Best 2D Barcode Scanners Tested for GS1 Digital Link QR Codes

With the Sunrise 2027 deadline approaching, many companies have started testing GS1 Digital Link QR codes on their products. The goal is to ensure these codes function properly at both point-of-sale (POS) and for customer engagement.

While GS1 and ISO provide the standards, actual scanning tests often reveal how these codes perform in real-world conditions. That’s why we began conducting a series of GS1 QR code tests to see how much customization the QR code can take while remaining reliably scannable.

To understand this, we used the best 2D barcode scanners tested to evaluate a series of QR code samples. These samples range from standard black-and-white versions to designs with brand colors, different contrast levels, custom patterns, and added data.

We didn’t include QR codes with logos because GS1 generally discourages them. Logos uses up the error correction feature, making the code less resilient to damage. And really, a product QR doesn’t need a logo; the packaging already shows the brand.

This initiative helps answer a key question for many brands: how far can you modify a GS1 Digital Link QR code and still have it scanned effectively?

You can view our sample forms to see the variations we tested.

Scanners Samples

Important Notes 

1. We’re publishing the initial findings from our ongoing scanner testing to share what we’ve learned so far. A separate round of testing with barcode verifiers is currently in progress. 

Once we have comprehensive results from both scanners and verifiers, we will publish a dedicated follow-up post to compare the findings and analyze the relationship between scanning performance and verification grades.

2. We also encourage companies and individuals who have their own barcode scanners to conduct similar tests. Sharing your results or insights will help everyone better understand how GS1 Digital Link QR codes perform under different conditions.

We recognize that not all devices in the market come from major brands. We don’t discourage the use of lesser-known scanner models. Their performance offers valuable insight into real-world compatibility.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please fill out this short form. Your input will help improve this ongoing study.

Inquiries and Suggestion Form

Thank you in advance for contributing to this effort.

The Metrics

This GS1 QR code testing involves 10 samples, each tested in two sizes: 15 mm, representing typical product packaging, and 32 mm, representing logistic labels. We’re aware that the data for a logistics label (SSCC) differs from product codes (GTIN), but for the purpose of this test, we'll keep the data identical for both sizes.

Metrics Evaluated:

1. Does it scan, and is the data correct? – Confirms the scanner reads the QR code accurately.
2. 5 quick scans – Checks if the scanner reads the code consistently across five attempts. The baseline sample scan speed is the key reference for this metric.
3. Scanning Range– the farthest distance at which the QR code could still be scanned successfully with the device.

List of 2D barcode scanners and mobile computers used, and how they performed

Overview of the scanners tested and their scanning results. This is what we have collected so far. The combined results from all scanners will provide a good measure of how much customization each can handle without issues.

Zebra Technologies

Zebra Technologies is a U.S. company known for enterprise-grade scanners and mobile computers. The scanners we tested have PRZM Intelligent Imaging, Zebra’s decoding software. It improves image quality, detects edges, and enhances subtle contrasts. 

This allows the scanners to read difficult barcodes, including damaged codes or those printed in colored inks(including shades of red and orange), which often trouble traditional laser scanners.

1. Zebra TC27

 The TC27 is a rugged handheld Android mobile computer from. It offers two scan engine options:

• SE4710 (Standard Range): Reads 2D barcodes up to about 2.5 feet (0.76 m). Suitable for retail and inventory tasks.
• SE55 (Advanced Range, IntelliFocus™): Reads barcodes from close up to long distances. Ideal for mixed environments like warehouses or backrooms.

Performance: The TC27 handled all GS1 Digital Link codes accurately. Its flexible scan engines make it adaptable to various operational needs.

2. Zebra DS2278

The DS2278 is a cordless 2D scanner for point-of-sale and light industrial tasks. It uses a 640 x 480 pixel sensor with dual red LEDs and an amber aiming pattern. Optimized for short-range scanning up to 17 inches, it works well for retail checkout, inventory, and document scanning.

Performance: The DS2278 scanned all GS1 Digital Link codes reliably and consistently, as expected for close-range POS applications.

iData

Produced by iData, a Chinese manufacturer specializing in industrial mobile terminals. The T3 Pro is a rugged enterprise handheld mobile computer built for frontline work in logistics, retail, and delivery environments. It features a built-in 2D scanner designed for short to mid-range scanning.

Performance: The iData T3 Pro had some issues. It failed to scan samples 4 and 7, but the rest scanned successfully. Its built-in scanner has mid-range capability and works as advertised.

Honeywell

Honeywell is a U.S. company known for reliable scanners used in retail, warehousing, and light industrial tasks. Both the Voyager 1470g and 1472g are 2D area imagers designed for fast barcode scanning. Other than power connectivity, scanning features are the same.  (1470g: Corded version. 1472g: Cordless version.)

Performance:

• Sample 3 scanned correctly in only 3 out of 5 attempts.
• Sample 10, with a long data string, low contrast (below 55%), and very small modules, failed to scan.

These results indicate both models may struggle with low-contrast or very small barcodes, though they handle standard codes reliably.

GS1 Digal Link QR codes samples tested

The samples were chosen to include different data lengths, contrasts, and customized patterns that affect module size.

Sample 1: GTIN Only Black-and-White (Baseline), no Customization

Reason for this sample: We start with a baseline sample using a standard black-and-white QR code containing only the GTIN. The purpose is to serve as a reference point. By testing a simple code first, we can compare how additional data or design changes affect scanning performance.

Sample 2: GTIN only (Contrast: 38.7%)

Reason for this sample: To test whether a contrast below 40 percent, which is a failing verification grade, affects scanning performance.

Sample 3: GTIN Only (Contrast: 45%)

Reason for this sample: To check if a contrast level slightly above 40% is enough for a successful scan and consistent decoding performance.

Sample 4: GTIN Only, Red QR code

Reason for this sample: To verify if using red as the foreground color leads to scanning failure, as noted in ISO/IEC guidelines, which discourage red or similar hues since scanners using red light may not detect them properly.

Note: While most modern imagers equipped with white light illumination or advanced software algorithms can read red QR code colors, budget or legacy 2D scanners may still fail if they rely solely on standard red LEDs without sufficient contrast enhancement.

Sample 5: GTIN Only, Black-and-White with Customized Circle Pattern

This QR code uses circular modules with spaces instead of standard squares, and the finder pattern is also modified. These changes reduce the X-dimension, making the individual modules smaller than usual.

Reason for this sample: To check if using circular patterns with spaces causes decoding issues or affects scanning performance.

Sample 6: GTIN Only, with Diamonds and Altered Finder Pattern (Contrast: 72%)

This QR code uses diamond-shaped modules and an altered finder pattern. The luminance contrast is 72%, well above the minimum recommended level.

Reason for this sample: To test if a customized pattern combined with high contrast (over 50%) affects scanning performance or causes decoding issues.

Sample 7: GTIN Only, with Squares, Spaces, and Altered Finder Pattern (Contrast: 41.8%)

This QR code uses square modules with spaces and an altered finder pattern. The luminance contrast is 41.8%, just above the 40% minimum passing level.

Reason for this sample: To check if a custom pattern with lower contrast (less than 50%) can cause scanning or decoding issues.

Sample 8: GTIN and Multiple AIs with Values (Black-and-White)

Aside from a GTIN, this QR code includes multiple GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) and values: Consumer Product Variant, Batch or Lot Number, Serial Number, Packaging Date, Expiration Date, and Country of Origin. It serves as the baseline for QR codes containing more data.

Reason for this sample: To check if a longer data string affects scanning speed, accuracy, or overall readability.

Sample 9: GTIN with Multiple AIs and Values (Contrast: 75.8%)

This QR code contains the same data as Sample 8, including GTIN, Consumer Product Variant, Batch or Lot Number, Serial Number, Packaging Date, Expiration Date, and Country of Origin.

Reason for this sample: To check if having a long data string combined with a contrast level below 80% affects scanning performance or causes decoding errors.

Sample 10: GTIN with Multiple AIs and Values (Contrast: 51.6%)

This QR code uses circular modules with spaces and includes multiple Application Identifiers and values. It’s the most customized sample in this test.

Reason for this sample: To check if combining a long data string, contrast below 55%, and a custom circular pattern results in scanning issues or inconsistent decoding.

Guiding Your QR Code Customization and Scanner Choices

Use our findings as a guide when customizing your GS1 Digital Link QR codes. Whether you choose brand colors or high-contrast tones, always balance design with function. A QR code that looks good but fails to scan defeats its purpose.

Not all scanners read codes the same way, especially with customized designs. Some devices may struggle with certain colors, contrast levels, or patterns. Using the best 2D barcode scanners tested in real-world packaging and lighting conditions ensures your codes remain consistently scannable and reliable. This also helps determine which barcode styles or customizations work best for your specific scanning environment.

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank all the participants and contributors who helped make this testing possible. Your time and effort in sharing scanner and verifier results greatly support this ongoing study.

Barcotech

Grandtech

FAQ

Is the UPC barcode being phased out?

No. UPC barcodes are still used. The GS1 Digital Link QR code is offered as an alternative, not a replacement.

Do I only need the GS1 Digital Link QR code on my product?

Not yet. We’re in a transition. Products still need both UPC and GS1 Digital Link QR codes because some retailers can’t scan 2D codes at checkout.

Where can I generate a GS1 Digital Link QR code?

You can follow GS1’s guidelines to develop software to generate codes, or use third-party platforms like QR TIGER.