Last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 03:33 pm

The key to any successful business is efficiency, and one key to efficiency is mobility. For businesses that have the constant need to be moving, delivering, or just removed from a desk setting, having mobile and handheld devices are a game changer! Here are some of the best handheld scanners on the market, and how they can help your business.

Best all-around handheld ID scanner | Unitech PA768

The Unitech PA768 is the latest handheld ID scanner to hit the market. Users benefit from a large, edge-to-edge touchscreen with significantly higher resolution than any other previous ID scanner. The device runs on Android 12, which is faster and more security than legacy scanners, which typically run on Android 8 or earlier.

Additionally, the Unitech PA768 boasts an extremely large scanning range, from 3″ to 3′. This makes it extremely easy to scan IDs in high volume environments, as the security person or bouncer does not need to spend time centering the ID or holding it a consistent length from the laser scanner, the Unitech PA768 will successfully read the document at almost any length and angle.

We expect this device to remain the standard for a handheld ID scanner for several years to come.

Most durable handheld ID scanner | Panasonic N1

The FZ-N1 is the perfect choice for those businesses that have high volumes of customers. It is quick, powerful, and features a 12 hour battery life, but if you still worry that one battery isn’t enough, don’t. This device allows for quick and easy battery swaps if one needs to be recharged. Oh, and did we mention it has a military grade design? That makes it one of the toughest scanners we offer, making it a key design for  those at the mercy of frequent drink spills, drunk individuals, or just clumsy employees.

The Panasonic FZ-N1 has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, so it is able to be used on or offline, so it is especially ideal for areas that may not always have the best internet connection. The scanner also offers an 8-megapixel shooter that is able to read MRZs (machine readable zone). The scanner does not have UV or IR capabilities though, so if authentication is something you need, a mobile unit might not be the best option for your business.

Best multi-use handheld ID scanner | IDWare Falcon

The IDWare Falcon is perfect for those establishments that want an all-in-one solution. This tablet sized ID scanner is not just a scanner, but has the visitor management aspect built right in. The Falcon can be portable for when you’re running around your business and need to take advantage of the hand strap, but it can also be mounted on a stand. This scanner can be used on or offline which makes it a great option for those with spotty WiFi or those in the field doing deliveries.

The IDWare Falcon has a whopping 8 LCD inch screen, and the built-in scanner is able to read 1D and 2D barcodes, PDF417, NFC and MRZs. This makes it especially good for those Bars and Nightclubs that get a lot of international visitors that may not have a United States driver’s license. 

Best affordable handheld ID scanner | IDWare 9000+

The IDWare 9000 is an Android based handheld scanner that not only scans IDs, but also passports. This makes it another key scanner for those businesses that have a large number of international customers. While it is not as rugged as the FZ-N1, the IDWare 9000 is still a great option for those needing a handheld scanner. 

The IDWare 9000 features a 4600mAh lithium rechargeable battery, with 12 hours of run time, a 5.5 inch touchscreen display, and is capable of reading 1D & 2D barcodes, as well as MRZs. It runs in conjunction with our VeriScan application that allows the users to scan IDs, check for validity, and even tag customers as frequent customers or problem patrons.

Best handheld ID scanner for military, government uses | Zebra TC21

Another great option for a mobile scanner is the Zebra TC21. Like the others, it also has the capability to scan both driver’s licenses and passports, and features a run time of up to 10 hours. This device can be used both on or offline which can be an essential function for companies delivering age restricted products, or even for bouncers that are too far away from the Wi-Fi inside. 

How to choose the right handheld ID scanner for your business

Above are four solid options for anyone in need of a handheld scanner, but if none of those suit your needs, we have plenty of other ID scanners for you to choose from. Be sure to contact one of our industry experts so that they can help guide you to make the best decision for your business.