Zebra WS501 Android Wearable Computer (NEW)
The Zebra WS501 Android Wearable Computer is a compact, hands-free wearable device built for the most scan-intensive warehouse, retail, and logistics workflows. It delivers enterprise-class barcode scanning, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and a full Android platform in one of the smallest all-in-one wearable computers available — worn on two fingers or the back of the hand.
Supplied as a NEW device with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, the Zebra WS501 builds on its predecessor, the WS50, with a more powerful processor, triple the RAM, and quadruple the Flash memory. With Zebra’s SE4770 imager, Bluetooth 5.3, and Zebra DNA software tools, it is designed for teams that need fast, reliable hands-free data capture across picking, put-away, loading, and inventory management.
Two wearing styles — finger mount or back-of-hand mount — make the Zebra WS501 adaptable to virtually any task worker. Hot-swappable batteries, an integrated speaker and microphone for push-to-talk, and a replaceable front shell keep it productive and cost-effective across long deployments.
Key Features Of The Zebra WS501
- Hands-free all-in-one wearable – The Zebra WS501 is a true converged wearable device: workers only need one device to capture and access data, without a separate host mobile computer or ring scanner.
- Two wearing styles – The WS501 can be worn on two fingers or on the back of the hand, making it adaptable to picking, sorting, loading, and virtually any other scan-intensive task.
- SE4770 enterprise imager – Zebra’s SE4770 1D/2D omni-directional imager scans virtually any barcode in practically any condition, including damaged or poorly printed codes and barcodes in motion. Multi-Code Data Formatting and NG SimulScan capture and transmit data from multiple barcodes in a single trigger press.
- Wi-Fi 6 with Mobility DNA Wireless Fusion – Wi-Fi 6 improves speed, security, and latency across dense wireless environments, while Zebra’s proprietary Wireless Fusion delivers a no-dropped-connections roaming experience.
- Bluetooth 5.3 for peripheral performance – Bluetooth 5.3 with BLE support delivers more speed, greater range, improved power efficiency, and faster pairing for wireless headsets and other peripherals.
- 2″ AMOLED display – The 460 × 460 AMOLED display requires no backlight, delivering vivid colors, strong contrast, wide viewing angles, and low power consumption in a compact form factor.
- Hot-swappable battery with 2-minute memory persistence – Batteries can be swapped in the field without powering down, with a 2-minute memory-persistent window, so devices stay in service every minute of every shift.
- Integrated push-to-talk audio – An embedded speaker and microphone let workers instantly reach colleagues and supervisors for fast issue resolution, without a separate voice device.
- Built for daily enterprise use – IP65 sealing, a 1.8 m drop rating to tile over concrete, 2,000-cycle tumble resistance, and a -10°C to +50°C operating range keep the WS501 working through demanding everyday conditions.
- Zebra DNA software platform – Mobility Extensions (Mx), LifeGuard for Android, StageNow, DataWedge, and Zebra Zero Touch enrollment make deployment, management, and security straightforward at scale.
Key Benefits Of The Zebra WS501
Hands-free scanning for faster, more accurate workflows
By keeping both hands free, the Zebra WS501 lets workers scan and handle goods simultaneously. For picking, put-away, and loading teams, that directly improves throughput and reduces errors compared with handheld scanning.
One device for every task worker
Two wearing styles and a compact, lightweight design mean the Zebra WS501 suits virtually any role in a warehouse or retail environment. Organizations can standardize on one wearable platform rather than managing separate devices for different job types.
Enterprise-class scanning in a wearable form factor
The SE4770 imager matches the scanning performance of full-size handhelds, handling damaged codes, codes in motion, and multiple barcodes in a single pass. Workers get the same data-capture reliability they expect from a handheld, without holding anything.
Designed for continuous shift use
Hot-swappable batteries with memory-persistent hot swap, fast charging in under three hours, and a replaceable front shell mean the Zebra WS501 stays in service all day with minimal downtime and low maintenance cost.
Simple to deploy and manage at enterprise scale
Zebra DNA tools — including Zero Touch enrollment, StageNow, LifeGuard for Android, and OEMConfig — integrate cleanly with existing EMM systems. That reduces rollout time and ongoing IT overhead across large wearable fleets.
Ideal Use Cases
- Order Picking & Put-Away – Hands-free scanning keeps both hands available for goods handling, improving picking speed and accuracy in warehouse environments.
- Loading & Unloading – Workers scan while moving goods, without putting down items to operate a handheld scanner.
- Retail Inventory & Stockroom Operations – Fast, lightweight, and unobtrusive for cycle counting, replenishment, and back-of-store workflows.
- Sorting & Task Management – Compact wearable design suits conveyor-side sorting and multi-step task workflows in distribution and manufacturing.
- Transportation & Logistics – Hands-free scanning for loading verification and inbound/outbound checks across busy distribution operations.
Product Comparisons For The Zebra WS501
- Zebra TC22 Handheld Mobile Computer – Choose the Zebra TC22 for a conventional handheld with a larger display and more general-purpose Android computing; choose the Zebra WS501 for hands-free wearable scanning in picking, sorting, and loading workflows.
- Zebra TC22R Integrated Handheld RFID Reader – Choose the Zebra TC22R when you need integrated UHF RFID with a large touchscreen; choose the Zebra WS501 for hands-free wearable barcode scanning where both hands need to stay free.
- Honeywell Dolphin CT40 Handheld Mobile Computer – Choose the Honeywell CT40 for a general-purpose Android handheld with a full-size display; choose the Zebra WS501 for a compact wearable that keeps workers’ hands free in high-volume scanning environments.
