In the market for a thermal shipping label printer for your business?
Here you will find the best printers for your business.
Whether you sell on marketplaces like eBay, Mercari, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, Amazon FBA or you run your own ecommerce business, having a reliable thermal printer for shipping labels is a must.
Thermal shipping label printers can not only help you run your business more effectively, but they can help save you money because they don’t require ink!
Read on to find the right label printer for your business!
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#1 Recommended Thermal Shipping Label Printer: DYMO Label Writer 4XL
If you’re short on time and need to get your new label printer ordered in a hurry, here’s the best thermal shipping label printer I recommend:
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Why You Need A Thermal Shipping Label Printer
Before we dive on into the best label printers out there, let’s reiterate why you should invest in a thermal label printer.
A quality, reliable thermal shipping label printer can help you:
- Get your sales shipped quicker (fast printing, no more taping on labels!)
- Reduce waste (no more full sheets of paper to print one label)
- Save you money (no more buying expensive ink or toner)
That is right! Thermal label printers do not require ink or toner in order to print! (They use heat, hence the name thermal, to print)
Shocking, I know!
And that is the number one reason to consider switching to a thermal printer.
Yes, it’s an upfront investment. But in the long term it will save you money not having to by ink or toner constantly.
Top 8 Thermal Shipping Label Printers
Alright! Here are the best thermal shipping label printers out there.
1. Rollo Commercial Grade Thermal Printer
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This is the number one printer out there. And for good reason.
It is a reliable printer that prints quickly – perfect even for businesses with the highest volumes.
ROLLO accommodates various sizes of labels and can print pretty much anything. (It works the same way as a regular printer, so you can print from any application!)
One of the great things about the ROLLO compared to some others on this list, is that it doesn’t require you to buy name-brand labels to go with it. It works with any type of thermal label.
The only draw back is you will need to purchase a separate holder if you plan to use labels that come on a roll.
Pros:
- Quick printing - one label per second
- Prints any sizes of labels up to 4.1" width (no height restriction)
- Compatible with all major platforms
- Works like a regular printer - can print from Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word, the internet, etc
- Prints on any thermal labels (no need to by a specific brand)
Cons:
- Connects via a cord (is not wireless)
- Will need to buy a roll holder if you use labels on a roll
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Summary:
The ROLLO thermal label printer is a best-seller for many reasons. This little machine will quickly pay for itself with the money saved on ink and labels.
2. DYMO LabelWriter 4XL
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The DYMO is another highly rated thermal label printer that rivals the ROLLO.
It also prints very quickly – 50-100 lables a minute.
The DYMO is compatible with all sizes of LabelWriter labels – great if you plan to use it for other items such as address labels.
It prints wide labels, large enough to accommodate international shipping.
Pros:
- Fast - prints 50 to 100 labels a minute
- Customizable - can accommodate many label sizes including postage stamp size, address labels, and all the way up to extra large (4"x6") shipping labels
- Compatible with major platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy
- Reliable - many shippers depend on this little machine to keep their businesses up and running
Cons:
- Connects with a cord (is not wireless)
- Expensive - one of the more costly thermal printers out there
- May require DYMO brand labels to work properly
Summary:
The DYMO LabelWriter 4XL is a workhorse thermal label printer that is a surefire bet to quickly become your newest favorite office tool.
3. Brother QL-1100 Professional Thermal Label Printer
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This Brother thermal shipping label printer is another compact printer that won’t take up a lot of room.
And unlike the ROLLO, you won’t need a separate device to hold rolls of labels.
One of the unique features of this printer is that it is “plug and play.” You won’t need to install software on Windows PCs. Just plug in and you are up and running.
Pros:
- Fast - up to 69 labels per minute
- Various sizes - can print up to 4" wide and 9 feet long.
- Compatible with major platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy
Cons:
- Connects with a cord (is not wireless)
- Labels for this machine are more expensive than others
- May not work well with Macs
- Cannot print from iOS mobile devices - only Android mobile devices with USBtoGO cable (sold separately)
Summary:
This is a nice, all-around choice especially if you don’t want to mess around with having to install software on your computer.
4. Brother QL-1100NWB Professional Thermal Label Printer (Wireless!)
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If you’re looking for a wireless thermal label printer, this Brother wireless model is the one!
It’s pretty much the same as the Brother model listed above in this list, but with the addition of wireless connectivity!
If you are printing from an iOS mobile device, this is the one you need to thermal shipping labels.
Pros:
- Fast - up to 69 labels per minute
- Various sizes - can print up to 4" wide and 9 feet long.
- Compatible with major platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy
- Wireless
- Can print from mobile devices
Cons:
- Pricy compared to corded models
Summary:
If you primarily run your business from your phone or iPad and don’t want to have to pull out your computer every time you need to print, this is the perfect label printer for you.
5. Arkscan 2054A Shipping Label Printer
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This is a pretty unassuming-looking device. But a lot is really packed into this little guy.
Not only does it hold any sizes or types (rolls or fanfold) of labels, it prints pretty much any size you need, including up to 90″ in length.
They also have an amazing customer service team to answer any questions if you should have any issues arise.
And depending on the price at the time you check out Amazon, the price is pretty amazing too!
Pros:
- Various sizes - can print up to 4.25" wide and 90" long.
- Compatible with all major platforms
- Great price!
- Excellent customer service
- Holds rolls or fanfolds of labels inside
Cons:
- Corded
Summary:
This little printer packs a lot into a small size and is worth it for those looking to not spend a small fortune on other thermal shipping label printer brands.
6. MUNBYN Thermal Label Printer
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Looking to get a thermal printer for less money?
Look no further. This economically priced thermal printer does all the basics when it comes to printing shipping labels.
It does come in other colors, such as this pink one here.
Also, be sure to look for the coupon checkbox on Amazon for this item. Not a guarantee to be there, but there is often a current coupon.
If there’s a coupon available, it will look something like this:
Pros:
- Great for printing standard size 4"x6" labels
- Compatible with major platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy
- Cute exterior color options
Cons:
- Corded
Summary:
Great printer if you are looking for a more economical option.
7. Polono Thermal Label Printer
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This is another great economical option for a thermal shipping label printer.
There’s a lot of great things about this printer such as compatibility with both Mac and Windows, and it coming with a label holder (separate from the device.
Pros:
- Fast - 60 labels per minute
- Great for printing standard size 4"x6" labels
- Compatible with major platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy
- Comes with a label holder for either rolls or fanfolds of labels - no need to purchase separately!
Cons:
- Corded, is not wireless
Summary:
Good option if you are planning on using roll labels as there is no need to buy a separate device to hold the labels.
8. LabelRange 300DPI Thermal Label Printer
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It’s great to know that there are so many lower-cost thermal shipping label printers on the market.
This is another basic model that will get the job done reliably.
It supports both Mac and Windows users as well as is compatible with all shipping platforms.
This is one of the few models out there that actually comes with a few labels (100) to get you started!
This is another one where you will want to check if there is a coupon available. It will look something like this (amount off will vary):
Pros:
- Supports both Mac and Windows
- Compatible with major platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy
- Prints multiple sizes including standard 4"x6" shipping labels
- Comes with 100 fanfold labels
Cons:
- Corded, is not wireless
Summary:
A nice option that comes with some thermal shipping labels to get you started.
What To Look For In A Thermal Shipping Label Printer
When you’re shopping for a thermal printer for your business, the options out there can be overwhelming.
Here are the most important things to consider in a thermal shipping label printer:
1) How easy is it to install?
Be sure you review what you need to do to get your printer up and running and connected to your computer.
Do you need to install special software or drivers? Or is the device plug and play?
If you’re not the techy sort, I’d recommend a plug and play printer such as the Brother QL-1100.
2) How does it connect to your phone/computer?
When you’re trying to decide between thermal printers, consider how you’re going to be using it.
What are you going to be printing from? Your phone? Or your computer?
If you’re wanting to run your business from your phone, you’re going to want to invest in a wireless model, such as the Brother QL-1100NWB Wireless Thermal Printer.
3) Will it last?
The last thing you want is to make an investment in a device to save you money only to have it break on you.
This is one of the most important things to look for as you definitely want it to last!
4) How fast does it print?
Most all of the devices on the market print relatively fast.
The speed is really only going to be a deciding factor if you print 20 or more labels at a time, or if you’re printing anything longer than a normal shipping label.
5) Does it hold rolls/fanfolds, or will I need to plan for extra desk space for labels to sit separately from the machine?
There are two basic machine designs.
One type of design is an all-in-one device where the printer holds the roll or fanfold of labels inside the machine.
The other type of design for thermal printers is where the labels sit behind the device.
Which one you choose will depend on how much space you have and how much you print.
5) What is the price?
Thermal printers typically range from $100 on the low end up to $300 or more on the high end.
They are definitely a good chunk of change, but one that will pay off in the long run with how much you will save on ink.
When considering how much to spend, you’ll also want to look at the capabilities of each. Is it worth it to spend more to get additional functionality?
For example, maybe spending more on a wireless printer, such as the Brother QL-1100NWB Wireless Thermal Printer is worth the added convenience to you.
6) How is the company’s customer service?
The last thing you want is to have trouble printing. But problems do arise on occasion depending on the type of computer (Macs seem to be more prone) and what you’re printing.
To keep your business up and running, you will want to be able to get ahold of the company’s customer service right away, so this is something you should definitely keep in mind when choosing a thermal shipping label printer.
Items You May Need Along With Your Thermal Shipping Label Printer
Depending on which thermal shipping label printer you go with, you may need to get a few extras.
You’ll also probably want a few labels to go along with your new printer!
Here are a few things you may need:
Label Holder
If you purchase a device that doesn’t have a built in holder or doesn’t come with an external holder, you may need to purchase a label holder separately.
This is really only necessary for labels that come on a roll. They are optional for fanfold style labels, as these types of labels can sit on your desk directly behind the thermal shipping label printer.
If you need a label holder, this is one that is well made and built to last.
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Thermal Labels
Labels either come on a roll or fan folded.
Which you choose will depend on which thermal shipping label printer you go with.
Some only hold rolls. Others use either rolls or fan-folded thermal labels.
Most printers will take generic labels.
Here are some options for roll-style labels. Note that you can choose from a wide range in quantity for each.
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Here are some well-rated fan-fold style thermal shipping labels:
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Now, if you’re going with the DYMO thermal label printer, you may want to stick with only DYMO-branded labels as results may vary when using generic labels.
If you choose the DYMO, and don’t want to take any risks, here are the DYMO-branded labels:
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Conclusion For Best Thermal Shipping Label Printer
It’s not an easy decision when it comes to picking the right thermal shipping label printer for you.
It’s my hope that this guide helps make figuring out which is right for you a bit easier.
Whichever you choose, I think you’ll be happy with your decision and happy with not ever having to buy ink again!
Best wishes with your business!
-Lee
P.S. An alternative to printing with a thermal shipping label printer
If you’re not quite ready to make an investment in your business by purchasing a thermal shipping label printer, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered!
Already have a standard printer?
You have two options:
- Print on standard paper and tape labels on. (Recommended if you ship only occasionally.)
- Print on label paper.
Label paper is a great alternative to not having a thermal shipping label printer.
Here is the label paper I recommend:
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As little as 50 labels can be purchased, all the way up to 8,000 labels.
And here’s a little-known secret: double the number of labels you get out of each sheet by choosing “print two pages to a sheet” from the print dialogue box. You will end up getting 4 labels on a sheet, cutting your cost of paper and ink effectively in half!
