Best Barcode Generators for Small Businesses in 2025

1. Sunavin Barcode Generator

• Website: Sunavin Free Commercial Online Barcode Generator
• Price: Free
• Registration Required: No
• Ads: No
• Watermark: None
• Batch Processing: Supports multi-line input for bulk generation and ZIP download
• Supported Barcode Types: CODE128 (Auto, A, B, C), EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, CODE39, ITF14, ITF, MSI (various formats), Pharmacode
• Download Formats: PNG, JPG, SVG, GIF
• Customization: Offers advanced customization, including barcode width, height, margins, color options, and text positioning.
• Language Support: English, Russian, Korean, French, Indonesian, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech, German, Greek, Japanese, Turkish

Overview: Sunavin stands out as an excellent choice for small businesses due to its user-friendly interface and versatile features. It supports a wide range of barcode types and offers batch processing, which is particularly useful for businesses with large inventories. The level of customization it offers—such as barcode colors, text, and margins—is rare in free tools, making it highly flexible.

Why It’s Great for Small Businesses:

• Completely free with no hidden costs or ads.
• Supports batch barcode generation, which can save time for businesses managing bulk products.
• No watermarks, ensuring professional-quality barcodes.
• Extensive customization options for design and formatting.

2. OnlineLabels Barcode Generator

• Website: OnlineLabels Barcode Generator
• Price: Free
• Registration Required: Yes
• Ads: No
• Watermark: None
• Batch Processing: Not supported
• Supported Barcode Types: UPC-A, EAN-13, Code 39, Codabar, PostNet, UPC-E, Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5
• Download Formats: PNG, PDF
• Customization: Basic options for small, medium, and large barcode sizes.
• Language Support: English

Overview: OnlineLabels offers a straightforward barcode generator with basic functionality. It’s well-suited for businesses with simpler needs, such as generating barcodes for products in a small retail setup. While it lacks the batch processing and advanced customization options available in other tools, it makes up for it with ease of use.

Why It’s Great for Small Businesses:

• Simple and easy-to-use interface.
• No ads or watermarks, ensuring clean output.
• Best suited for businesses with low-volume barcode needs.

3. Labeljoy Barcode Generator

• Website: Labeljoy Free Barcode Generator
• Price: Free
• Registration Required: No
• Ads: No
• Watermark: None
• Batch Processing: Not supported
• Supported Barcode Types (Linear): Codabar, Code 11, Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, and more.
• Supported Barcode Types (2D): Aztec, Data Matrix, PDF417, QR Code
• Download Formats: PNG, PDF
• Customization: No customization options available.
• Language Support: English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese

Overview: Labeljoy is a solid option if you need to generate both linear and 2D barcodes, including QR codes. However, the lack of customization and batch processing features makes it less appealing for businesses with large barcode requirements. Still, for generating individual barcodes or experimenting with 2D options, it’s a reliable and straightforward tool.

Why It’s Great for Small Businesses:

• No registration or ads, which simplifies use.
• Supports a wide range of barcode formats, including 2D barcodes like QR codes.
• Ideal for small businesses that need occasional barcode generation.

4. TEC-IT Online Barcode Generator

• Website: TEC-IT Online Barcode Generator
• Price: Free
• Registration Required: No
• Ads: Yes
• Watermark: None
• Batch Processing: Supports multi-line input for bulk barcode generation with ZIP download.
• Supported Barcode Types: Code-128, Code-39, UPC, EAN, Pharmacode, and various postal codes, banking, healthcare, and mobile tagging codes.
• Download Formats: PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG
• Customization: Offers customization for module width, DPI, and image rotation.
• Language Support: English, German, Spanish, French, Hindi, Croatian, Italian, Russian, Chinese

Overview: TEC-IT is a feature-rich option that caters to both basic and advanced barcode generation needs. Its support for a wide range of industries (from retail to healthcare and banking) makes it one of the most versatile free tools. However, the presence of ads and more complex interface may deter some users.

Why It’s Great for Small Businesses:

• Supports a large variety of barcode formats and industries, including healthcare and logistics.
• Batch processing available for bulk barcode generation.
• Offers advanced customization options, including image resolution and rotation.

II. Paid Barcode Generators

You might be wondering, “Why pay for barcode software when free tools seem so capable?” While free options are great for basic use, paid tools offer critical advantages as your business grows:

• Advanced Customization: More flexibility in design and compliance with industry standards.
• Database Integration: Automate barcode generation with your inventory system, reducing errors.
• Printer Compatibility: Seamless integration with barcode printers for higher-quality printing.
• File Quality and Format: Higher resolution and more formats like PDF and EPS for professional needs.
• Support and Reliability: Dedicated customer support and guaranteed performance.
• Compliance and Accountability: Ensures barcodes meet industry standards like GS1, with potential liability coverage.

For small businesses planning to expand, these features can save time, enhance accuracy, and provide peace of mind. With that in mind, we’ve reviewed the top paid barcode generators on the market and selected four options that are best suited for growing businesses. Here’s our breakdown to help you make an informed decision.

1. BarTender by Seagull Scientific (Paid)

BarTender is the industry standard for a reason. It’s powerful, flexible, and perfect for businesses looking to grow and automate their barcode creation processes. But with that power comes a higher price.

• Website: BarTender
• Price: Starting at approximately $300 for the base version.
• Printer Compatibility: Highly compatible with various barcode printers, including brands like TSC.
• Customization: Strong customization capabilities for labels, barcodes, and integration with databases.
• Barcode Library: Supports a wide range of 1D and 2D barcode formats, making it versatile for multiple industries.
• Integration: Seamless integration with databases like Excel and SQL, and support for ERP systems.
• Ease of Use: Though it has a learning curve, it provides scalability and powerful features.

Why It’s Worth It: If your business is expanding, you’ll benefit from BarTender’s ability to generate thousands of barcodes quickly, integrate with your current systems, and customize every detail of your labels and barcodes.Too expensive? Fortunately, BarTender often comes bundled with many barcode printers. This means if you purchase a barcode printer—such as the TSC TTP Series 4-Inch Desktop Printer—you can get a free activation code for BarTender. Quite tempting, right?

2. EasyLabel (Paid)

If you’re after simplicity without sacrificing functionality, EasyLabel lives up to its name. It’s an affordable, easy-to-use option that integrates seamlessly with most barcode printers.

• Website: EasyLabel
• Price: Around $400-500 for the base version.
• Printer Compatibility: Designed for smooth integration with barcode printers, particularly Zebra and TSC.
• Customization: Provides straightforward customization options for label and barcode creation.
• Barcode Library: Supports common barcode formats, including 1D and 2D.
• Integration: Allows integration with basic databases like Excel, suitable for small-scale operations.
• Ease of Use: EasyLabel lives up to its name, offering an intuitive interface ideal for users with limited technical knowledge.

Why It’s Worth It: With a price point around $400-500, EasyLabel is ideal for businesses that need a reliable tool without the steep learning curve. It’s great for those needing basic database integration and batch printing, without getting bogged down by overly complex features.

3. TEC-IT (Paid)

If you’ve outgrown the free version of TEC-IT, upgrading to the paid version gives you access to advanced barcode design, higher resolution exports, and professional customer support.

• Website: TEC-IT
• Price: From several hundred dollars depending on the license.
• Printer Compatibility: Supports a wide range of printers, making it highly versatile.
• Customization: Offers advanced customization options, including module width, DPI, and design.
• Barcode Library: Includes an extensive library of barcodes, covering various industries, from retail to healthcare.
• Integration: TEC-IT integrates with databases and ERP systems, allowing for streamlined barcode generation.
• Ease of Use: Although it offers powerful features, the interface is user-friendly enough for small businesses.

Why It’s Worth It: Starting from a few hundred dollars, TEC-IT’s paid version offers powerful customization options and flexibility, making it suitable for businesses that need specific barcode designs and reliable integration with ERP systems.

4. iBarcoder (Paid)

For Mac users, iBarcoder is a budget-friendly option that provides all the basics for barcode generation. It’s one of the most affordable paid tools available, but still offers solid functionality.

However, there is currently no Windows version available, so if you’re a Windows user, you’ll need to consider alternatives like BarTender or TEC-IT, which are cross-platform and offer broader compatibility.

• Website: iBarcoder
• Price: Around $49.95 (one-time purchase).
• Printer Compatibility: Works well with various barcode printers, especially on Mac platforms.
• Customization: Provides basic customization features for barcode properties.
• Barcode Library: Supports a variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, though not as extensive as other premium options.
• Integration: Limited integration options, primarily suited for standalone use.
• Ease of Use: Very intuitive and easy to use, especially for businesses using Mac systems.

Why It’s Worth It: If you’re a small business on a tight budget, iBarcoder gives you all the essential features you need without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for businesses that don’t require complex integrations but still need clean, reliable barcodes.

III. How to Choose the Right Barcode Generator for Your Business

Selecting the right barcode generator can be a game-changer for your business, but the decision depends on your specific needs and future growth plans. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your choice:

1. Business Size and Complexity

• Small or just starting: If you’re running a small business with a manageable number of products, a free barcode generator like Sunavin or TEC-IT may provide all the essential features you need.
• Growing or scaling up: As your business expands, consider paid tools like BarTender or EasyLabel, which offer batch processing, automation, and deeper integration with business systems.

2. Customizability

• Basic needs: If you only need to generate simple barcodes, a free option may suffice. However, if your business requires custom labels, colors, or compliance with industry standards, opt for paid tools that provide advanced customization.
• Branding and compliance: For businesses that need to maintain brand consistency or meet regulatory standards (e.g., GS1 compliance), paid tools like BarTender offer the necessary customization and flexibility.

3. Barcode Types and Formats

• Simple barcodes: If you only need basic 1D barcodes like UPC or EAN, free generators will meet your needs.
• Diverse barcode needs: For businesses dealing with multiple barcode types—like 2D codes (QR, DataMatrix) or industry-specific barcodes (healthcare, retail)—paid options provide support for a wider range of formats.

4. Integration with Other Systems

• Standalone use: Free tools are great if you’re managing barcodes manually and don’t require them to be integrated with other systems.
• Automation and efficiency: For businesses using inventory systems, ERP, or databases, paid barcode generators that offer seamless integration can significantly improve workflow efficiency by automating barcode generation.

5. Printer Compatibility

• Basic printing: If you’re printing small volumes of barcodes on standard printers, a free tool may suffice.
• Professional barcode printers: If you’re using barcode printers like Zebra or TSC, paid tools with direct printer integration ensure the best quality and accuracy in your prints.

6. Support and Reliability

• DIY approach: Free tools usually don’t come with much (if any) customer support, so if you’re comfortable troubleshooting on your own, this might not be an issue.
• Professional support: For businesses where barcode errors could result in lost sales or logistical delays, having dedicated support through a paid service like BarTender can provide peace of mind and quick issue resolution.

7. Budget

• Cost-conscious: If your budget is tight, free tools will offer plenty of functionality without the upfront cost.
• Investing for growth: If your business is growing and you need advanced features, investing in a paid solution like EasyLabel or TEC-IT will pay off in terms of increased efficiency and reliability.

By evaluating these factors, you’ll be able to choose a barcode generator that fits your current needs while also preparing for future growth. Whether you opt for a free tool to start or invest in a paid solution, the right choice will help streamline your operations and improve accuracy as your business expands.