Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK vs ZBar
ZBar is an open-source library for reading barcodes, originally written in C. Scanbot SDK is a commercial ZBar alternative with advanced features and enterprise developer support.
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Key differences
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a mobile barcode scanning solution.
Supported barcode types and capabilities
Both libraries can read barcodes both from the live camera stream and from images or files. They can read one barcode at a time, as well as scan multiple ones in the same frame.
ZBar scans the most common 1D barcodes as well as QR codes.
Scanbot SDK supports a broader range of barcode types, including all common 1D and 2D barcodes, niche symbologies, and postal barcodes. Additionally, the SDK provides barcode document parsers for boarding passes, US driver’s licenses, and more. In addition to single, batch, and multi scanning, the SDK also offers out-of-the-box scanning modes such as Find & Pick and Scan & Count.
Customization and developer experience
ZBar offers basic UI components with options for enabling default buttons, adjusting the scan area, or adding an overlay. However, developers must build the scanner UI largely by themselves.
Scanbot SDK, on the other hand, provides Ready-To-Use UI Components that make setup fast and easy. You can configure scanning modes, the result sheet, user guidance, top and action bars, the color palette, and the viewfinder – all with just a few lines of code.
Maintenance and support
The original ZBar project stopped development in 2012. However, the project has been maintained in community forks, with the last release from January 2024. Bug fixes, platform updates, and security patches rely on community contributions.
The Scanbot SDK, conversely, is in active development, including regular updates, new features, and continuous improvements, all 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 ZBar stack up against each other.
Native SDKs
Yes
- Android
- iOS
- Windows (UWP, WinUI 3)
Yes
- iOS
- Windows
- MacOS
Cross-platform frameworks
Yes
- React Native
- Flutter
- Cordova
- .NET MAUI
- Xamarin & Xamarin.Forms
- Ionic Capacitor
- Compose Multiplatform
No
Embedded/Server solutions
Yes
- Linux
- Low-level C API
- Node.JS API
- Python API
- Java API
Yes
Linux
- C
- C++
1D barcodes
Yes
- Codabar
- Code 128
- Code 39
- Code 93
- EAN-8
- EAN-13
- ITF
- IATA 2 of 5
- Industrial 2 of 5
- UPC-A
- UPC-E
- Code 11
- Code 25
- Code 32
- GS1-128
- GS1 DataBar
- GS1 DataBar Expanded
- GS1 DataBar Limited
- MSI Plessey
- PZN
- One-track Pharmacode
- Two-track Pharmacode
- UPC/EAN Extension
Yes
- Codabar
- Code 128
- Code 39
- Code 93
- EAN-8
- EAN-13
- ITF
- IATA 2 of 5
- Industrial 2 of 5
- UPC-A
- UPC-E
2D barcodes
Yes
- QR Code
- Aztec Code
- Data Matrix Code
- GS1 Data Matrix Code
- MaxiCode
- Micro QR Code
- MicroPDF417 Code
- NTIN Code
- PDF417 Code
- PPN Code
- rMQR Code
- GS1 DataBar Composite
Yes
- 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
Yes
Find & Pick
Visually highlight and selectively scan specific barcodes.
Yes
No
Scan & Count
Count multiple items automatically in one go.
Yes
No
AR Overlay
Display and select detected barcodes with an augmented reality view.
Yes
Yes
Tracking rectangle around detected codes.
Data parsers
Extract structured information from 1D and 2D barcodes.
Yes
- AAMVA (US Driver’s Licenses)
- GS1 App Identifiers
- Boarding Pass (IATA BCBP)
- HIBC (Health Industry Bar Code)
- ID Cards (PDF417)
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Swiss QR Code
- SEPA QR (EPC QR Code)
- German Medical Certificate (AU)
- German Medication Plan (Medikationsplan)
- vCard (contact information)
No
CCPA and GDPR
Yes
Unclear
No explicit information on compliance with data security measures.
On-device processing
Yes, 100% offline
Yes, 100% offline
Usage tracking
No, zero tracking
No connection to our or any third-party servers.
Unclear
No explicit information on usage tracking.
Third-party dependencies
Low risk
Has minimal external dependencies.
Might involve risk
As with all open-source dependencies used in production systems, security and maintenance must be evaluated and monitored.
Licensing model
Fixed, annual pricing
Pricing is fixed, with unlimited scans on unlimited devices.
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 signup.
In active development
Yes
Uncertain
Long-term development is dependent on community contributions.
Enterprise support
Yes
Technical support team with years of experience.
No
Community support on GitHub.
Documentation & sample projects
Yes
Comprehensive documentation with guides and sample projects for each supported platform.
Yes
Basic documentation with API references and example apps available.
Pre-built UI components
Yes
Scanbot SDK provides Ready-To-Use UIs for quick setup and customization.
Yes
ZBar provides basic UI components, but developers must build the scanner UI largely by themselves.