OnBarcode Barcode Generator vs ZebraDesigner

OnBarcode Barcode Generator is a collection of barcode tools, including generator and reader libraries, controls, components, reporting plugins, Office add-ins and Windows software. Its C# library creates QR Code, Code 128, EAN/UPC and other 1D and 2D barcodes in.NET applications. Listed formats include Data Matrix, PDF417, GS1-128 and ITF-14. Developers can customize barcode dimensions, bar and space colors, text style and image resolution. The C# library lists Windows, macOS and Linux support, plus web, desktop, mobile and console.NET project types. Integrations include ASP.NET, C#, VB.NET, Java, RDLC, Crystal Reports, Eclipse BIRT, iReport, Jasper Reports and SSRS. The catalog includes barcode generator add-ins for Microsoft Excel and Word. The C# library page says Windows applications may be installed for unlimited end users and web applications deployed to unlimited web servers at no redistribution charge. It also states barcode data is not collected. OnBarcode offers free email technical support and says priority support receives a response within 24 hours. The pricing note lists paid access from $99, while individual product licenses have separate prices, including several at $350, paid once.

ZebraDesigner provides Windows software for designing labels, tags, and receipts, from basic text layouts to designs using RFID or fixed and variable data. Essentials includes text, barcode, and graphic objects, keyboard, date, time, and counter data sources, plus a GS1-128 barcode wizard. Professional adds connections to Excel, Access, text files, and other databases through ODBC, and supports printing and encoding RFID labels. Developer tools create ZPL templates for integration with other applications; listed options include Enterprise Connector for Oracle apps, PrintConnect, Print Station, and Zebra's XML-enabled printing solution. ZebraDesigner 3 can open legacy label formats from ZebraDesigner 2, and its interface is available in 20 languages. Supported systems are Windows 10 and 11 desktop editions and Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025. Remote Desktop Services and virtual machines are not supported, except Hyper-V technologies. Essentials and Developer editions cost nothing. Professional costs $345, paid once as an activation license key, limited to one computer.