Products at a Glance
How We Picked the Best Printer for Shipping Labels
Finding the best printer for shipping labels can be confusing. That is why we have simplified the search for you by evaluating the top 7 printers for shipping labels based on compatibility, resolution, speed, and connection method. We also looked at both inital and long-term costs, trying to cover a range of budgets.
What type of printer is best for printing shipping labels?
There are a few different types of printer you are likely to come across. Laser printers and inkjet printers are two common examples. However, when it comes to label printing, the best thermal printers are often used instead. These are high-speed, specifically engineered printers which do not require ink or toner cartridges, resulting in cost savings over time. The only consumable required is the thermal paper or labels, which are relatively inexpensive compared to ink or toner. Thermal printers have fewer moving parts compared to inkjet or laser printers, which reduces the need for maintenance and replacement of parts. They are generally more reliable and require less upkeep.
However, they cannot print on normal paper so have less functions than a normal printer.
Product Reviews
- Can create labels of different sizes
- Prints crystal-clear barcodes and graphics
- Low cost of consumables
- No dual-roll capability, same and different sizes.
- Cannot print D1 Plastic and IND Industrial Labels.
DYMO label printer is one of the trusted names in the market. This model from them is the best shipping label printer when it comes to printing customized labels containing addresses and graphic barcodes from your Windows and Mac. The DYMO software helps in quickly creating and printing addresses. Also, it has text printing functionality that helps you print address labels in Excel, Microsoft Word, and Google Contacts.
However, there are some limitations to this printer’s functionality. There’s no dual-role capacity, and you won’t be able to print out D1 Plastic and IND Industrial Labels. Nonetheless, if these are functions you don’t necessarily need, this is a great solid choice for customizing. Create new label designs and details to your heart’s content – with this printer, things are made easy for you.
- Reliable and easy to use
- Prints labels of various sizes
- Has a built-in label cutter
- Does not have an app for printing labels
- Compatible with direct thermal labels only
Looking for a shipping label printer that can handle high volumes? Go for Rollo Label Printer. It is designed for professional use. Furthermore, it is compatible with renowned shipping platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and eBay. Furthermore, this printer prints high-quality shipping labels quickly without compromising print quality. If you’re working with a tight timeframe, this is the printer for you.
This little machine can print brilliantly high quantities of labels, with adjustable width, making it ideal for a small businesses looking to print bulk mailing labels, barcode labels, ID labels and more. Plus, with a built in label-cutter, you’ll save even more time.
However, this printer is only compatible with direct thermal labels, which limits your choices somewhat and could impact your budget. It also does not have any kind of app to use, which tech-heads might find frustrating.
- Has an automatic label identification feature
- High print speed (150mm/s)
- Compact and easy to install
- No built-in Wifi for wireless printing
- Not ideal for large-format labels
The MUNBYN thermal label printer helps print customized shipping labels directly using almost any application. This printer is very compatible with Windows and Mac and supports all major shipping platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, etc. The most striking feature of this label printer is the automatic cooling pause that protects against overheating, which most printers in its price range don’t. If you are running a lot of printing jobs and worried about the strength of the printer, this is a good safe option.
However, there’s no built in Wi-Fi for wireless printing from a connected device. So if you’re looking to print a lot from smartphones or tablets, you might want to look elsewhere. Plus, the width of labels you can print is somewhat limited.
- Offers real-time tech support
- One of the fastest shipping label printers (5 inches/second)
- Produces decent quality prints
- Not compatible with Mac, iOS, and Android
- Has overheating issues
The Arkscan 2054A shipping label printer is a multi-functional label printer suitable for the software with holistic design capabilities for text and graphics barcodes, labels and more. It comes with BarTender UltraLite Label design software which is only for Windows. This printer is compatible with all major shipping platforms like eBay, Shopify, and ShipStation.
Like a lot of the printers on this list, the Arkscan 2054A utilizes thermal printing technology, which does not require ink or toner cartridges. This eliminates the need for frequent ink or toner replacement, reducing ongoing operational costs. It’s incredibly fast, which makes it a good choice if you need to print a lot of labels at short notice – for example, if you own a small business.
However, the compatibility on this one isn’t great – you’re just limited to Windows. We also found it had some frustrating overheating issues, which might counteract the speed aspect, depending on how much you need to print.
- Fast print speed (150mm/s)
- Has anti-skid functionality
- Offers protection against overheating
- Poor wireless connectivity
- Poor label detection
Polono USB thermal label printer is the best choice for shipping and warehouse labels. It gets installed in one click, enabling you to start working with it immediately! It is compatible with Windows and Mac and supports various shipping platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and eBay.
A high printing speed and anti-skid functionality mean you can shred through a large amount of labels very quickly. Plus, with the anti-overheating tech, you’re in no danger of overloading the machine.
Although the label detection is poor, it does have some capabilities. But we are not sold on the quality of the wireless connection – you’re much better off using the USB connectivity if possible.
Things to Consider When Buying a Printer for Shipping Labels
Considering only one factor won’t be enough to help you find a right-fit label printer. You need to consider all the aspects to make an informed decision. Here are some essential factors you must consider when buying a printer for shipping labels.
Type of Printer
Understanding the type of printer (e.g., inkjet, laser, thermal) helps you determine which technology best suits your needs. Different types of printers have their own advantages and limitations in terms of print quality, printing speed, and durability. Selecting the right type ensures optimal performance and cost-effectiveness for your specific labeling requirements.
Ability to Print Different Label Sizes
The ability to print different label sizes is essential if you need versatility in your labeling tasks. Whether you’re printing shipping labels, product labels, or barcode labels, having a printer that supports various label sizes allows you to adapt to different packaging needs or labeling requirements.
Ability to Detect Label Size Automatically
Automatic label size detection simplifies the printing process and reduces the chances of misprints or errors. With this feature, the printer can detect the size of the label being used and adjust its settings accordingly, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and potential setup mistakes.
Driver Installation Complexity
The complexity of driver installation can significantly impact the user experience, especially if you’re not tech-savvy or don’t have much time to spare. Opting for a label printer with straightforward driver installation or plug-and-play functionality ensures a hassle-free setup process and minimizes potential compatibility issues with your computer or operating system.
Real-Time Customer Support
Having access to reliable and responsive customer support is crucial in case you encounter any issues or have questions about your label printer. Consider the availability of real-time customer support options such as phone, email, or live chat, as they can greatly assist you in troubleshooting problems or providing guidance when needed.
Our Verdict
All the printers mentioned above for shipping labels are great, but only one can steal the show. For us, that is the DYMO label printer, as it is a trusted brand with features that suffice all your shipping label printing needs. It is fast enough, produces excellent quality prints, and is affordable.
Looking for a different kind of sticker printer – not just for shipping labels? Check out our guide here.