Smart phones have helped tremendously and those with the Android operating system can now even download useful apps to make their smart phones work as multiple devices. Some useful applications have been designed to help smart phones function as barcode scanners. Some of the best apps in this category include:


This app is perhaps the best to download on the Android phone. It helps to scan barcodes, QR codes and Data Matrix codes which contain all the relevant information about the product along with the relevant URL and contact information. It also becomes possible to use the QR code to share contacts, bookmarks and other apps. Additional features include better ITF support and support for mirror images and better translations even from the Chinese language.
Barcode scanner makes it possible to scan linear and 2D barcodes and then use a Google search on these products. This app can be used for searching words in a book as well.


This app uses the ixMAT barcode and DataMatrix scanning technology that comes with ZXing GUI and a QR decoder. Being industry proof, it helps to scan barcodes, find products through search engines, add to the list of contacts, find locations in maps and much more. It also enables information to be displayed as a2D barcode that can be read by others. Privacy is preserved with the feature of seeking permission for contact access. It gives quick results and helps resize the view finder. Newer versions come with additional aids like bug fix and the soft keyboard getting hidden during a scan. It is available free of charge.


 ScanLife Barcode Reader is a very useful app that converts the smart phone into an all-in-one barcode scanner. It facilitates website launches, scan product codes and search for them, and can read all kinds of barcodes like UPC, Ean, Datamatrix, QR and EZcode. It can be downloaded free.


This app supported by both Apple and Android, is a convenient app that scans, decodes and generates barcodes. It is easy to use and ideally suited for quick barcode related actions from smart phones. It is available for downloading free of charge.


This app has the ability to convert the mobile phone into a remote barcode scanner for the computer. The barcode scanner instantly sends them to the inventory program, webpage or others and helps to cut costs. Available for only $1.49, it helps to utilize mobile phones to the fullest.

All these apps make barcode scanning a breeze through mobile phones without needing to invest in barcode scanners and be encumbered with multiple devices.