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5 Reasons the Zebra ET401 Is Built for Warehouse Work
If you’ve worked in a warehouse, you know what happens to tablets. They get dropped on concrete. They’re left on forklifts. They go from cold storage to a hot loading dock in seconds. They get rained on in the yard, sprayed down during cleaning, and covered in dust before lunchtime.
And that’s the biggest problem with consumer-grade tablets: they weren’t built for any of that.
Zebra’s new ET401 Enterprise Tablet continues to show technological advances for both hardware and software while maintaining the continuity of Zebra's ecosystem and continuing to support backward compatability for key accessories that were previously used with the ET40/45.
1. It is rugged and built for harsh environments.
The ET401 is rugged, but what does that mean? It simply means it was built for the rough environments of warehouses. You can drop the ET401 on concrete floors, and it still works great. It has an IP68 rating, meaning it can handle dust, water, or other materials that may cause problems with a standard tablet. Additionally, you can use the ET401 in cold environments (freezers, outdoor loading docks, etc.). As a result of the rugged nature, you can expect less breaks and a low RMA count.
2. It comes with a powerful scan engine and RFID capabilities.
Barcode and RFID scanning is a critical function of warehouse work, and the ET401 was built with that in mind. It comes with two scan engines that you can choose from including the SE4100 or SR500. You also have the option to upgrade to the RFID model which reads tags instantly at close range, making it great for cycle counts or other verification tasks. This tablet is versatile and can function as a “swiss-army knife” for scanning, imaging, and RFID instead of relying on add-on sleds.
3. It comes with many accessories for different work environments.
Another great benefit of the ET401 is the robust suite of accessories to go along with it. These include forklift mounts, shoulder straps, and rugged cases to ensure you can use the rugged tablet in your unique workplace environment. These accessories are also backwards compatible to the ET40/45, meaning that you can simply upgrade your tablet and continue using existing accessories.
4. It is built with modern technology, which includes AI capabilities.
The ET401 runs on a newer processor than the ET40/45 table series, which makes the device noticeably faster in day-to-day use. It also includes AI-assisted audio and touch improvements that make the screen more responsive in different environments or when using gloves. On the wireless side, it supports Wi-Fi 7 and optional 5G. In short, it’s a meaningful upgrade at both the hardware and software level.
5. It fits within Zebra’s existing ecosystem.
Not only is the ET401 backward compatible with accessories, it also fits into Zebra’s existing software system. If you use scan-to-configure or lockdown features, this device will fit right in. As a result, you’ll spend less time onboarding new devices and users and more time getting work done.
6. A bonus reason for the Zebra ET401: Total cost of ownership
When choosing warehouse devices, the upfront price matters, but the long-term costs matter even more. Consumer tablets may be cheaper on day one, but they tend to break more often, require more accessories, and age out quickly. The ET401 is built for warehouse environments, which means less downtime, fewer repairs, and a longer service life.
Here’s a quick comparison of how consumer tablets stack up against a purpose-built device like the ET401:
| Comparison | Consumer Tablets | Zebra ET401 Enterprise Tablets |
|---|---|---|
| Device failures, drops & cracked screens | Fragile—built for homes, not warehouses. Higher failure rates lead to costly downtime. | Rugged—IP68, drop tested, sealed against water & dust. Built for warehouse abuse. |
| Battery failures & short lifespan | No multi-shift support. Non-replaceable batteries mean devices must be taken out of service to charge. | True multi-shift power—replaceable batteries, optional hot-swap, battery health tools built in. |
| Lost Wi-Fi & network drops | Older consumer radios are more likely to drop signals, slowing workflows. | Enterprise-class Wi-Fi 7 + 5G for fast, stable connections—even in large metal-heavy environments. |
| Higher IT support costs | More failures = more help desk tickets and time-consuming troubleshooting. | Built-in Zebra DNA tools improve uptime and reduce support tickets. |
| Need to purchase extra scanners | No integrated scanner—requires costly sleds or external devices. | Integrated SE4100/SR500 scanners or built-in RFID—no extra hardware required. |
| Security limitations | Limited enterprise-grade protection; devices are more vulnerable to attacks. | Hardened security—Strongbox, Secure Element, LifeGuard OS controls, and optional HID access. |
| No enterprise software ecosystem | Few tools for staging, managing, or securing large fleets. | Zebra DNA software suite streamlines management, setup, and security. |
| Short device lifespan | Consumer tablets last 1–2 years and fail 123% more often than rugged devices. | ET401 is designed for up to 8 years of service with long-term OS support. |
For more information, please review this thorough comparison chart by Zebra.
Common Questions
How Much Does the Zebra ET401 Cost?
The ET401 typically runs $800–$1,300, depending on the screen size and whether you add features like 5G, advanced scanning, or RFID. While that’s more than a consumer tablet upfront, rugged devices like the ET401 generally deliver a total cost of ownership that’s about 60% lower over their full lifecycle.
Can we keep using our ET40/ET45 mounts and chargers?
In most cases, yes. That’s one of the ET401’s selling points: backward compatibility.
Is the ET401 actually better than using an iPad with a rugged case?
Yes, iPads simply aren’t built for extreme temperatures, dust, drops, native scanning, or industrial accessories.
Should we choose the 8-inch or 10-inch version?
It's really a personal preference. Pickers and forklift operators may prefer the 8-inch version because it’s lighter and easier to carry. Both options are equally rugged, so the choice comes down to role and comfort.
Ready to See What the ET401 Looks Like in Your Operation?
If you’re comparing rugged tablets, trying to decide whether to upgrade from the ET40/ET45, or debating between a purpose-built warehouse device and a consumer tablet, we can help you find the right configuration—not just the most expensive one.
Reach out to our team to get pricing, compare configurations, or test the ET401 in your own workflows. Contact us today to start the conversation.
