Star Micronics 37950970 vs Star Micronics 37950940: Specification Comparison
Both the Star Micronics BSH-32B (37950970) and BSH-20B (37950940) are handheld wireless 1D/2D barcode scanners from the same manufacturer, positioned for retail and warehouse environments. The BSH-32B is the higher-specified model, offering explicit Bluetooth 5.0/BLE, a stated battery capacity and runtime, IP42 ingress protection, and a confirmed wireless range. The BSH-20B provides dual wireless/wired connectivity and is notably lighter, but its published spec sheet omits several key operational parameters. This comparison evaluates the two on connectivity and range, power and durability, and scanning capability.
In This Guide
- Which scanner offers broader connectivity options and a confirmed wireless range?
- How do battery life, capacity, and environmental protection compare between the two models?
- Do both scanners decode the same barcode symbologies, and are there any differences in scan engine or supported formats?
- Which should you choose: the 37950970 or the 37950940?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which scanner offers broader connectivity options and a confirmed wireless range?
The BSH-32B (37950970) specifies Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE and a USB wireless adapter, and its published specs cite a typical wireless range of 30–50 feet in retail and warehouse environments. It supports synchronous, asynchronous, and batch communication modes, giving integrators explicit flexibility for both real-time and disconnected scanning workflows.
The BSH-20B (37950940) is described as dual-mode — supporting both wireless and wired operation — which adds a hardwired USB fallback the BSH-32B does not explicitly list as a simultaneous wired-host mode. However, the BSH-20B's spec sheet does not state a Bluetooth version, a wireless range figure, or supported communication modes. Buyers who require a confirmed wireless reach specification or BLE compatibility cannot confirm those attributes from the BSH-20B's published data.
How do battery life, capacity, and environmental protection compare between the two models?
The BSH-32B (37950970) publishes a 2,400 mAh battery capacity and a rated runtime of 12 hours per charge. It also carries an IP42 ingress protection rating, indicating resistance to solid objects greater than 1 mm and protection against water dripping vertically — a meaningful spec for light-industrial or food-adjacent retail deployments.
The BSH-20B (37950940) does not list a battery capacity, battery life, or any IP ingress protection rating in its published specifications. Buyers selecting a scanner for multi-shift or outdoor-adjacent use cannot confirm these parameters for the BSH-20B from available data. The BSH-20B does disclose a weight of 0.1 lb, which is notably low for a handheld scanner; the BSH-32B does not publish a weight figure.
Do both scanners decode the same barcode symbologies, and are there any differences in scan engine or supported formats?
The BSH-32B (37950970) explicitly lists its scan engine as a 1D/2D imager supporting UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39, QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, and Aztec. The inclusion of Aztec is a differentiator not mentioned for the competing model.
The BSH-20B (37950940) is also described as a 2D imager capable of 1D and 2D barcodes in a single pass, with symbologies listed as UPC, Code 128, Code 39, QR Code, Data Matrix, and PDF417. Aztec is not listed. Both models use single-pass imaging and cover the core retail and logistics symbology set. For deployments requiring Aztec (common in transit ticketing and some healthcare applications), only the BSH-32B confirms support.
Which should you choose: the 37950970 or the 37950940?
Our take: The BSH-32B (37950970) is the stronger choice when battery endurance, ingress protection, confirmed wireless range, and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE are decision criteria. The BSH-32B publishes a 2,400 mAh battery rated at 12 hours, an IP42 environmental rating, a 30–50 ft Bluetooth range, and explicit Bluetooth 5.0/BLE — three concrete spec advantages the BSH-20B cannot match from its published data. The BSH-32B also adds Aztec to its symbology list, extending coverage to transit and healthcare barcodes. The BSH-20B's primary differentiator is its dual wireless/wired mode, which suits fixed POS stations where a wired USB fallback has operational value, and its disclosed 0.1 lb weight may indicate a lighter form factor for extended handheld use. Select the BSH-32B for mobile, multi-shift, or light-industrial deployments; consider the BSH-20B where a wired USB fallback is required and the missing battery and IP specs are acceptable gaps.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Star Micronics 37950970 | Star Micronics 37950940 |
|---|---|---|
| Model | BSH-32B | BSH-20B |
| SKU | 37950970 | 37950940 |
| Scan Engine | 1D/2D Imager | 1D/2D Imager |
| Scan Mode | Single-pass imaging | Single-pass imaging |
| Symbologies | UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39, QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec | UPC, Code 128, Code 39, QR, Data Matrix, PDF417 |
| Aztec Support | Yes | — |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 / BLE / USB Wireless Adapter | Dual-mode: Wireless and Wired |
| Wired USB Host Mode | — | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 / BLE | — |
| Wireless Range | 30–50 ft (typical) | — |
| Battery Capacity | 2,400 mAh | — |
| Battery Life | 12 hours | — |
| IP Rating | IP42 | — |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Weight | — | 0.1 lb |
| Warranty | 2 Year | 2 Year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the 37950970 or the 37950940?
The BSH-32B (37950970) is the stronger choice when battery endurance, ingress protection, confirmed wireless range, and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE are decision criteria. The BSH-32B publishes a 2,400 mAh battery rated at 12 hours, an IP42 environmental rating, a 30–50 ft Bluetooth range, and explicit Bluetooth 5.0/BLE — three concrete spec advantages the BSH-20B cannot match from its published data. The BSH-32B also adds Aztec to its symbology list, extending coverage to transit and healthcare barcodes. The BSH-20B's primary differentiator is its dual wireless/wired mode, which suits fixed POS stations where a wired USB fallback has operational value, and its disclosed 0.1 lb weight may indicate a lighter form factor for extended handheld use. Select the BSH-32B for mobile, multi-shift, or light-industrial deployments; consider the BSH-20B where a wired USB fallback is required and the missing battery and IP specs are acceptable gaps.
Is the BSH-32B (37950970) or BSH-20B (37950940) better for an all-day warehouse shift?
The BSH-32B (37950970) is the only model with a published battery specification: 2,400 mAh with a rated 12-hour runtime. The BSH-20B (37950940) does not disclose battery capacity or runtime, so it cannot be evaluated for multi-shift endurance from published specs alone.
Which scanner supports a wired USB connection to a POS terminal?
The BSH-20B (37950940) explicitly supports dual wireless and wired operation, making it suitable for fixed POS stations where a USB cable connection is preferred. The BSH-32B (37950970) lists USB as an interface but its published specs describe it primarily in the context of Bluetooth with a USB wireless adapter; a direct wired USB host mode is not explicitly confirmed.
Does either scanner carry an IP rating for light liquid or dust exposure?
Yes — the BSH-32B (37950970) is rated IP42, providing protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm and vertically dripping water. The BSH-20B (37950940) does not list any IP ingress protection rating in its published specifications.
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