Best Barcode Scanner: Honeywell CK65 vs Zebra MC9300

If you manage a warehouse, distribution center, or logistics hub, these two handheld computers—the Honeywell CK65 and the Zebra MC9300—are the workhorses you want on your floor. Both devices deliver enterprise-grade scanning power, rugged durability, and long-lasting battery life, but they’re designed with slightly different philosophies. The Honeywell CK65 is the more agile, lightweight performer for fast-moving operations, while the Zebra MC9300 is the powerhouse built to thrive in the toughest environments. Here’s how they compare in real-world use.

Honeywell CK65 Handheld Computer

• Rugged industrial build with drop resistance up to 10 feet
• 4-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen with optional physical keypad
• Long-lasting battery life (up to 28 hours per charge)
• Android Enterprise Recommended (supports OS updates through Android 12)
• Fast 2D imaging and scanning, ideal for inventory, picking, and receiving
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless connectivity across large warehouses
• Buy on Amazon

Real-World Impression
The CK65 feels like a perfect evolution of Honeywell’s proven warehouse devices. The ergonomics stand out—it’s lighter and slimmer than most competitors, which makes it ideal for workers who need to move fast between shelves or scan hundreds of barcodes in quick bursts. The combination of tactile keys and responsive touch input helps speed up workflows, especially for users wearing gloves.

Scanning performance is top-tier. The 2D imager locks on quickly even to faded or crumpled labels, and the Honeywell software suite allows for detailed device management and real-time data syncing across your entire network.

Best for:
High-volume operations that need lightweight, reliable handhelds with excellent battery performance. Perfect for fast-moving distribution centers and cold storage environments.

Zebra MC9300 Pistol Grip Mobile Computer

• Pistol-grip design for ergonomic, one-handed scanning
• Extended-range 2D/1D barcode scanner (reads from near to over 70 feet away)
• 53-key alphanumeric keypad for flexible data entry
• Built tough for the harshest environments (IP67 sealing, survives 8-foot drops)
• Android OS with Zebra’s Mobility DNA tools for easy management and security
• Replaceable high-capacity battery designed for full-shift use
• Comes with a charger in most bundles
• Buy on Amazon

Zebra’s MC9300 is the undisputed tank of the warehouse world. Designed as the successor to the legendary MC9200, it takes everything field workers loved about the older model—ruggedness, scanning range, and modular design—and updates it with a modern Android interface and faster hardware.

Real-World Impression
The MC9300 is built for brute force scanning. If your team is scanning pallets on forklifts or handling oversized inventory in harsh industrial zones, this is your go-to. The pistol grip is comfortable for long shifts, and the extended-range scanner can hit codes across aisles or on top racks with impressive precision.

It’s a bit bulkier than the Honeywell, but that extra size translates into rugged strength. The device can survive moisture, dust, and repeated impacts without a hiccup. Zebra’s software tools also make enterprise integration smooth, letting IT admins push updates, monitor performance, and configure hundreds of units remotely.

Best for:
Large industrial warehouses, manufacturing plants, and outdoor logistics hubs where distance scanning and extreme durability matter most.

Which One Is Right for You?

Both devices are excellent, but the right choice depends on your environment and workflow.

Choose the Honeywell CK65 if you:

• Need a lighter, easier-to-carry scanner for all-day handheld use
• Want top-tier battery endurance and ergonomic comfort
• Value modern design with a balance of touchscreen and keypad input
• Run medium to large distribution operations focused on speed and mobility

Choose the Zebra MC9300 if you:

• Need maximum scanning range across large spaces or high shelves
• Operate in rugged environments where drops and dust are common
• Prefer pistol-grip handling for repetitive scanning tasks
• Require a high degree of customization with hardware keypads and accessories

Our Take

The Honeywell CK65 and Zebra MC9300 are two of the best mobile computers money can buy for industrial scanning. The Honeywell CK65 edges ahead for fast-paced environments that value lightweight mobility and marathon battery life. Meanwhile, the Zebra MC9300 is unbeatable in raw durability and long-range scanning power.

If your warehouse is about speed, flexibility, and comfort, go with the Honeywell CK65. If it’s about power, reach, and endurance in tough conditions, the Zebra MC9300 is the better investment. Both are premium-tier devices that will easily last through years of heavy use, so you can’t go wrong either way.