The Zebra ET65 is a rugged enterprise tablet for work that happens outdoors, in vehicles and on sites — field service, utilities, transport, public safety and warehouse supervision. It is sealed to IP66 and, unlike most enterprise tablets, it is offered with a long-range SE5500 imager, so the same device that runs your forms can also read a rack label several metres away.
The first decision: operating system
The ET65 is unusual in the enterprise tablet market because it comes in both Android and Windows versions. That choice matters more than any spec on this page, because it decides what software you can run.
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Android (part numbers beginning
ET65AW) suits companies running mobile apps, WMS clients and browser-based systems — and fleets that already use Android handhelds, so device management stays in one place.
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Windows (part numbers beginning
ET65WW) suits companies with desktop software that has to run as-is: legacy ERP clients, CAD or diagnostic tools, Windows-only line-of-business applications.
Confirm the operating system on the product page before ordering — this is not something that can be changed later.
Scanning: built in or not
| Option |
Best for |
| SE5500 advanced range imager |
Warehouse and yard work — reads from near contact out to several metres, so a rack or pallet label can be scanned from where you stand |
| No integrated scanner |
Forms, dispatch, inspection and reporting work where scanning is occasional or handled by a paired Bluetooth reader |
The long-range option is the reason many buyers choose the ET65 over a general-purpose tablet: it removes the need to carry a separate scanner for overhead labels.
Connectivity and expansion
All models include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and USB. Selected part numbers add Ethernet and RS232 — worth checking if you need to connect to fixed equipment, a vehicle system or legacy serial hardware. Some versions are supplied with WWAN for use beyond Wi-Fi coverage; the product page lists the exact configuration.
Where the ET65 fits
Compared with the ET401, the ET65 is the heavier-duty choice: larger, built around vehicle mounting and outdoor use, with the Windows option and the long-range imager. The ET401 is lighter, sealed to IP68 and is usually the better fit for indoor warehouse and delivery work where the tablet is carried rather than mounted.
If the job is mostly scanning rather than screen work, a handheld terminal will be faster and less tiring than any tablet.
All ET65 tablets below are CE certified and covered by manufacturer warranty. Extended Zebra OneCare service contracts are available from stock.
Looking at the lighter tablet? See the Zebra ET401 series → Need a handheld instead? Browse all handheld terminals → Comparing long-range devices? See the long range mobile terminals →
