7 Best USB Fingerprint Readers (Scanners) In 2023

Computer security is an issue that should be on everybody’s minds right now.

As online technology grows by the day, there are many more risks we may face due to vulnerabilities in our computer systems. Passwords used to be enough back in the day, but not anymore.

For that reason, we’ve set to find the best USB fingerprint reader currently available in the market.

Having a functional fingerprint reader is a guaranteed safety measure to keep both our operative systems and files secured from unwanted visitors.

What do they do? They help you create a profile to unlock your PC using your fingerprint, keeping everyone else away from digging into your stuff.

We have selected seven different readers. They may share some similarities, but they also have unique qualities. Let’s check out what they offer!

Best PC Fingerprint Scanners

Image	Name	Sensor Technology	Ideal For
Top	POI Mini USB Fingerprint Reader	360-Degree biologic detection	Quick access to your PC	Check Price
Top	Verifi P2000 Fingerprint Reader	Silicon slide sensor	Loging into your PC, websites and apps	Check Price
Top	Digital Persona 88003-001U Fingerprint Reader	Digital Persona Identity Engine	Computer, home, and office security	Check Price
Top	Benss USB Fingerprint Reader	360-Degree biologic detection	System and file protection	Check Price
Top	BIO-key EcoID Fingerprint Reader	Biometric Authentication	Secure access to websites and applications	Check Price
Top	UPEK Eikon USB Fingerprint	Angled sensor	Block your laptop from strangers	Check Price
Top	Reader Octatco EzFinger USB Fingerprint Reader	Biometric Finger Reader with Self-Learning AI Engine	PC security & file encryptation	Check Price

After watching our comparison table, we’re now going to do an in-depth review of these devices to learn about every feature they have to offer for our protection.

1. PQI Mini USB Fingerprint Reader

We’re starting with a device that is easily the most efficient fingerprint reader out there. There are so many qualities that make this tool a must-have for everyone: high-quality technology to match your fingerprint quick, and a compact design to take it with you between locations.

Once installed, the device encrypts files, securing no one else can access them. Encrypting your files, as well as login into your computer’s system, are both one-step processes that require barely any effort. This reader features the 360-degree pad, which will recognize your fingerprint from every direction.

Thanks to this design, users won’t have to bend their fingers as they swipe them across the scanner. With a single pass, the device will authenticate your fingerprint regardless of the angle.

While many other of the devices reviewed in our list are exclusive to Windows 10 OS, this reader is actually compatible with previous versions, including W7 and W8. As long as the system has the Hello technology available, you should be fine to customize and secure your PC.

If you’re having trouble with your PC installing the reader, you can refer to the PQI website to get both the drivers and the user guide. You can also access these features scanning the QR code located outside the reader’s package once it arrives at your doorstep.

Pros

• Compact design easy to carry
• 360-degree touchpad recognizes fingerprints from all angles
• Compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10

Cons

• There are no proper instructions nor drivers included in the purchase; you have to get them online

2. Verifi P2000 Fingerprint Reader

Here’s a fingerprint reader that could’ve easily come out of a science fiction movie; it is good-looking, compact, and, more importantly, it works. Those features, and the others we’ll discuss next, make this device an ideal purchase for casual PC users or office workers to encrypt their files.

The reader includes the RoboForm Free Edition, which is a password manager that will help you set up and customize your fingerprint logging. You can use it to access different websites, files, and even some applications as well.

Computers compatible with this reader are those that have Windows operative systems: 7, 8, and 10. They must have Windows Hello capacity because it will not work any other way. After setting it up, the reader will unlock your blocked files with a single finger movement over the scanner.

Keep in mind that this reader, while it is compatible with Windows 7, it doesn’t work with all versions. Make sure to contact customer support to clear any doubt before purchasing.

To ensure both efficiency and durability, the manufacturer uses a combination of high-quality materials to produce this device. The housing, for example, is an all-metal construction design. For the sensor, the reader has a silicon slide.

Lastly, with the purchase of this reader, you get a Quick Start guide in the included CD. Furthermore, the package comes with drivers, and the RoboForm mentioned above.

Pros

• Good-looking device
• Includes guide and drivers
• Durable construction materials
• Quick-response sensor with silicon design

Cons

• The reader is not compatible with some Windows 7 versions

3. Digital Persona 88003-001U Fingerprint Reader

Although it is not an essential feature, we do enjoy it when our devices and tools look the best. That’s one of the first reasons why we like the next reader: it is a gorgeous fingerprint reader with great color combinations and durable materials.

Also, the device is small. It leaves plenty of space available over the desk by being a compact reader. Furthermore, you can plug the 70” cable cord, and place the reader anywhere over the desk. There’s a lot of customization possibilities when it comes to this tool.

It is not a very noticeable feature, but we do appreciate the blue LED lighting, which adds a unique touch to the reader. The light, alongside the black and white colors of the reader, creates a beautiful design that looks both modern and stylish.

And the device construction is worth mentioning too. It features a metal casing of the highest quality. Aesthetic issues like scratches or impacts should not worry you. In case an accidental movement occurs, the reader won’t receive marks that could be permanent for other fingerprint readers.

Like our first pick, this reader does not include drivers or instructions. That’s a huge disappointment considering that people with little-to-no experience using these devices will have a hard time setting it up.

Pros

• Beautiful colors
• A small and portable device
• Highly resistant against scratches and impacts
• Blue LED light comfortable to the eye

Cons

• This device doesn’t come with instructions and no software either, making the installation process difficult for people without experience

4. Benss USB Fingerprint Reader

If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art fingerprint scanner for PC, then you’ve come to the right place. This device offers efficiency, comfort, and reliable performance that will pay every bit of money invested in it. What does it have to offer? Let’s find out!

For starters, the reader features modern technology capable of recognizing your fingerprint in a matter of milliseconds. Since it detects your fingerprints even on a 360-degree angle, you won’t have to waste time figuring out how to gesture your finger so the scanner can read it.

Also, every family member has the opportunity to create their own profile, securing their data in their respective Windows session. The reader supports the creation of ten fingerprints IDs, each one created through a thorough process to ensure there are no misreadings for every case.

As to what you can protect with this device, well, there are a lot of things covered: from your account on the computer, to classified files or documents that you want to keep away from everybody due to their importance. Encrypting data, for example, is an easy one-step process.

While the reader performs well most of the time, you may find yourself in a situation where it will not respond appropriately to your fingerprint. If that happens to you, you may want to unplug and plug it back into the USB port to get it back to work once again.

Pros

• Compact design easy to carry around
• It quickly recognizes your fingerprints in less than a second
• 360-degree recognition screen
• Option to create ten fingerprints IDs

Cons

• Sometimes the device will not respond, requiring you to unplug and plug it back into the USB port

5. BIO-key EcoID Fingerprint Reader

This reader features a USB cord that measures 3-foot long. It is a little bit different, considering that most of the other devices on this list go directly to the computer’s USB port. Nonetheless, we believe that this cable is a plus that allows you to move the scanner around if it becomes necessary.

Once you plug this device into your PC, the system will recognize it quickly without the need of any drivers. The setting up process takes no longer than a minute, allowing the device to start performing doing multiple tasks like logging into the system, unlock it, or wake your computer.

People have mentioned that their equipment had issues recognizing the reader. If that happens to you, make sure to turn the system off and turn it back on with the scanner already attached to your PC. It is a simple solution that surprisingly gets rid of this issue.

The reader offers high compatibility with computers using Windows 10. You can also set it up to work with innovative technology, such as LastPass, and it will be an effortless process too.

Unlike outdated readers, like the one on the next spot, this device doesn’t require any swiping at all. It only takes a small dab of your finger onto the screen to give you access to your computer. Be aware, though; sometimes, it may require a couple more tries, giving you the “Try Again” message.

Pros

• It includes a long USB cord for more convenience
• The security hub design makes it possible to attach the device on a docking station
• Quick installation process and profile creation

Cons

• Sometimes you may have to slip your finger across the scanner multiple times before it reads it successfully

6. UPEK Eikon USB Fingerprint Reader

When compared to the other scanners, this one may not seem convenient; it is way bulkier, consuming more space than the previous picks, and it is not as portable as the rest. Even then, there’s something that this tool does incredibly well: a quick installation process.

Regardless of where you install it, be it a PC with Windows 10 or a tablet, the installation is a quick and easy process. There’s no need for drivers. As soon as you access the Windows Hello setting, the reader is already displayed there, quickly recognized by the computer.

Then, to create your profile, you need to swipe your fingers a couple of times. It is a one time only process, making it possible to change the scanner between devices without having to repeat the same steps over and over again.

After everything is good to go, the reader works wonderfully. It requires nothing more than a quick light swipe over the scanner, and it will do the trick. Naturally, it is not as efficient as the devices that don’t require swiping, but keep in mind that this product is half the price compared to those.

Having gone through all of its useful features, we should mention the most disappointing element of this reader, which is its design. The angled scanner could be awkward sometimes, especially if you’re in a hurry and need to access your PC quickly.

Some people may love it, and others may hate the structure design. Fortunately, for us, it was not good.

Pros

• Quick installation
• One time only profile creation
• Responds quickly over a single swipe

Cons

• The angled structure design may be awkward under some circumstances

7. Octatco EzFinger USB Fingerprint Reader

After setting up this reader, you will be able to log into your preferred Windows operative system in less than two seconds. The recognition process is outstanding, providing a secured authentication method far better than the typical digit password.

And the purpose of this device, other than securing your system, is to enhance your daily routines making them more productive and successful. To help you with your duties, the compact and portable design of the scanner makes it an accessory that you can move between home and the office comfortably.

Using this reader is quite simple too. Once you’ve selected the file you wish to lock, use the right-click and follow up by clicking the Protect with EzFinger option. Then, it will display an encryption process that secures your documents, whether they are Excel, Powerpoint, or other formats.

Another element that guarantees the success of this scanner is the technology used, more specifically, the self-learning AI. It is an engine that combines well with the Biometric Finger Reader, allowing the system to recognize your fingerprints at a quick level.

This fingerprint meets our expectations easily. It is cheap, functional, and easy to use, making it a valuable alternative for people with mid to low knowledge about these security measures.

Pros

• Quick response to your fingerprint in less than 2 seconds
• Compact & portable design to use either at home or office
• Easy to encrypt files
• Affordable

Cons

• The process to recognize your fingerprint is not as rigorous as seen with the other readers

Factors to Consider before Buying

Here are the essential features you should consider before buying a fingerprint reader. Remember that these elements may vary between one another, so don’t be frustrated if you can’t find your ideal pick quickly. Continue looking until you do.

Compact Design

In the old days, a bulky fingerprint reader was almost like a rule; we couldn’t escape them. However, nowadays, they’ve evolved into compact devices that consume barely any space at all. For your convenience, look for a small reader, as it will provide more benefits than only saving space, like portability.

Durable Readers

Since they’re plug-in devices, you may drop them on more than one occasion. The last thing you want is a poorly made reader with low resistance against scratches or impacts.

To keep any accident from ruining your fingerprint reader, go for an alternative created with metal materials.

Compatibility

Most of these devices are compatible with operating systems that have been around for a couple of years.

Nonetheless, some readers are compatible even with outdated systems like Windows 7. Of course, there may be some issues in the performance, but you can always clear any doubt through the manufacturers.

306-Degree Sensors

You’ve seen this feature in a couple of readers of our reviews, but what does it do? If it wasn’t clear before, the 360-degree Sensor, or Touchpad, allows you to authenticate your fingerprint by passing your finger over the sensor in every direction. There’s no awkward swiping involved.

Drivers and More

If you’ve installed a Windows OS before, then you probably know how tricky it is to find some drivers. For fingerprint readers, it is no different.

Make sure you’re buying a device that you can use right when you want it. If the readers don’t come with drivers to control its settings, you’ll have a useless toy with no purpose.

Frequently Asked Question

Below are some of the most commonly asked queries regarding USB fingerprint readers:

Final Words & Recommendation

The fingerprint reader is a device that will save plenty of frustrating moments. From mistakenly erasing a file, to people accessing your PC without permission, these tools will keep everyone at bay by establishing a secure authentication method that only you will be able to unlock.

Every one of the products here offers both advantages and disadvantages. As an example, we have the Digital Persona reader, which is excellent, but it doesn’t come with its drivers.

Lacking proper installation software is not an issue that you would face with the Verifi P2000, which does include its own drivers. The point is, make sure to know what you’re buying when you’re looking for the best USB fingerprint reader. Otherwise, you may end up wasting your money with a tool that doesn’t meet your expect