Barcode vs QR Code

A barcode is a one-dimensional code of lines and spaces that usually holds only an identification key, such as a product number. A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional code, a grid of squares read in both directions. It can hold variable data such as batch or lot number and expiry date.

One-dimensional barcode beside two-dimensional QR code

Capacity differs by a wide margin. A standard QR code holds up to 7,089 digits, 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 2,953 bytes of binary data, as Denso Wave, the inventor, specifies under ISO/IEC 18004. GS1 India puts a traditional barcode at a maximum of 48 characters. GS1 is the body that sets product-barcode standards. Capacity depends on the barcode type, so check the limit of the specific format you print.

Print a barcode when the label only identifies an item and your scanners read it. Print a QR code when the label must carry data, be read by a phone camera, or survive scuffing (QR codes have error-correction settings, explained below).

A laser-only barcode scanner cannot read a QR code, while an imaging (2D) scanner, which reads a picture of the label rather than a single line, reads both. Zebra's LS2208 laser model decodes Code 39, Code 128, Code 93, Codabar and UPC/EAN. Its DS2208 imaging sibling decodes QR, DataMatrix, PDF417 and Aztec.

Prices are from four retailer listings dated 24 October 2026. Each percentage is the gap divided by the laser price. This is one model pair at two retailers, so it is indicative only. If you are buying a scanner now, buy the imager.

A QR code recovers 7%, 15%, 25% or 30% of damaged data at error-correction levels L, M, Q and H. Higher levels make the code larger, according to Denso Wave. The often-quoted "30%" applies only at level H.

Denso Wave notes that level M is most often chosen. It recommends Q or H for dirty factory environments, and L for clean settings with a lot of data. For floor labels, choose Q and print the code bigger.

Run four checks before a full print run, each with a clear pass or fail:

1. Print the same bin or item ID as a 1D barcode and as a QR code, at the real label size.
2. Scan each label ten times with every scanner and phone your team uses. Pass is ten first-time reads out of ten. Any miss means resizing or reprinting.
3. Drag a thumbnail across each label and scan again. Pass is a clean read. A QR code that fails needs level Q or H. A barcode that fails should become a QR code or be printed larger.
4. Scan a supplier's carton label (GS1-128 or Data Matrix) with each scanner. Pass is a correct read. A laser model that fails cannot decode Data Matrix.

The ten-read pass mark is a rule of thumb, not a published standard.

A QR code is one kind of 2D barcode. The other kind you will meet on stock is Data Matrix, which encodes up to 2,335 characters in a small space.

• GS1 Digital Link QR: a QR code that encodes GS1 product identifiers as a web address, so phone cameras open it automatically. GS1 DataMatrix is for supply chain and has no web link.
• GST e-invoice QR: the signed QR code on a GST e-invoice carries invoice details including the supplier's and buyer's GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), and an imaging scanner reads it.
• Lot and serial numbers: these are identifiers, not code types. See lot number vs batch number and serial number tracking.

Arka Inventory supports barcodes, QR codes and pallet labels in its warehouse management, including barcode-based receiving. So the label format you choose above carries into receiving and putaway, and you can print a pallet label for each load.

As of 24 October 2026, barcoding is included in every plan, from Basic at $199 a month billed annually. Lot and serial tracking is listed under the Enterprise plan; ask sales which plan covers batch and expiry tracking. See pricing. For scanner checks, read inventory software with a barcode scanner: what to test.

You can test your own labels in the 15-day free trial, with full access and no credit card.