I used the Munbyn AceScan AS01 to track my studio kit, and it’s the easiest scanner I’ve tested

Munbyn AceScan AS01: 30-second review

The Munbyn AceScan AS01 is an Android barcode scanner that will suit any business or individual needing to keep track of inventory. The system is essentially based on a standard Android 14 smartphone, and in the box, along with the phone unit, comes a purpose-built trigger grip that securely holds the phone in place, making scanning items quick and easy.

Getting started with the scanner is straightforward, with the Android 14 operating system pre-installed and just requiring the final stages of setup and customisation with your own email address and account.

Once done, there’s the M-Scan application that is pre-installed, and a link between the Zebra scanner on the front of the unit and whichever inventory application you choose is easily established. For the purpose of this review, I linked it with Sortly using my own custom barcodes for my inventory system.

It is a shame that Munbyn hasn't taken the App design a step further by creating its own inventory software. In addition to the scanner, you will need to subscribe to your own application or bespoke solution.

However, whichever route you choose, the M-Scan app makes the connection between your inventory application and the scanner exceptionally easy and essentially automates the entire process, unlike some other barcode scanners, which can be quite tricky to set up.

If you're used to barcode scanners, you might have mixed feelings about the fact that this is essentially an Android user interface. As well as being used as a barcode scanner, it can also double as a smartphone, which some people might find useful, but could present issues for larger-scale operations when it comes to security. For small businesses, where people work in stockrooms or warehouses, having a barcode scanner that also functions as a phone could be a real asset.

In my case, keeping track of photography equipment, I’ve been using it on a smaller scale and generating my usual barcodes for kit. I was able to add these barcodes in Sortly under the free subscription option and assign them to a product name, including adding an image of the item. Once the label was printed and attached to the kit, I could then use the AS01 to quickly scan the item and add it to the inventory.

I could then assign it as being logged in and later returned with a quick scan using the scanner.

As I used the AS01, it was obvious how easy it was to use, with the most complex part being figuring out how to use the third-party Sortly app to manage the login and logout process. The scanning process itself and its speed were exceptionally good. Again, it's just a shame that a simple software solution isn't included with the hardware; this is essentially an additional cost.

After three weeks of day-to-day use of the tracking kit in the studio, performance proved to be exceptionally good and fast, much faster than the other solution we currently use. With decent battery life, the current Android 14 OS and a rugged design, it’s a good accessory to have around for keeping track of kit. It’s just unfortunate that it costs as much as it does for the basic hardware, especially considering the additional cost for the app and software will all be on top.

Munbyn AceScan AS01: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? from £499, $599
• Where can you get it? Munbyn.com and Amazon.com

The Munbyn AceScan AS01 is available in the US for $599 at Munbyn US and for £499 via Munbyn's UK store.

It's also available from online retailers, including Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. As the unit is directly aimed at businesses, bulk options are also available at a discount.

• Value: 4 / 5

Munbyn AceScan AS01: Specs

CPU: Qualcomm Octa-core 2.45 GHz
Graphics: Integrated Qualcomm GPU
RAM: 4 GB (option for 8 GB)
Storage: 128 GB
Left Ports: USB Type-C
Right Ports: Programmable scan button
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, 4G LTE (model dependent)
Audio: Mono speaker, microphone
Camera: Rear 13MP, Front 5MP
Size: 6-inch screen, 260g
OS Installed: Android 14 (Upgradeable to Android 18)
Accessories: Charging cable, wrist strap, user guide

Munbyn AceScan AS01: Design

The AS01 scanner comes in two parts, including the main phone, which is much like any smartphone, with the ability to insert a micro SIM and TF card for additional storage, and a trigger handle that clips around the phone to make scanning quick and easy.

The entire design is rugged; it's perfect for use in a warehouse or stockroom where it might be left on top of boxes and other surfaces and inevitably dropped or knocked around. It's also resistant to water and dust, with an IP65 rating and MIL-STD-810H drop rating that gives it the usual credentials associated with rugged smartphones.

Like many other inventory scanners, the AS01 is based on the Android 14 operating system and features a large six-inch FHD IPS touchscreen, enabling easy navigation through apps and wide compatibility with a huge array of inventory solutions, including Sortly, which I used in this review.

The phone and grip are simple in design. With the grip attached, you have a large orange trigger, like a pistol, that, when pressed, sends out a red Zebra scanner beam to quickly scan barcodes and QR codes. These can then be loaded into your inventory application for logging in, logging out, or simply recording items.

While it’s a rugged Android smartphone, the phone and handle are still relatively lightweight, coming in at about 260g. Its dimensions are 168 x 78 x 17 mm, not including the grip.

Another feature of note is the large 7100 mAh battery, which should provide 16 hours of use. The 27W fast charging support allows for quick overnight top-ups, and if you're using it on shift work, the battery can be removed and replaced with another, although a separate battery charger is an additional cost.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Munbyn AceScan AS01: Features

Unlike many barcode scanners, the Munbyn AS01 Android barcode scanner is based on the full Android 14 operating system. This isn’t a stripped-down version—it’s the full mobile-friendly edition with Google Play support, allowing you to download other applications as needed.

While this device is primarily aimed at barcode scanning, the trigger grip can easily be removed, at which point it functions like any other rugged smartphone. With both micro SIM and TF card slots, it offers expandable storage and can be used just like any other Android phone, including installing apps as usual.

This means warehouse or stockroom staff can use it for inventory tracking as well as checking emails and handling other tasks.

The main difference between this and a standard smartphone is the inclusion of the Zebra SE4710 barcode engine and scanner on the front, which allows fast and continuous scanning using the trigger.

It also features fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, is LTE-ready, and offers NFC as an optional extra. Alongside the main trigger, there are also programmable side buttons that can be used for different scan functions.

Ultimately, while this phone is designed as a barcode scanner, its Android 14 base offers flexibility to integrate it into your business as more than just an inventory solution.

• Features: 5 / 5

Munbyn AceScan AS01: Performance

Getting started with the Munbyn AS01 barcode scanner is a fast process. You simply set up Android as normal by entering your Google account details and clicking through the setup screens, then begin scanning.

The installed Android 14 OS strips out many of the usual apps, giving you a lightweight user interface to start with. You can then install your own business-specific apps or go to Google Play and download mainstream applications.

Pre-installed is the M-Scan app, which ties the Zebra scanner on the front of the unit to whichever scanning or inventory application you’re using. In this review, that was Sortly, which offers a basic free version and inexpensive subscription options.

What I really liked, unlike some recent options I’ve looked at, is that once Sortly was installed, which is a third-party inventory application that I select, the barcode scanner worked immediately. The rear camera integrates neatly too, enabling you to photograph existing barcodes, load them into the system, and add them to the inventory within Sortly. This meant I could use it with our existing inventory setup without having to recreate lots of different barcodes or QR codes.

The first thing I noticed when I got started with the AS01 was just how fast it was. The Zebra scanner is far faster than our older system, and as items were scanned, they appeared in Sortly, where I could configure them to log in or out depending on requirements. The scanner will also work from a far greater distance, making it far easier to scan multiple items quickly, although this is something the free version of Sortly was unable to process.

I could also photograph new barcodes and link them to the inventory so they would be recognised when scanned. While setting up the full workflow process takes some time, the scanning accuracy and speed of the AS01 are among the best I’ve used.

I also appreciated being able to batch scan, scanning items one after another without confirming each time. This made continuous scanning extremely fast, although again, it was not supported in the free subscription version of the App that I was using for the review.

It impressed me how compatible it seemed to be. While I didn’t test it with Shopify, Google Sheets or any custom POS, using Sortly, it worked flawlessly. Across several weeks, the scanner remained ready to use, even when we forgot to plug it in overnight; it usually lasted a day or two between charges.

The six-inch Android display made it easy to navigate options, and the USB-C port simplified charging and connectivity.

As an almost ready-to-go solution, the AS01 is one of the easiest barcode scanners I’ve used. However, it’s unfortunate that a basic scanning or inventory application isn’t included; at nearly £500 per unit, it’s still an expensive option, even with volume discounts.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Munbyn AceScan AS01: Final verdict

As an almost ready-to-go, out-of-the-box inventory barcode scanning solution, the Scan AS01 is one of the best I’ve come across, and certainly a lot better than the rather old and antiquated scanner we currently use in the studio.

However, our old scanner is simply tied into a bespoke inventory system that has been fine-tuned over the years to enable us to log in and log out kits exceptionally easily with a two-code scanning system process that links user IDs to product IDs, so we not only know what kit is out, but who has it.

Utilising the free version of Sortly, this level of scanning and inventory management complexity didn’t seem to be possible. But with the ease of use of the Scan AS01 and a little bit of bespoke programming, it shouldn’t be too difficult to expand this functionality into the barcode scanner.

So, for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a quick and easy solution for keeping track of general inventory, this is exceptionally good. You can utilise software available directly from the Google Play Store for as little as $30 a month, and even a free version if you only have a few items to keep track of. For those studios, the free version will probably suffice.

However, if you need something a bit more complex, then bespoke programming or a more involved setup of inventory applications is required, but that’s down to the software you choose, rather than the Scan AS01 hardware.

As an all-in-one solution, it does seem to be extremely flexible and compatible, and with a decent-sized battery, fast charging, and a rugged design, it makes for an ideal option for all manner of small businesses. It’s a scanner I would highly recommend, even with the relatively high price.

Should I buy a Munbyn AceScan AS01?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...