[2024] Best Barcode Reader SDK: Scandit, Scanbot SDK, and Dynamsoft
Tags: sdk, barcode, mobile, android
Published: 2024-01-09 14:37:38

## Introduction
Selecting the right Barcode Reader Software Development Kit (SDK) is vital for enhancing efficiency and reliability across various applications. This article offers a comprehensive comparison of three leading commercial barcode reader SDKs: Scandit, Scanbot SDK, and Dynamsoft, aiming to guide your decision with a detailed analysis.

## Supported Platforms
The cornerstone of a versatile barcode reader SDK is its multi-platform support, ensuring seamless performance across a diverse range of devices and user preferences. Here’s how our contenders stand:

| Platform        | Scandit | Scanbot SDK | Dynamsoft |
|-----------------|---------|-------------|-----------|
| iOS             | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Android         | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Windows         | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Linux           | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Web/JavaScript  | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| **CROSS-PLATFORM FRAMEWORKS**  |        |           |         
| Cordova         | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Xamarin         | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| .NET / MAUI     | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| React Native    | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Flutter         | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Capacitor       | ✓       | ✓           | –         |

**Summary:** All three SDKs offer comprehensive support across major platforms and cross-platform frameworks, with Dynamsoft lacking only Capacitor support.


## Barcode Symbologies
Understanding the range of barcode symbologies supported by an SDK is essential for ensuring adaptability to various industry needs and future expansions.

### Barcode Format Support

| Barcode Type    | Scandit | Scanbot SDK | Dynamsoft |
|-----------------|---------|-------------|-----------|
| **RETAIL CODES**|         |             |           |
| UPC-A / UPC-E   | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| EAN-8 / EAN-13  | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Code 39         | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Code 93         | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| MSI Code / MSI Plessey | ✓ | ✓           | ✓         |
| GS1 DataBar     | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| **TRANSPORTATION CODES** |  |            |           |
| Code 128        | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) | ✓ | ✓         | ✓         |
| Codabar         | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Industrial 2 of 5 (Code 25) | ✓ | ✓      | ✓         |
| **2D CODES**    |         |             |           |
| QR Code         | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Data Matrix     | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| PDF417          | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |
| Micro QR Code, DPM | ✓    | ✓           | ✓         |
| Aztec Code      | ✓       | ✓           | ✓         |

**Summary:** Each SDK supports the most common barcode formats, covering both common retail and specialized codes, ensuring versatility in various industry applications. There are differences in support for less common barcodes, such as specific postal codes. See their websites for more information.


## Important Scanning Features
Scanning capabilities are pivotal for the practicality and efficiency of a barcode reader SDK.

- **Image Source Support:** All three SDKs support video streams, while Scandit's compatibility with PDF and image formats is unclear. Scanbot SDK and Dynamsoft support these formats.


### Flexible Scan Settings
Customizable scan settings are vital for optimizing the scanning process for various operational contexts.

- All three SDKs excel in allowing scan zone definition, scanning multiple codes simultaneously, and providing visual feedback during scanning.


### UI Consideration
The User Interface (UI) of a barcode reader SDK significantly influences the user experience and operational efficiency. It's crucial for developers to have access to customizable and intuitive UI components to ensure the application is user-friendly and meets the functional requirements.

- Scandit offers pre-built UI components but includes a watermark in its standard version, which may affect the aesthetic of your application.
- Scanbot SDK provides Ready-to-Use UI components without any default watermark, allowing for a cleaner integration into your app's design.
- Dynamsoft does not explicitly offer pre-built UI components, suggesting a focus on backend functionality over frontend ease-of-use.


### Trial and Testing
Testing options are vital for evaluating an SDK's compatibility with your application's requirements.

- Scandit requires an email sign-up for a 30-day free trial, offering ample time to test its features.
- Scanbot SDK allows for a quick start with a 7-day trial without email requirements.
- Dynamsoft also offers a 30-day trial, but it requires both email and phone number for access, which might be a consideration for privacy-conscious developers.


## Pricing
Understanding the pricing model is essential for budget planning and determining the long-term viability of the SDK for your project.

- Scandit uses a volume-based pricing model where costs scale with the number of devices or scans. This makes it a suitable option for smaller projects with fewer scans or devices where it is not economical to commit to a flat fee.
- Scanbot SDK follows a non-volume-based model, offering a yearly flat fee, which might be more predictable for budgeting with a large number of scans and users.
- Dynamsoft does not publicly disclose pricing, necessitating direct inquiry for detailed information.

None of the three SDKs provide specific pricing details publicly. To obtain this information, you'll need to complete a pricing request form available on their respective websites.


## Offline Scanning
Offline scanning capability is crucial for applications that need to operate in environments with limited or no internet connectivity. Additionally, it plays a significant role in enhancing data security, as it minimizes the risk of sensitive information being compromised through online vulnerabilities.

- Scandit supports offline functionality but might require occasional connectivity for user tracking purposes.
- Scanbot SDK delivers 100% offline scanning for uninterrupted operation and improved data security by eliminating server-based risks.
- Dynamsoft offers both offline and online licenses, providing flexibility depending on your application's needs.


## Support
The level of technical and customer support can greatly impact the integration and maintenance of the SDK in your application.

- Scandit offers varied support options, from 24/7 emergency phone support to email support, based on the agreement.
- Scanbot SDK includes developer support via Slack, Teams, or email in its yearly fee, ensuring accessible and ongoing assistance.
- Dynamsoft's support details are not explicitly mentioned, which may require direct inquiry for clarification.


## Conclusion

In choosing the right Barcode Scanner SDK for your project, it's clear that Scandit, Scanbot SDK, and Dynamsoft are closely matched in terms of platform and barcode support. However, they differ in their pricing structures, user interfaces, and offline capabilities. Scandit adopts a volume-based pricing model, making it adaptable for different project sizes. Scanbot SDK, with its fixed annual fee, provides budget predictability, while Dynamsoft's pricing requires direct contact for details. Regarding user interface, Scanbot SDK stands out with its user-friendly, watermark-free design, compared to Scandit's watermark-included UI and Dynamsoft's focus on backend functionality.

Furthermore, the offline scanning feature, crucial for data security, varies across these SDKs. Scanbot SDK excels with its 100% offline capability, enhancing data security by eliminating online risks. In contrast, Scandit and Dynamsoft offer different levels of offline functionality. These key differences in pricing, UI, and offline scanning should be weighed according to your specific needs to ensure you select the most suitable and secure barcode scanning solution for your application.

For more information, visit the SDK providers' websites:
- [Scandit](https://www.scandit.com/)
- [Scanbot SDK](https://scanbot.io/)
- [Dynamsoft](https://www.dynamsoft.com/)