Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK vs html5-qrcode
html5-qrcode is an open-source HTML and JavaScript library for scanning 1D and 2D barcodes, built on the ZXing-js library. The Scanbot SDK is a commercial barcode scanner alternative with advanced features, strong performance, and enterprise technical support.
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Key differences
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a mobile barcode scanning solution.
Capabilities and performance
html5-qrcode provides basic scanning capabilities and supports a broad range of barcode types, including GS1 DataBar (Expanded) and MaxiCode. It is less accurate on low-contrast or inverted barcodes.
The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK offers specialized scan modes such as Find & Pick and Scan & Count, as well as an AR overlay. It supports a wide range of 1D, 2D, and postal barcodes, and provides parsers for structured data. The SDK maintains high scanning performance in challenging conditions such as low light or damaged or poorly-printed barcodes.
Customization & developer experience
html5-qrcode offers both a high-level library with a pre-built UI and a low-level library to build your own UI with. Integration for basic scanning is straightforward, but achieving enterprise-level performance and reliability requires substantial tuning and customization.
Scanbot SDK, meanwhile, provides ready-to-use UI components for rapid, easy setup. You can configure the scanning modes, result sheet, user guidance texts, top and action bars, color palette, and viewfinder. Building and customizing the scanner takes just a few lines of code.
Maintenance & support
html5-qrcode is no longer actively developed, with its latest release dating back to April 2023. According to its GitHub readme, the project is in maintenance mode. In fact, the author is no longer merging pull requests or developing new features.
The Scanbot SDK, conversely, is in active development. The developers ship regular updates, new features, and continuous improvements at no extra cost. Customers facing issues can rely on an experienced technical support team to assist them.
“The open-source solutions we tried were slow and inaccurate. With Scanbot SDK, we got the whole package. The integration was fast and easy, and we are highly satisfied with their solutions. The SDKs are saving us a good amount of time.”
Detailed feature comparison
From barcode types to platform support, pricing, and the integration experience: Here’s how Scanbot SDK and html5-qrcode stack up against each other.
Native SDKs
Yes
- Android
- iOS
- Windows (UWP, WinUI 3)
No
Web
Yes
- JavaScript + WebAssembly (WASM)
Yes
- JavaScript + HTML
Cross-platform frameworks
Yes
- React Native
- Flutter
- Cordova
- .NET MAUI
- Xamarin & Xamarin.Forms
- Ionic Capacitor
- Compose Multiplatform
No
Embedded/Server solutions
Yes
- Linux (beta)
- Low-level C API
- Node.JS API
- Python API
- Java API
No
1D barcodes
Yes
- Codabar
- Code 128
- Code 32
- Code 39
- Code 93
- EAN-8
- EAN-13
- GS1 DataBar
- GS1 DataBar Expanded
- ITF
- IATA 2 of 5
- Industrial 2 of 5
- UPC-A
- UPC-E
- UPC/EAN Extension
- Code 11
- Code 25
- GS1 DataBar Limited
- GS1-128
- MSI Plessey
- PZN
- One-track Pharmacode
- Two-track Pharmacode
Yes
- Codabar
- Code 128
- Code 32
- Code 39
- Code 93
- EAN-8
- EAN-13
- GS1 DataBar
- GS1 DataBar Expanded
- ITF
- IATA 2 of 5
- Industrial 2 of 5
- UPC-A
- UPC-E
- UPC/EAN Extension
2D barcodes
Yes
- Aztec Code
- Data Matrix Code
- MaxiCode
- PDF417
- QR Code
- GS1 Data Matrix Code
- GS1 DataBar Composite
- Micro QR Code
- MicroPDF417 Code
- NTIN Code
- rMQR Code
Yes
- Aztec Code
- Data Matrix Code
- MaxiCode
- PDF417
- QR Code
Postal symbologies
Yes
- USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode
- RM4SCC Barcode
- Australia Post 4-State Customer Code
- Japan Post 4-State Customer Code
- KIX
No
Single Scanning
Detect one barcode at a time
Yes
Yes
Batch Scanning
Scan multiple codes in succession within one session
Yes
Yes
Multi Scanning
Capture several barcodes simultaneously from a single camera view
Yes
No
Find & Pick
Visually highlight and selectively scan specific barcodes
Yes
No
Scan & Count
Automatically count multiple items
Yes
No
AR Overlay
Display detected barcodes and select them in an augmented reality view
Yes
No
Data parsers
Extract structured information from 1D and 2D barcodes
Yes
- AAMVA (US Driver’s Licenses)
- vCard (contact information)
- Boarding Pass (IATA BCBP)
- GS1 Application Identifiers
- ID Cards (PDF417)
- HIBC (Health Industry Bar Code)
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Swiss QR Code
- SEPA QR (EPC QR Code)
- German Medical Certificate (AU)
- German Medication Plan (Medikationsplan)
No
CCPA and GDPR
Yes
Unclear
No clear information on compliance with data security regulations
On-device processing
Yes
Unclear
No clear information on on-device processing
Usage tracking
No, zero tracking
No connection to our or any third-party servers
Unclear
No clear information on usage tracking
Third-party dependencies
Low risk
Transparent; clearly lists third-party dependencies with version used
Might involve risk
As with all open-source dependencies used in production systems, security and maintenance should be evaluated and monitored
Pricing and licensing model
Fixed annual license fee
- Custom quote based on your use case and number of app integrations
- Unlimited scanning for one flat annual fee
- All features and future updates included at no extra cost
Check out Rimi Baltic’s success story to learn more.
Free and open source
Free trial options
Yes
- 7-day free trial: Self-service trial license, no login/email required
- Extended PoC license available upon request
Free from the start
Developers can access the code without any signup
In active development
Yes
Continuous feature additions and improvements
No
The project is in maintenance mode with no active development
Enterprise support
Yes
Technical support team with years of experience
No
Community support on GitHub
Documentation & sample projects
Yes
Comprehensive guides and sample projects for each supported platform
Yes
Documentation with API references
Demo app
Yes
Test all the functionalities in the barcode scanner demo app
Yes
Test the scanner in the online demo
Pre-built UI components
Yes
Configurable Ready-to-Use UI screens for fast integration
Yes
html5qr-code offers a high-level library with a pre-built UI
