How to Choose the Best Barcode Scanner SDK for Your App

You probably scoured Reddit threads or pinged ChatGPT about choosing the best barcode scanner SDK before landing here. Still searching for real answers? Here, we’ll break down the technical criteria to look for, and how to relate them to your development needs and business goals.

Skip guesswork and hallucinations. Our advice is built on hard-earned experience from the front lines of over 2,100 deployments in retail, logistics, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

To get the best barcode scanner, you also need the right combination of software and hardware—often procured separately. (For guidance on device selection, read our guide on choosing the best barcode scanning hardware.)

Stop! Do this before you start evaluating barcode scanner SDKs

Not so fast. Before getting started, write down what you want the SDK's features to do. One sentence is enough.

If that sentence is a variation of “getting barcode data into my system,” consider that there’s more happening in enterprise situations.

Retail employees scan thousands of barcodes a day, needing fast scan times and high accuracy. Last-mile delivery drivers need scanners that work under day and night lighting, and don’t fail when internet connections drop out. And warehouse workers need to scan packages at long distances and awkward angles. (There’s also a detailed mapping of use cases to features down below.)

See how quickly the necessary features add up? But before we get into features to evaluate, let’s get started by answering the first question every developer has:

You may be asking, “Why should I pay for a commercial license, when there are open-source options?”

That’s a valid question. But not all barcode scanning SDKs are equal. Not all use cases are equal, either.

For some scenarios, open source is good enough, and you have options to choose from. For other scenarios, you’ll need the best enterprise barcode scanner SDK you can get.

To ensure your choice is the right one, reframe that question to, “How do the barcode scanner SDK’s features match my intended use case?” Read on to learn more about how to do that. You can also check out our feature-level comparison between open source and Scandit barcode scanning.

The top ten features to evaluate when choosing a barcode scanner SDK are scanning performance, symbology support, UI support, security and privacy, scalability, development environments, documentation, developer support, licensing and pricing, and software releases.

The following sections go through these in detail. While researching and testing your barcode scanner SDK options, consider how they fit within your unique requirements.

Some areas will be more important than others to you, so it’s important to understand your scanning workflows and business requirements before downloading and evaluating software.

1. Barcode scanning performance

Why it matters

Performance covers a range of criteria that affect user experience, business metrics, and device resource usage. Prioritize these criteria based on use case, and measure how well an SDK achieves them through empirical testing.

Things to look for

• Total time to scan
• Scan accuracy (often described as false positive rate)
• Maximum scan range
• Performance in low light
• Battery consumption
• Ability to scan difficult barcodes (torn, obscured, poorly printed, etc.)

Our blog on how to measure barcode scanning performance explains these criteria and recommends test cases to determine if an SDK meets your needs.

For software specifically, we also recommend testing these additional metrics to see the impact on runtime performance:

• Load time: The time it takes for the runtime library to fully function after the app executes it.
• Memory usage: The amount of memory the runtime library consumes during execution.
• Application footprint: The amount of memory the runtime library takes up on user devices.

You can use your existing profiling tools, such as Android Studio's Profiler or Xcode Instruments, to measure and analyze these numbers.

2. Barcode symbology support

Why it matters

A barcode scanner is only as good as the symbologies it supports. If users attempt to scan an Aztec Code and your SDK only handles EAN barcodes, they’ll have to enter data manually.

Things to look for

• Ensure the SDK supports all barcode symbologies your business uses.
• Verify support at the version level of the symbology standard (for example, the most commonly used version for EAN is EAN-13, but there are also EAN-2, EAN-5, and EAN-8 versions).
• Check the performance of your chosen SDK for the specific symbologies you need. Performance within a given SDK can vary widely between symbologies — some libraries have up to a 5% false positive rate for certain symbologies.
• An API that allows you to restrict supported symbologies to improve performance.
• Consider SDKs that handle a broader symbology range to support future needs.

3. Barcode scanning user interface support

Why it matters

Easy-to-use UI components, helpful guidance, and real-time feedback make scanning more effective and improve user adoption rates.

The user experience is really important, because that platform is the product they are working with. If they don't adopt your product, you've lost.

Lonneke Pezie, E-Commerce Consultant at Lekkerland Netherlands

Some SDKs include UI features, and some don’t. The questions to answer are:

1. How much development effort do you want to spend?
2. Does your team have the skills and experience necessary for effective UX design?

Things to look for

• Individual UI components built in, such as scan start/stop buttons, on-screen overlays, and error feedback (audio and haptic).
• Pre-built components that combine multiple UI components into a complete user experience and make integration easier.
• An API that allows you to customize the UI’s look and feel.
• Advanced UX technologies, such as context-based scanning (improves barcode capture using AI) and augmented reality, to help users perform their tasks.
• Sample apps that demonstrate different UI implementations.

4. Security and privacy

Why it matters

Barcode scanning software requires access to device resources, such as the camera, storage, and networking. If not secured correctly, these accesses can potentially expose sensitive data to malicious actors, both on the device and in transit to back-end servers.

Things to look for

• Compliance with general data protection and privacy standards, such as GDPR and the ISO 27000 family.
• Alignment with application-specific standards, such as PCI DSS and HIPAA.
• Barcode processing performed on-device to minimize the chances of network interception. This also improves performance.
• Encryption of all data stored on device and transmitted over a network.
• Vendor clouds certified to industry standards and, if required, hosted in your jurisdiction.
• Regular security updates as new vulnerabilities and security techniques are discovered.

5. Scalability to business needs

Why it matters

Scalability is defined by the ability of the barcode scanning SDK to adapt to increasing amounts of work or changing business needs. This comes in three flavors:

1. Increased workloads resulting from factors like more scans per day or more devices running on the network and vendor cloud.
2. New use cases that require different features or workflows. For example, shifting from scanning single barcodes per package to scanning multiple barcodes across an entire shelf.
3. New development or runtime environments as technologies change and requirements evolve.

Things to look for

• Barcode scanning software that meets your performance needs (see criteria above) even under increased workloads.
• Features that indicate the SDK can adapt to future needs, such as support for multiple barcodes, optimizations for specific use cases (e.g., stock counting or customer self-scanning), and a UI you can extend to improve workflows over time.
• Advanced capabilities that increase efficiency and adapt to changing needs and user behaviors without development effort.

6. Development environment support

Why it matters

Choosing a barcode scanner SDK that supports your existing development environment (programming language, IDE, build chain, and runtime) makes it easier to integrate, test, and deploy.

For example, ZXing is natively implemented in Java, and the community has built versions for languages like JavaScript and Python. These aren’t necessarily as fully featured and tested as the native library. Commercial SDKs tend to support more languages and platforms, with full or close to full support.

Things to look for

• Native implementation for your programming languages and target platforms (e.g., iOS, Android, Linux), or a community-supported fork/version.
• Compatibility with your existing IDE, build chain, and target environment, including specific versions.

The easiest way to see if an SDK will work is to download and run one of their sample apps—see a Scandit sample now in your browser. This will also give you an idea of how easy or hard it is to work with.

7. Developer documentation

Why it matters

If you’ve encountered an API reference with no docs or search results with no filters, you know the importance of a good developer documentation portal.

Implementing barcode scanning effectively can be harder than you think. Without solid documentation, your integration could take way longer than it should.

Things to look for

• Completeness and clarity, so you’re not left wondering how a feature works. Look for tutorials (getting started, advanced features, troubleshooting, etc.), API references, code samples (incl. code documentation), demos, migration guides, knowledge base, known limitations, and a glossary.
• Verify that the guides and API references match the latest SDK release.

8. Developer support

Why it matters

Having good support during development is the difference between getting a bug fixed now and users saying, “It’s a feature, not a bug” later.

Things to look for

• Does the SDK provider offer support for initial configuration and deployment?
• Do they provide ongoing maintenance, updates, and patch support?
• Do the support hours match your needs (e.g., office hours only or 24/7/365)?
• Is expert training available for your team, if needed?
• Is technical support included in the license cost?

9. SDK licensing and pricing

Why it matters

To run a barcode scanning SDK, both in development and production, you must have valid legal permission from its provider. Licensing and pricing models vary, so it's best for you and your IT team to understand how they work and your obligations for software use.

Things to look for

• For open source licenses, you must understand your rights and obligations. For example, the GNU General Public License (GPL) requires anyone using GPL code in their app to make all the app’s source code available under the same GPL license.
• For commercial products, the following table explains the most common types of licensing and pricing models:

Licensing
Perpetual	Once purchased, the user can use the software forever without incurring additional costs.
Floating	Allows you to specify a shared pool of licenses shared across users. Once a specified limit is reached, no access is permitted until a license is returned to the pool.
Subscription	Allows a user to access the software for a set period, such as 30 days (monthly) or 365 days (annually). Once the end of the period is reached, you have the option to renew or cancel.
Pricing
Seat-based	Charges users a flat fee based on the number of users that access the software, regardless of how much it’s used.
Consumption (per-scan)	Charges users based on consumption, such as the number of scans per month.
Feature-based	Charges users based on the features they use. This is usually combined with one of the pricing models above (e.g., per-scan pricing based on single scanning vs. multiple scanning)

10. Barcode scanning software releases

Why it matters

Regular software updates demonstrate that the vendor is committed to providing you with the latest features, bug fixes, and security updates. It also extends the lifetime of your barcode scanning SDK.

Things to look for

• Release notes that explain the history of software updates and fixes.
• A documented release plan (either publicly available or accessed through a sales rep) that shows a commitment to new features and improvements.

The following table illustrates how a barcode scanning SDK’s features and performance directly impact a grocery item’s supply chain processes from production to an online shopper’s house. We’ve also shown how Scandit does it to demonstrate how our features can match your use case.

Sourcing raw materials: The manufacturer receives raw ingredients from farms, fisheries, and other suppliers.
Barcode scanning tasks	Example features	How Scandit does it
Workers scan packages as they’re received, capturing barcode and RFID tag data representing batch IDs and supplier lot codes. This data is sent to ERP systems to associate raw materials with supplier, origin, quality control status, and other information.	High performance (total time to scan, accuracy) Multiple barcode support Failure mode that captures data when RFID scans don't work	MatrixScan Pick scans multiple items at once and identifies items that failed RFID scans using AR. This alerts users to take corrective action.
Manufacturing: Ingredients are processed and packaged into consumer-ready units.
Barcode scanning tasks	Example features	How Scandit does it
Workers track raw materials in batches throughout the facility. Final product packaging includes GS1 barcodes, lot numbers, and expiry dates.	GS1 symbology support Capture barcodes and expiry date text simultaneously	Scandit supports over 40 symbologies. Smart Label Capture extracts multiple barcodes and text from a single package label with one scan.
Warehousing: Packaged goods are stored before distribution, then shipped as orders come in.
Barcode scanning tasks	Example features	How Scandit does it
Items are grouped by SKU and stored on pallets that travel between a shipping dock and storage racks. Packages ready to ship have QR Code labels to track items at every checkpoint: pickup, transfer hubs, and final delivery. A warehouse management system tracks every item from receiving to pick-pack-ship.	Long scan ranges, scanning at awkward angles, and accuracy under a range of lighting conditions	Scandit software leads the industry in scanning accuracy at long ranges, wide angles, and low-light conditions.
Retail operations: Items are stored and tracked in store to minimize stockouts and overstocking. Price labels must match the cash register to avoid customer frustrations or complaints.
Barcode scanning tasks	Example features	How Scandit does it
Retail employees perform stock counts and price verification by scanning items on shelves.	Long scan ranges, scanning at awkward angles, and accuracy under a range of lighting conditions Multiple barcode support Validate against inventory systems	MatrixScan Count captures entire shelves in a single scan and reconciles with stock data in real time. Smart Label Capture accelerates price verification by extracting barcodes and text simultaneously from every item. Industry-leading accuracy means employees can scan at long ranges, wide angles, and low-light conditions without frustration or fatigue.
Order fulfillment: At a retail store, items are picked from inventory and shipped to customers.
Barcode scanning tasks	Example features	How Scandit does it
Workers locate and scan items on shelves to find the right one (picking), assemble them in staging areas, verify the order has all required items before shipping, and select the right order to give to a customer or delivery driver.	Find one barcode among many to help pick the right item Track order assembly progress Multiple barcode support	MatrixScan Find scans multiple barcodes at once and highlights the right product to pick, or the right order to pass to a customer or delivery driver. MatrixScan AR captures multiple barcodes and provides instant guidance on order status to track order assembly progress.
Last-mile delivery: A courier or delivery van transports the package to your house.
Barcode scanning tasks	Example features	How Scandit does it
The delivery driver scans packages during load out and at drop-off.	Find one package among many Poor internet connectivity in remote locations Long battery life	MatrixScan Find scans multiple barcodes simultaneously and locates parcels that match the shipping list. MatrixScan AR guides drivers in searching for and extracting the right parcel every time. Scandit solutions work offline, without an internet connection, and are highly optimized to reduce battery consumption over long periods.

Barcode scanning is the backbone of our business. If we couldn’t read it, our business would be unsustainable. That’s why Scandit’s scanning speed and accuracy are such an important technology that supports our marketing research business.

Yuji Konno, Consumer Data Management Department, Data Management Division, Intage Inc.

Scandit supports thousands of barcode scanning customers across enterprises ranging from retail and logistics to travel and healthcare.

• Enterprise-grade features: Scandit maximizes the available computing power and camera capabilities of today’s smart devices, applying advanced, AI-powered algorithms and UX techniques for unmatched performance and usability. From basic barcode scanning to complex AR-guided workflows, the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK is customizable to fit your unique use cases.
• Enterprise-level support: High-quality support from concept to live operations and maintenance. Our Enterprise-Level Success Team partners with you every step of the way, ensuring your barcode scanning software integrates and deploys successfully..
• SDK options to suit every enterprise application and level of effort: Scandit’s barcode scanning software delivers enterprise-grade scanning performance across a wide range of smart devices and handheld computers. Our portfolio ranges from turnkey, no-code apps to customizable, feature-rich native and web SDKs. Each solution supports various operating systems, programming languages, frameworks, 3rd party systems, and OEM devices, including React Native, Native iOS, Native Android, JavaScript, Xamarin/Xamarin.Forms, Flutter, .NET (Android, iOS, and MAUI), Cordova, Capacitor, and Titanium, Linux/C, IBM MobileFirst, SAP Fiori, and Oracle Xstore.

What is the best programming language for a barcode scanner SDK?

The best programming language for a barcode scanner SDK is the one that meets your application requirements, fits into your development environment, and matches the skill levels of your team.

From a performance perspective, SDKs built using C/C++ tend to be more efficient and consume fewer resources than a language like Java or JavaScript. If your app isn’t developed in C/C++, consider using a wrapper class to call into functions built using those languages if performance is a priority.

Java, JavaScript, React Native, and other newer languages offer a broader developer ecosystem and community resources. As such, you may find it easier to get support.

Note that barcode scanner SDKs for Java and other web-centric languages tend to lag in features for most commercial implementations. Ensure you check their feature list against your requirements.

How do I set up a barcode scanner SDK?

A barcode scanner SDK is a set of libraries that developers include and build into their applications. Depending on the provider, these libraries offer configuration and customization options through API calls. Every SDK’s getting started process is unique.

The Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK provides both pre-built barcode scanning UI components with SparkScan and a fully customizable feature set.

See these blogs to learn how to set up the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK for different frameworks: React Native, Native iOS, Native Android, JavaScript, Xamarin/Xamarin.Forms, Flutter, .NET (Android, iOS, and MAUI), Cordova, Capacitor, Titanium, and Linux/C.

An alternative is barcode scanning apps, such as Scandit Express. These give developers an almost instant solution for barcode scanning. Rather than spend time and effort integrating libraries, Scandit Express only requires a few steps to get advanced barcode scanning features into the hands of users.

What support should I expect from a barcode scanner SDK?

An enterprise-grade barcode scanner SDK should have a strong documentation set, including tutorials, API references, and code samples, and a team of experts available to support your application throughout its entire lifecycle.

To be most effective, this support team should have experience across a wide range of application types and industries, and respond quickly when you need help.

Scandit’s Enterprise-Level Success Team partners with you from trial evaluation to production environment, ensuring every step meets the needs of your business successfully.

Which Android barcode scanner SDK is best?

The best Android barcode scanner SDK depends on your application’s requirements. This includes performance, supported features, and ease of integration across all the Android devices your team supports.

For enterprise use cases like retail inventory, shipping, logistics, and healthcare, advanced Android barcode scanner SDKs like Scandit are widely used. They offer high-speed and highly accurate scanning, support for damaged or tiny barcodes, offline functionality, and integration with native Android apps and cross-platform frameworks.

What is the best barcode scanner SDK for mobile apps?

The best barcode scanner SDK for mobile apps depends on whether you need enterprise performance or basic scanning features. For high-performance and user-friendly mobile apps in retail, logistics, parcel delivery, and similar enterprise environments, Scandit delivers fast, accurate scanning, supports a wide range of barcode types, and includes advanced features like batch scanning, augmented reality feedback, and scenario-specific workflows.

For simple apps, open source options may be sufficient – they’re free and relatively easy to implement but are limited in flexibility, advanced features, and developer support.

What is the best web barcode scanner SDK for mobile data capture?

The best web barcode scanner SDK for mobile data capture combines high-speed, accurate scanning with optimizations for the mobile platform and operating system of choice.

For enterprise use cases, Scandit’s SDKs enable reliable barcode scanning directly in the browser or native apps using a device camera. It supports various levels of development effort, from no-code apps to pre-built barcode scanning packages to fully customizable APIs.

What is the best barcode scanner SDK for iOS?

The best barcode scanner SDK for iOS depends on your use case and performance needs. The Scandit iOS barcode scanner SDK is popular for enterprise-grade applications because it offers fast, reliable scanning in challenging conditions, supports a wide range of barcode types (unlike Apple’s AVCamBarcode under AVFoundation), and includes features like batch scanning, augmented reality overlays, and AI-based scanning.