The best barcode label printers make it easy to create and print codes that help you track your inventory. Thermal printers, which use heat to print, eliminate the need for ink and can print hundreds of labels per minute.
Some barcode printers are also compatible with point-of-sale systems, so keep an eye out for your preferred software. However, just because your POS system isn’t listed doesn’t mean you can’t use the associated printer; it may just require exporting and reformatting your labels to print from a computer.
See the table below for a quick comparison of the barcode label printers that make our list and then read on for more details on each.
| Barcode label printer | Print speed | Print resolution | Connection | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rollo USB Printer. | 150 mm/s. | 203 dpi. | USB. | $179.99. |
| Brother QL-810W. | 110 labels/minute. | 300 dpi. | Wireless. | $149.99. |
| Zebra ZD421. | 102 mm/s. | 203 dpi. | Wireless. | $439.99. |
| Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo. | 90 labels/minute. | 300 dpi. | USB. | $119.99. |
| Phomemo-M110. | 45 mm/s. | 203 dpi. | Bluetooth. | $51.99. |
Rollo USB Printer: Best overall barcode label printer
Cost: $179.99 and up.
Compatible business software includes: major e-commerce platforms such as BigCommerce, Shopify and WooCommerce; online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay and Etsy; popular POS and payments solutions such as PayPal and Square; and more.
Pros:
- Phone, chat and email support available once a support ticket is submitted online.
- Compatible with Windows and Mac.
- Option to print for a wide size range, from barcodes to shipping labels.
- Freedom to print to any direct thermal label.
- Compatible with a wide variety of popular apps and marketplaces.
Cons:
- Not wireless; connects through USB.
Why we like it: The Rollo is the industry standard for shipping label printers, and it works for barcode labels and a variety of other uses, too. You can print on any direct thermal label, including free UPS labels, unlike other brands which are only compatible with their own branded label paper. The device is compatible with Windows, Mac, and all major shipping platforms and marketplaces including Shopify and Etsy. The wireless version is available for about $280.
Brother QL-810W: Best portable barcode label printer
Cost: $149.99 and up.
Compatible business software includes: recognizable retail and restaurant POS systems such as Clover, Lavu and Revel Systems; e-commerce and marketplace platforms like Amazon, eBay and Shopify; as well as PayPal, QuickBooks and more.
Pros:
- Wireless connectivity.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, and mobile apps AirPrint and Brother iPrint&Label.
- Prints in black and red. (Most label printers only print in black.)
Cons:
- Some negative reviews cite difficulty with setup and software use as well as poor wireless connectivity.
Why we like it: Brother’s QL line of label printers are lightweight and durable. Reviews note some difficulties with setup, but once online these devices are among the best for wireless, high-speed and portable label printing. You can access and customize label templates with the Brother iPrint&Label mobile app. This model is our top pick from Brother, but for similar function at a slightly lower price point, there’s the QL-800, and for wider-format printing, there’s the QL-1100.
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Zebra ZD421: Best barcode label printer for durability
Cost: $439.99 and up.
Compatible business software includes: Lightspeed and Shopify.
Pros:
- Compact.
- Compatible with Windows, Android and iOS.
- Wireless connectivity.
- Can be used for shipping labels.
Cons:
- Pricier than other options.
Why we like it: Zebra makes reliable, industrial-quality printers that can withstand long-term use. Like other Zebra printers, it’s ideal for high-volume retail businesses and warehouses. Zebra printers are an investment, but they’re known to be high-performing and long-lasting.
Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo: Best high-speed barcode label printer
Cost: $119.99 and up.
Compatible business software includes: Lightspeed.
Pros:
- Compatible with Mac and Windows.
- Prints at high resolution.
Cons:
- Can only be used with authentic Dymo brand label paper.
- Not wireless; connects through USB.
Why we like it: The LabelWriter is a high-speed device, printing up to 90 labels per minute. You can access and customize templates with the company’s free software, and print in high resolution. However, newer Dymo models, including this one, are only compatible with Dymo-brand labels, so materials can get costly and may not match the specific needs of certain businesses. For a larger option that can print shipping labels as well as barcode labels, try the similar LabelWriter 4XL.
Phomemo-M110: Best low-cost barcode label printer
Cost: $51.99 and up.
Compatible business software: Not available.
Pros:
- Low cost.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Android and iOS app includes label templates and editing features.
Cons:
- Less powerful than higher-priced options.
- Only for barcode and product labels; can’t create shipping labels.
- Only compatible with Phomemo app.
Why we like it: The Phomemo-M110 is small but fully capable. It’s a great option for businesses making sales on-the-go, like at farmers markets and festivals. The rechargeable device is unlikely to last as long as most of the other options listed here, but it works well for businesses on a budget. For a slight upgrade, the Phomemo-M220 for $69 can connect with USB and has more label size options.
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