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Handheld Barcode Scanners for Retail, Hospitality & Warehouse
A handheld barcode scanner is the trigger-style scanner you pick up, point and squeeze to scan an item. It is the workhorse of retail counters, warehouses and stockrooms across Australia. POS Plaza stocks handheld scanners from Zebra, Honeywell and Datalogic, in corded USB and cordless Bluetooth versions, and in both 1D laser and 2D imager models. Prices start from around $99 inc GST with same-day dispatch from Sydney.
1D laser or 2D imager — which should I buy?
1D laser scanners such as the Zebra LS2208 read standard retail line barcodes quickly and cheaply. They are the right pick for a shop that scans EAN or UPC barcodes at the till and nothing more. 2D imager scanners such as the Zebra DS2208 read 1D barcodes plus QR codes, DataMatrix and codes shown on a phone screen. If you handle mobile vouchers, loyalty QR codes, or you want one scanner that reads everything, choose 2D.
Corded or cordless?
Corded USB scanners plug straight into your computer or POS terminal and never need charging. They are the most reliable and lowest cost option for a fixed counter. Cordless Bluetooth scanners such as the Zebra DS2278 give you range to walk to bulky stock, scan, and return to the till, charging on a cradle between uses. Choose corded for a fixed checkout, cordless for stocktakes and large items.
Will a handheld scanner work with my POS software?
Yes. A USB handheld scanner is plug and play. It behaves like a keyboard, so the barcode is typed straight into whatever field is active, with no driver to install. Handheld scanners work with Square, Shopify POS, Vend (Lightspeed), MYOB, Retail Express and effectively any Windows, Mac or web-based POS that accepts keyboard input.
What's in the range?
The Zebra LS2208 is the most popular entry 1D USB scanner in Australia, proven over years of retail use. The Zebra DS2208-SR steps up to 2D imaging on a USB cable, and the Zebra DS2278 is the cordless Bluetooth 2D version of the same scanner with a charging cradle. We also carry handheld models from Honeywell, Datalogic, Cino and Opticon to suit different budgets and duty levels.
How much do handheld barcode scanners cost in Australia?
- Entry 1D USB scanner (Zebra LS2208 class): from around $99 to $160 inc GST
- 2D USB imager (Zebra DS2208 class): around $250 to $400 inc GST
- Cordless 2D Bluetooth scanner with cradle (Zebra DS2278 class): around $400 to $700 inc GST
All prices inc GST. Prices listed were accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice, so please check the individual product page for current pricing. Browse the full barcode scanner range, see all cordless barcode scanners, or call 1300 115 808 for advice.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is the Zebra LS2208 a good scanner for a small shop?
A: Yes. The LS2208 is a 1D USB laser scanner that is reliable, plug and play, and one of the most widely used retail scanners in Australia. It is ideal for a shop scanning standard product barcodes at the counter. If you also need to read QR codes, step up to a 2D model.
Q: Do handheld barcode scanners need software or drivers?
A: No. A USB handheld scanner works as a plug and play keyboard device. Plug it in and the barcode is entered into the active field automatically, with no driver to install on Windows, Mac or most web-based POS systems.
Q: Can a handheld scanner read QR codes?
A: Only 2D imager models read QR codes. A 1D laser scanner such as the LS2208 reads line barcodes only. For QR codes, DataMatrix or codes on a phone screen, choose a 2D scanner like the Zebra DS2208 or DS2278.
Q: What is the difference between corded and cordless scanners?
A: Corded scanners plug into USB and never need charging, which suits a fixed counter. Cordless Bluetooth scanners let you move around to scan bulky or shelved stock and charge on a cradle between uses. Corded is cheaper and simpler; cordless adds mobility.
Q: Will it work with Square or Shopify?
A: Yes. Handheld USB scanners work with Square, Shopify POS, Vend, MYOB and Retail Express because they enter the barcode as keyboard input. Pair a 2D model if you need to scan QR-based vouchers or loyalty codes.