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There is never a single “best” hardware setup that fits every store, and your budget is a deciding factor. That said, the setup below is what we recommend for most e-commerce shops: reliable, carrier-agnostic equipment at a sensible price point. We have a dedicated page for each part where you can read more and see other options.
zd421d

Printer

Zebra ZD421d label printer
ds2278-black-cradle-front-right-facing

Barcode scanner

Zebra DS2278-SR wireless scanner
tc22-tc27-with-trigger

Handheld terminal

Zebra TC22 mobile computer

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Printer

Our recommendation is the Zebra ZD421d (USB + Bluetooth).
  • Resolution: 203 dpi, sharp enough for clear, scannable labels.
  • Speed: fast printing that keeps up with daily order volume.
  • Label size: handles labels for all carriers, up to a maximum width of 108 mm.
  • Price: a strong price point for a dedicated label printer.
The USB + Bluetooth version keeps the price point low, and you are not locked in: Wi-Fi or Ethernet (one or the other, not both) can be added later with an extra module that connects to the bottom of the printer. If you already know you will be printing from several different computers, consider going for a Wi-Fi or Ethernet version up front instead. For setup, label sizes by carrier, and automatic printing with the Smart Send print client, see Print setup.

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Barcode scanner

Our recommendation is the Zebra DS2278-SR wireless model with a charging base.
  • Symbologies: reads both 1D and 2D barcodes.
  • Durability: built to survive being dropped on the floor.
  • Hands-free use: the presentation stand lets you scan items without holding the scanner.
A cheaper alternative is the corded Zebra DS2208-SR. It scans just as well, but the stand is not nearly as good and the cable often ends up getting in the way, so we recommend the wireless DS2278-SR for most setups. If you need more, the Zebra DS3678-ER is a more rugged and more expensive option that offers much greater read distances. To learn how barcodes fit into picking and packing, see Warehouse management.

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Handheld terminal

A handheld terminal (also called a PDA or handheld mobile computer) is a rugged, Android-based device that combines a built-in barcode scanner with a touchscreen, so staff can scan, look up, and confirm orders while moving around the warehouse. Our recommendation is the Zebra TC22 with the SE4710 scan engine, paired with a trigger handle.
  • Built for scanning: reads both 1D and 2D barcodes and runs the apps your team needs throughout the day.
  • Trigger handle: the pistol-grip trigger handle (model SG-TC2L-BOOT-01) makes high-volume scanning faster and more comfortable than tapping the screen.
  • Scan engine: the standard SE4710 engine covers the read distances of a typical warehouse. The premium SE55 (extended range) version is not needed for most webshop warehouses.
If your warehouse has no Wi-Fi or unreliable coverage, consider the Zebra TC27 instead. It adds 5G mobile connectivity, so the device stays online anywhere in the building without depending on the local network.