Printing clear, high-quality labels is important for a variety of business tasks from producing clear shipping labels for orders to creating barcode labels for retail sales that help you quickly check out and track inventory in person.
Thanks to thermal printers, which spit out crisp, clear text at impressive speeds, you don’t need to mess with ink or experience problems, like smudging, incorrect sizing, or poor print quality.
Thermal printers are also cheaper and more reliable in the long term, so you can focus more on growing your business.
Ahead, you’ll learn about the best thermal label printers on the market, with a buying guide to choosing the best one.
How does thermal printing work?
Thermal printing applies heat to a thermal transfer ribbon with ink, which melts and directly burns text or shapes onto a label material. There are two main types of thermal printing: direct thermal and thermal transfer.
Direct thermal printing
Direct thermal printing prints images or text directly on heat-sensitive, chemically treated label material that blackens when heat is applied.
Most mobile printers use direct thermal printing technology. They’re compact, cheaper, have fewer components that can fail, and require less maintenance and repair attention.
While you won’t have to spend money on ribbons, direct thermal labels are slightly more expensive. Plus, they fade easily, making them hard to read and scan over time, and are sensitive to abrasions and exposure to strong sunlight, water, and chemicals.
This makes direct thermal printing ideal for short-term applications whose labels need to last less than six months, like shipping labels, tickets, perishable goods labels, and receipts.
Thermal transfer printing
Thermal transfer printing applies heat to a thermal transfer ribbon made of wax or resin-based ink or colored ribbon, which melts and embeds the ink onto a label, creating a high-quality, durable print.
Unlike direct thermal printing, it doesn’t require chemically treated labels and can print on a wider range of label materials, including paper, plastic, and polyester. Some thermal transfer label printers can operate in direct thermal mode without using ribbons, which is ideal if you run a small retail or ecommerce store and want extra flexibility without the cost or hassle of multiple printers.
Thermal transfer printing is ideal for long-term applications (more than six months) where labels might be exposed to strong sunlight, chemicals, water, or high temperatures, among other harsh conditions. Common examples include cold and freezer storage, asset tracking, lab specimens, or outdoor applications.
Benefits of thermal printers
There are many thermal printers out there—which is a testament to the benefits of thermal printing. Here are a few of the most significant ones.
- Low costs: Thermal printers don’t rely on ink or toner to print, which keeps costs low. Plus, you don’t need to replace ribbons, cartridges, or other supplies to ensure continued use—just keep the printer running.
- Portability and convenience: Thermal printers' lightweight design makes them easy to take with you anywhere for on-the-go printing. Some models offer multiple connectivity options, like USB, WiFi, or Bluetooth, and are compatible with various software applications and operating systems. This lets you easily integrate the printer into your workflow and generate high-quality labels without extensive training.
- Quality results and high printing speeds: Thermal printers take milliseconds to print highly legible, durable, and smudge-free labels.
- User-friendliness: Thermal printers have a simple, user-friendly design that requires minimal setup and fewer moving parts, which means fewer components to replace or maintain.
- High-volume output: With a thermal printer, you don’t have to wait for the ink to dry. You can print as many labels as you need, faster than an inkjet printer, making it ideal for high-volume printing in a short amount of time.
- Versatility: Thermal printers can accommodate various tapes, ribbons, and label materials, like paper, polyester, plastic, vinyl, nylon, and even heat-shrink tubing. This makes thermal printers highly adaptable for a range of applications and industries.
- Energy-efficient: Thermal printers use less energy as they don’t need to heat the ink to print. This also makes them more environmentally friendly and can save you money on energy bills in the long run.
- Durability: Labels produced through thermal printing technology are more resilient and resistant than traditional ink on paper, particularly in harsh environments, and can withstand temperature variations, sunlight, abrasion, water, or chemicals.
- Few moving parts: Unlike inkjet printers, which require regular servicing, thermal has few moving parts. Fewer things break, making them easier to maintain and their printheads can last an average of about 10 years.
7 best thermal label printers
1. Zebra ZSB 2” Wireless Label Printer
Best for home offices
Specs:
- Size:5.14 x 7.17 x 5.04 in
- Weight: 1.8 lbs (0.81 kg)
- Printing method: Direct thermal
- Label size: 2”
- Print resolution: 300dpi
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, compatible with Apple Airprint and Android PrintService
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
The Zebra ZSB 2” is a wireless label printer with a cute and compact design that blurs the line between functional and fashionable.
If you run your business from a home office, this printer is an excellent choice. Because of its small size, it weighs less than a kilogram and takes up little space on a desk or bookshelf. Plus, it offers great printing quality and reasonable running costs for small business and home office needs.
Setup is smooth and intuitive. Simply power on the printer, scan the QR code on the automatically printed label to download the ZSB Series app, then follow the guided setup to connect to your printer. You can use Zebra’s browser-based Label Designer to create your own label designs before printing.
The ZSB 2” works exclusively with eco-friendly compostable ZSB Series label cartridges and prints up to 73 clear, crisp, high-quality prints per minute. Using the ZSB app, you can easily see the remaining number of labels and the current label cartridge size.
Like most thermal printers, the ZSB 2” works with shipping and ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, UPS, FedEx, USPS, and more. It’s also compatible with Google Contacts and MS Office, so you can seamlessly import data to use with your labels on your computer.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- High-quality output
- Variety of label formats
- Compatible with major ecommerce and shipping platforms
Cons:
- Lacks USB connectivity
- Requires Zebra mobile app and label cartridges
Price: $169.00
2. DYMO LabelWriter 5XL
Best thermal label printer for high-volume shipping
Specs:
- Size: 7 x 5.5 x 7.375 in
- Weight: 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg)
- Printing method: Direct thermal
- Label size: 4”x 6” (can print 4”x 8”)
- Print resolution: 300dpi
- Connectivity: Ethernet port
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac
The DYMO LabelWriter 5XL shipping printer is remarkably easy to set up and use, hitting a sweet spot of print quality, speed, and reliability that most printers can’t match. Its simple yet sleek design helps it stand out from competitors, and it's plenty fast at 300dpi with 65% less label waste, which saves you money.
Through automatic label recognition of DYMO-branded labels, the printer automatically identifies and displays label type, size, and remaining quantity. You’ll get clear, high-quality labels that are extremely easy to peel off and use in any application.
Setup is quick and simple. Once you download the DYMO Connect software, connect your label printer to a power outlet and plug it into a computer to get started.
The DYMO 5XL LabelWriter works with a wide range of online shipping services, marketplaces, and ecommerce platforms, including UPS, DHL, USPS, FedEx, Shippo, Easyship, Amazon, Poshmark, eBay, and Shopify. This makes it ideal for ecommerce owners with high-volume ecommerce shipping needs.
Pros:
- High-quality prints
- Fast
- Portable
- Easy setup
- Very intuitive
- Swaps label rolls between formats in seconds
- Prints precise label quantities with ease
Cons:
- Comparatively bulky to similar thermal printers
- Doesn’t print non-DYMO labels
- Some users say it jams easily
- Doesn’t work with mobile devices
- No USB or Bluetooth connectivity
Price: $209.00
3. Brother QL-1110NWB WiFi Label Printer
Best for printing shipping labels with Shopify POS
Specs:
- Size: 6.70 x 8.75 x 5.95 in
- Weight: 3.83 lbs (1.735 kg)
- Printing method: Direct thermal
- Label size: 4”x 6” (prints up to 4.1” wide labels)
- Print resolution: 300dpi
- Connectivity: USB, WiFi, LAN/Ethernet port, Bluetooth
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
The Brother QL-1110NWB is easy to assemble, set up, and operate . To get running, simply download the printer driver from Brother, install it on your computer, and configure your label size. Then, drop in the tape rolls and the printer will automatically detect the size and auto-adjust the onscreen template before printing the labels.
It’s a fast and efficient printer, capable of meeting the demands of today's ecommerce businesses thanks to its ability to print 69 high-quality labels per minute. This also reduces the time spent waiting for labels for a smooth operation.
An automatic heavy-duty cutter is available that can handle large print jobs and deliver clean labels for shipping products to customers. This also makes it an excellent hands-free option if you have your hands full during your project. And with its automatic crop function, you can easily print product and barcode labels on any network with no wastage.
The wide-format label printer costs more than other options on this list, in part because it offers a variety of connectivity options—Bluetooth, USB, USB host interface for peripheral devices, and WiFi. It also works with iOS and Android operating systems rather than just Windows and macOS.
The Brother QL printer also works seamlessly with Shipping functions on Shopify. For fulfilling orders from a warehouse, pair the printer with your computer to print from the Shopify admin. For fulfilling orders from your retail store, this printer can be paired with Shopify POS on an iOS or Android device in order to turn your stores into mini fulfillment centers.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Sleek, compact design
- User-friendly
- Crisp, clear, high-quality label prints
- Lightning-fast speeds
- Quiet and efficient
- Durable and reliable
- Works with Shopify POS for fulfillment from a retail store
Cons:
- Occasional issues with connectivity
- Pricier than similar options
Price: $339.00
4. Zebra ZD421 Label Printer
Best for moderate-volume duty cycles
Specs:
- Size: 8.69 x 6.98 x 5.93
- Weight: 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg)
- Printing method: Dual thermal (direct thermal/thermal transfer)
- Label size: 4”x 6”
- Print resolution: 203dpi (300dpi optional)
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet
- Compatibility: Windows, Android, or iOS
The Zebra ZD421 label printer has a rugged clamshell design for durable, reliable printing.
One thing that sets it apart is its dual thermal printing technology. You can print using direct thermal technology or via thermal transfer.
It’s loaded with features, like a preinstalled tag cutter and innovative receipt, label, and tag-handling capabilities. Not to mention its fast print speeds, top print quality for different label types, and Energy Star certification.
Through the ZPL programming language, the printer can support multiple languages and fonts, including TrueType, OpenType, Unicode character mapping, and basic bitmapped fonts. So, you can design labels for various purposes with fonts that align with your brand’s image.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and durable
- Portable
- Energy efficient
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Expensive
- No WiFi connectivity
- Limited resolution doesn’t support fine print
Price: $499.00
5. Rollo wireless thermal printer
Best for wireless thermal label printing
Specs:
- Size:3 x 7 x 3.5 in
- Weight: 3.39 lbs (1.537 kg)
- Printing method: Direct thermal
- Label size: 1.57” to 4.1”
- Print resolution: 203dpi
- Connectivity: WiFi, USB, AirPrint enabled
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chromebook, Linux
The Rollo wireless thermal printer is purpose-built to print wirelessly.
Its setup process is intuitive and you can integrate the device into your workflow with remarkable ease. Plug it into your computer and connect via Bluetooth from a mobile device or laptop and then print wirelessly via WiFi using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
While Rollo uses a patented design to print labels, its cumbersome and clunky plastic tray means it can’t quite land the printer a top slot. That said, it doesn’t require proprietary labels and generates crisp, clear prints at an impressive 150 millimeters per second or one 4” x 6” label each second.
Like Zebra printers, Rollo offers a custom label maker with its app. The app lets you create barcodes, product labels, QR codes, thank you stickers, and more.
For a more streamlined and cost-efficient process, Rollo offers a complimentary Ship Manager app. It connects to any ecommerce platform and automatically imports and groups orders from stores and is compatible with all marketplaces, including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Shopify.
Rollo is also compatible with all major shipping platforms, including UPS, FedEx, USPS, ShipStation, and Shippo.
Pros:
- Compatible with all major operating systems
- Works with most thermal labels
- Compatible with all marketplaces
- Doesn’t require any driver installations
Cons:
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Requires Rollo app
Price: $259.00
6. NELKO PL70e Bluetooth Thermal Printer
Best Bluetooth thermal printer
Specs:
- Size:9 x 5 x 6 in
- Weight: 3.08 lbs (1.4 kg)
- Printing method: Direct thermal
- Label size: 1.54” to 4.1”
- Print resolution: 203dpi
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Linux
The NELKO PL70e makes a good impression right out of the box, starting with its stylish, streamlined appearance.
Once installed, it continues to impress, cranking out up to 72 gallery-quality, 4” x 6” labels per minute, thanks to its advanced thermal direct technology, which makes it a capable thermal printer for all your daily printing needs. Overall print quality is very good: graphics look vibrant and crisp, while text appears dark and uniform.
The PL70e measures 9 x 5 x 6 inches, which is a fairly compact footprint, but might overwhelm a small desk. You can use fanfold and roll labels ranging from 1.54” to 4.1” wide and print labels for virtually any platform, including Amazon, Poshmark, eBay, Shopify, UPS, USPS, Etsy, and more.
NELKO’s setup guide is easy to follow and the overall setup process is about as simple as it gets using the Shipping Printer Pro app, which is available in app stores. Using Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect the printer to a computer or mobile devices. USB connectivity is also available, but only for computers.
Overall, the PL70e is a superb thermal printer that combines stylish looks with fast, high-quality printing. In a perfect world, it would have a feeder tray and support iMacs, but otherwise it’s easy to recommend as a standout in a sea of label printer options.
Pros:
- Fast, high-quality printing
- Works with all major operating systems
- Compatible with all marketplaces
Cons:
- No WiFi connectivity
- Requires Shipping Printer Pro app to connect
Price: $109.00
7. Polono PL60
Best budget-friendly thermal printer
Specs:
- Size: 6.18 x 6.18 x 10.91 in
- Weight: 4.95 lbs (2.24 kg)
- Printing method: Direct thermal
- Label size:1.57” to 4.65”
- Print resolution: 203dpi
- Connectivity: USB
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac
The Polono PL60 is a budget-friendly option, but it’s much heavier, at almost 5 pounds. So, it’s not really a carry-it-around style printer.
Setting up the PL60 is quick and easy. It also comes with a smart feature that automatically and accurately adjusts label positions and an intelligent paper return function that captures and feeds labels. It prints quietly and fast, firing out 72 high-quality labels per minute, which improves work efficiency and saves you time.
The printer supports label widths ranging from 1.57” to 4.65” and is compatible with all major shipping and ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, eBay, DHL, USPS, FedEx, Amazon, and Etsy.
Pros:
- Fast printing
- Good quality
- Quick install and setup
Cons:
- Not wireless
- Requires a printer driver
Price: $80
How to choose a thermal label printer
There are many deciding factors when evaluating thermal label printers. Below are some of the key considerations:
Print quality and resolution
A good, reliable thermal label printer has a sufficiently high resolution—at least 203dpi—that results in high-quality, professional-looking labels. For best results, use quality thermal printing materials tested for print quality, adhesive strength, chemical resistance, and printer wear and tear.
Printing speed
If speed is essential to you, you’ll want a label printer with a high output-per-minute rating. These ratings depict printing under optimal or perfect conditions, usually with the right labels and label material.
Other variables that may affect print speed include the age of the printer, choice of label printer, color or black ink printing, printer settings, image size, and print resolution or quality.
Label sizes
Most thermal printers print on 4-inch size labels, specifically the 4” x 6”, which is standard for shipping platforms and marketplaces. However, some printers, like the Brother 1110NWB, offer wide-format label printing of up to 4.1 inches. Consider printer options offering label dimensions that match your sizing needs.
Connectivity
Most thermal label printers have a USB port, which allows you to connect your Windows or Mac computer via a USB cable. However, if you have a Linux or Chromebook or want to print labels from a mobile device, your choices will be limited.
In such cases, label printers like Brother or Rollo, which offer multiple connectivity options, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet ports are worth considering. Some printers also support cloud printing, letting you print labels from anywhere using AirPrint or Google Cloud Print.
Ease of use
You don’t want to deal with a label printer that’s hard to figure out. Look for choices that are easy to install, set up, use, and troubleshoot. Watch for connection, print speed, label waste, and how intuitive the printer connection app is to use without extensive training.
Durability
Thermal label printers are made with high-quality materials and fewer components, which are easy to maintain and replace, and their printheads can last long (10 years on average). All you need to change is the label—no costly cartridges or toner subscriptions. Look for models with a sturdy build that won’t easily break when accidentally dropped or in warehouses and rough field environments.
Cost of ownership
The best thermal label printers vary in price. With discounts and coupons, you can find one for less than $100, while others can cost up to $500.
Besides the price of the printer, you’ll also need to consider running costs, like thermal ribbons, label rolls whose prices vary depending on whether you’re buying proprietary or nonproprietary options, and maintenance costs.
Once you identify a thermal printer you like, check similar models from other manufacturers to compare the cost difference.
💡Ready to buy a thermal label printer? Get one of our top picks available in the Shopify Hardware Store.
Thermal printed labels are better than Sharpie scribbles
A reliable thermal label printer simple to use and affordable, producing labels that are much better and easier to read than Sharpie scribbles. And, it can keep everything moving smoothly, especially when shipping packages to customers regularly.
Ultimately, the right one for your business will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding.
