetooth 1D Barcode Scanner is another useful option if you’re looking for a scanner just for use on physical books!
This scanner measures in at 3.62″ x 2.72″ x 6.38″, and is easy to deploy out of the box. It’s compatible with Android, Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and more…so you have lots of choices for operating systems to use with it! You simply connect via Bluetooth as shown in the instruction manual.
One of the nice things about this scanner is that a full charge allows up to 15 continuous working days without needing to charge again. Transmission range is in the mid-range, with this scanner supporting up to 115 feet…but that still gives you plenty of room to work with! And, of course, if you connect it via Bluetooth to your mobile device and carry your mobile device with you, then your transmission range is infinite.
Scanning modes supported by this scanner includes manual mode (press the button once to scan), auto-sensing mode (scans when put in front of a barcode), and continuous scanning mode (always on). It is only 1D barcode compatible, but one of this scanner’s strong suits is scanning under various lighting types (meaning it works well even if the lighting is dim where you are scanning books).
Buy the Inateck Bluetooth 1D Barcode Scanner now!
4. TEEMI 2D Barcode Scanner
Another handheld regular book barcode scanner you might want to consider is the TEEMI 2D Barcode Scanner. This barcode scanner comes in your choice of with or without a stand, meaning it’s a good option no matter whether you need the stand or not!
With this 4.2″ x 2.7″ x 7.1″ scanner, you can easily capture all the common barcode types ranging from 1D, to 2D, to digital barcodes. It is a wired only scanner (meaning it is not compatible for wireless or Bluetooth use) but all you have to do is plug it into your Windows, Mac OS, or Linux computer and it is ready to start using!
It also offers many configurable options, including manual scanning (press the trigger) and automatic scanning (without trigger press) meaning it’s a good option if you have a lot of books to scan in. It will also automatically switch to hands-free automatic scanning mode when placed in the stand and will switch back to trigger mode when taken out, which is nice if you plan to switch between the two modes often!
Buy the TEEMI 2D Barcode Scanner now!
5. NADAMOO Wireless 1D Barcode Scanner
The NADAMOO Wireless 1D Barcode Scanner could also be a good option if you’re looking for a wireless ISBN scanner for books.
This scanner measures in at 6.34″ x 3.98″ x 3.15″, and offers transmission of up to 328 feet for indoor use. Scanning modes offered include both manual trigger scanning and continuous scan mode in case you want to scan quickly and seamlessly. And another cool feature of this scanner is that you can use it in two modes: upload mode and storage mode. If you are far away from the receiver, you can actually still use it and simply choose for the data to be stored in internal offline storage! Then, when you are back within the wireless transmission range, you can upload the captured barcode data to your computer.
However, because it connects via a mini USB receiver, it is not compatible with smartphones or tablets but will only connect with Windows, Mac OS, or Linux computers. It also can’t read barcodes from screens or any type of 2D barcode, which isn’t a deal-breaker…unless you foresee yourself needing to scan those types of barcodes in the near future.
Buy the NADAMOO Wireless 1D Barcode Scanner now!
6. Honeywell 1400G Voyager 2D Barcode Scanner
The last of the regular handheld barcode scanners to make this list of best ISBN book scanners is the Honeywell 1400G Voyager 2D Barcode Scanner.
Measuring 7.1″ x 2.6″ x 1.7″, this scanner is perfect for those who need to scan 1D, 2D, and digital barcodes. It comes with a stand as well, meaning the barcode reader can be used in a fixed position if you would like.
This is a wired only barcode scanner, though, and comes with a USB cable that allows you to connect it to a computer (or into another host system that you can buy through Honeywell separately). It’s a sturdy scanner and comes with the option to use Honeywell’s Remote MasterMind software to manage the device remotely if you would like, although you can use it without the software as well. This option might be best for you if you plan to use it most often in one place in its stand, as that is one of its biggest selling points…but the 2D barcode scanning feature is very nice to have as well!
Buy the Honeywell 1400G Voyager 2D Barcode Scanner now!
7. Eyoyo Mini 1D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
Moving on to mini book barcode scanners, the Eyoyo Mini 1D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner is one you should definitely check out if you want a barcode scanner with good capability but in a smaller size!
This scanner measures 3″ x 1.5″ x 0.5″ and is ultralightweight, making it a great choice for portable use (for example, taking to a bookstore). Since it is a mini size, however, the battery life is not as long as some of the regular handheld scanners on this list…but it will last for 5 hours on a full charge so that is pretty good if you need to take it with you somewhere!
This scanner connects with your choice of wireless, Bluetooth, or USB wired connection and can connect with laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more on operating systems including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Android. Its transmission distance is up to 98 feet when wireless or 164 feet with Bluetooth,
You can also use this in instant upload mode where it sends the barcode data direct to your device, or you can use it with storage mode where you can scan offline and store the barcodes until you return to the transmission range. It is, however, only a 1D scanner which means you cannot use it with 2D barcodes or digital screens…but it does a great job of scanning damaged or distorted barcodes, in case that’s something you’re looking for!
Buy the Eyoyo Mini 1D Bluetooth Barcode Scanner now!
8. Tera Wireless Mini Pocket 2D Barcode Scanner
Another mini scanner you should consider, particularly if you need 2D barcode scanning capabilities, is the Tera Wireless Mini Pocket 2D Barcode Scanner.
This scanner is unique in that it is waterproof, and it measures in at 3.4″ x 1.57″ x 0.78″. You can connect it to your devices (computer or mobile) via Bluetooth, wireless, or wired connection or you can use its storage mode for offline barcode scanning…and the transmission distance for wireless use is 98+ feet.
What might make this a smarter choice than the previous mini ISBN barcode scanner is that you can use this one with 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes, and barcodes on digital screens. If you think at all that you might need that functionality now or in the future, going ahead with this mini 2D barcode scanner could be a good investment!
Buy the Tera Wireless Mini Pocket 2D Barcode Scanner now!
9. Eyoyo 1D Wireless Ring Barcode Scanner
The third style of ISBN barcode scanner you might want to consider is the ring barcode scanner, and this Eyoyo 1D Wireless Ring Barcode Scanner could be a great option if you only need 1D compatibility!
This scanner comes in a wearable ring design, meaning it’s super portable and easy to keep with you no matter where you go. Since it’s lightweight, this could also be a good option for those who struggle to hold devices in their hand for health or other reasons.
You can get up to 12 hours of continuous scanning on one charge, although it may be less if you are scanning barcodes quickly and frequently. It connects via Bluetooth, wireless, or wired connection to Windows, Android, or iOS devices (including smartphones), and the transmission range is up to 30 feet.
While the transmission range is lower than the larger ISBN scanners on this list, it shouldn’t really matter if you decide to connect it to your smartphone and carry your smartphone with you since you’ll never be more than 30 feet away from your phone. But it also allows for storing up to 5,000 barcodes in its built-in storage, so if you are away from the transmission range you can store them this way and upload them later.
However, keep in mind that this ring barcode scanner is only compatible with 1D barcodes, so you should not get this one if you plan to scan QR codes, other 2D barcodes, or barcodes on screens. This ring scanner also has trouble with reading barcodes from silver foil paper that reflects light, so that’s something to keep in mind before you buy as well.
Buy the Eyoyo 1D Wireless Ring Barcode Scanner now!
10. Tera Pro 2D Wireless Ring Barcode Scanner
And last on this list of the best ISBN scanners is this Tera Pro 2D Wireless Ring Barcode Scanner!
This is another ring barcode scanner design that is lightweight and perfect for when you need a highly-portable scanner. It works with Bluetooth, wireless, and wired connections and also has built-in memory that allows up to 50,000 barcodes to be stored when outside the transmission range.
It allows for up to 10 hours of scanning time on a full charge, and is compatible with 1D and 2D barcodes on both paper and screen. This gives you a lot of flexibility in case you need to scan 2D or digital barcodes for any reason now or in the future, and all of this is packed into a super small sized barcode scanner that is wearable! It’s a pretty incredible device and worth it if it meets all your feature requirements for a book barcode scanner.
