Best Barcode Label Printers

Overall Score: 4.33 / 5

Pros

• Prints 102–152 mm/s
• Accepts non-Zebra brand labels and programming languages
• Supports multiple label types: fan-fold, die-cut, roll-fed, continuous, and armbands
• Available with serial, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons

• Needs to be plugged into an outlet to work

What We Like

Zebra’s ZD410 is a direct thermal printer compatible with multiple POS systems and with rugged models for healthcare settings that can withstand high-volume sanitizing. With the ability to print on virtually any thermal medium that fits its 2.36” width, this printer can support retailers, food service businesses, warehouses, event spaces, and healthcare facilities needing to print barcodes on multiple label types or even wristbands.

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Direct thermal printers do not require ink cartridges or ribbons for printing receipts; the device applies heat directly and precisely to the labels and receipts being printed. This helps businesses save on long-term refill costs and eliminates a potential point of failure in these printers.

This printer earned high marks for accepting multiple label types and its reasonable price. It could have scored higher if it had a battery instead of needing to be plugged into an outlet at all times.

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Overall Score: 4.17 / 5

Pros

• Double resolution mode sharpens graphics
• Highest print speed on this list
• Sound and vibration dampening design for quieter operation
• Two-year manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Needs electricity to operate
• Wi-Fi-based printing requires additional steps to set up

What We Like

Star Micronics’ TSP743II prints faster than any printer on this list. At 250 mm/s (nearly 10 inches), it can keep pace in the busiest retail and warehouse environments. With multiple connection types and a rugged design to withstand high-volume use, it can support any business needing multiple barcode labels daily. Like the Epson TM-90L PLUS, it can print on thermal paper or sticky label paper—for receipts, coupons, or lottery tickets.

The TSP743II earned points for its massive speed, wide range of applications (businesses from warehouses to retailers and restaurants), and two-year manufacturer’s warranty. It could have scored higher if it accepted more label types (like top-ranked Zebra ZD410) or cost less than $400 (like DYMO LabelWriter).

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Overall Score: 3.96 / 5

Pros

• Integrates with most restaurant POS systems
• Multiple mounting options for horizontal or vertical setup
• Prints labels and receipts

Cons

• Only one-year limited warranty
• More machine than non-restaurant businesses need

What We Like

Epson’s TM-L90 PLUS printer is the go-to printer for sticky labeling in restaurants. This rugged, dependable cube can print on regular thermal paper or sticky label paper—so you only need one printer for both receipts and sticky labels. It also integrates with virtually every restaurant POS system (check with your POS provider for compatibility), making it an excellent choice for restaurants.

This printer scored well for functionality and its multiple connection types. It lost some points for only having a one-year warranty (many competitors offer a two-year warranty) and because it needs to be actively plugged into an electrical outlet to work.

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Overall Score: 3.88 / 5

Pros

• Can build labels directly in printer via touch screen
• Retains recipes and ingredient lists for labels
• Built on the Zebra ZD410
• Prints nutritional information and other types of food safety labels

Cons

• Pricing is custom-quoted
• Only 1-year warranty

What We Like

The i.Print from Integrated Control, which creates safety solutions for food service businesses, is a touch-screen barcode label printer built onto the high-performing Zebra ZD410 printer. The Zebra printer alone is our top scorer, so it makes sense that the i.Print would also perform well. The i.Print system allows you to store recipes, videos, and ingredient information to print detailed food labels with ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information in addition to barcodes.

It earned points for its ability to connect to computers and POS systems via Wi-Fi and for how easy it makes printing complicated food safety labels. This printer lost some points for price, though; it requires a custom quote and can only be purchased from Integrated Control. Though if you want a printer that is nearly as strong for food safety labeling and widely available, consider the Epson TM-L90 PLUS.

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Overall Score: 3.67 / 5

Pros

• Fully mobile printer
• Prints from iOS, Android, and Windows devices
• Prints on label or receipt paper
• Up to 46-hour battery life

Cons

• Can be pricey
• Charging docks are sometimes sold separately

What We Like

Epson’s P60II mobile printer is a belt-wearable label and receipt printer that operates via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and for up to 46 hours on battery alone. You can print from iOS, Android, or Windows devices. It also integrates with Square and Revel POS systems. This printer is a great fit for independent service providers and solopreneur retailers.

The P60II’s mobility and flexibility earned high marks. It is the only option on this list that doesn’t need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work. However, it lost some points due to its high price and limited connectivity.

Priced at $369 to $663, the cost of multiples of this printer can add up. And take care when you purchase, as some vendors sell the power cords and charging docks separately. If you see a price that seems too good to be true, make sure the printer includes the charger. The P60II also only connects via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For a more traditional desktop configuration, the Zebra ZD410 is a better choice.

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Overall Score: 2.90 / 5

Pros

• Economical price
• Printer and supplies are widely available
• Integrates with popular Square POS systems

Cons

• Must use DYMO-branded labels
• May not support specialty labels for pharmacies, veterinary clinics, or food service
• Limited connectivity options

What We Like

The DYMO LabelWriter 550 is a dynamic thermal label printer available in the $104–$160 range. This petite powerhouse offers a simple setup, minimal maintenance, broad compatibility, and many label printing options. It can process 62 labels per minute and in 18 different sizes, including tiny butterfly labels for jewelry and small accessories. The printer and labels are available through a variety of retailers—from Staples to Amazon.

This printer earned high marks for its affordable price, two-year manufacturer’s warranty, and integration with the popular Square POS. A few things holding the DYMO LabelWriter 550 back from a perfect score are the lack of mobile connections and users being tied to DYMO’s proprietary label products, which can be expensive.

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This printer is the replacement for the wildly popular DYMO 450 LabelWriter, which DYMO stopped making. DYMO 450 users should note that the 550 LabelWriter only accepts DYMO labels. So, if you used custom labels with your 450 LabelWriter, they will not be compatible with the 550 LabelWriter. If you want to keep your custom labels, check out the Zebra ZD410 instead; it accepts the widest range of labels of any printer on this list, and also integrates with Square.

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