We have received numerous requests for which barcode label printer we recommend. Unfortunately, we do not have any specific recommendations as they vary from company to company. We did, however, want to come out with a post that outlines:
- What to look for when buying a barcode label printer?
- What are the top brands for barcode label printers?
- 5 Barcode Label Printing Options
What to look for when buying a barcode label printer?
The biggest question we receive is “Which printers connect to Reftab?” Luckily, Reftab finds all printers connected to your computer. To answer the question, the biggest thing to look for is that it will connect to your computer. Most printers have a USB connection, however, some are Bluetooth only. If you are connecting to bluetooth, be sure your computer has that functionality. A few items regarding each printer that you should keep an eye on would be:
Print Speed: if you are printing labels in bulk, you’ll obviously want a faster printer. This in turn leads to a more expensive printer.
Resolution: Depending on the size of the labels you may need a printer that has a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch). Labels with a logo, or even smaller tags would need this resolution to be readable. However, simple and larger tags can be perfectly fine with 180 DPI.
Warranty: A good warranty is make or break when it comes to any equipment purchase. Generally, printers come with a 1 to 2 year warranty. Be sure to check what voids this warranty, some brands will void warranty if you aren’t using their specific labels.
What are the top brands for a barcode label printer?
Some of the most well known brands are used by our clients currently. The brands we hear the most are Zebra, DYMO, and Brother. In our experience, Zebra is on the higher end of equipment (good quality, high price tag). DYMO and Brother have options for a lower price point. Keep in mind, these lower price points generally lack the same quality as Zebra, for instance.
5 Barcode Label Printer options
Now that you know what to look for, and have a better idea of the brands. Let’s get into 5 options you have:
Avery Sheets
Avery has been a leading brand when it comes to label printing. Their labels are roughly $0.03/label depending, of course, with how many you are purchasing. They work with the printer you have now, so no need to install any extra drivers. You will need to tinker with your format to be sure they are going to look correct. You can check our guide here, for more information on that. The biggest draw to Avery Sheets is the ability to print color. The printers below are Thermal Printers, only capable of printing in black.
Zebra ZD410 – $475
The most expensive option on this list will be the ZD410. It can print roughly 3 labels per second so it also the fast option in this list. The resolution is 203 DPI which is lower than a couple of the other options but still pretty good quality. It is also extremely versatile when it comes to connection. This model includes USB, Bluetooth and Ethernet. It also includes an extensive 1 year warranty.
Brother QL-810W – $190
The QL-810W is a solid option when it comes to printing labels. The setup on Mac Devices may be slightly difficult but we do have clients that have been able to complete it. The printing speed is just under 2 labels per second, so not much slower than the printer above. It offers both USB and Wireless printing. At 300 DPI just about any size label will be printed in pretty good quality. The 2 year warranty is on the longer end of the warranties available which is another selling point in Brother’s favor.
MUNBYN P941 – $175
MUNBYN is a slightly less known brand when it comes to label printers, however, this particular model does perform well. It has a print speed of just under 3 labels per second, right on par with the Zebra listed above. The 203 DPI also matches the Zebra, the difference here would be the connectivity. The P941 only comes with USB connection, the guide to install doesn’t seem to be that helpful either. If you are good with technology you shouldn’t have an issue, but if you run into an issue the guide isn’t the most helpful. It comes with a 1 year warranty that should cover most everything that can go wrong within that first year.
DYMO LabelWriter 550 – $150
Dymo is another leading brand when it comes to label printers. This particular model prints around 1 label per second, slightly slower still. It does, however, print in 300 DPI which gives you crisp labels. LabelWriter 550 offers USB connection only. The biggest downside to DYMO printers is the need for DYMO brand labels. The printers either do not work without their branded labels or use of another brand completely voids the warranty. Something to keep an eye on as DYMO brand paper can be on the more expensive side.
Barcode Label Printer – HONORABLE MENTION
Brother PTD600 – $100
The P-Touch from Brother is worth mentioning because of its price point alone. This may be one of the cheapest printers on the market. The biggest drawbacks here are the speed, 2 seconds per label, the DPI is the lowest at 180, it also has the tendency to waste paper as there is a long lead before the label and a slightly long trail after the label. It does however, come with a 2 year warranty.