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Expert Shopper Electronics

How to choose the right shipping label printer

11 best shipping label printers

 

Shipping labels are affixed to packages and envelopes that are in and out of trucks, trains, planes and weather and are handled by many people and machines. To make sure the things you ship arrive at their intended destination, they need labels that are clearly printed, securely attached and able to withstand exposure to all types of weather without damage or loss of function.

Shop this article: Arkscan 2054A Shipping Label PrinterJadens Bluetooth Wireless Thermal Shipping Label Printer and HP Envy Inspire 7255e Wireless Color All-in-One Inkjet Printer

What to know before you buy a shipping label printer

Types of shipping label printers

Don’t confuse label printers with their smaller cousins, label makers. You can print shipping labels with dedicated thermal printers or with your existing inkjet or laser printer.

Thermal printers

Thermal printers use heat to create black text and images directly on chemically treated heat-sensitive paper without ribbons, toner or ink. They are commonly used to produce labels, barcodes and receipts.

On the plus side, they're:

  • Inexpensive.
  • Reliable.
  • Sharp images.
  • No ink cartridges required.
  • Low maintenance.

On the negative side, you'll find:

  • Black-and-white printing only.
  • Special paper required.
  • Thermal paper can be expensive.

Inkjet printers

Positives to these include:

  • Good to excellent quality.
  • Color-capable.
  • Reliable.
  • Sharp images.

And then there are the negatives:

  • Ink can be expensive.
  • Nozzles can clog.

Laser printers

The pros here include:

  • Excellent quality.
  • Sharp images.
  • Fast print speeds.
  • Toner costs less than ink.

And the cons:

  • Expensive.
  • Larger and heavier than inkjet printers.

Size

The width of the labels you are able to print is the most important measurement and may vary from 2 to 8 inches. If you start your search for a shipping label printer by determining the dimensions of the labels you want to print, you won’t buy the wrong printer. One-size printers prevail but many can print multiple label sizes.

Sharpness

The technical term for sharpness is resolution and the formula is simple: The smaller your label, the more dots per inch you will need. Most shipping labels need to be printed at 200 dpi or better. Highly detailed images may need higher dpi ratings. 

Speed

The larger the number of shipping labels you need to print, the more you will appreciate having a machine that prints at a high rate of speed without compromising the quality of the resolution.

Sheet vs. roll

  • Sheet printers are used to print labels by the page on paper with special backing, which are then peeled from the sheet and applied to your envelope or package by hand.
  • Roll printers are for mobile use, where you can print individual labels on the spot and apply them directly to your packages.

Compatibility

Not all shipping label printers are made to work with all computer operating systems. Make sure your printer is compatible with the operating system you use on your phone, computer and tablet.  

Shippers

UPS, the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, DHL and others all have preferences, specifications and rules for shipping labels. If you have a full-time shipping partner, choose a printer that makes labels their way. If you use a variety of shippers, look for a machine that works well with all of them. 

If you print lots of labels

If you're printing lots of labels, choose a thermal printer that needs no ink or toner. Thermal print speeds are measured in millimeters per second, inches per second and pages per minute.

Arkscan 2054A Shipping Label Printer For Windows, Mac, Chromebook and Linux

Go beyond shipping labels to print barcode labels, product labels and more. The print width is three-quarters of an inch by 4.25 inches, it prints at 5 inches per second and the length of the printed label can be as long as 90 inches.

Besteasy Thermal Shipping Label Printer

You can print labels in widths from 1.57 inches to 4.1 inches at up to 120mm per second with 203 dpi resolution. It works with Windows, Mac and Linux systems and is compatible with dozens of shipping platforms, including Amazon, FedEx, UPS and USPS.

Jadens Bluetooth Wireless Thermal Shipping Label Printer

Use Android, iOS or Windows to print from dozens of platforms. You can choose from four label sizes and styles up to 4 by 6 inches and print them at 150mm per second at 203 dpi.

K Comer 4x6 Direct Thermal Label Printer

This small printer supports tape widths from 1.57 inches to 4.6 inches and prints up to 86 labels per minute. It works with Windows, Mac and Linux and is compatible with major e-commerce and shipping platforms.

Idprt SP410 4x6 Thermal Shipping Label Printer

This compact printer works with Windows, Mac OS and Linux devices. It prints any thermal 4-by-6-inch roll labels at 72 sheets per minute with 203 dpi.

Phomemo Desktop Thermal Label Printer for Small Business

This compact unit prints monochrome labels from 1 to 4.7 inches wide with an intelligent paper return function that reduces waste. It is compatible with Windows and Mac.

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