Portable Scanner Market - Size, Industry Share, Growth Trends and Forecasts (2023-2031)

By Type:

Based on the type, the market is segmented into 2D imagers, laser scanners, and linear imagers.

The 2D imager segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 54.33% of the total portable scanner market share in the year 2023.

• 2D imager refers to a technology that intelligently captures detailed images of barcodes. 2D imagers can read barcodes in any orientation and are capable of reading a variety of barcodes including 1D, stacked 2D, and popular QR codes.
• 2D imagers can efficiently capture barcodes whether they are displayed on a screen or printed on a label, regardless of their condition.
• Moreover, 2D imagers offer a range of benefits such as versatility, adaptability, efficiency, reliability, convenience, expanded utility, and others.
• For instance, in September 2022 Unitech launched the MS838B 2.4G Wireless 2D Imager Scanner that offers a range of technical benefits at an affordable price. It combined superior 1D and 2D barcode scanning with the convenience of wireless technology, allowing users to move freely and comfortably during extended periods of operation. The scanner also features a long battery life of up to 16 hours per full charge.
• Thus, the analysis of segmental trends depicts that the rising innovation associated with 2D imagers is driving the portable scanner market trends.

The laser scanners segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Laser scanners are known for their precision and ability to read barcodes from a greater distance, making them ideal for applications in large-scale inventory management and transportation & logistics.
• These scanners are also widely used in government and educational settings where accuracy is paramount.
• The robust build and efficiency of laser scanners allow them to withstand demanding environments, contributing to their rapid adoption in logistics and warehousing.
• As the need for efficient inventory tracking rises, particularly in the logistics sector, laser scanners are expected to experience significant growth.
• Laser scanners are expected to grow rapidly, driven by their precision and suitability for inventory management in logistics and warehousing, where long-distance scanning is often required.

By Application:

Based on the application the market is segmented into business, government, healthcare, education, retail, transportation & logistics, insurance, and libraries.

The transportation & logistics segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the overall portable scanner market share in the year 2023.

• Portable scanners are used in transportation for tracking assets, boarding passes, and luggage, while in logistics, they facilitate the storage and tracking of goods during transit.
• Portable scanners can scan barcodes on packages, which are then uploaded into the system for tracking and utilized for inventory management and shipment tracking. The efficiency of handheld scanners in managing and tracking items significantly contributes to their popularity in the transportation & logistics sectors.
• For instance, in April 2021, Oracle NetSuite stated that mobile scanning has increased supply chain efficiency to fulfill the rising demand for commerce orders. After the implementation of mobile scanning in the process, factors such as data accuracy, real-time inventory visibility, and using a mobile device to conduct cycle counts reduce the risk of manual errors and expedite the process.
• Thus, as per the segmental trends analysis, the aforementioned factors are driving the portable scanner market demand.

The healthcare segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Portable scanners play a crucial role in healthcare by enhancing patient identification, medication tracking, and medical record management.
• 2D imagers are widely adopted for scanning patient wristbands, medication barcodes, and lab samples, ensuring accuracy and safety in patient care.
• As the healthcare sector increasingly emphasizes digital record-keeping and efficiency, the demand for reliable portable scanners continues to grow.
• The adoption of stringent regulatory standards around patient data security and medication management is further driving the need for high-precision scanning technology in healthcare facilities.
• The healthcare segment is set to grow rapidly due to the increased focus on patient safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, making portable scanners indispensable in medical settings, and boosting the portable scanner market trends.

Regional Analysis:

The regions covered are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia Pacific region was valued at USD 459.14 Million in 2023. Moreover, it is projected to grow by USD 514.57 Million in 2024 and reach over USD 1,305.63 Million by 2031. Out of this, China accounted for the maximum revenue of 34.3%. As per the portable scanner market analysis, the market is primarily driven by the prevalence of gaming culture in the region including benefits such as networking, income from sponsorships, and others. Moreover, the increasing use of computers by professionals has been a prevalent factor in market development. .

• For instance, in January 2024 MelGeek launched a Kickstarter campaign for its latest mechanical keyboard, the MelGeek Modern97. This compact, programmable keyboard is designed with a 97-key layout. It features a Nappa and Slate Naturalist design concept, inspired by nature. The keyboard boasts a 406-day battery life attributed to its 4000mAh battery and innovative power management technology.

Asia-Pacific region was valued at USD 536.53 million in 2023. Out of this, China accounted for the maximum revenue share of 32.8%. Moreover, it is projected to grow by USD 553.41 million in 2024 and reach over USD 794.45 million by 2031. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the portable scanner market, driven by the rapid adoption of digitization initiatives in China, Japan, and India. The region's demand is fueled by expanding e-commerce, banking, and logistics sectors that require efficient document handling. Government initiatives for digital transformation and the rise of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are also contributing to the demand for portable scanners. However, affordability remains a challenge in some developing areas, where price sensitivity affects purchasing decisions.

The market growth in North America is mainly driven by the high demand for portable scanners from retail & e-commerce, transportation & logistics, healthcare, and other industries.

• For instance, in July 2023, Datalogic launched its new PowerScan 9600 series of portable scanners. The PowerScan 9600 Auto Range series, with its rugged design, wireless charging, and error-free communication features, offers a cost-effective solution for diverse business needs. The PowerScan 9600 is designed to cover a range of applications in the manufacturing, retail, and transportation & logistics sectors with high precision and efficiency.

Furthermore, increasing investments in the expansion of healthcare facilities in the region are projected to drive market growth in North America during the forecast period.

As per the portable scanner market analysis, Europe holds a significant share of the portable scanner market, with countries like Germany, the UK, and France leading in adoption across logistics, banking, and retail sectors. Growing regulatory requirements for digital documentation and secure data management drive demand. Portable scanners are increasingly used for digitizing documents on-site in industries like banking and insurance, where compliance with documentation is critical. However, the high cost of advanced portable scanning devices and competition from digital document management platforms may slow the portable scanner market expansion.

The Middle East & Africa region is seeing steady growth in the portable scanner market, particularly in the UAE and South Africa. The demand is driven by the need for efficient document management in sectors such as government, healthcare, and logistics, where digitization is a growing priority. UAE's push toward a paperless economy and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives have further boosted the adoption of portable scanners. However, limited digital infrastructure and high device costs can restrict adoption, particularly in parts of Africa.

Latin America is an emerging market, with Brazil and Mexico leading the demand. Growth is fueled by the region's expanding retail, education, and government sectors, where portable scanners are used for on-site digitization and archiving. Government-led initiatives to digitize public services and improve operational efficiency in businesses support market growth. However, economic instability and budget constraints in some countries may impact the widespread adoption of portable scanners.