Best label printer 2023 • 7 label printers Reviews

What is a label printer and how does it work?

Label printers are electronic devices designed to print labels in different formats. There are many different sizes and types of label printers, so it is important to narrow down your search to find a suitable product. It is possible to find everything from handheld devices to large label printers that can operate 24 hours a day.

What types of label printers are there?

There are two distinct types of label printers that can be differentiated by the printing technology they use. Firstly, there are direct thermal printers, which use a heat transfer system to directly print labels. Secondly, there are thermal transfer printers in which heat transfers from an ink ribbon to the label.

Another easy way of differentiating the type of label printers that exist is by the purpose that they are used. Generally speaking, they can be classified into four separate groups based on use: desktop, commercial, industrial, and portable labelers.

Desktop

They can print labels in a variety of sizes, but at slow speeds, making them more suitable for offices.

Commercial

Usually built to operate with rolls of labels up to 0.5 inches in diameter and to print a large number of labels per day. Suitable for large stores, distribution warehouses, and big supermarkets.

Industrial

Offer very high print speed and are suitable for printing a large number of labels continuously. This type of labeler is used in factories, distribution centers, and large warehouses.

Portable

They are very economical and small in size (i.e., handheld). These devices use batteries, and many have their own keyboard to change the label content. They are ideal for small businesses, home use, or supermarket employees.

Shopping Criteria for Label Printers

When it comes time to purchase a label printer, there are a number of important aspects to consider in order to make a successful purchase. To help you find the perfect product, we have selected the most important shopping criteria to consider during your product selection process. We highly recommend that you closely look at the following criterion in order to make a long-lasting purchase.

• Intended use
• Design
• Printing capacity
• Print resolution
• Software
• Price of complementary items
• Connectivity options
• Brand

Intended Use

The first question to ask yourself when buying a label printer is how you will use it. You will not require the same type of label printer in a large logistics warehouse as you would for a small supermarket that labels food prices and expiry dates.

For large businesses, industrial label printers are recommended so that you can print large numbers of labels in a short time. It is also recommended that the device chosen for a big business includes the option of pre-cutting the label. You should ask yourself if you require a device that prints labels on plastic, paper, or both. Finally, you must decide if you’re going to use your label printer in a fixed location or you will need to move around with it.

Design

Label printers are devices that you will use frequently and may even use them in different locations. As a result, it is recommended to choose a lightweight device with the smallest possible dimensions. This will enable you to carry the device in your hand or inside a backpack with ease. Keep in mind that more and more manufacturers are making ergonomic designs so that these devices are comfortable to handle.

The professional label printers are usually larger and placed in a fixed location within a warehouse or business. These devices should still be compact and impact-resistant as they are likely to be knocked around or receive rough treatment on a daily basis. We recommend choosing products made from strong material so that they stand the test of time and provide a long service life.

Printing Capacity

Some jobs, such as in professional environments, print speed and capacity is one of the fundamental aspects to assess when choosing a label printer. The Rollo Label Printer is one of the fastest on the market with a printing capacity of up to 238 labels per minute.

It is also important that you consider the range of colors that the label printer is capable of printing. Some label printers can only produce black text, while others have the functionality to produce color combinations. Finally, you should also consider the maximum print sizes supported by the device.

Print Resolution

The resolution of a label printer gives you an idea of the quality that the device can produce. Print resolution is usually measured in dots per inch (dpi). This is the number of single-level dots of ink that can be produced in a one-inch space. As you may have guessed, the higher the dpi value, the higher the print quality.

Software

Some label printers include software that can be installed on a computer or mobile device. With the provided software, you can configure the labels to exactly what you need. Most printer label software allows you to adjust the font type and include images or logos. Amazingly, there is even some software that uses voice recognition to change the designs of the labels.

Price of Complementary Items

An aspect that is frequently overlooked when buying a label printer is the price of the complementary items needed to print labels. This can be a very important aspect, and a very expensive factor if you intend on making a high quantity of labels. The prices of the complementary items such as the rolls of paper or plastic labels, the cost of batteries, and the print head replacement cost can be easily found on websites such as Amazon.

Connectivity Options

The most modern label printers provide the option of connecting to other devices via Wi-Fi. There are however still many models that only allow connection to the computer via a USB port. There are also completely stand-alone devices that do not require a connection to other devices, such as the simple handheld label printers.

Bluetooth connection is an interesting connectivity option to consider if you plan on connecting the label printer to your mobile phone or tablet. With Bluetooth, you don’t need an internet connection to connect the label printer to other devices. Currently, label printers with near-field technology (NFC) technology are uncommon, although this would be a great option and it will most likely happen in the near future.

Brand

Some of the most popular label printer manufacturers are not well-known brands. However, it is important that the label printer you choose is from a reputable brand as this will ensure that the product is resistant, well-designed, and comes with a warranty. One of the best-known brands of label printers is the Japanese brand Brother. This brand is highly regarded when it comes to printers and scanners.

Other important manufacturers are the American companies Dymo and Rollo. Both have significant experience in this sector, especially Dymo, which has some of the highest-selling and most popular models of label printers.

Related Links and Sources

• www.digimarc.com
• www.sendcloud.com
• www.hdlabels.co.uk

FAQs

What exactly are label printers?

Label printers are electronic devices designed to print labels in different formats. There are many different sizes and types of label printers, so it is important to narrow down your search to find a suitable product. It is possible to find everything from handheld devices to large label printers that can operate 24 hours a day.

What are the main uses of label printers?

Label printers have a wide variety of professional and domestic uses. From a professional perspective, these devices can print barcodes, labels for laboratories or libraries, labels with prices for shops, and foods' expiration date. Businesses find that label printers can save a significant amount of time and dramatically improve the management of inventory within a business.

At home, you can use a label printer to make labels with the addresses of letters, label food products (e.g., jams or sauces), or label the contents of a folder or filing cabinet.

Who should buy a label printer?

Label printers are recommended for practically any business (small, medium, or large). They are specifically valuable in warehouses or courier and transportation businesses. Furthermore, they can be very valuable to businesses or individuals who need to organize a large number of objects or materials, such as a supermarket. Students also find label printers useful for organizing study notes and printouts.

Logistics is one of the most important business functions of many shops and companies. This has been further exaggerated by the extreme increase in internet commerce. Precise organization and management of materials and products are crucial when it comes to selling products online. There is no doubt that label printers have helped many businesses stay organized, efficient, and profitable.

Any tips on how to use a label printer?

To begin with, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight when printing labels, as this may affect the print quality. Furthermore, you should try to avoid very high or very low temperatures when using a label printer. When it comes to storage, keep these devices in a safe place that is free of dirt or dust. Keeping your label printer free of dust will ensure that the print quality and functionality of the device is not impacted.