Star Micronics 37950960 vs Star Micronics 37950950: Specification Comparison
Both the Star Micronics BSH-32U (37950960) and BSH-20B (37950950) are handheld 1D/2D barcode scanners from Star Micronics targeting retail POS and warehouse environments. They share the same scan engine class, identical symbology support, and the same IP42 ingress protection rating. The key differentiator under evaluation is connectivity architecture: the BSH-32U is a wired-only corded scanner, while the BSH-20B adds Bluetooth wireless capability alongside wired interfaces—a distinction that materially affects deployment flexibility, cable management, and total cost of ownership.
In This Guide
- Which scanner offers the right connectivity for your host infrastructure?
- Which scanner is better suited for mobile or physically demanding environments?
- Do these scanners differ in scan capability or resolution for dense or complex labels?
- Which should you choose: the 37950960 or the 37950950?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which scanner offers the right connectivity for your host infrastructure?
The BSH-32U (37950960) supports USB and RS-232 interfaces only, making it a strictly wired solution. This suits fixed POS stations and legacy host systems that rely on RS-232 serial communication, with no dependency on wireless infrastructure or battery management.
The BSH-20B (37950950) supports USB, RS-232, and Bluetooth, enabling both wired and wireless operation. This dual-mode architecture allows the same unit to serve tethered checkout lanes and untethered warehouse or inventory workflows without requiring a separate device SKU. Bluetooth connectivity is not further qualified in the provided specs (version or range are not stated).
Which scanner is better suited for mobile or physically demanding environments?
The BSH-20B (37950950) includes a 2200 mAh battery, enabling cordless operation, and carries a 1.2 m drop rating—a concrete ruggedization spec absent from the BSH-32U's provided data. Its weight is listed at 1 lb. These specs indicate it was designed with mobile and higher-impact use cases in mind.
The BSH-32U (37950960) shares the same IP42 rating as the BSH-20B, providing equivalent protection against solid particle ingress and dripping water in both models. However, no drop rating, battery specification, or weight is provided for the BSH-32U, so direct durability comparison beyond IP rating cannot be made from available data.
Do these scanners differ in scan capability or resolution for dense or complex labels?
Both scanners specify the same 1D/2D scan engine and an identical symbology set: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, and EAN. The BSH-20B is noted as a single-pass scanner in its supplemental metadata.
The BSH-32U's marketing bullets reference a resolution of ≥3 mil, which indicates capability to read high-density label patterns. No equivalent resolution figure is provided in the BSH-20B's specs, so a direct resolution comparison cannot be drawn from the available data. Neither unit's scan speed, decode rate, or working range is specified in the provided specs for either model.
Which should you choose: the 37950960 or the 37950950?
Our take: The BSH-20B (37950950) is the stronger choice when deployment requires untethered mobility, drop resilience, or mixed wired-and-wireless workflows. It adds Bluetooth to USB and RS-232, carries a verified 1.2 m drop rating absent from the BSH-32U's specs, and includes a 2200 mAh battery for cordless operation—three concrete advantages for warehouse, inventory, or roving retail use. The BSH-32U (37950960) carries a 2-year warranty versus the BSH-20B's 1-year warranty, which is a meaningful total-cost-of-ownership differentiator for fixed installations. The BSH-32U also cites a ≥3 mil scan resolution spec not stated for the BSH-20B, relevant for dense label applications. Buyers running fixed, cabled POS lanes with legacy RS-232 hosts and no wireless infrastructure will find the BSH-32U adequate; those needing cordless range or ruggedized handling should specify the BSH-20B.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Star Micronics 37950960 | Star Micronics 37950950 |
|---|---|---|
| Model | BSH-32U | BSH-20B |
| SKU | 37950960 | 37950950 |
| Color | Black | White |
| Scan Engine | 1D/2D | 1D/2D |
| Symbologies | QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN | QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN |
| Interface | USB; RS-232 | USB; RS-232; Bluetooth |
| Connectivity | Wired only | Wired and wireless |
| Battery | — | 2200 mAh |
| Form Factor | Handheld | Handheld |
| IP Rating | IP42 | IP42 |
| Drop Rating | — | 1.2 m |
| Weight | — | 1 lb |
| Scan Resolution | ≥3 mil | — |
| Country of Origin | — | Vietnam |
| Warranty | 2 Year | 1 Year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the 37950960 or the 37950950?
The BSH-20B (37950950) is the stronger choice when deployment requires untethered mobility, drop resilience, or mixed wired-and-wireless workflows. It adds Bluetooth to USB and RS-232, carries a verified 1.2 m drop rating absent from the BSH-32U's specs, and includes a 2200 mAh battery for cordless operation—three concrete advantages for warehouse, inventory, or roving retail use. The BSH-32U (37950960) carries a 2-year warranty versus the BSH-20B's 1-year warranty, which is a meaningful total-cost-of-ownership differentiator for fixed installations. The BSH-32U also cites a ≥3 mil scan resolution spec not stated for the BSH-20B, relevant for dense label applications. Buyers running fixed, cabled POS lanes with legacy RS-232 hosts and no wireless infrastructure will find the BSH-32U adequate; those needing cordless range or ruggedized handling should specify the BSH-20B.
Can the BSH-20B (37950950) work without a cable in a warehouse environment?
Yes. The BSH-20B includes Bluetooth connectivity and a 2200 mAh internal battery, enabling wireless cordless operation. The BSH-32U (37950960) is wired-only and has no battery; it cannot operate without a USB or RS-232 cable connection.
Which scanner has the longer warranty—the 37950960 or the 37950950?
The BSH-32U (37950960) carries a 2-year warranty. The BSH-20B (37950950) carries a 1-year warranty. For fixed installations where service continuity matters, the BSH-32U's longer warranty coverage is a practical advantage.
Do both scanners read the same barcode symbologies, including QR codes and PDF417?
Yes. Both the BSH-32U (37950960) and the BSH-20B (37950950) specify identical symbology support: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, and EAN. Neither unit has a stated symbology advantage over the other based on available specs.
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