Comparison
Zebra DS3608 vs DS3678: corded or cordless rugged scanner?
Same rugged imager and settings, different freedom: the DS3608 is corded, the DS3678 adds Bluetooth, a PowerPrecision+ battery and a charging cradle.
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In this guide
The DS3608 and DS3678 share the same ultra-rugged housing, imager and programming bar codes. The difference is the cable. Choose the DS3608 for a fixed workstation, packing line or machine where the scanner stays in one place. Choose the DS3678 when staff carry the scanner around a warehouse or yard, or work from a forklift.
| DS3608-SR | DS3678-SR | |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Cable: USB, RS-232 or keyboard wedge | Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) to its cradle, which connects by cable; or directly to a PC, tablet or phone (HID or serial port profile) |
| Wireless range | Cable length | At least 100 m (Class 1), open air, line of sight |
| Base or holder | Optional Intellistand or forklift holder | STB3678 cradle (desk or wall, in our kit) or FLB3678 forklift cradle |
| Battery | None needed | PowerPrecision+ Li-Ion, 3,100 mAh, replaceable |
| Scans per full charge | Not applicable | More than 100,000 |
| Charge time from empty | Not applicable | Up to 3 h with the cradle power supply; up to 10 h on USB power |
| Operating temperature | −30 to 50 °C | −20 to 50 °C (charging 0 to 40 °C) |
| Size (H × W × D) | 18.5 × 7.6 × 13.2 cm | 18.5 × 7.6 × 14.2 cm |
| Weight | 305 g | 407 g |
| Imager | 1280 × 800 pixels, 42° × 28° field of view, 1D and 2D | Same |
| Read range, Code 128 (SR) | 20 mil: 7.1–71.1 cm; 40 mil: 4.4–152.4 cm | Same |
| Sealing | IP65 and IP68 | Same |
| Drops and tumbles | Multiple 3.0 m drops to concrete at room temperature, 2.4 m across the operating range; 7,500 tumbles of 1 m | Same |
| Zebra warranty | 3 years | 3 years for scanner and cradle; battery 12 months |
Figures from Zebra's DS3600-SR spec sheet; charge times from Zebra's DS36X8 Product Reference Guide. Battery and range figures depend on use and surroundings.
Choose the DS3608 if
- The scanner stays at one bench, packing line or machine
- Staff work in cold areas down to −30 °C
- You want no battery to charge or replace
- You prefer the lighter scanner for long shifts
Choose the DS3678 if
- Staff scan pallets, racks or vehicles away from the PC
- The scanner rides on a forklift with the FLB3678 cradle
- It should connect to a tablet or phone by Bluetooth
- Several scanners should share one cradle (up to seven)
What both scanners share
Both use the same DS36X8 Product Reference Guide, so keyboard layout, Enter and Tab work the same way: see our DS3608 and DS3678 setup guide. Both are configured with Zebra's free 123Scan utility. Both have Zebra's Direct Decode Indicator, LEDs and a beeper. Zebra's Network Connect links DS3600 scanners to industrial Ethernet (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP or TCP/IP) without a converter.
The DS3678 adds radio features: a battery and Bluetooth LED gauge on the scanner, a Page button on the cradle, Wi-Fi Friendly Mode, and Virtual Tether, which can alert staff when the Bluetooth connection is lost, so a scanner is not left behind on a pallet. With Zebra AutoConfig its settings can be kept in the cradle, so a scanner configures itself when it pairs.
SR, HP, ER, XR, HD or DP?
Our DS3608 and DS3678 are SR (Standard Range) models for everyday distances. Zebra builds the same scanners in other versions:
- HP reads 1D and 2D codes to nearly 2.1 m, with a laser aimer.
- ER reads from 7.6 cm up to 21.4 m, for labels on high racks. XR is Zebra's newer extended-range version with a green laser aimer.
- HD (high density) is for very small codes, DP for marks etched or stamped on parts.
Need extended range? Ask us about the ER and XR versions. Compare our models: DS3608 and DS3678.
Frequently asked questions
Does the DS3678 scan better than the DS3608?
No. With the same range version, both use the same imager and Zebra quotes the same read ranges. The DS3678 adds Bluetooth and a battery.
Can the DS3678 work without its cradle?
Yes. It can pair directly with a PC, tablet or phone by Bluetooth. It still needs the cradle, or Zebra's four-slot spare battery charger, to charge.
How long does the DS3678 battery last?
Zebra quotes more than 100,000 scans per full charge of its 3,100 mAh PowerPrecision+ battery.
Which one works better in a freezer?
The corded DS3608, rated down to −30 °C. The DS3678 is rated to −20 °C and charges only between 0 and 40 °C.
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