Warehouse, production, label, stock and asset software that works with the barcode printers, scanners and mobile computers we supply, plus ready-to-install apps.
Zebra DS2208 vs DS2278 vs DS4608: which handheld scanner should you buy?
The DS2208 and DS2278 are the same Zebra DS2200 Series scanner: the DS2208 is corded, the DS2278 is cordless with Bluetooth 4.0. The DS4608 is the step up: a 1280 × 800 sensor against 640 × 480, a 13 mil UPC read up to 71.1 cm away on the SR version (45.7 cm on HD) against 36.8 cm, and smaller codes. Choose the DS2208 for a fixed counter, the DS2278 when staff carry the scanner to the item, and the DS4608 for busy counters, small codes or longer reach.
Zebra DS2208, DS2278 and DS4608 price in India: ask our team for today's competitive price. Share your requirement and budget, and we will help you choose the right configuration and send a written quotation with current pricing and delivery time.
If it stays at one desk, the corded DS2208 is enough: it connects by USB, RS232, keyboard wedge or IBM 46XX and never needs charging. If staff carry it to bulky items or a shelf, choose the DS2278: the same scanner on Bluetooth 4.0, up to 100 m line of sight with Zebra's optional CR2278 cradle, on a 2,400 mAh battery.
2. How small are your codes, and how far away?
The DS2208 and DS2278 read Code 39 down to 4 mil and Data Matrix down to 6 mil, and a 13 mil UPC from 1.27 cm to 36.8 cm. The DS4608 (SR) reads Code 39 down to 3 mil and Data Matrix down to 5 mil, and a 13 mil UPC up to 71.1 cm away; its HD version reads Code 39 down to 2 mil.
Only on the DS4608: the tougher build
Zebra rates the DS4608 for multiple 1.8 m drops and 2,000 tumbles, against 1.5 m drops and 250 tumbles for the DS2208 and DS2278. All three are sealed to IP52.
Which model for which job
Start from where you scan
Each job below names the Zebra scanner that suits it. The DS2278 is the cordless version of the DS2208.
Retail and pharmacy billing counter
For one fixed counter with printed barcodes and QR codes, the corded DS2208 does the job and needs no charging.
With the corded DS2208 the item comes to the counter; the cordless DS2278 goes to the item, up to 100 m line of sight from Zebra's optional CR2278 cradle.
The DS4608 has the larger 1280 × 800 sensor, reads a 13 mil UPC up to 71.1 cm away (SR version) and small codes down to 3 mil (SR) or 2 mil (HD) Code 39.
The same scanner without a cable, for bulky items and shelves
Busier counters, smaller codes and longer reach
Type
Corded handheld 1D/2D barcode scanner
Cordless handheld 1D/2D barcode scanner
Corded handheld 1D/2D barcode scanner
Connection
Corded (the cordless Bluetooth model is the DS2278)
Cordless: Bluetooth 4.0 with BLE, Class 2, up to 100 m line of sight with Zebra's optional CR2278 cradle; 2,400 mAh battery
Corded (the cordless Bluetooth model is the DS4678)
Connects to the PC by
USB, RS232, Keyboard Wedge, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485
USB, RS232, Keyboard Wedge, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485
USB Certified, RS232, Keyboard Wedge, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485
Image sensor
640 × 480 pixels
640 × 480 pixels
1280 × 800 pixels
Field of view
32.8° H × 24.8° V nominal
32.8° H × 24.8° V nominal
31.6° H × 22.6° V nominal
Aimer
Aiming pattern: linear 624 nm amber LED
Aiming pattern: linear 624 nm amber LED
Aiming Pattern: circular 617 nm amber LED
Smallest codes
Code 39: 4.0 mil; Code 128: 4.0 mil; Data Matrix: 6.0 mil; QR Code: 6.7 mil
Code 39: 4.0 mil; Code 128: 4.0 mil; Data Matrix: 6.0 mil; QR Code: 6.7 mil
Code 39 - 3.0 mil (DS4608-SR); DataMatrix - 5.0 mil (DS4608-SR); Code 39 - 2.0 mil (DS4608-HD); DataMatrix - 4.0 mil (DS4608-HD)
13 mil UPC range
1.27-36.8 cm (13 mil)
1.27-36.8 cm (13 mil)
Up to 71.1 cm (SR)
Sealing
IP52
IP52
IP52
Drops
Designed to withstand multiple drops at 1.5 m (5.0 ft.) to concrete
Multiple drops at 1.5 m to concrete
Designed to withstand multiple drops at 6.0 ft./1.8 m to concrete
Tumbles
Designed to withstand 250 tumbles in a 0.5 m (1.5 ft.) tumbler (1 tumble = 0.5 cycle)
250 tumbles in a 0.5 m tumbler
Designed to withstand 2,000 tumbles in 1.5 ft./0.5 m tumbler
Operating temperature
0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)
0 °C to 50 °C
32.0° to 122.0° F / 0.0° to 50.0° C
Weight
161.6 g
214 g
5.7 oz. / 161.9 g
All figures are Zebra's (DS2200 Series and DS4608 spec sheets, Zebra Asia Pacific), as shown on each product page. The DS2278's imager rows (sensor, field of view, aimer, smallest codes, UPC range) are the DS2208's, because Zebra builds them as one series. Open a model for its full specification. Maker documents checked on 13 October 2026 or later. About our product information
Corded, cordless or step up?
Where each scanner fits
DS2208 or DS2278: cable or battery
They share the imager, the codes they read and the reading range. The DS2208 is powered by the PC or POS it plugs into and weighs 161.6 g. The DS2278 adds Bluetooth 4.0 and a 2,400 mAh battery and weighs 214 g.
Where the DS4608 is stronger
A 1280 × 800 sensor against 640 × 480, a 13 mil UPC up to 71.1 cm away on the SR version (45.7 cm on HD) against 36.8 cm, Code 39 down to 3 mil (2 mil on the HD version), and Zebra's 1.8 m drop and 2,000 tumble ratings. It also reads DotCode and OCR, and weighs 161.9 g.
What all three share
All three read 1D and 2D codes, are sealed to IP52, work from 0 °C to 50 °C and connect by USB, RS232, keyboard wedge or IBM 46XX.
Replacing an older Zebra
Which model replaces your old Zebra
Zebra names these replacements on its support pages. The discontinued models guide covers every other model.
Zebra no longer sells the DS4308 Series (last sale 2020-02-29); Zebra support ended 2025-05-31 Zebra's notice covers the DS4308 Series and does not name this variant separately.
Zebra no longer sells the DS4308 Series (last sale 2020-02-29); Zebra support ended 2025-05-31 Zebra's notice covers the DS4308 Series and does not name this variant separately.
Zebra no longer sells the DS4308 Series (last sale 2020-02-29); Zebra support ended 2025-05-31 Zebra's notice covers the DS4308 Series and does not name this variant separately.
Zebra no longer sells it (last sale 2019-09-30); Zebra support ended 2024-12-31 The DS2208 is a 2D imager, so it also reads phone screens and QR codes; the LS4208 was a 1D laser.
LS2208, DS2208 or DS4608 (Zebra lists all three)
Zebra DS2208
For buyers in India
Billing counters, invoices and heat
QR codes on GST e-invoices
All three read 2D codes, so they read the QR code on GST e-invoices. Your billing or ERP software must be able to use the code it receives.
Shops without air-conditioning
Zebra rates all three scanners from 0 °C to 50 °C, but the DS2278's CR2278 cradle only from 0 °C to 40 °C. Keep the cradle in the coolest spot, away from the shutter and direct sun.
Older billing systems on serial ports
All three connect by RS232 as well as USB, so a billing PC with only a serial port can still use them; tell us the port when you ask for a quote.
Questions buyers ask
DS2208 vs DS2278 vs DS4608 questions
What is the price of the Zebra DS2208, DS2278 and DS4608 in India?
It depends on the model, the version (SR or HD for the DS4608), the cable, cradle or stand, and the quantity. Ask our team for today's competitive price: share your requirement and budget, and we will help you choose the right configuration and send a written quotation with current pricing and delivery time.
Is the DS2278 the cordless DS2208?
Yes. Zebra makes both in the DS2200 Series: the DS2208 is corded and the DS2278 is cordless with Bluetooth 4.0 and a 2,400 mAh battery. They share the imager and reading range. In Zebra's scanner numbers the third digit 0 marks the corded model and 7 the cordless one, as with the DS3608 and DS3678 or the DS8108 and DS8178.
When is the DS4608 worth it over the DS2208?
When codes are small, labels are far from the counter, or scanners get dropped. The DS4608 reads Code 39 down to 3 mil (2 mil on HD) against 4 mil, a 13 mil UPC up to 71.1 cm on the SR version (45.7 cm on HD) against 36.8 cm, and is rated for 1.8 m drops and 2,000 tumbles against 1.5 m and 250.
How far can the DS2278 go from its base?
Zebra gives Bluetooth Class 2: a minimum of 10 m, and up to 100 m line of sight with its optional CR2278 cradle. Walls and racks shorten the range, so tell us the layout and we will suggest where the cradle goes.
Will they work with our billing or ERP software?
Usually, yes. Over USB or keyboard wedge, all three send the code as if someone typed it, so billing, POS and ERP software read it without changes. RS232 needs software that reads the serial port. We set them up at your site and connect them to your software.
Not sure which one? Send us a sample label
Send us a photo of your smallest label and say where the scanner will sit or travel. We suggest the DS2208, DS2278 or DS4608 and quote it with the stand, cradle or cable you need.
DS2208 and DS4608 figures: Allmark's published product pages /Zebra/ds2208 and /Zebra/ds4608, read from Zebra's Asia Pacific DS2200 Series and DS4608 spec sheets (each page lists its documents and the date read). DS2278 figures: Allmark's Zebra DS2278 page, checked line by line on 2026-10-15 against Zebra's DS2200 Series spec sheet, and the DS2278 row of the comparison on the DS2208 page (weight 214 g). Corded and cordless numbering: Zebra Asia Pacific scanner product pages (general-purpose handheld list, DS82 Series, DS8208-HC, DS8288-HC, CS60-HC), read 2026-10-15.
Request a quote
Request a quoteSales Inquiry
Tell us the model or the job and how many you need. We send a written quotation with current pricing and delivery time.