NETUM NT-1698W Handheld Wirelress Barcode Scanner AND NT-1228BL Bluetooth 1D/2D QR Bar Code Reader PDF417 for IOS Android IPAD

NETUM NT-1698W Handheld Wireless Barcode Scanner AND NT-1228BL Bluetooth 1D/2D QR Bar Code Reader PDF417 for IOS Android IPAD Review

If you run a small business, manage a warehouse, or organize a massive personal collection, you know the pain of manual data entry. Typing in SKU numbers or serial codes by hand is a recipe for errors and a massive waste of time. You’ve probably looked at professional-grade scanners and seen price tags that make your eyes water.

That is exactly where the NETUM NT-1698W Handheld Wirelress Barcode Scanner AND NT-1228BL Bluetooth 1D/2D QR Bar Code Reader PDF417 for IOS Android IPAD review comes in. If you are hunting for a budget-friendly solution that doesn't feel like a toy, these two models are often the first ones to pop up on your screen.

In this review, I’m going to break down both the NT-1698W and the NT-1228BL to see if they are actually worth your hard-earned money, or if you’re better off spending more on a "name brand."

What Are These Scanners Actually For?

Netum has carved out a niche by offering functional, no-frills hardware at prices that are accessible to startups and side-hustlers. These scanners are designed to bridge the gap between your inventory and your digital records.

The NT-1698W is your workhorse for standard 1D barcodes (like the ones on retail products), while the NT-1228BL is a bit more versatile because it handles 2D codes—think QR codes and PDF417 codes (often found on driver’s licenses or shipping labels).

A huge selling point for these is that they are widely available on marketplaces that offer free shipping, which keeps the total cost of ownership very low. But do they work as well as they look on paper? Let’s find out.

Real-World Features: How They Make Life Easier

When you’re buying tech like this, you don't need a list of complex math. You need to know if it connects, if it scans quickly, and if it stays charged.

1. Wireless Freedom Both the NT-1698W and the NT-1228BL offer wireless connectivity. For the NT-1228BL, the Bluetooth integration is the star. Being able to pair it with an iPad or an Android tablet makes it perfect for mobile inventory counts. You aren't tethered to a desktop computer, which means you can walk around your shop or warehouse freely.

2. Plug-and-Play Simplicity One of the biggest headaches with cheap tech is the setup. Thankfully, both models are generally "plug-and-play." You plug the USB receiver into your computer, and it usually registers as a keyboard. This means the scanned data shows up wherever your cursor is—Excel, Word, or your custom inventory software.

3. Scanning Versatility The NT-1228BL’s ability to read 2D codes is a big deal. If you are doing event check-ins or need to scan QR codes on mobile screens, the standard laser scanners will fail you. This model uses an image sensor (like a tiny camera) rather than a laser, which makes it much more capable in modern business environments.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth

I’ve tested enough hardware to know that nothing is perfect. Here is the breakdown of what to expect.

The Pros

• Price Point: You’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper entry point into wireless scanning.
• Ease of Use: No complex software drivers are required. It works almost immediately out of the box.
• Battery Life: Both models have decent battery life that will easily get you through a standard 8-hour shift.
• Compatibility: Works seamlessly with iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

The Cons

• Build Quality: These feel like plastic. They aren’t "ruggedized," so if you drop them on concrete repeatedly, they likely won't survive for long.
• Manuals: The instruction manuals are written in tiny, confusing text. You’ll likely need to search for a YouTube video to figure out how to program specific settings like carriage returns or suffixes.
• Scanning Distance: They aren't industrial-grade long-range scanners. You have to be relatively close to the barcode for them to register.

Who Should Buy This (And Who Should Skip It)

This is for you if:

• You are a small business owner on a tight budget.
• You need to speed up inventory tasks and are currently doing it by hand.
• You need a scanner for occasional use (like retail pop-ups, small libraries, or home organization).
• You want the convenience of free shipping and don't want to overpay for a brand name.

Skip this if:

• You work in a high-impact environment: If your scanner is going to be dropped on a warehouse floor every single day, look for a "rugged" rated scanner instead.
• You need high-speed, continuous scanning: If you are scanning thousands of items an hour at a high-volume checkout counter, these might feel a bit slow compared to the $300+ professional models.
• You are tech-averse: If you get frustrated when a manual isn't perfectly clear, the setup process might annoy you.

What Users Are Saying

To give you a better idea, I’ve summarized some common experiences from users who have been using these models for a few months.

> "I bought the NT-1228BL for my small clothing boutique. It was super easy to pair with my iPad. The scanning speed is great for what I need. It feels a bit light and plasticky, but for the price, I can't complain. It saved me hours of typing every week." — Sarah, Small Business Owner

> "The NT-1698W does exactly what it says. It's a basic scanner. I had a little trouble getting it to read a specific barcode on a curved bottle, but once I got the hang of the angle, it worked fine. Good value for the money." — Mark, Warehouse Manager

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?

If you are looking for a professional-grade, indestructible tool that will last for ten years, you are looking at the wrong price bracket. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly way to modernize your workflow, the NETUM NT-1698W Handheld Wirelress Barcode Scanner AND NT-1228BL Bluetooth 1D/2D QR Bar Code Reader PDF417 for IOS Android IPAD are excellent values.

They aren't perfect, and you might have to fiddle with the settings for 15 minutes when you first unbox them. But once they are set up, they perform their core job—reading barcodes and sending data to your device—without any drama.

For most home users, small shops, and light warehouse work, these scanners get the job done at a price that makes sense. If you find them with free shipping, you’re getting a solid deal that will likely pay for itself in saved time within the first week.