Star Micronics 37950920 vs Star Micronics 37950950: Specification Comparison
Both the Star Micronics 37950920 and 37950950 are handheld 2D barcode scanners sharing the same core scan engine class — 1D/2D imager — and identical symbology support including QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, and EAN. Both carry IP42 ingress protection and target retail POS, warehouse, and inventory environments. The key differentiator is connectivity architecture: the 37950920 is a strictly wired USB device, while the 37950950 (BSH-20B) adds Bluetooth wireless capability alongside wired USB, at the cost of a shorter warranty period.
In This Guide
- What connectivity options does each scanner support, and which fits your deployment wiring constraints?
- How do the two scanners compare on physical ruggedness and form factor for demanding environments?
- Which scanner offers better long-term coverage, and what ownership factors should buyers weigh?
- Which should you choose: the 37950920 or the 37950950?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
What connectivity options does each scanner support, and which fits your deployment wiring constraints?
The 37950920 is a wired-only device. Its specified interfaces are USB and RS-232, with the supplemental data confirming USB HID keyboard emulation. There is no wireless capability listed for this model. This makes it straightforward to deploy in fixed-station POS or receiving desk setups where a cable run is acceptable and battery management is undesirable.
The 37950950 (BSH-20B) specifies USB, RS-232, and Bluetooth interfaces, and its connectivity is described as both wired and wireless. A 2200 mAh battery is listed, enabling untethered operation. This dual-mode design suits environments where staff move between fixed stations and open floor areas — such as warehouse picking aisles or retail floor inventory counts — without requiring a separate corded and cordless scanner fleet. No Bluetooth profile version or range figure is provided in the available specifications.
How do the two scanners compare on physical ruggedness and form factor for demanding environments?
Both units share an IP42 ingress protection rating, meaning both resist solid objects greater than 1 mm and dripping water — adequate for typical retail and light warehouse conditions but not outdoor or wet environments.
The 37950950 additionally specifies a 1.2 m drop rating, providing documented resilience against accidental drops from counter or waist height. No drop rating is published in the available specifications for the 37950920, so buyers requiring a confirmed drop-resistance figure cannot verify equivalent ruggedness for that model.
Physical dimensions are provided only for the 37950920: 5.75 in wide × 4.06 in tall × 2.72 in deep. No dimensional data is listed for the 37950950. Weight is specified only for the 37950950 at 1 lb; no weight figure is available for the 37950920. Color options also differ: the 37950920 is available in Black or White per structured specs (supplemental data notes Black only), while the 37950950 is White.
Which scanner offers better long-term coverage, and what ownership factors should buyers weigh?
The 37950920 carries a 2-year warranty — double the 1-year warranty specified for the 37950950. For high-turnover retail environments where scanners experience daily handling stress, the longer coverage period on the 37950920 reduces exposure to out-of-warranty repair or replacement costs within the first two years of deployment.
The 37950950's wireless capability inherently introduces battery lifecycle considerations. The 2200 mAh battery is specified, but no cycle life, charge time, or runtime figure appears in the available data. Battery degradation over time in high-use environments is a known total-cost factor for wireless scanners that does not apply to the wired-only 37950920.
Country of origin is specified only for the 37950950 (Vietnam). No country of origin data is available for the 37950920 in the provided specifications.
Which should you choose: the 37950920 or the 37950950?
Our take: The 37950920 is the stronger choice when deployment is fixed-station, cable infrastructure is already in place, and maximizing warranty coverage is a priority. It delivers a 2-year warranty versus the 37950950's 1-year term — a concrete two-year advantage for service cost planning. The 37950950 (BSH-20B) is the stronger choice when operator mobility is required: it adds Bluetooth wireless to the same 1D/2D imager and identical IP42 rating, and it is the only model with a published 1.2 m drop rating, making its ruggedness claims documentable. Both scanners are spec-equivalent on symbology support and scan engine class. Buyers running fixed POS lanes or wired receiving stations should favor the 37950920 for its longer warranty; buyers equipping mobile warehouse or floor staff should favor the 37950950 for wireless freedom, accepting the shorter 1-year warranty and battery management overhead.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Star Micronics 37950920 | Star Micronics 37950950 |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | 37950920 | 37950950 |
| Model Name | — | BSH-20B |
| Scan Engine | 1D/2D Image Sensor | 1D/2D Imager |
| Symbologies | QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN | QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN |
| Connectivity | Wired only | Wired and Wireless |
| Interfaces | USB, RS-232 | USB, RS-232, Bluetooth |
| USB Mode | USB HID (Keyboard emulation) | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | 2200 mAh |
| IP Rating | IP42 | IP42 |
| Drop Rating | — | 1.2 m |
| Color | Black or White | White |
| Warranty | 2 Year | 1 Year |
| Weight | — | 1 lb |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 5.75 × 4.06 × 2.72 in | — |
| Country of Origin | — | Vietnam |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the 37950920 or the 37950950?
The 37950920 is the stronger choice when deployment is fixed-station, cable infrastructure is already in place, and maximizing warranty coverage is a priority. It delivers a 2-year warranty versus the 37950950's 1-year term — a concrete two-year advantage for service cost planning. The 37950950 (BSH-20B) is the stronger choice when operator mobility is required: it adds Bluetooth wireless to the same 1D/2D imager and identical IP42 rating, and it is the only model with a published 1.2 m drop rating, making its ruggedness claims documentable. Both scanners are spec-equivalent on symbology support and scan engine class. Buyers running fixed POS lanes or wired receiving stations should favor the 37950920 for its longer warranty; buyers equipping mobile warehouse or floor staff should favor the 37950950 for wireless freedom, accepting the shorter 1-year warranty and battery management overhead.
Is the 37950920 or 37950950 better for a warehouse where staff walk the floor?
The 37950950 is better suited for mobile warehouse use. It specifies both wired and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and includes a 2200 mAh battery, allowing untethered operation as staff move through aisles. The 37950920 is wired-only (USB/RS-232) and has no listed wireless capability, so it requires a cable connection at all times.
Which scanner has better drop protection?
Only the 37950950 has a published drop rating of 1.2 m in the available specifications. No drop rating is listed for the 37950920, so a direct verified comparison cannot be made from the provided data. Both units share an IP42 rating for ingress protection.
Which model has the longer warranty, and does it matter for a retail deployment?
The 37950920 carries a 2-year warranty; the 37950950 carries a 1-year warranty. For a retail deployment with daily high-use scanning, the 37950920's 2-year coverage provides an additional year of protection against defects without out-of-pocket repair costs — a meaningful difference when deploying multiple units across checkout lanes.
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