Thermal Printers

Walter Barnes
18 min readJun 5, 2024

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In a world where technology continues to evolve, one device that stands out is the thermal printer. These machines have been around for quite some time, and they are known for their efficiency and speed. They have made the lives of businesses and individuals easier by providing a quick and reliable way to print labels, receipts, and other documents. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top thermal printer models on the market today. We’ll explore their features, pricing, and performance to help you make an informed decision about which one to choose for your needs. So, buckle up and get ready to learn about the latest advancements in thermal printing technology!

The Top 14 Best Thermal Printers

  1. Omezizy Portable Wireless Bluetooth Thermal Printer — Save time and money with Omezizy’s Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer, perfect for shipping packages and compatible with iPhone and Android devices.
  2. OFFNOVA High-Speed 4x6 USB Thermal Printer for Shipping Packages — Optimize your business with the OFFNOVA 4x6 Shipping Label Printer, a high-speed USB thermal printer perfect for candle businesses, inventory management, and shipping packages, supporting Shipstation UPS Fedex Ebay.
  3. High-Speed Commercial Thermal Label Printer for Small Business — Offnova’s Thermal Label Printer is a convenient, high-resolution solution for small businesses, offering a commercial-grade experience with inkless printing and ease of use for beginners.
  4. High-Speed Windows 7 Direct Thermal Shipping Label Printer — Flexible label printing solutions for your business with direct thermal and high-speed capabilities, a top choice for Windows-based systems.
  5. Mini Magic Wireless Photo Printer — Blue — Transform your photos instantly with the Mini Magic Wireless Photo Printer, featuring no ink, 6 free thermal rolls, and a convenient app for iOS/Android devices!
  6. FREEx WiFi SuperRoll 4x6 Shipping Label Thermal Printer — Meet the FREEx WiFi SuperRoll Thermal Printer — your go-to tool for seamless, hassle-free 4x6 label printing, equipped with brilliant smart compatibility, superior durability, and the added advantage of zero ink or cable dependency!
  7. Brother QL-710W Thermal Label Printer — Supercharge your label game with Brother QL-710W Label Printer, boasting ultra-fast printing speeds and high-resolution graphics for professional results.
  8. Rekdom Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer for 4x6 Inch Shipping Labels — Introducing the REKDOM Bluetooth Label Printer — a portable, high-speed, and cost-effective wireless thermal label printer compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS devices; designed to simplify and speed up your labeling process.
  9. Thermal Shipping Label Printer for Mac — The Rongta RP422 Thermal Shipping Label Printer is a speedy, ink-free label maker that seamlessly integrates with Etsy, Shopify, Ebay, Amazon, FedEx, and more, perfect for efficient and professional labeling in your business or shipping environment.
  10. High-Speed Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer for Shipping Labels — VEVOR’s advanced Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer delivers 4.8-star rated efficiency, boasting 3600 labels per hour, a wide 1.57"-4.25" print width, and fast 150 mm/s speed for ultimate productivity and customization.
  11. HP BM476AA Serial USB Thermal Receipt Printer with Spill-Resistant Design — The HP BM476AA Serial USB Thermal Receipt Printer is an efficient and dependable solution for retail settings, featuring spill-resistant capabilities and diverse customization options, all backed by an impressive 4 MB Flash Memory.
  12. Toshiba BEX4T2 Eco-Friendly Industrial Thermal Barcode Printer with USB — Experience seamless printing and cost savings with the Toshiba BEX4T2, a versatile thermal printer designed for demanding industrial environments while offering green credentials and competitive media compatibility.
  13. Ithaca POSJET 1500 POS Printer PJ1500 for Optimal Retail Performance — The Ithaca POSjet 1500 POS Printer PJ1500–2-S-1 delivers seamless integration and striking graphic output, featuring a diverse spectrum of hues from crimson to emerald, along with an automatic trimming feature.
  14. Wall-Mounted Star Micronics TSP654II Thermal Printer for Receipts — Upgrade your print game with the lightning-fast Star Micronics TSP650II Thermal Printer, boasting a 60RPM print speed, improved Guillotine Cutter, and “drop in and print” ease for a seamless experience.

As an Amazon Affiliate we receive compensation from qualifying purchases!

Reviews

Omezizy Portable Wireless Bluetooth Thermal Printer

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The Omezizy Bluetooth Shipping Label Printer is a wireless thermal label printer designed for small businesses and home use. Say goodbye to costly ink and toner cartridges with this eco-friendly alternative, as it uses a thousand sheets of thermal paper instead.

Perfect for printing 4x6 shipping labels, this versatile device supports both iPhone and Android devices. With a compact size of 6 x 4 x 1 inches, it’s easy to store and transport, making it a valuable addition to your workspace.

OFFNOVA High-Speed 4x6 USB Thermal Printer for Shipping Packages

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As someone who has used this OFFNOVA Shipping Label Printer, I can say it made my life a lot easier. The USB connection and compatibility with various shipping platforms like Shipstation, UPS, and Fedex meant that I could easily print out shipping labels without any hassle. I found the size of the labels perfect, especially the 4" x 6" ones, which were great for shipping packages.

The high-speed printing was definitely a game-changer, as it allowed me to quickly process shipments without waiting for the printer to heat up. The quality of the prints was also top-notch, ensuring that my labels were clear and easy to read. It truly streamlined my work during the busiest shipping days.

However, there were a couple of minor drawbacks to using this printer. The fact that it only supported certain sizes (4" x 6", 2" x 4", 3" x 4", 2.25", 2") was a bit limiting. Moreover, since I received the product, I’ve come across a few incompatibilities with certain packing peanuts, but that was a minor issue that didn’t affect the printer itself.

Overall, the OFFNOVA Shipping Label Printer proved to be a reliable and efficient tool whenever I needed to print labels. The high-speed printing, quality prints, and seamless integration with various shipping platforms made it a fantastic addition to my workflow. If you’re looking for a USB connection thermal label printer, this is the one I highly recommend.

High-Speed Commercial Thermal Label Printer for Small Business

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The OFFNOVA Thermal Label Printer offers a 4 inch x 6 inch shipping label printing option at an impressive 200mm/s speed. With commercial-grade printing capabilities and 203dpi resolution, this printer is perfect for small businesses and logistics operations.

One of the standout features of this OFFNOVA product is its compatibility with Mac, Windows, and various other companies like USPS, UPS, and more. It’s user-friendly with a step-by-step setup guide, making it an ideal choice for beginners. The printer even boasts a simple, minimalistic design that’s compact and easy to store when not in use.

Overall, the OFFNOVA Thermal Label Printer is a worthwhile investment for those looking to make their label printing operations more efficient and effective.

High-Speed Windows 7 Direct Thermal Shipping Label Printer

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This nimble Shipping Label Printer is the perfect solution for those in need of a quick and reliable printing device. With its Direct Thermal High Speed Printer technology, it boasts an impressive print speed of 152 mm per 6 seconds. It’s no doubt, a remarkable gadget for anyone seeking an efficient way to print multiple types of labels.

On the downside, the printer is only compatible with Windows 7 or newer versions. However, the benefits it brings to the table make up for this limitation.

It’s worth mentioning that despite its performance, it remains competitively priced in comparison to other top-tier shipping label printers, making it a steal for businesses and individuals alike. Just remember to reach out to the support team should you encounter any issues with operating the printer — a helpful resource that comes with your purchase.

Mini Magic Wireless Photo Printer — Blue

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Imagine being able to print out your favorite photos without the hassle of ink cartridges or dealing with messy ink prints. That’s exactly what you get with Mini Magic Wireless Photo Printer. This little printer uses thermal paper rolls, eliminating the need for ink refills and providing crystal-clear, long-lasting prints. The package even includes 6 rolls of thermal paper, capable of printing 100 photos each.

To top it off, the Mini Magic Wireless Photo Printer connects seamlessly with a free app available for both iOS and Android devices. This app offers a range of multi-functional features, making it easy for you to print photos taken on your phone, creating a perfect keepsake.

Although it’s compact at just 1 inch in all directions, this photo printer packs a big punch in terms of convenience and ease of use. With no ink to worry about and a user-friendly app, the Mini Magic Wireless Photo Printer is truly a magical addition to any home or office.

FREEx WiFi SuperRoll 4x6 Shipping Label Thermal Printer

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Experience hassle-free printing like never before with the FREEx WiFi SuperRoll Thermal Printer for 4x6 Shipping Labels. This innovative device ensures smooth and efficient label printing without the need for ink, cords, or any other complications.

Designed specifically for 4x6 shipping labels, the thermal printer offers incredible compatibility with smart labels, automatically recognizing, feeding, and adjusting to various types of labels, ranging from 0.78 to 4.1 inches in width. The printer is compatible with all popular barcode types, ensuring your shipments are always accurately identified.

The standout feature of this printer is its unparalleled printing lifespan of 492,126 feet (150 km), which is a whopping 50.3% longer than the leading competitor. Its compact size, measuring 7.87 x 6.84 x 7.05 inches, makes it perfect for various environments, making it a top choice for both small and large businesses looking for a reliable and efficient thermal printer.

While this printer is not compatible with iOS/Android devices, it can still be easily integrated into your workflow for seamless label printing. The FREEx WiFi SuperRoll Thermal Printer: the smart and convenient solution to all your shipping label needs.

Brother QL-710W Thermal Label Printer

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The Brother QL-710W is a versatile label printer, boasting high-speed printing up to 93 labels per minute for quick labeling tasks. Its high-resolution printing delivers crisp text and graphics, making it ideal for various labeling needs. The printer offers easy wireless connectivity, allowing you to print from virtually anywhere, including mobile devices or share on a network.

Brother’s professional label printer excels in creating cost-effective paper labels for use on file folders, envelopes, packages, and even DVDs. It can also produce banners and signs, up to 3 feet long. With an impressive label collection feature, you’ll find predesigned labels and banners with commonly used text. The printer utilizes direct thermal printing, eliminating the need for ink or toner.

A convenient drop-in roll feature accommodates rolls up to 2–2/5 inches wide and 3 feet long. Users can choose from tape that is die-cut or continuous. The QL710W label printer comes equipped with an automatic cutter, multiple copies (up to 9,999), mirror printing, vertical printing, rotate printing, a USB interface, and the capability to print postage.

The printer is compatible with Windows and Mac devices, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. Its printing technology, dot-matrix, combined with its impressive yield of up to 50 million characters, sets it apart from its competitors. The Brother QL-710W is a robust and user-friendly label printer that delivers high-quality results.

Rekdom Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer for 4x6 Inch Shipping Labels

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I recently gave the REKDOM Bluetooth Label Printer a try, and my experience with it was quite pleasant. As someone who frequently ships items and works with various label sizes, the 4x6-inch shipping label printer fit perfectly in my workflow. The fact that it’s wireless and compatible with both Android and iOS devices made setup a breeze.

One feature that stood out to me was its ability to print high-quality 2D barcode labels instantly, with just a quick scan. Not only did this save me time, but it also ensured that my items were scanned accurately. Additionally, the automatic label identification and inkless design kept maintenance at a minimum, further elevating its convenience.

While the REKDOM was easy to set up and offered reliable performance, there were a few drawbacks. The printer’s compatibility with certain devices, like Mac or Linux, required a wired USB connection, which seemed less convenient compared to its wireless capabilities. Overall, the REKDOM met my label-printing needs, and I would definitely recommend it to those looking for a flexible and efficient printing solution.

Thermal Shipping Label Printer for Mac

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If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient thermal shipping label printer, the Rongta RP422 is a great option. With a sleek black design and compact size of 220*105*90mm, it won’t take up much space on your desk. This printer can handle up to 60 labels per minute, making it perfect for speedy shipping needs.

One of the most appealing aspects of this model is that it uses direct thermal technology, which means no ink or consumables are needed. Simply plug it in via USB and you’ll be ready to start printing. However, be sure to read the manual carefully before use, as it’s not compatible with ChromeOS or Square.

The Rongta RP422 is compatible with various platforms such as Etsy, Shopify, Ebay, Amazon, FedEx, and more, making it a versatile choice for different shipping scenarios. It’s important to mention that if you’re using a Mac computer, you’ll need to select the ‘RP4xx Series A2’ when choosing the printer driver software.

Overall, the Rongta RP422 Thermal Shipping Label Printer is a solid choice if you require an efficient desktop label printer that’s compatible with multiple platforms.

High-Speed Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer for Shipping Labels

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The VEVOR thermal label printer, a top-notch choice for printing shipping labels and thermal labels up to 4.25 inches in width. Boasting a 300 dpi resolution, this device efficiently prints 3600 pieces of label per hour via Bluetooth and USB connections. Its compact size of 4.3 x 6.9 x 3.7 inches makes it perfect for businesses on the go.

This high-quality printer is adored by its users, with praises for its ease of use and superb printing capabilities. It works seamlessly with both Bluetooth and USB connections, and users appreciate its fast printing speed. The app-based system makes loading and printing shipping labels a breeze.

However, there are a few minor drawbacks to note. Some customers have experienced issues with Bluetooth connectivity, preferring to use the USB connection instead. Additionally, a few users have mentioned that they would appreciate better driver software for easier operation.

Overall, the VEVOR thermal label printer is a reliable and efficient choice for businesses looking to improve their shipping label printing process. Its ease of use and high-quality prints have earned it a solid reputation among customers.

HP BM476AA Serial USB Thermal Receipt Printer with Spill-Resistant Design

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I recently had the chance to try out the HP BM476AA Serial USB Thermal Receipt Printer. After setting it up, I was blown away by its ability to print up to 74 lines per second. The two-color and monochrome thermal printing with graphics capability made my documents look impressive, and the spill-resistant built-in liquid dam with drainage really came in handy as I accidentally spilled some coffee on it.

What stood out for me was the 4 MB Flash Memory that allowed for custom tasks like adding store logos and highlighting sales items. The ceramic auto-cutter and printhead design provided an extended service life, which was great for my daily use. However, I also noticed that the HP BM476AA was a bit bulkier than I’d expected, but that’s not a big drawback. All in all, I found this printer to be a reliable and efficient tool for my retail environment.

Toshiba BEX4T2 Eco-Friendly Industrial Thermal Barcode Printer with USB

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The Toshiba BEX4T2 Thermal Barcode Printer is my go-to device for printing efficient and high-quality barcodes in demand. With a resolution of 200 dpi, the images produced are clear and eye-catching, making it perfect for any labeling needs. The device’s dual ribbon motor system is responsible for its efficient performance, eliminating the need for unusable, unscannable labels.

In my experience, the BEX4T2 Printer was easy to integrate with legacy software systems due to its Z-Mode emulation, making the transition seamless. The printer’s print speed of up to 12 ips is impressive, allowing for fast printing in challenging industrial environments. The 4-inch print area is also quite generous, making it versatile for various labeling needs.

One standout feature is the BEX4T2’s environmentally-friendly credentials, with its Energy Star program certification and solvent-free ribbon. This ensures that the device doesn’t contribute heavily to the carbon footprint while maintaining high performance. The snap-in printheads and field upgradeable options also make it a valuable investment, as they offer convenience and extend the life of the printer.

However, the Toshiba BEX4T2 Printer’s immobility can be a disadvantage if you need a portable solution. Despite this, the device’s overall reliability, efficiency, and impressive print quality make it a worthy addition to any industrial setting.

Ithaca POSJET 1500 POS Printer PJ1500 for Optimal Retail Performance

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Introducing the Ithaca POSjet 1500 POS Printer PJ1500–2-S-1, a versatile and efficient solution for businesses looking to print graphics, logos, coupons, and special offers in a flash. This printer boasts a wide range of color options, including red, black, green, and blue, making it easy to match any brand’s aesthetic. In addition, it offers a convenient auto-cutter feature to streamline the printing process further.

The Ithaca POSjet 1500 POS Printer also boasts a high print resolution of 208 dpi, ensuring crisp and clear images every time. With its impressive print speed of 12 lines per second, this printer is perfect for high-volume printing needs. Despite its advanced features, the Ithaca POSjet 1500 POS Printer maintains a user-friendly interface, making it easy to integrate into any existing system.

However, one potential drawback to consider is the printer’s print method, which may not be compatible with all materials or surfaces. Therefore, it’s crucial to test the printer with your specific materials before investing in this solution. Overall, the Ithaca POSjet 1500 POS Printer PJ1500–2-S-1 offers a reliable and convenient solution for businesses seeking a colorful and efficient way to print promotional materials.

Wall-Mounted Star Micronics TSP654II Thermal Printer for Receipts

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Introducing the Star Micronics TSP654II, a monochrome thermal printer designed for efficient wall-mounted receipt printing. With a lightning-fast print speed of 60RPM, this printer allows you to generate high-quality monochrome receipts at an impressive rate. The TSP654II flaunts an upgraded Guillotine Cutter and a user-friendly paper loading system, ensuring smooth operation and minimal paper jams.

The printer complies with environmental standards such as RoHS and the Energy Star program, making it an eco-friendly choice suitable for businesses committed to sustainability. Additionally, the TSP654II proudly boasts a three-year limited warranty, providing customers with peace of mind and excellent after-sales support.

Buyer’s Guide

A thermal printer is a valuable tool for businesses and individuals who need to print labels, receipts, or other paper documents efficiently. This buyer’s guide covers essential features, considerations, and advice for choosing the right thermal printer to meet your needs.

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Important Features

When selecting a thermal printer, consider the following features: print speed, print resolution, connectivity options, and printer size. These factors can significantly impact your printing experience and overall efficiency. A printer with high print speed and resolution ensures accurate, fast prints, while connectivity options enable seamless integration with your existing systems.

Considerations

Before purchasing a thermal printer, consider the requirements of your business or project. Do you need a large or small printer? How much would you be willing to spend on the printer? What are the primary materials and labels you will be printing on the thermal printer? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose a suitable printer.

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General Advice

When buying a thermal printer, always prioritize durability and reliability. A high-quality printer will provide efficient, accurate prints over an extended period. Consider investing in a printer with a warranty to ensure protection against manufacturing defects. Read customer reviews and ratings to gain insight into the printer’s performance and user satisfaction before making a purchase.

Cost Considerations

While it may be tempting to purchase a cheaper thermal printer, consider that these devices often provide lower quality prints and lower durability. Investing in a high-quality printer will ensure longer-lasting products and higher-quality prints, ultimately saving you money and time in the long run.

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FAQ

What is a thermal printer?

A thermal printer is a cutting-edge printing device that utilizes heat to transfer colored ink onto a surface, typically paper. This mechanism varies from conventional inkjet or laser printers, which use liquid or light-sensitive toner for ink transfer onto paper.

These printers are extensively utilized in industries where rapid, sturdy label production is essential, such as warehouses, shipping companies, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Moreover, they find extensive application in point-of-sale systems, ticket printers, and scenarios requiring instant, secure printouts of labels or receipts.

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What are the advantages of using a thermal printer?

One of the key benefits of thermal printers is their capacity to generate high-quality, waterproof prints resistant to smudging, fading, or tearing. This feature makes thermal printers optimal for outdoor or challenging environmental conditions and ideal for businesses dealing with a high volume of prints.

Additionally, thermal printers offer reduced maintenance and higher durability than other printers, resulting in lower long-term expenses. Furthermore, they use less expensive ink which lasts longer than conventional ink types, further minimizing costs.

What are the disadvantages of using a thermal printer?

A major downside of thermal printers is their somewhat more substantial initial investment compared to other printers. Despite long-term cost advantages, it might be a constraint for small enterprises or startups with limited budgets.

Moreover, thermal printers may emit more noise than traditional printers due to the heat generation process. Additionally, they carry limited scope for customization, offering fewer options for print shapes, colors, or unique fonts compared to other printers. This can make them unsuitable for businesses requiring more advanced printing capabilities.

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What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a thermal printer?

The selection of the ideal thermal printer for a specific application primarily depends on the particular needs and requirements of the business involved. Crucial factors to consider include print speed, clarity, and durability. Other factors worthy of attention include the printer’s connectivity options, user-friendliness, and compatibility with assorted paper and ribbon types.

Considering the entire cost of ownership, which encompasses initial purchase, ongoing maintenance and replacement costs, and ink or ribbon expenses, businesses can select the thermal printer that successfully balances quality, performance, and cost.

Can a thermal printer be used for printing more than just labels?

Absolutely, thermal printers are not one-trick ponies. They can also produce receipts, tickets, barcodes and multiple types of pictorial or textural images. However, the functionalities vary according to the printer model and incorporated software.

Some thermal printers might even support graphic files, enabling intricate print designs.

To guarantee compatibility, however, carefully verify the printer’s software, paper, and ribbon requirements. For instance, barcode printing may necessitate special paper or ribbon designs in some thermal printers. So, compatibility verification is indispensable before making a purchase.

What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing?

Direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing are two distinct thermal printing methods, each utilizing different strategies to transfer ink to paper. In direct thermal printing, the ink chemically darkens the paper. Conversely, thermal transfer printing involves the ink being transferred from a thermal ribbon to the paper.

Direct thermal printing is typically more swift and cost-effective, but the resulting prints tend to have diminished quality and resolution. On the other hand, thermal transfer printing yields higher-resolution prints compatible with a broader spectrum of colors and shades. However, it comes with more maintenance demands due to the use of thermal ribbons and typically has an increased expense compared to direct thermal printing.

As an Amazon Affiliate we receive compensation from qualifying purchases!

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