A fingerprint reader is one type of biometric device that is used to verify a person’s identity through scanning his fingerprints. These devices work through a sensor that senses a person’s fingerprint by forming a digital image to compare its features to a previously-stored copy of the same. It is used in law enforcement, buildings access, office access, and computer security. Fingerprint readers differ from each other; they use different technologies for identity authentication.
Usually, we use a scanner to identify a person’s fingerprint for security purposes. First of all, a sample is taken, and then it gives access to a computer or other systems if the fingerprint stored sample matches it. However, laptops have a built-in fingerprint reader. You can also use a PIN in addition to the fingerprint sample for ensuring more safety.
Human fingerprints consist of different features that we can use for comparison such as the ridges on a fingerprint from one of three distinct patterns. The fingerprint reader provides more security than an ID and password because it is almost impossible to fake a fingerprint.
A USB drive having a fingerprint reader helps add more security to a portable device that can easily be lost.
How much does a fingerprint reader cost?
The fingerprint readers are available in different varieties. They are popular in different names depending on their uses such as USB fingerprint scanners, computer fingerprint scanners, doorknob fingerprint scanner, complex fingerprint system, biometrics fingerprint reader, etc.
Let us discuss various types of fingerprint readers, their uses, and how much each type of fingerprint reader costs.
Fingerprint scanners for Household:
A fingerprint scanner can cost anywhere from $40 – over $400+. The scanners designed for household use come in this range; they may cost you around $40-$100. This type of device is compatible with any Windows machine. Moreover, this device can provide reliable biometric authentication.
The USB fingerprint scanner is a device that you plug directly into a USB port of a desktop, computer, or laptop. This device can cost you around $20- over $100 depending on the brands, features, and quality.
A computer fingerprint scanner is a device that you connect to the computer keyboard or an additional add-on device to read the fingerprints. This device comes in the range of $30- $150. For example, you can purchase a Microsoft Fingerprint Reader for $69- $99.
Nowadays, modern homes feature in-built doorknob fingerprint scanners to ensure the safety of their family members. This type of fingerprint scanner can cost you around $118- over $300 depending upon the quality of material used and their compatibility.
Fingerprint Biometric Scanner:
A complex fingerprint scanner or fingerprint biometrics is used by the law enforcement dept. to detect the fingerprints of criminals and suspected ones. This device uses a higher model scanner and comes in a very high range. This device may cost you around $2000- over $2500.
If you go for the higher range, then a complete system of biometric scanner will cost you around $5000-$10,000 that includes a biometric scanner, special locking system, and installation charges.
However, you can go for single hardware that will cost you around $1000-$1500. You can install the device on your own to save some extra bucks. But, this may lead to a lot of hassles and wrong installation of the device.
Besides this, the scanners come installed on a laptop. Hence, these laptops cost you more. It may cost you around $200- over $500. However, there is another option for you; the fingerprint software. It will add more cost if you install the same on your laptop.
Cost of Fingerprint Readers depending on the type of sensors:
There are different types of fingerprint readers depending on the type of sensors they use. Therefore, the price also varies depending on the quality of the sensors.
Optical Sensors:
Optical sensors can capture the image of fingerprints with the help of a specialized digital camera set-up. These types of sensors are available at a cheap price. Hence the readers using this type of sensor costs you around $50-$100.
Capacitive scanners:
They make use of a pixel array of capacitors to produce an image of your fingerprints. They are very hard to manipulate. They are more costly than optical sensors. You can purchase this type of fingerprint reader for $100-$300.
Ultrasonic Sensors:
These types of sensors use very high-frequency waves to read fingerprint patterns. It performs well irrespective of the dirty fingers. It may cost you around $100-$250.
Thermal line sensors:
Thermal line sensors read the fingerprints by measuring temperature variation in fingertips ridges. They are small in size. But they deliver high performance. You may get this product for $200-$300.
Things you should consider before buying a Fingerprint reader:
• Do not go for a cheaper option, because it may not give the desired results. There are chances of it being hacked easily by someone else. We recommend you to read the reviews to ensure that the product you are selecting is highly rated and can give you more safety. So spend more to ensure more safety.
• If you are using a fingerprint reader on your phone, then ensure that your phone is clean. A dirty phone will not scan your fingerprint perfectly.
• Use a password or pin along with the fingerprint reader to ensure the safety of your devices.
• Always check for the additional features like waterproofing, type of sensor, and the brand before choosing a fingerprint scanner for your device or home.
Conclusion:
Last but not the least, Fingerprint readers are very secured, effective, and faster than traditional security methods like PINs and passwords. They lessen the possibility of forgetting the password or lock patterns. They give more security and hence are very reliable. Previously the fingerprint readers were limited to commercial sectors but the increasing popularity of the same made it reachable to the common people. They are now available at a cheaper rate to make them accessible to small business persons and common individuals.
