Honeywell 8690IB601-2 vs Honeywell 8690IB201-2-N: Specification Comparison
Both the Honeywell 8690IB601-2 and the 8690IB201-2-N are wearable ring barcode scanners from the same 8680i series, targeting hands-free scanning in warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, and retail environments. Each supports 1D and 2D barcode decoding, shares the same IP55 ingress protection rating, identical 420 mAh battery, 26 g weight, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. This comparison examines the specs as provided to help buyers understand whether a meaningful differentiation exists between these two part numbers before committing to a deployment.
In This Guide
- How do the two scanners compare in barcode reading capability and scan performance?
- Which model is better suited to harsh or demanding physical environments?
- Are there differences in battery life or wireless connectivity that affect shift coverage and system integration?
- Which should you choose: the 8690IB601-2 or the 8690IB201-2-N?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
How do the two scanners compare in barcode reading capability and scan performance?
Both the 8690IB601-2 and the 8690IB201-2-N are rated for omni-directional 1D and 2D barcode scanning. The 8690IB601-2 spec explicitly notes 1D and 2D decoding with a UPC read range of 44 mm to 552 mm (1.7 in to 21.7 in) across a 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz ISM Bluetooth band. The 8690IB201-2-N carries the same stated UPC range (44 mm to 552 mm) and the same Bluetooth band, while its marketing copy adds the claim of reading 'all symbologies including damaged and high-density codes.' The provided spec data does not include a formal decode symbology list for either unit, so that claimed advantage for the -2-N cannot be independently confirmed from the specs supplied. Neither model spec includes a stated scan rate (scans per second), laser/imager type, or motion tolerance figure.
Which model is better suited to harsh or demanding physical environments?
On rated environmental protection, the two units are identical per the provided specs: both carry an IP55 ingress rating (dust-protected, low-pressure water jet resistant) and share an operating temperature range of -20°C to 50°C. Both weigh 26 g. No drop-specification (MIL-STD or otherwise), humidity range, or storage temperature is listed in the provided spec data for either model. Because IP55, the operating temperature window, and the physical weight are the only durability metrics available, no differentiation between the two models can be made on environmental grounds from the specifications as provided. Buyers requiring a higher ingress rating (IP65/67) or a documented drop spec should consult the respective datasheets directly.
Are there differences in battery life or wireless connectivity that affect shift coverage and system integration?
Both models share a 420 mAh rechargeable battery and Bluetooth wireless operating in the 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz ISM band. Neither spec includes a stated hours-per-charge figure, charge time, or Bluetooth protocol version (e.g., Bluetooth 4.x vs. 5.x). The 8690IB601-2 marketing copy describes the 420 mAh pack as providing 'all-shift capability,' while the 8690IB201-2-N refers to it as enabling 'full-shift operations' — both are qualitative claims without a numeric hour rating in the supplied data. No host pairing mode, simultaneous pairing count, or back-end system compatibility (WMS, ERP, middleware) is documented in either spec set. The '-N' suffix in the 8690IB201-2-N part number is not defined in the provided specifications, so any variant difference it may encode (e.g., region, accessories included) cannot be confirmed.
Which should you choose: the 8690IB601-2 or the 8690IB201-2-N?
Our take: The 8690IB601-2 and 8690IB201-2-N cannot be meaningfully differentiated on the basis of the specifications provided. Both units share the same 8680i series, IP55 rating, 420 mAh battery, 26 g weight, -20°C to 50°C operating range, omni-directional 1D/2D scan capability, and 2.4–2.5 GHz Bluetooth. The only textual distinction in the supplied data is that the 8690IB201-2-N's marketing copy claims support for 'damaged and high-density codes,' but no formal decode specification substantiates this in either product's spec block. The '-N' suffix is undefined. Buyers should pull the official Honeywell datasheets for both part numbers to determine whether the suffix encodes a regional variant, a bundled accessory difference, or a firmware/radio variant before placing an order or committing to a deployment standard.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Honeywell 8690IB601-2 | Honeywell 8690IB201-2-N |
|---|---|---|
| Series / Family | 8680i | 8680i |
| Part Number | 8690IB601-2 | 8690IB201-2-N |
| Form Factor | Wearable ring scanner | Wearable ring scanner |
| Scan Type | 1D and 2D barcodes | 1D/2D (all symbologies per marketing) |
| Scan Pattern | Omni-directional | Omni-directional |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IP55 |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 50°C | -20°C to 50°C |
| Weight | 26 g | 26 g |
| Battery Capacity | 420 mAh | 420 mAh |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth wireless | Bluetooth wireless |
| Bluetooth Frequency Band | 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz ISM | 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz ISM |
| UPC Read Range | 44 mm to 552 mm (1.7 in to 21.7 in) | 44 mm to 552 mm (1.7 in to 21.7 in) |
| Warranty | 3-year | 3-year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the 8690IB601-2 or the 8690IB201-2-N?
The 8690IB601-2 and 8690IB201-2-N cannot be meaningfully differentiated on the basis of the specifications provided. Both units share the same 8680i series, IP55 rating, 420 mAh battery, 26 g weight, -20°C to 50°C operating range, omni-directional 1D/2D scan capability, and 2.4–2.5 GHz Bluetooth. The only textual distinction in the supplied data is that the 8690IB201-2-N's marketing copy claims support for 'damaged and high-density codes,' but no formal decode specification substantiates this in either product's spec block. The '-N' suffix is undefined. Buyers should pull the official Honeywell datasheets for both part numbers to determine whether the suffix encodes a regional variant, a bundled accessory difference, or a firmware/radio variant before placing an order or committing to a deployment standard.
Is there any real difference between the 8690IB601-2 and the 8690IB201-2-N?
Based solely on the specifications provided, no measurable hardware difference is documented. Both share the same series, IP55 rating, 420 mAh battery, 26 g weight, operating temperature, and Bluetooth band. The '-N' suffix in the 8690IB201-2-N is not defined in the supplied specs. Buyers should verify with Honeywell or the official datasheets whether the suffix denotes a regional, accessory, or firmware variant.
Can either ring scanner handle damaged or high-density barcodes in a busy warehouse?
The 8690IB201-2-N's marketing copy states it scans 'all symbologies including damaged and high-density codes.' The provided specs for the 8690IB601-2 do not include this claim. However, neither model's spec block includes a formal decode symbology list, motion tolerance, or minimum element width — the spec data is insufficient to confirm or quantify this capability for either unit. Consult the Honeywell datasheet for decode specifications before selecting based on this criterion.
Will either scanner last a full shift on a single charge?
Both models carry a 420 mAh battery, and both products' descriptions use qualitative 'all-shift' or 'full-shift' language. Neither supplied spec includes a numeric hours-per-charge rating or a duty-cycle assumption (e.g., scans per hour). Actual shift coverage will depend on scan volume, Bluetooth transmission frequency, and ambient temperature. Request battery runtime test data from Honeywell under your expected duty cycle before committing to a deployment.
More Barcode Scanner Comparisons
- Unitech HT730-LJ6122BG vs Datalogic HS7500SR
- Unitech HT730-LJ6122BG vs Honeywell 8690IB601-2
- Unitech HT730-LJ6122BG vs Honeywell 8690IB201-2-N
- Unitech HT730-LJ6122BG vs Honeywell 8680I400-2
- Unitech HT730-LJ6122BG vs Unitech HT730-LJ6142BG
- Unitech HT730-LJ6142BG vs Datalogic HS7500SR
Barcode Scanner Buying Guides
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.