5 Best Barcode Label Printers for 2018

A barcode label printer is what you use to print various types of barcode labels for product labeling, equipment tagging, parts tracking, shipping labels, and more. In this guide, we compare the printing features, label output options, and costs of five top-rated barcode label printers suitable for a range of small business barcode label printing needs.

Best 5 Best Barcode Label Printers Summary Table

How We Evaluated Barcode Label Printers

Businesses can use a variety of printers to print barcode labels. Standard desktop inkjet or laser printers work for occasional, low-volume barcode label printing projects. But thermal barcode label printers offer a more convenient and cost-effective solution for higher-volume barcode label printing needs.

For this guide, we compare top-rated thermal and standard desktop printer options in terms of barcode features and output, including:

• Print function: direct thermal, thermal transfer, or inkjet/laser
• Types of barcodes (linear barcode and QR codes)
• Label size and shape options
• Integration with business management and inventory software
• Printer connectivity
• Label durability and longevity
• Color printing options
• Colored label stock options
• Print speed

Most small retail, warehousing, and manufacturing operations benefit from having a dedicated thermal label printer. This makes it easy to create barcode labels and print them onto inexpensive, precut thermal label stock as needed. However, startups and small businesses can print barcode labels onto laser or inkjet label sheets using a desktop printer that takes care of other office tasks, too.

Since most small businesses can benefit from multi-use printing tools, even in a dedicated label printer, we also looked at each printer’s capabilities beyond barcode printing.

Best Overall Barcode Label Printer for Small Businesses: Dymo LabelWriter 450

The Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo is an ideal, low-volume desktop barcode label printer.

The Dymo LabelWriter 450 is our top barcode label printer for small businesses due to its low $80 price tag, simple setup, minimal maintenance, broad compatibility, and many label printing options. But don’t let its low price fool you into thinking it’s a bargain-basement model. The Dymo LabelWriter 450 is a workhorse that delivers an array of printing features to meet all types of retail, warehousing, and even manufacturing barcode label printing needs.

Dymo LabelWriter 450 Barcode Label Printer Pricing

Dymo LabelWriter 450 Barcode Label Examples & Pricing
3/4” x 2 - 1/2”	1/2” x 1”	2-1/4'' x 4''
450 labels for $18 on Amazon	1000 labels for $14 on Amazon	300 labels for $11 on Amazon

Note: Prices above are for Dymo-brand labels; third-party brands are less expensive.

Its $80 price range is just one benefit of the using the Dymo LabelWriter 450 barcode label printer. Since it’s one of the best-selling label printers on the market, label stock is widely available and cost-effective on a price-per-label basis. Thermal labels also tend to be less expensive than inkjet and laser printer labels.

The Dymo LabelWriter 450 is a very low-maintenance, direct-thermal (DT) label printer. This means it needs no ink, toner, or printer ribbon to operate, unlike the Zebra ZD500R thermal transfer printer and Epson Expression ET-2650 desktop inkjet printers on our list.

Dymo LabelWriter 450 Features

Here’s how the Dymo LabelWriter 450 meets our review criteria:

The Dymo LabelWriter 450 is a very high-resolution printer, especially considering its price.

It prints sharp, fine-line images, barcodes, and graphics with 600 x 300 dpi resolution. It also prints many different types of barcodes, including your own alphanumeric SKUs, UPC codes, and QR-type barcodes. You can easily swap your templates and label rolls over to print address labels, price tag labels, file and shelf labels, and even name tag and shipping labels.

Another big plus is the Dymo LabelWriter 450 is one of two thermal barcode label printers that work with the popular Square retail point-of-sale (POS) system. If you use Square for Retail and want to print thermal barcode labels for your inventory items, the LabelWriter 450 and the next printer on our list, the Zebra ZD410, are your two best choices.

The Zebra clocks in at around $350, making the $80 LabelWriter 450 the better deal. However, the pricier Zebra connects to iPads via Bluetooth, whereas the LabelWriter is a USB unit that prints from your desktop computer. You can also create barcode labels using the Dymo Label software together with all major business applications.

Customer Support for the Dymo LabelWriter 450

If you need help setting up or using the LabelWriter 450, or Dymo Label software, Dymo has you covered. Visit Dymo’s Customer Support page for customer phone support numbers and live online chat. Both are available during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also submit a question to the online support team at any time using the form on that page.

Dymo’s online support portal is a treasure trove of downloadable printer drivers, user guides, and label templates for all of Dymo’s many printers and related products.

What’s Missing from the Dymo LabelWriter 450

The LabelWriter 450 requires a USB connection, so it’s not a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled printer that can connect to and print from iPads. In contrast, the pricier Zebra ZD410 features a Bluetooth connection which makes it compatible with iPad-based POS systems like Lightspeed POS.

Like the other direct-thermal printers on our list, the Zebra ZD410 and the Zebra IMZ320 handheld, the Dymo LabelWriter 450 only prints in black. Two other printers on our list, the Zebra ZD500R and the Epson Expressions color inkjet, both beat all three in this regard. The Zebra ZD500R also supports advanced remote-trackable RFID chip barcode labels. But for most small businesses, that’s simply barcode technology overkill and not worth the $1,300-plus price tag.

Other than lack of wireless connectivity, color printing, and lack of RFID label support, there’s little that the Dymo LabelWriter 450 leaves on the table. It’s a great value packed into a convenient desktop package.

Visit Dymo LabelWriter 450

Best Barcode Label Printer for High Volume Needs: Zebra ZD410

The Zebra ZD410 is a workhorse for small businesses with high volume barcode printing needs.

The Zebra ZD410 is the workhorse of the Zebra barcode label printer lineup. At around $350, it’s a jump up in price from the Dymo LabelWriter 450, but it’s built to handle barcode label printing in serious volume. Like the LabelWriter, the ZD410 is compact with a 2-1/4-inch label width maximum, but that’s perfectly suitable for most barcode label printing needs. Plus, it prints barcodes, text, and graphics on other materials of varying lengths, such as event wristbands and tickets.

Zebra ZD410 Thermal Barcode Label Printer Pricing

Zebra ZD410 Barcode Label Examples & Pricing
3/4” x 2 - 1/4”	1/2” x 1”	2-1/4'' x 4''
1700 labels for $12 on Amazon	2430 labels for $9 on Amazon	350 labels for $10 on Amazon

Zebra thermal label printers are a big-business standard, so you’ll readily find labels in bulk at extremely low prices. There also are plenty of third-party label suppliers that sell Zebra-compatible labels, so you’ll always find a good deal on places like Amazon.

Like the Dymo LabelWriter, the Zebra ZD410 is a very low-maintenance, direct-thermal (DT) label printer. Unlike the thermal transfer Zebra ZD500R printer and Epson Expression ET-2650 desktop inkjet, you don’t have to purchase any ink, toner, or printer ribbon to operate this printer.

Zebra ZD410 Thermal Printer Features

Here’s how the Zebra ZD410 meets our review criteria:

See more on the Zebra ZD410 technical specifications sheet.

The Zebra ZD410 is a quality barcode printer that reaches 300 dpi resolution, which is lower than the LabelWriter and some others on our list, but it’s perfectly acceptable for printing crisp, clear barcode labels. Like the others on our list, the Zebra ZD410 prints a wide array of barcodes, including your own alphanumeric SKUs, UPC codes, and QR-type barcodes.

Like the Dymo LabelWriter 450, the Zebra ZD410 prints inventory barcode labels from Square POS for Retail. But unlike the LabelWriter, it also integrates with the industry-leading Lightspeed POS system via Bluetooth or USB. The Bluetooth connectivity is a major plus since that allows it to wirelessly connect to and print from Lightspeed POS on iPad, not just through the desktop dashboard. In fact, Zebra printers are very universal, so if you use a different retail store POS, warehouse inventory, or online order management system, there’s a good chance the Zebra ZD410 will work with your system. You can also use the free ZebraDesigner software to create barcode labels to print on any Zebra printer.

Unlike the LabelWriter and the Epson inkjet printer, the Zebra ZD410 also prints on different materials, such as polypropylene event wristbands and fan-folded paper stock, like event tickets. This makes it very versatile for stores that need to print barcodes and price labels and also want to use the printer for special event passes or wristbands. It’s a nice perk that can find a use in a creative shop.

The Zebra ZD-410 prints on barcode labels and other media like wristbands.

The Zebra ZD410 also has optional installable ports for virtually unlimited network connectivity:

The Zebra ZD-410 connects to all types of networks.

Customer Support for the Zebra ZD410

Visit Zebra’s Customer Support page for customer phone support numbers. Business hours are unlisted on Zebra’s worldwide support website, but phone numbers are clearly listed for countries across the globe.

Zebra also has an exceptional online support portal with video tutorials that cover setup, detailed use, accessory options, and more. Plus, you can find quick links to online support, repair partners, and warranty information on the portal page.

What’s Missing from the Zebra ZD410

Like the Dymo LabelWriter 450, the Zebra ZD410 is a direct thermal printer, so you can only print in black. Both the Zebra ZD500R and the Epson Expressions color inkjet on our list print in color, if that’s your need. It also doesn’t support the advanced remote-trackable RFID chip barcode labels, unlike the Zebra ZD500R. But that’s not an issue if your business doesn’t need advanced wireless tracking technology.

Aside from these few shortcomings, the Zebra ZD410 delivers a ton of barcode label printing features and other perks, like wristband and ticket printing.

Best Barcode Label Printer for High-Tech Label Printing: Zebra ZD500R

The ZD500R barcode label printer supports RFID wireless tracking technology.

The Zebra ZD500R is a thermal barcode printer designed to help small businesses track inventory and other assets in real-time using both printed barcodes and wireless RFID label technology. The ZD500R prints standard thermal barcode labels as well as RFID labels that have an embedded encodable chip that RFID readers detect and track wirelessly. It sounds very advanced, but with printers like the Zebra ZD500R available for about $1,375, RFID is becoming reality for all sorts of small businesses wanting a better handle on tracking inventory, equipment, and other assets.

Zebra ZD500R Thermal Printer Pricing

Zebra ZD500R RFID Label Examples & Pricing
RFID barcode label rolls are based on your RFID system, and start at about $35/roll

Zebra ZD500R Thermal Barcode Label Examples & Pricing
4" x 2" Thermal Transfer	1/2” x 1” Direct Thermal	2-1/4'' x 4'' Direct Thermal
1370 labels for $14 on Amazon	2430 labels for $9 on Amazon	350 labels for $10 on Amazon

The ZD500R is a very flexible thermal printer that offers technology that, until now, was only obtainable through printers costing several thousands of dollars. The ZD500R is hands-down the most expensive solution on our list, but your barcode printing capabilities cover the full range of options, from low-cost direct thermal labels to mid-range thermal transfer labels to printing and encoding RFID tags. It also prints other media like wristbands and fan-folded tickets.

Zebra ZD500R Thermal Printer Features

Here’s how the Zebra ZD500R meets our review criteria:

See more on the Zebra ZD500R technical specifications sheet.

Like the Zebra ZD410, the ZD500R offers up to 300 dpi resolution, still lower than the LabelWriter but suitable for printing high-quality barcodes on a full range of label stock. It prints a variety of barcodes including alphanumeric SKUs, UPC codes, and QR-type barcodes, and of course, encodes barcode data into the chip on RFID labels.

With Zebra’s wide-ranging developer tools and Link-OS connectivity app, the ZD500R can work with a variety of business applications and networks. However, connecting to specific inventory management and POS systems might take more developer-level setup than others on our list that directly integrate with popular POS systems. You can also create barcode labels to print on all Zebra printers using the free ZebraDesigner software.

The ZD500R prints from label rolls and various media like wristbands and fan-folded paper labels or tickets, just like the Zebra ZD410. You can also insert a thermal transfer ribbon to print more durable, scratch and fade-resistant labels, unlike the more basic direct thermal printers on our list. Plus, both direct and thermal printing methods can be used to print barcodes on RFID labels.

Another nice perk of the thermal transfer printing option is that you can insert a color thermal ribbon to print labels in a color other than black. This isn’t possible with the LabelWriter 450 or Zebra ZD410 direct thermal printers.

Customer Support for the Zebra ZD500R

Zebra’s Customer Support page features customer phone support numbers for locations across the globe. Business hours are unlisted.

Zebra also has a full online support portal for the ZD500R with video tutorials that cover every strep from startup through usage details, RFID encoding, and more. You can also find links to online support, repair services, and warranty registration, and other support details within the portal.

What’s Missing from the Zebra ZD500R

The only thing the Zebra ZD500R doesn’t deliver is a super low price. It tops the price scale in our list by a wide margin. Unless you really need RFID technology, you can get the same barcode label printing features for a fraction of the cost by going with any other option on our list.

However, RFID tags and barcode labels are finding a home in the small business sphere, so it’s nice to have a printer that’s priced within reach. If you need a real-time grasp of your inventory, equipment, and other business assets, the Zebra ZD500R’s many features offer good value.

Visit Zebra ZD500R

Best Barcode Label Printer for Occasional Label Printing: Epson Expression ET-2650

The Expression ET-2650 prints barcode labels and much more.

The Epson Expression ET-2650 Color Inkjet is a supertank printer, meaning you don’t have to constantly switch out expensive inkjet cartridges. Instead, you refill onboard ink tanks as needed at a fraction of the cost. Pair that with Epson’s crisp, high-resolution printing and sheet-fed inkjet labels, and you get a cost-effective barcode label printer that can handle other small business needs, from simple invoices to full-color brochures. Plus, it scans, faxes, and makes copies, thus beating every other printer on our list in terms of extended uses.

Epson Expression ET-2650 Color Inkjet Printer Pricing

Epson ET-2650 Inkjet Sheet Label Examples & Pricing
1/2 x 1-3/4	1/2 x 1-3/4	1 x 4
2,000 labels for $9 on Amazon	2,000 labels for $9 on Amazon	2,000 labels for $23 on Amazon

The Epson Expression ET-2650 supertank inkjet printer is one of the most cost-effective small business inkjet printers on the market. With refillable ink that takes the place of, on average, 20 cartridge replacements, your cost-per-page to print is as low as one cent. Sheet-fed labels are also economical for low-volume and occasional barcode printing needs. For example, 1/2-inch x 1-¾- inch labels cost about one-half cent each.

So you’re looking at a per-label cost of 1.5 cents, which is very competitive with direct thermal barcode label printers. However, larger four-inch labels jump in cost dramatically compared to thermal versions on our list. There’s also the time and convenience factor to consider, which we’ll cover next.

Epson Expression ET-2650 Color Inkjet Printer Features

Here’s how the Epson Expression ET-2650 supertank inkjet printer meets our review criteria:

See more on the Epson ET-2650 technical specifications.

Being a photo printer, the Epson ET-2650 offers the highest resolution, up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, compared to the 300 to 600 resolution ranges of the thermal printers on the list. So, the Epson can easily print all types of detailed barcodes, from alphanumeric SKUs to UPC codes, along with QR-type barcodes—and it can print these in a color other than black if you wish.

Epson printers offer near-universal connectivity to all types of printing networks via USB, wireless, Wi-Fi, and cloud connections, and work with all types of business applications. If your retail POS, inventory management, or online order management system can connect to a desktop printer, it should have no problem connecting to the Epson using Epson Connect.

To create barcode labels for the Epson, you need to use sheet label templates. Common templates from Avery and other sheet label makers are built-in to many business tools, such as MS Word, Google Docs, Excel, and plenty of others. For example, the popular Square POS for Retail prints barcode labels to four specific Avery templates, which is very convenient. Other top POS systems either print direct or download barcode data into a program like Word or Excel to create barcode labels.

Where the thermal barcode label printers on our list have the Epson beat is convenience. It takes work to create barcode labels and set up the sheet per template parameters for sheet-fed printing. You can certainly print batch, series, and even single barcode labels with the Epson, but the Zebra and Dymo printers are just more convenient overall. That’s why we recommend the Epson for occasional, not day-to-day, barcode printing needs.

Customer Support for the Epson Expression ET-2650 Color Inkjet

Epson’s Customer Support page features customer service phone numbers, online chat, and email support. Support is available Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT, and Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. The Epson is pretty foolproof, so you probably won’t need much help in setup or ongoing use, but if you do, having phone support is a nice plus.

Epson has some setup and troubleshooting videos in its online support portal, along with manuals, FAQs, and print software and driver downloads.

What’s Missing from the Epson Expression ET-2650

The Epson Expression ET-2650 is clearly different from the other contenders on our list. It’s not great for kicking out labels as-needed, like the thermal label printers on our list. It’s also not the best for ongoing, high-volume barcode printing. You certainly can easily print thousands of labels on the Epson, but the setup for sheet printing takes work. It’s not something a busy small businesses owner would want to do daily.

But, if you need to print barcode labels on occasion, and have other printing needs, the Epson Expression ET-2650 supertank inkjet offers exceptional cost-per-page value.

Visit Epson Expression ET-2650

Best Portable Handheld Barcode Label Printer: Dymo LabelManager 420P

The Dymo LabelManager 420P lets you print barcode labels on the go.

Here’s another barcode label printer by Dymo; it has an $80 price tag and an impressive set of features. Most notably, it’s completely portable, unlike the other top picks on our list. This versatile unit is great for keying in and printing barcode labels on-the-spot, be it the shop, on the warehouse floor, or in remote locations. You can also use it to print all types of labels through a computer connection. The LabelManager 420P even prints on water-resistant label stock, supports text and graphics, and prints up to four lines per label.

Dymo LabelManager 420P Pricing

Dymo LabelManager 420P Barcode Label Examples & Pricing
1/2" x 23' White	1/2" x 23' Yellow	1/2" x 23' Green
270 1” labels for $7 on Amazon	270 1” labels for $10 on Amazon	270 1” labels for $10 on Amazon

Note – prices above are for Dymo-brand label tapes, third-party brands are less expensive

Like the Dymo LabelWriter 450, the LabelManager 420P runs about $80. Like LabelWriter and the Zebra barcode label printers on our list, you have to buy label stock, called label tape. Label tape comes in continuous footage, so you can create labels of any length needed, unlike the precut labels used by our other top picks.

LabelWriter tapes are all-in-one cartridges, so there are no added ink or thermal transfer tape costs, unlike the Epson inkjet and Zebra ZD500R. It prints to standard water-resistant labels, vinyl labels, or nylon labels, depending on your needs. You can also purchase tapes with different label/text color combos:

The Dymo LabelManager 420P prints on label tape available in several colors.

Dymo LabelManager 420P Features

Here’s how the Dymo LabelManager 420P meets our review criteria:

The Dymo LabelManager 420P is small and portable, but mighty. Its rechargeable battery lasts for six hours of use for reliable on-the-go use. Like its desktop LabelWriter cousin, it prints crisp barcode labels, plus labels with text and graphics. Its 180 dpi resolution is suitable for printing linear barcodes and it conveniently converts keyed-in numbers into barcodes for alphanumeric SKUs and UPC codes. However, it doesn’t print the newer barcodes like the QR-code matrix. For that, you’ll need one of the desktop models covered above.

With eight onboard fonts that print in seven font sizes and ten text styles, the LabelManager can create all types of organizational, shelf, price tag, and text labels as-needed. It saves up to 15 of your most-used labels for one-touch printing, plus prints barcode labels in repeat batches of 10 for quantity needs. You can also connect the LabelManager to a Mac or PC with the included USB cable to create barcode labels using DYMO Label™ software or other business programs and insert graphics and logos into labels from the computer.

Customer Support for the Dymo LabelManager 420P

Visit Dymo’s Customer Support page for customer phone support numbers and live online chat. Both are available during business hours; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also submit a question to the online support team at any time using the form on that page.

Dymo’s online support portal provides downloadable printer drivers, user guides, videos, and troubleshooting for the

What’s Missing from the Dymo LabelManager 420P

It’s the only barcode label printer on our list that doesn’t print the newer QR-code matrix codes, but that’s really a function of its overall label size. The LabelManager tops out at ¾-inch labels, so that’s just too small for the newer matrix codes.

The LabelManager 420P is certainly not a high-volume barcode printer—any other printer on the list beats it in terms of volume. But the LabelManager tops them all for creating barcode labels on the go and in a variety of colors, materials, and styles.

Visit Dymo LabelManager 420P

The Bottom Line

Most thermal and standard desktop printers provide some way to create barcode labels and print them. If you’re new to barcode labels and unsure of how to make barcodes for different types of uses, be sure to read our guide on how to create barcode labels. Once you know how to create your barcodes, any of the above units can handle the printing. Which is the right unit for you really depends on your specific needs.

If you’re trying to print barcodes for warehouse or retail settings and don’t yet have an inventory management program, be sure to check out both Square for Retail and Lightspeed POS. Both systems integrate with the LabelWriter450 and Zebra ZD410 barcode printers listed above, so you can quickly create barcode labels for all types of stock tracking needs. Plus, each helps you manage your sales, payments, staff, and overall business.

See how these powerful point-of-sale systems can help streamline your inventory barcode label printing, speed up your checkout with barcode scanners, and manage your entire business.

Do you print barcode labels to track your inventory, support POS price scanners, label warehouse shelves, or for other purposes? How do you create barcode labels and print them? We’d love to hear what works for you in the comments below.