Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK vs ZXing Lite
ZXing Lite is a simplified version of ZXing, specifically for Android. Scanbot SDK is a commercial ZXing Lite alternative with broader platform support, advanced features, and enterprise support.
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Key differences
Here are the main considerations for choosing the right mobile barcode scanning software.
Scanning capabilities
ZXing Lite supports a broad selection of barcode types and can also generate barcodes. However, it may struggle in challenging cases such as damaged, blurry, or low-lit barcodes – a limitation inherited from the original ZXing library.
In addition to barcode scanning, Scanbot SDK provides document scanning and data capture. The Barcode Scanner SDK supports a wide range of 1D, 2D, and postal barcodes, as well as document parsers. Specialized scanning modes, like Find & Pick or Scan & Count are available out of the box.
Platform support
ZXing Lite is only available for Android.
Scanbot SDK provides SDKs for native Android, iOS and Windows, as well as for Web. As for cross-platform frameworks, it supports React Native, Flutter, Kotlin Multiplatform, .NET MAUI, Capacitor, Cordova, and Xamarin. Lastly, the SDK is also available for server-based applications on Linux.
Maintenance and support
While ZXing Lite actively receives updates, it’s worth noting that the original ZXing library is in maintenance mode. This means changes to the decoding engine are highly unlikely. ZXing Lite users are dependent on community support.
Meanwhile, the Scanbot SDK is in active development with updates, new features, and continuous improvements being shipped on a regular basis. When customers need assistance, they can rely on a technical support team with years of experience.
Switching to Scanbot SDK from ZXing significantly improved our ability to scan Data Matrix codes. We evaluated several solutions, and the Scanbot SDK provided the perfect blend of performance and value.
Detailed feature comparison
From barcode types to platform support, pricing, and the integration experience: Here’s how Scanbot SDK and ZXing Lite stack up against each other.
Native SDKs
Yes
- Android
- iOS
- Windows (UWP, WinUI 3)
Yes
- Android
Web
Yes
JavaScript + WebAssembly (WASM)
No
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 39
- Code 93
- EAN-8
- EAN-13
- GS1 DataBar
- GS1 DataBar Expanded
- ITF
- UPC-A
- UPC-E
- UPC/EAN Extension
- Code 11
- Code 25
- Code 32
- GS1 DataBar Limited
- GS1-128
- IATA 2 of 5
- Industrial 2 of 5
- MSI Plessey
- PZN
- One-track Pharmacode
- Two-track Pharmacode
Yes
- Codabar
- Code 128
- Code 39
- Code 93
- EAN-8
- EAN-13
- GS1 DataBar
- GS1 DataBar Expanded
- ITF
- UPC-A
- UPC-E
- UPC/EAN Extension
2D barcodes
Yes
- Aztec Code
- Data Matrix Code
- MaxiCode
- PDF417 Code
- QR Code
- GS1 DataBar Composite
- Micro QR Code
- MicroPDF417 Code
- NTIN Code
- rMQR Code
Yes
- Aztec Code
- Data Matrix Code
- MaxiCode
- PDF417 Code
- 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
- GS1 Application Identifiers
- AAMVA (US Driver’s Licenses)
- HIBC (Health Industry Bar Code)
- Boarding Pass (IATA BCBP)
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Swiss QR Code
- German Medical Certificate (AU)
- vCard (contact information)
- SEPA QR (EPC QR Code)
- German Medication Plan (Medikationsplan)
- ID Cards (PDF417)
Yes
- GS1 Application Identifiers (only GS1 DataBar and GS1 DataBar Expanded)
CCPA and GDPR
Yes
Unclear
No public information found
On-device processing
Yes, 100% offline
Yes
Usage tracking
No, zero tracking
No connection to our or any third-party servers
No
Third-party dependencies
Low risk
Transparent; clearly lists third-party dependencies with version used
Might involve risk
Dependencies should be audited before use in production environments
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 our Rimi Baltic 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
Yes
However, the original ZXing library is in maintenance mode
Enterprise support
Yes
Technical support team with years of experience
No
Community support on GitHub
Documentation
Yes
Comprehensive guides and code samples for multiple platforms
Limited
No official documentation, only a GitHub repository
Demo app
Yes
Test all the functionalities in the barcode scanner demo app
Yes
A demo app APK is available
Pre-built UI components
Yes
Configurable Ready-to-Use UI screens for fast integration
Yes
Basic UI components are provided