1D or 2D: which scanner do you need?

What does each one read?

1D scanners read the classic striped barcodes found on most food and consumer products. 2D scanners read those too, plus square codes like QR and DataMatrix — including codes shown on a phone screen.

When is a 1D scanner enough?

If you only scan products with barcodes printed on paper or labels — for example a small market where every item carries a standard barcode — a 1D scanner does the job. It is the most economical option, and its laser technology reads quickly at a good distance.

When do you definitely need 2D?

• Digital coupons and loyalty cards: customers increasingly show codes from their phones — only a 2D scanner reads from a screen.
• Fiscal receipts and QR: newer fiscal and payment processes use QR codes.
• Pharmacies and pharmaceuticals: much packaging uses DataMatrix, which requires 2D reading.
• Damaged labels: the camera-based reading of 2D scanners tolerates torn, wet or poorly printed labels far better.