Shipping label printers are essential for businesses and individuals who frequently need to print shipping labels. Thermal printers are a popular choice due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of use. In this review, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best thermal shipping label printers of 2023.
Our selection is based on printing needs, workload, and performance.
Thermal label printers offer several advantages over traditional ink or toner-based printers. They are efficient, produce high-quality output, and do not require any ink or toner.
Instead, they use heat technology and thermal paper to print shipping labels. The mainboard manages the thermal label printer and generates heat using the print head to create a thermochemical reaction and print on the label.
Whether you need a shipping label printer for office, industry, or home use, our list has something for everyone.
Our list includes popular options like the DYMO Label Printer, Rollo Label Printer, and the MUNBYN Thermal Label Printer.
Save time and money on reliable label printers. choose from our list of the best thermal label printers and improve your labeling process today.
Below are the popular thermal label printers that can be used for shipping purposes:
DYMO Label Printer
The DYMO Label Printer is a top pick for customized labels with addresses, barcodes, and graphics.
It uses direct thermal printing technology and includes software for quick label creation. It supports label creation from text in Microsoft Word, Google Contacts, and Excel.
The printer can produce 51 labels per minute and does not require ink or toner. The printer offers various label sizes, speedy labeling, and clear printing of barcodes and graphics. The DYMO Label Printer costs $107.65.
Features:
- DYMO LabelWriter allows for label creation in different sizes.
- Easy customization and printing of labels.
- Provides fast labeling process.
- Produces high-quality barcodes and graphics.
- Enables customized label creation from PC or Mac.
Cons:
The printer is unable to handle dual-roles of the same or different sizes. It does not support printing on D1 Plastic and IND Industrial Labels.
MUNBYN Thermal Label Printer
MUNBYN Thermal Label Printer is a Windows and Mac-compatible printer that allows you to create customized labels directly from any application.
This label maker does not require any cartridges or ink and is perfect for warehouse labels, shipping labels, food nutrition labels, Amazon FBA labels, UPS, and more.
The printer features automatic label identification, overheat protection, and a one-click setup. It also includes four non-slip mats for an Anti-Skid function.
The printer supports most thermal direct labels and labels with a 1.57″ to 4.3″ width. It can print at a speed of 150mm/s and has a print resolution of 203 dpi with 8 dots/mm. The MUNBYN Thermal Label Printer is priced at $174.99.
Features:
- MUNBYN Thermal Label Printer is equipped with automatic label identification that captures and feeds labels to the printer automatically.
- It’s suitable for various types of labels, including warehouse labels, shipping labels, food nutrition labels, Amazon FBA labels, and UPS labels.
- It offers overheat protection and an easy one-click setup feature.
- Four non-slip mats are included to prevent skidding.
Cons:
It doesn’t support the ChromeOS system.
Rollo Label Printer
The ROLLO Label Printer is ideal for high-volume shippers and is a commercial-grade direct thermal high-speed printer.
It is compatible with all major shipping platforms and marketplaces, such as Shopify and Amazon. It utilizes advanced thermal direct technology, eliminating the need for ink or toner, and offers crystal-clear printing of labels at a fast speed.
Customer service is available through phone, email, and remote desktop. There are no cons to mention. Its technical specifications include a print speed of 150mm/s and a print resolution of 203 dpi.
The printer supports any Thermal Direct Label and can print labels of various sizes and types, including rolls and flats. The ROLLO Label Printer is priced at $189.99.
Feature:
- ROLLO Label Printer makes use of advanced thermal direct technology that eliminates the need for toner or ink.
- It has the feature of automatic label identification.
- It provides crystal-clear printing of labels at a fast speed.
- Its customer service is available through phone, email, and remote desktop.
Arkscan 2054A Shipping Label Printer
Arkscan 2054A Shipping Label Printer is best for software with full design capabilities for text, graphics, barcodes, etc.
Priced at $179.00, it supports printing labels from multiple platforms and can print shipping, product, and barcode labels.
It uses direct thermal technology and supports Arkscan’s, Zebra-compatible, and Dymo-compatible labels without pre-printed logos or text.
The printer comes with the “BarTender UltraLite Label Design Software” and provides real-time technical support through phone, live chat, and remote access.
Features:
- BarTender UltraLite Label Design Software for Windows only.
- Full design capabilities for text, graphics, and barcodes.
- Supports multiple shipping and sales platforms such as eBay, PayPal, Shopify ShipStation, Stams.com, etc.
- Real-time technical support available through Phone, Live Chat, and Remote Access.
Cons
Not compatible with iOS and Android.
K Comer Shipping Label Printer
K Comer Shipping Label Printer is a top choice for those who want ultra-fast printing with the latest thin-film direct thermal printing technology.
It offers a 1-click setup feature for both Windows and Mac. The printer comes with a label holder and USB disk, and it can automatically detect, capture, and feed labels.
The printer is compatible with various platforms like Amazon, eBay, and FedEx.
Other features of this printer include a built-in intelligent paper return function to reduce thermal paper waste, the ability to adjust the printing head automatically and accurately, and customer support through various communication channels.
The K Comer Shipping Label Printer has a print speed of 150mm/s and a print resolution of 203dpi. It can print labels with a width of 1.57” to 4.3” and a height of 1” to 11.8”. It requires thermal papers. This printer is priced at $139.99.
Features:
- The K Comer Shipping Label Printer includes a paper return function to minimize thermal paper waste and can start printing from the first sheet.
- Its printing head can adjust to the label size for precise and automatic printing.
- It offers customer support through email, social communication tools, remote assistance, and other services to address any concerns.
- It supports most e-commerce and shipping platforms.
- There are no notable drawbacks to mention.
Cons:
It doesn’t support the ChromeOS system.
Brother QL-800
The Brother QL-800 is a high-speed label printer that is multi-system compatible and supports black and red label printing.
This office-category printer can print customized labels from your PC or Mac and supports printing labels from Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. It also supports mobile printing through the free iPrint & Label app for Android devices.
It has thermal printing technology and offers easy roll change. The Brother QL-800 comes with a limited two-year warranty. However, it requires a USBtoGO cable connection for mobile printing through Android devices. The printer is available for $108.99.
Features:
- Brother QL-800 supports mobile label designing with iPrint & Label app on Android.
- It can print postage labels for packages and envelopes.
- It uses thermal printing technology.
- Roll change is easy by simply dropping it in.
- Comes with a limited two-year warranty.
Cons:
To print via mobile devices with Android, you will have to buy a USBtoGO cable connection separately.
MFLABEL Label Printer
Best for lifetime use. MFLABEL Label Printer is a 4*6 thermal printer available for $139.99.
It is a high-speed USB port label maker machine that supports various sales and shipping platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, eBay, etc.
It supports Windows XP and above. It makes use of the direct thermal printing method. It can be used for bulk mailing labels, ID labels, warehouse labels, etc.
Features:
- MFLABEL Label Printer has features to avoid paper jams and stuck.
- No requirement for ink and TTR ribbon.
- It provides multi-functional printing including Barcode.
- It has button functions to feed labels and pause the printing job.
Cons:
Doesn’t support Mac OS.
Zebra GK420d Direct Thermal Desktop Printer
Zebra GK420d is a direct thermal wireless shipping label printer that is designed for mid-volume and distributed-printing applications.
It is a reliable and easy-to-use product that saves time and money. Direct thermal technology doesn’t require a thermal ribbon to print, and it is ideal for creating shipping labels, address labels, binder labels, and more.
It is Energy Star approved and easy to set up. It has a fast print speed of 5 in/s and a print resolution of 203 dpi.
It requires media rolls with a 1 in the core, max diameter of 5 in, and max width of 4.25 in. It doesn’t require any batteries as it connects through a USB. The price of the Zebra GK420d is $383.00.
Features:
- Zebra Shipping Label Printer can produce high-quality text, barcodes, and graphics and is a dependable product.
- It supports connection through USB, serial, and parallel ports.
- It is recommended for applications involving mid-volume and distributed printing.
- It is Energy Star-approved, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
- It is easy to install and set up.
AOBIO shipping label printer
AOBIO is a thermal label printer perfect for printing clear, high-quality labels. It is a 4*6 direct thermal printing machine supporting most thermal labels.
It is an ink-free and toner-free printer that prints clear labels. AOBIO is compatible with various sales and transportation platforms, including Amazon, FedEx, DHL, and Bigcommerce.
It is easy to install and can be used to print 4” * 6” shipping, warehouse, and ID labels, among others.
The printer has a Japanese RoHM ceramic print head and requires direct thermal labels. It is available for $139.99.
Features:
- AOBIO 4×6 label printer can automatically recognize and study label size to provide clear printing quality.
- It has the capability of continuous printing for 12 hours.
- This printer is compatible with Windows XP and above and Mac 10.9 & later.
- It has a printing speed of continuously printing 70 labels per minute.
- The printer comes with a Japanese RoHM ceramic print head.
Cons:
AOBIO is not compatible with Chromebooks, Tablets, Smartphones, and MacBook with only Type-C ports and will require an additional Type-C printer cable to ensure stable data transmission.
Polono USB Thermal Label Printer
Polono USB Thermal Label Printer is a 4×6 label printer suitable for creating warehouse and shipping labels.
It supports various platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Shopify and can be easily set up with just one click. The printer uses direct thermal technology, so there is no need for ink, ribbon, or toner.
It can print up to 60 labels per minute, and features like an anti-skid function, heat dissipation, and adjustable paper guide rail make it convenient.
The printer can also automatically learn the paper size. It supports a label width of 2″ to 4.65″ and has a print resolution of 203 dpi with a print speed of 150mm/s. The printer does not require batteries and is priced at $139.99.
Features:
- The Polono USB Thermal Label Printer supports all major shipping and e-commerce platforms.
- It has a high-speed printing capability, with the ability to print up to 60 labels per minute.
- This printer utilizes direct thermal technology, so no ink, ribbon, or toner is required.
- It comes with an anti-skid function, heat dissipation feature, and adjustable paper guide rail.
- The printer has the ability to auto-learn the paper size.
Brady BMP21-PLUS Handheld Label Printer
Brady BMP21-PLUS is a handheld label printer suitable for creating labels for industrial items like wires, panels, and circuit boards.
It has rubber bumpers that provide impact resistance and supports multi-line print with a 6 to 40-point font.
This printer has a keyboard that enables you to create multi-line labels, and it supports single-color printing with six font sizes. The price of the Brady BMP21-PLUS is $91.35.
Features:
- The Brady BMP21-PLUS printer features a one-handed label cut operation and a built-in label grabber to prevent cut labels from falling.
- Its keyboard includes letters from A to Z and numbers from 0 to 9.
- The printer has an LCD screen.
- It supports single-color printing and 6 different font sizes.
Cons:
The Brady BMP21-PLUS label printer is compatible with continuous labels exclusively.
Conclusion
In summary, after reviewing and shortlisting the top shipping label printers based on customer reviews, ease of use, reliability, and speed, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements when selecting the best one for your business.
To select the best shipping label printer for your e-commerce business, it is essential to analyze the technical specifications of each product. Price and budget are also important factors to consider.
We trust that this guidance will help you make an informed decision when purchasing a shipping label printer for your online store.
