Datalogic QBT2500 vs Zebra DS2278: cordless 2D scanners compared
The Datalogic QuickScan QBT2500 and the Zebra DS2278 are cordless Bluetooth 2D imagers for checkouts, counters and light warehouse work. Both have IP52 sealing, survive 1.5 m drops and come with a charging base. On paper the QBT2500 reads further, has a bigger battery and a longer warranty. The DS2278 has published runtime figures and a higher maximum radio range with its cradle.
| QBT2500 | DS2278 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless 2D area imager | Cordless 2D area imager |
| Base in our kit | BC2090 base station and charger | CR2278 cradle |
| Radio | Bluetooth; 50 m line of sight | Bluetooth 4.0 with BLE, Class 2; at least 10 m, up to 100 m line of sight with the CR2278 |
| Direct pairing without base | Bluetooth HID and SPP | Bluetooth HID and SPP |
| Battery | Li-Ion, 3,250 mAh, replaceable pack | Li-Ion, 2,400 mAh |
| Scans per charge | Not stated by Datalogic | 110,000 at 60 scans/min; 50,000 at 10 scans/min; 84 h operating time |
| Charge time to full | 3 h by USB wall adapter; 4 h in the base with 12 V adapter; 8 h in the base on USB-A | 5 h with BC1.2 USB or external 5 V; 17 h on standard USB |
| Range, 13 mil EAN/UPC | 0.5–51 cm (EAN-13) | 1.27–36.8 cm (UPC) |
| Range, 5 mil Code 39 | 0.5–25 cm | 0.5–15.2 cm |
| Range, 10 mil Data Matrix | 0.5–21.5 cm | 0.8–15.7 cm |
| Range, 20 mil QR Code | 0–37 cm | 0–27.9 cm |
| Imager | 1280 × 800 pixels; field of view 35° × 22° | 640 × 480 pixels; field of view 32.8° × 24.8° |
| Sealing | IP52 | IP52 |
| Drop and tumble | 1.5 m drop; tumble not stated | Multiple 1.5 m drops to concrete; 250 tumbles at 0.5 m |
| Operating temperature | 0–50 °C | 0–50 °C scanner; 0–40 °C cradle |
| Weight with battery | 206.5 g | 214 g |
| Keyboard layouts | 98 Country Modes in the PRG, including Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Finnish, Polish and Czech; ALT mode | Over 90 international keyboards |
| Configuration tool | Datalogic Aladdin | Zebra 123Scan |
| Warranty | 5 years (batteries excluded) | 36 months scanner and cradle; 12 months battery |
Figures from the Datalogic QBT/QM2500 Quick Reference Guide and the Zebra DS2200 Series spec sheet. Read ranges are typical values; each manufacturer tests on its own charts.
Choose the QBT2500 if
- You scan small or dense codes at a distance, for example shelf labels
- You want a 5-year warranty on the scanner
- Your team already uses Datalogic Aladdin or other Datalogic scanners
Choose the DS2278 if
- You want documented battery runtime for shift planning
- The scanner moves far from its cradle in an open space
- You already manage Zebra scanners with 123Scan
What both scanners share
Both read 1D and 2D barcodes, and both work as a USB keyboard through their base, so no driver is needed for typing scans into a program. Both can skip the base and pair directly with a PC, tablet or phone as a Bluetooth keyboard (HID) or serial device (SPP). Both bases charge the scanner, and both scanners are configured with programming barcodes from the manufacturer's reference guide or with the maker's PC tool, Aladdin or 123Scan.
Where they differ in daily use
Read range. In each maker's typical figures, the QBT2500 reads a 13 mil retail barcode up to 51 cm away, against 36.8 cm for the DS2278. The gap is similar for 2D codes.
Battery and charging. The QBT2500 has the larger battery and charges fully in 3–4 hours with a fast source, but Datalogic does not publish scans per charge. Zebra states 84 hours of operating time per charge. On a plain USB port both charge slowly: 8 hours for the QBT2500 in its base, 17 hours for the DS2278.
Keyboard layouts. This matters in the Baltics and Finland. Zebra lists over 90 international keyboards for the DS2278. Datalogic's Product Reference Guide lists 98 Country Modes for the QBT2500, including Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Finnish, Polish and Czech layouts, plus ALT mode for anything else. See QBT2500 keyboard layout and DS2208/DS2278 keyboard layout.
Product pages: Datalogic QBT2500 kit and Zebra DS2278. Setup guides: QBT2500 and DS2208 and DS2278.
Frequently asked questions
Which has the longer Bluetooth range, the QBT2500 or the DS2278?
Datalogic states 50 m in line of sight for the QBT2500. Zebra states at least 10 m and up to 100 m for the DS2278 with its CR2278 cradle. Real range depends on walls and shelving.
Do both scanners read barcodes on phone screens?
Datalogic says the QuickScan 2500 imager reads codes on smartphone screens. Zebra's DS2200 spec sheet names barcodes on printed and electronic coupons and loyalty cards.
Which scanner has the longer warranty?
The QBT2500: Datalogic's warranty runs five years from shipment, with batteries excluded as consumables. Zebra gives 36 months on the DS2278 and its cradle and 12 months on the battery.
Do I need a driver for either scanner?
No, not for keyboard mode. Through their bases both appear to the PC as a USB keyboard.
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