Best label printers for 2020

Since the development of entrepreneurial activity, many handy methods have been used in everyday life to facilitate work in large enterprises, one of which is bar coding. It is required when printing receipts, barcodes and product labels. For such purposes, marking printers were introduced.

This device is capable of printing a receipt that informs the buyer or employee of important information about a particular product. This view is not similar to the usual one and differs in the method of printing, moreover, it eliminates the unnecessary by performing simple actions.

The equipment has a small sensor that helps to detect or correct various errors that have occurred during operation. Mechanisms have become widespread in the field of retail trade, here they make it possible to remove inaccuracies in prices, manage consignments, label goods and perform other actions.

The technique facilitates the use of different materials in the process, it can be ordinary paper or synthetic raw materials.

Applications of the device

Diverse software, accessibility, and portability have become important reasons for opting for such technology everywhere.

Here are some areas where devices are actively used:

Libraries. To save time, they are used to label books and library cards. This reduces errors and ensures uninterrupted operation of the hall.

Assembly production. At present, the auxiliary mini-equipment has taken a leading position here in checking the build quality. Automation gives the right to keep records of details and identify them under a personal identifier, in this case human labor is minimized.

Boutiques. Most often, owners can afford to create a label not only with important information, but also apply various decorative elements to it. What defines the personal style of the boutique.

Warehouse complexes. The high-speed performance of the equipment ensures the systematic and efficient shipment of goods and their acceptance, and the audit has fewer mistakes made through human fault.

Document processing. The mini printer can automatically read previously entered information or made payments, which does not require third-party resources and time.

Distribution and production. Manufacturers are given the opportunity to label their products in accordance with the approved EAN-13 standards.

Post offices and services. The use of the bar coding method in this area, allows you to make messages, letters, parcels and other resources without spending too much time.

Medical enterprises. One of the areas where the human factor can play a cruel joke with the resources that institutions own. In order to avoid adverse consequences, the two-dimensional barcode method has become widely used. In some clinics, all important information about the patient and his anamnesis is stored on bracelets equipped with a code.

Security systems. Passes with marked information provide safety and restrict unauthorized access to hazardous areas.

Airports.The automatic system monitors luggage and passengers on the flight, or helps to identify dangerous objects on board the aircraft, which makes it possible to take emergency measures in time.

Organizations. There is a publicly available technique - a conveyor built into a production line, which has similar parameters. Over time, enterprises specializing in high performance levels have switched to using thermal printers. They print tags, tags, labels for their goods alone.

Trade. The most extensive site, where the demand for the machine is huge. Multifunctional equipment is used for product labeling, which reduces the cost of revisions. Gives general information about the availability or demand of a particular product. Facilitates the work of the company's employees. Eliminates the possibility of making mistakes.

Equipment classification and parameters

Each model of the printer contains individual parameters and manufacturing technologies, including stationary and manual, the performance of the product depends on the application or the desire of the owner.

Types of printers:

• Mobile - compact, work without a stationary head PC, have a powerful battery that provides a long charge, are often used in warehouse areas;
• Stationary - the most budgetary, aimed at a range from 2 to 3 thousand copies, per work shift;
• Office - the number of printed units varies from 4 to 6 thousand;
• Industrial - more often used in enterprises where 25 to 30 thousand labels are required per shift;
• Initial - small, easy to use, print up to 2,000 markings and are often used in small retail outlets and branches;
• High performance - powerful and productive, prints from 100 thousand stickers.

In addition to other standards, it is important to know the printing technology, the durability of the symbols and the material for applying the symbols depend on this information.

There are two types:

• Direct thermal.
  This method allows savings on ink or ribbon (ribbon). Such a system works by heating a thermal tape that is sensitive to temperature changes. The head of the mechanism heats the tape, and thereby displays the desired image. True, such stickers are not durable, and any external influences contribute to their wear: moisture, UV rays, scratches. If you have to work in such conditions, it is better to choose another option.
• Thermal transfer printing.
  In this form, the printer uses ink ribbon. The application method is similar to the first one, the paint is transferred to the sticker when heated. This implies the consumption of different colors and high quality, such a label is not affected by external factors, the raw material is denser structures. Such stickers will not fade for a long time, and the barcode can always be read.

Each movement has its own speed, which is indicated on the product upon purchase, measured in millimeters per second.
The equipment has different keyboard layouts, at the moment they often use the Latin layout in English, over time, manufacturers plan to expand the keyboard options.

All operating systems are suitable for work, detailed data will be described on the product box. An important factor is the resolution granted, which affects the quality of the printed sticker.

The dpi indicator will make it possible to determine the quality of the source, the higher the dpi, the better and more clearly consumers will see the result. There are also resolutions of 300dpi, 600dpi, 203dpi.

It is possible to connect any unit to the head control equipment using a USB port, wi-fi are the most common methods, but there are others.
A certain device requires a personal approach to power supply, it can be C, AA, AAA batteries, mains or power storage.

What are the criteria for choosing a printer

Currently, no enterprise can do without such equipment.
Why it is worth buying a mini-printer and what you should pay attention to when choosing a technique, we will consider below.

• Print volume.

Initially, consumers, based on the needs of the organization, should decide on the required number of printed labels per work shift. Usually budget equipment is aimed at producing from 2-3 thousand labels, for medium-sized industries, devices with a reinforced print head operating at a speed of 50 mm / s are suitable.

Large organizations need to pay attention to the commercial or industrial class, with a speed indicator of 150-300 mm / s, the equipment with steel parts allows them to produce from 35 thousand markings per shift.

• Quality and resolution.

Perhaps the most important factor is the quality of the labels. Having a good resolution allows you to clearly see the characters on the sticker, the typical value is 203 dpi, this standard resolution is used on almost all stickers. When a tag with a small size is required, a value from 300dpi is suitable.

You won't have to worry about software, usually the necessary applications come with the equipment itself.

• Durability.

When choosing a unit, it is worth paying attention to the service life of the source, if the consumer wants to ensure the durability of the markings, then the conditions in which the work will be carried out must also be taken into account. In this case, pay attention to thermal transfer, their method of action contributes to the long-term use of stickers, but the cost of such a device will be many times more expensive than the others. If the owner wants to save on costs, it is worth taking on the direct thermal printing service, which specializes in heating the ribbon, there is no need for toners.

• Label Sizes and Applications

Generally accepted widths range from 58-104 cm, where 58 cm are parameters for small and medium categories of printers, and 104 cm - for large ones. The distribution of the work of labels depends on the method of printing technology, taking this into account, materials are produced with certain features: strength, color, shape, stickiness.

The accessories depend on your preference.

Here are the accessories to look at and buy if not available:

• Thermal transfer mechanism;
• Paper separator;
• Knife with a magazine for already cut paper;
• Additional memory module (allows the use of application resources);
• Rewinder for labels.

Technical characteristics of the most popular models

Office class

DYMO LabelManager 210D

Budget, portable label printer, equipped with thermal printing. The package includes: a mechanism, a test tape of white color, with a black font 12 mm x 3 m, a warranty card and instructions. The power source is batteries.

Specifications:

• Resolution - 180 dpi;
• Printing width - 12 mm;
• Type of batteries - ААх6 pcs;
• Dimensions (WxDxH) - 16.5x6.4x15.5 cm;
• Weight - 0, 435 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 4 230 rubles

Xprinter XP-370B

Thermal office type. Thermal printing. Multiple barcode variance: Code 39, Code 93, EAN-13, EAN-8, PDF417, QR code, UPC-A, UPC-E, Postnet, Code 128.
Includes paper separator and RJ11 cash drawer port.
It is possible to provide communication with a computer via a USB port.
The power supply is network, compatible with Android, Windows, Linux OS.
According to buyers, this type is equipped with a reliable print head.

Specifications:

• Resolution - 203 × 203 dpi;
• Printing width - 82 mm;
• 2 GB RAM and built-in memory;
• Dimensions (WxDxH) - 16x23.1x15 cm.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 7 899 rubles

Argox D2-250

Convenient equipment, office group. Thermal printing. Barcodes: Aztec Code, Codabar, Code 39, Code 93, GS1 DataBar, MaxiCode, PDF417, QR Code, Telepen, UPC-A, UPC-E.Speed ​​up to 178 mm / s, you can store information up to 32 GB, PPLA, PPLB, PPLZ programming languages. The kit includes an editor for the external image of shortcuts.
Works from the network.

Specifications:

• Resolution - 203 dpi;
• Printing width - 54 mm;
• RAM - 32 GB;
• Built-in memory - 16 GB;
• Dimensions (WxDxH) - 11.6x21.5x17cm;
• Weight - 1 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 11 280 rubles

Epson LabelWorks LW-700

The printer has thermal transfer printing. Large selection of barcodes UPC / EAN-128, Codabar, Code 39, DataMatrix, EAN-8, GS1 DataBar, MaxiCode, PDF417, QR code, UPC-E, Code 128. Built-in Cyrillic keyboard. Charging is done via cable or batteries. Upon purchase, the set includes: power supply unit / cable, 1 piece LC-5WBW9 tape, auxiliary disks for using equipment, USB port.

Specifications:

• Resolution - 180 dpi;
• Printing width - 24 mm;
• Dimensions (WxDxH) - 18x23.5x8 cm;
• Weight - 0.77 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 9 510 rubles

Brother QL-810W [QL810WR1]

It allows you to print labels not only from a stationary PC, but also from a phone, via wi-fi, USB, high speed produces up to 100 stickers per minute.
The model is comfortable to use, thanks to convenient software, which gives a chance to acquire third-party extensions for decorating stickers. The fonts used on a PC work fine for a printer. Works over the network.

Specifications:

• Expansion - 300 dpi;
• Belt width - 62 cm;
• Dimensions (WxDxH) - 125x234x14 cm;
• Weight - 1.12 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 17 299 rubles

Commercial grade

JEPOD XP-470B

Commercial division printer. Thermal printing. There are different types of barcodes. There are skins for USB, Ethernet communication. The device works with Windows. There is space for additional storage of information, power supply via cable / block.

Technical specifications:

• Resolution - 203dpi;
• Belt width - 108 mm;
• Built-in / RAM - 8/4 GB;
• Parameters (WxDxH) - 24x16.6x21.1;
• Weight - 2.15 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 8 990 rubles

Argox F1-SB

Thermal transfer printer for marking labels, stickers. Speed ​​152 mm / s. allows to produce up to 90 brands per minute. The unit has a USB port, RS-232. Huge selection of fonts for printing. Powered by a network.

Those. specifications:

• Resolution - 203 dpi;
• The span of the printing tape is 104 mm;
• Built-in memory / RAM - 8/4 GB;
• Dimensions: (WxH) -30.9x25.5 cm.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 17 766 rubles

Brother PocketJet PJ-723

Portable machine for printing labels. Thermal printing. Barcode Type: UPC / EAN-128, Aztec Code, Code 39, Code 93, DataMatrix, EAN-13, EAN-8, GS1 DataBar, GS1-128, MaxiCode, Micro QR, MicroPDF417, PDF417, QR Code, UPC -A, UPC-E, Postnet, Code 128.
Portable equipment can be powered by a lithium battery or mains.
The set with the device includes: USB cable, auxiliary instructions, head cleaners, compatible with many OS.

Specifications:

• Resolution - 300 × 300 dpi;
• Belt width - 210 mm;
• Built-in / RAM - 32/6 GB;
• Parameters (WxD) - 25.5x5.5 cm;
• Weight - 0.4 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 54 180 rubles.

TT Printer ZT220

Thermal transfer device that uses any kind of ribbon.
Large amount of RAM and built-in memory, the presence of an RS-232 and USB socket.
Fast print speed, from 152mm / s. The printer works with different operating systems and provides support information for use. The existence of software and drivers gives the right to expand the scope of the device and get special opportunities for developing stickers.

Those. specifications:

• Expansion - 203 dpi;
• Width of the material - 104 mm;
• Roll diameter / width - 203/114 mm;
• Memory - 128 flash / 128 mb DRAM;
• Dimensions (WxDxH) - 239x432x280 mm;
• Weight - 7.8 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 54 984 rub.

Intermec PD43

A commercial apparatus designed with the latest technology. Thermal printing. Used in airports or warehouses. It is quite easy to understand during operation, the devices of these models are marked by reliability and the presence of various modifications, suitable for many fields of activity.
PD43 has a fast print speed of 203 mm / s, communication interfaces USB 2.0, host, feels comfortable in temperature conditions from 5 to 40 degrees and at humidity from 20-85%.

The kit includes such components as: tray, knife, label separator, wi-fi network card, roll feed module.

Parameters:

• Expansion - 203dpi;
• Printing width - 104 mm;
• Span / length of the tape - 110 mm / 360 m;
• Color display;
• RAM up to 32 GB;
• Dimensions: (LxWxH) -23.6x21.1x20.5 mm;
• Weight - 5.1 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 61,130 rubles.

Industrial grade

"Rhino 4200"

A professional printer widely used in electrical, telecommunication and other information technology. Scanning type - thermal printing. The device has a QWERTY keyboard. There is an LCD display, the RAM is designed for 25 stickers. A protective cover made of rubber ensures the safety of the unit. The set of parameters allows you to quickly go to the previously used operations. A number of settings provided in the mechanism make it possible to perform certain actions for the device, without the participation of the owner.
The equipment runs on 6 AA batteries or a lithium battery, which are not included in the purchase package.

Specifications:

• Parameters (WxDxH) - 18.1x12.7x6.2 cm;
• Width of labels - 6.9.12 mm;
• Weight - 770 gr;
• Color - black, yellow.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Cost: 8 637 rubles.

Brother PT-E110VP

Thermal transfer apparatus, industrial type. A portable device that provides fast printing, quite comfortable to use. Upon purchase, the consumer will receive an AC adapter, a case, tape cassettes, a warranty.
The instructions for use will help the owner quickly understand the settings. The equipment runs on AAAx6 batteries, suitable for work with an electrician.

Specifications:

• Print span -12 mm;
• Dimensions (WxDxH) - 11.4x20.8x5.8 cm;
• Weight - 0.4 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 14 290 rubles

Zebra GK420t

Desktop, industrial grade, allows printing 2D codes, images, data tags. Additional extensions and intuitive software give you the chance to use other resources, layouts and fonts. The model is most commonly used in post offices and healthcare organizations. The printer is famous for printing speed up to 127 mm / s, has a USB port.

Specifications:

• Resolution - 203dpi;
• Printing width - 104 mm;
• Internal memory / RAM - 4/8 GB;
• Dimensions (WxDxH) - 193 x 191 x 254 mm.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 42 252 rubles

Godex EZ-2250i

The industrial printer of this model has thermal transfer printing.
Many types of encoding. To interface with the head conditions, you can use the USB port, Ethernet.
Powered by the mains, space on the unit, available for operation up to 32 mb, high speed produces a large number of stickers per minute.

Those. specifications:

• Expansion - 203 dpi;
• Print span - 104 mm;
• Dimensions (WxH) - 27.4x29.1;
• Weight - 15 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Price: 59 850 rubles

Datamax I-4310e Mark II

Multifunctional equipment for solving a variety of tasks. Thermal printing.
The model has been on the market for a long time and has received good reviews from consumers. Such equipment will cope with work that is beyond the power of middle-class equipment. The device is equipped with powerful mechanisms, a processor, increased memory, parts are equipped with auxiliary options for speed. The parameters are being improved every time, the power consumption is minimal, and this is a pleasant plus for the owner. Convenient display 128x64 LCD. Simple software allows installation of third-party options and interfaces.

Technical features:

• Resolution - 300dpi;
• Speed ​​- 254 mm / s;
• Printing width / length - 104/2514 mm;
• Dimensions (WxDxH) - 322x472x320;
• Weight - 20.5 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Cost: 115 623 rubles.

How to use

In addition to recommendations for the choice of technology, advice should be given on its use. Each printer contains certain settings, this includes the programming and coding language. Such a reference is acceptable for high-end technology. For full use, you need to understand the functionality, the presence of the Russian language is the main requirement for all equipment.

Operation will not be difficult if the unit includes the ability to change application resources, modules. Any OS has a separate set of parameters for future work with equipment, Windows gives the right to control almost any device.

There are a number of barcodes that can be installed on the OS, at the moment, the standard package of codes is True Type, suitable for any mechanism, it is enough to install the module on the PC and conduct pairing. Alternative codes can be found from the preferences of the owner and from the characteristics.

EAN, UPC, Interleaved 2 and Code 128 are considered public coding, but these fonts also require a special approach, since they are not among the simple ones, and at the same time there is a chance to install certain software that makes it easier to use and understand.

Benefits of using technology

According to buyers and owners, the use of technology has a number of advantages:

• Acts as an identifier, the marking is entered into the register of commodity accounting,
  which allows you to find the desired product by scanning.
• Accuracy, information is read automatically, which reduces the chances of error when entering or finding the desired object.
• Facilitation of the inventory process when entering products into a common database.
• Automating your workflow, it takes less time than manual labor.
• Systematization to ensure order in the accounting of units.

Which label printer from the ones noted in the review did you like? Share your opinion in the comments to the article.