QR Code vs Barcode: What Is the Difference?

Traditional barcodes and the more modern QR codes are two popular tools for identifying products and tracking inventory. While both encode information, they have distinct features that make them suitable for different purposes

In this blog post, you’ll learn more about their key differences, pros and cons, and applications to better decide which one is right for your business.

Ready? Let’s jump in.

What Is a Barcode?

Most of us are familiar with the labels on products that are scanned by cashiers at checkout. These are your traditional barcodes: machine-readable codes typically made up of a series of vertical parallel lines of various widths that contain product details like price and weight. 

These codes typically store information in a one-dimensional (1D) format. They are commonly used for managing inventory across various industries, such as logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Common barcode applications include:

• Tracking inventory levels in retail stores.
• Managing parts and components in manufacturing.
• Monitoring shipments and deliveries in logistics.
• Identifying patients and medications in healthcare settings.

There are also several types of barcodes, including:

1. UPC (Universal Product Code), the most common barcode type, is a 12-digit number used to identify products in retail stores. 
2. Code 39, which encodes alphanumeric data and is used to track assets in industrial settings such as the automotive and electronics industries.
3. Code 128, a versatile 1D code used to encode high-density data, often used in logistics, shipping, and inventory management.

While barcodes are indispensable due to their simplicity and efficiency, they have limitations. That’s why it’s crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses when determining if they’re a fit for your company.

Benefits of Using Barcodes:

1. Simplicity: Barcodes are easy to set up and use, making them a good option for businesses of all sizes. You can create them with basic software and print them on standard labels without needing specialized equipment. 
2. Efficiency: Scanning is quick and easy, which speeds up processes like inventory management and order fulfillment. 
3. Low cost: Producing and implementing barcodes is cheaper than more advanced technologies like RFID. 
4. Reduce human error: Using barcodes minimizes manual data entry, reduces human error, and allows for more accurate inventory tracking.
5. Versatility: Barcodes are used across many industries, like logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare, for various business applications.

Drawbacks of Using Barcodes:

1. Limited data capacity: Traditional 1D barcodes can only store a small amount of data, such as product identifiers or numeric codes, making them unsuitable for tracking more complex data.
2. Line-of-sight scanning: Barcodes need to be scanned from a specific angle, which can be inconvenient when scanning a large number of barcodes quickly.

What Is a QR Code?

QR code, or Quick Response code, is a 2D code composed of a matrix of black and white squares arranged in a grid. These codes can store data in horizontal and vertical formats, allowing them to hold much larger amounts of data than traditional 1D barcodes. 

QR codes can also store different types of data, such as URLs, contact information, and even plain text, making them versatile for a wide range of uses. While they are commonly used in product packaging, mobile apps, and marketing materials to provide quick access to extra information, promotions, or interactive content, they are becoming the industry standard for inventory tracking due to their many benefits. 

QR Code Advantages:

• Higher data capacity: QR codes can hold much more data than barcodes, including URLs and multimedia.
• Link to online content: QR codes quickly bridge the gap between physical products and digital experiences. Customers simply scan a QR code to access online promotions, websites, or product information.
• Cost-effective: Creating, printing, and scanning QR codes is inexpensive and doesn’t require costly technology. In the past, scanning equipment was expensive and a major drawback, but this is no longer the case with companies able to use mobile devices. 
• Easy to Use: Scanning a QR code is easy with a smartphone and requires no specialized equipment. New package tracking and mail management apps use OCR technology to efficiently scan QR codes, which helps users track their packages. 
• Scannable from numerous angles: QR codes can be scanned from almost any angle, which improves the overall user experience.
• Durability: They have error correction capabilities and can be read even if damaged.

QR Code Disadvantages:

• Requires a smartphone or camera scanner: Scanning a QR code generally requires a smartphone with a built-in camera or a specialized scanner. This is a limitation if users don’t have access to these devices.
• Less familiar: Not everyone is familiar with QR codes and how to scan them compared to barcodes, which makes them less intuitive overall. 
• Requires an internet connection: QR codes often require an internet connection to work.

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So, What Are the Differences Between a QR code and a Barcode?

By now, you can probably infer what the differences between a QR code and a barcode are, but for clarity, here is a summary:

Barcode vs. QR Code: Which One Is Right for Your Business?

With all the differences in mind, it’s clear that barcodes and QR codes are best suited to different situations. If you’re primarily focused on basic tasks like tracking products and inventory, then barcodes are a reliable and inexpensive option.

They’re ideal for industries where small amounts of data—such as prices or stock codes—need to be scanned and processed. Plus, because barcodes were the industry standard for so long (of course, this is changing), they are also compatible with existing systems, which makes them an easy choice if you’re working with established hardware or software.

On the other hand, QR codes offer greater versatility. Not only are they ideal if you’re looking to store larger amounts of data like URLs, multimedia, and contact details, but they also support multiple use cases beyond just product tracking. QR codes facilitate payment systems, direct customers to websites, provide access to digital content, and even link physical products to online experiences, such as promotions and product tutorials.