Comparison

Zebra DS2208 vs DS4608: which corded 2D scanner?

General-purpose or premium: the DS4608 reads codes from almost twice as far, handles smaller codes and survives harder drops than the DS2208.

5 min Difficulty: Easy Updated: By SCANSHOP team
Best for most users
Zebra DS2208 2D Barcode Scanner (DS2208-SR7U2100SGW)
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Alternative
Zebra DS4608 Wired Barcode Scanner (DS4608-SR7U2100SGW)
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In this guide

    Both are corded Zebra 2D imagers that read 1D and 2D bar codes on paper and on phone screens, and both carry a five-year Zebra warranty. The DS2208 is the general-purpose model for everyday EAN and QR codes at a till. The DS4608 is the premium model: a higher-resolution imager reads codes from almost twice as far, handles smaller and denser codes, and the housing is rated for harder drops. It also comes in special versions for high-density codes and direct part marks.

    DS2208 DS4608
    Image sensor 640 × 480 pixels 1280 × 800 pixels
    Read range, 13 mil EAN/UPC 1.3–36.8 cm 0–71.1 cm (SR)
    Read range, 20 mil QR Code 0–27.9 cm 0–44.5 cm (SR)
    Read range, 10 mil Data Matrix 0.8–15.7 cm 2.5–29.2 cm (SR)
    Smallest Code 39 element 4.0 mil 3.0 mil (SR); 2.0 mil (HD)
    Imager versions Standard imager SR standard range, HD high density, DPE for direct part marks on electronics, and others
    OCR and other extras Not listed OCR-A, OCR-B, MICR, US currency, dotted Data Matrix
    Drop Multiple 1.5 m drops to concrete Multiple 1.8 m drops to concrete
    Tumble 250 tumbles of 0.5 m 2,000 tumbles of 0.5 m
    EAS tag deactivation Not listed Checkpoint EAS on selected HD versions
    Operating current (typical) 250 mA 340 mA
    Sealing IP52 Same
    Interfaces USB, RS-232, keyboard wedge, IBM 46XX Same
    Keyboard layouts Over 90 international keyboards Same
    Weight 161.6 g 161.9 g
    Decode software PRZM decode algorithms, Direct Decode Indicator Same
    Zebra warranty 5 years Same

    Figures from Zebra's DS2200 Series and DS4600 Series spec sheets and the Product Reference Guides. Read ranges are typical and depend on print quality and light.

    Choose the DS2208 if
    • You scan standard EAN, QR and shipping labels at a till or desk
    • Items are brought close to the scanner
    • You equip many workstations and want the general-purpose model
    Choose the DS4608 if
    • You reach heavy items at the bottom of a trolley, up to about 70 cm away
    • Codes are small, dense or damaged, or you need to read OCR text
    • Scanners get dropped often, for example in a warehouse or busy store
    • You need the HD version for tiny codes or the DPE version for direct part marks

    What stays the same

    Setup and settings work the same way. Both plug in as a USB keyboard, both use the same Gooseneck Intellistand part (20-71043-04R) for hands-free scanning, and both are configured with Zebra's free 123Scan utility. The DS4608 Product Reference Guide uses the same names as the DS2208 Product Reference Guide for the country keyboard types, the Enter and Tab bar codes and the reset bar codes. Our keyboard layout guide therefore applies to both; for the DS4608 page numbers see the DS4608 and DS4678 setup guide.

    Zebra DS4600 Series Barcode Scanners

    Video: Zebra Technologies

    Cordless versions

    Both families have a cordless sibling. The DS2278 pairs with the DS2208, the DS4678 with the DS4608. On the DS4678, Zebra's spec sheet lists Wi-Fi Friendly Mode, Virtual Tether and a Class 1 Bluetooth radio with up to 100 m range. See DS2208 vs DS2278 and DS4608 vs DS4678.

    Compare both models in our shop: DS2208 and DS4608.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is the DS4608 worth it over the DS2208 for a normal shop till?

    For standard EAN and QR codes held close to the scanner, the DS2208 does the job. The DS4608 pays off with long reach, small or damaged codes and frequent drops.

    Can both scanners read QR codes on phone screens?

    Yes. Both read 1D and 2D codes from paper and from mobile phone displays.

    What is the difference between DS4608 SR and HD?

    SR is the standard range imager for everyday codes. HD is the high-density imager for very small codes, down to 2.0 mil Code 39. On standard-size codes such as EAN/UPC and QR its range is shorter.

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