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10 Best Printers Thermals 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Zebra ZP450 (ZP 450) Label Thermal Bar Code Printer | USB, Serial, and Parallel Connectivity 203 DPI Resolution | Made for UPS WorldShip | Includes Jetset Software

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,486
Print Speed
Print Resolution
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
117 reviews

Print Speed
Delivers reliable printing performance and is a solid choice for shipping labels.
Print Resolution
Print quality depends heavily on the printhead, which can be defective out of the box.
Durability and Build Quality
The printer’s durability and support may fall short, making it risky without a clear warranty resolution.

The Zebra ZP450 is a compact thermal label printer designed mainly for printing shipping labels and barcodes, making it a solid choice for small businesses or shipping departments. It uses thermal transfer printing technology at a resolution of 203 x 203 DPI, which is sufficient for clear, readable barcodes and text but won’t produce high-detail images or color prints. The maximum label size it supports is 5 x 4.25 inches, covering most standard label needs.

Connectivity options include USB, serial, and parallel ports, which provides flexibility when connecting to different computers or systems, although it lacks modern wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The printer is compatible with UPS WorldShip software and comes with JetSet software, helping with label design and printing management. It weighs just under 9 pounds and has a simple design without a display screen, so it’s basic but straightforward to use once set up. The printer can hold up to 100 labels at a time, which suits moderate printing volumes. Energy Star certification suggests it’s reasonably energy-efficient.

The lack of dual-sided printing and color support limits its use to monochrome labels only. The Zebra ZP450 is a dependable, no-frills label printer best for users who need clear, durable barcode and shipping labels with moderate volume and straightforward connectivity. For those requiring faster printing, wireless options, or color labels, other models might be more suitable.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,486
Print Speed
Print Resolution
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
117 reviews

Print Speed
Delivers reliable printing performance and is a solid choice for shipping labels.
Print Resolution
Print quality depends heavily on the printhead, which can be defective out of the box.
Durability and Build Quality
The printer’s durability and support may fall short, making it risky without a clear warranty resolution.
#2

Rollo Wireless Shipping Label Printer - Wi-Fi Thermal Label Printer 4x6 for Shipping Packages - AirPrint from iPhone, iPad, Mac - Supports Windows, Chromebook, Android, Linux

Rating
9.1
Print Speed
Connectivity Options
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
1940 reviews

Print Speed
The print quality is excellent and fast, making it ideal for small e-commerce businesses.
Connectivity Options
The freedom of being wireless is priceless; you can print from anywhere in your home.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The printer setup is straightforward, and it works seamlessly across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and smartphones.

The Rollo Wireless Shipping Label Printer is a versatile thermal printer designed for printing shipping labels and more. It stands out for its high-speed printing, producing one 4x6 label per second, which is quite efficient for busy environments. The printer uses advanced direct thermal technology, which means you won't need to buy ink or toner, saving you money in the long run. With a print resolution of 203 DPI, the labels come out clear and readable, suitable for scanning and shipping purposes. Its durability is notable, with the print head capable of handling approximately 650,000 labels, which is significantly more than other printers in this category.

Connectivity is another strong point, as it supports Wi-Fi, USB, and AirPrint, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Android devices, Windows PCs, and Chromebooks. This flexibility is further complemented by compatibility with major shipping platforms and ecommerce marketplaces, which can be highly beneficial for small business owners and online sellers. The printer also includes the Rollo Ship Manager App, offering discounted shipping rates and a streamlined process to manage shipments, adding further value.

However, there are a few drawbacks: the printer only supports monochrome output, which might be limiting if you need color labels. Additionally, the initial setup might be slightly challenging for those who are not very tech-savvy, despite the wide compatibility. The Rollo printer's build is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into various workspaces. For ease of use, it offers remote control features and a straightforward app interface. In conclusion, the Rollo Wireless Shipping Label Printer is an excellent choice for those needing a reliable, high-speed, and versatile label printer, especially for shipping and ecommerce applications.

Rating
9.1
Print Speed
Connectivity Options
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
1940 reviews

Print Speed
The print quality is excellent and fast, making it ideal for small e-commerce businesses.
Connectivity Options
The freedom of being wireless is priceless; you can print from anywhere in your home.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The printer setup is straightforward, and it works seamlessly across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and smartphones.
#3

MUNBYN Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer, 130B Wireless 4x6 Shipping Label Printer for Shipping Packages Small Business Office or Home, Compatible with iPhone Android iPad Windows macOS Chrome Etsy eBay

Rating
9.1
Print Speed
Print Resolution
Connectivity Options

Most important from
2336 reviews

Print Speed
Exceeds expectations with exceptional print quality and impressive speed.
Print Resolution
Produces high-quality, crisp, and professional-looking labels, enhancing product presentation.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity simplifies printing directly from phones, eliminating the need for multiple wires.
Durability and Build Quality
Durable and well-made, it stands as a reliable and true partner in progress.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Seamless setup process with clear and concise instructions, allowing for quick and frustration-free installation.

The MUNBYN Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer 130B is a versatile and efficient option for small businesses, home offices, and shipping needs. It boasts an impressive print speed of up to 72 pages per minute for monochrome printing, making it a time-saving tool for high-volume tasks. The 203 DPI print resolution ensures clear and legible labels, suitable for various uses including shipping, branding, and organization. This printer supports a wide range of label sizes from 1.57 to 4.3 inches in width, adding to its versatility.

Connectivity is a strong point, with options for Bluetooth and USB, and it is compatible with multiple devices including iPhones, Androids, PCs, and tablets. However, it may face issues with UPS thermal paper, so using MUNBYN's own labels is recommended for best results. The 3-step setup process and compatibility with major shipping platforms and online marketplaces make it user-friendly and convenient. On the downside, the maximum print speed for color labels is only 1 page per minute, which may be a limitation for those needing colorful designs frequently.

At 2.3 pounds, it's portable, but some users might find it slightly bulky for travel. The printer is constructed with durability in mind, but long-term maintenance details are not provided. This printer is a reliable choice for entrepreneurs looking for an efficient, multifaceted label printer with excellent connectivity and ease of use.

Rating
9.1
Print Speed
Print Resolution
Connectivity Options

Most important from
2336 reviews

Print Speed
Exceeds expectations with exceptional print quality and impressive speed.
Print Resolution
Produces high-quality, crisp, and professional-looking labels, enhancing product presentation.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity simplifies printing directly from phones, eliminating the need for multiple wires.
Durability and Build Quality
Durable and well-made, it stands as a reliable and true partner in progress.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Seamless setup process with clear and concise instructions, allowing for quick and frustration-free installation.

Buying Guide for the Best Printers Thermals

When it comes to choosing a thermal printer, it's important to understand that these devices are designed for specific tasks such as printing receipts, labels, or barcodes. Thermal printers use heat to produce images on special heat-sensitive paper, which makes them fast and efficient. To pick the best thermal printer for your needs, you should consider several key specifications that will determine the printer's performance and suitability for your specific use case.
Print SpeedPrint speed refers to how quickly the printer can produce printed material, usually measured in millimeters per second (mm/s). This spec is important because it affects how fast you can complete your printing tasks. If you need a printer for a busy retail environment, a higher print speed (e.g., 200 mm/s or more) is ideal to keep up with the demand. For less frequent use, such as occasional label printing, a lower print speed (e.g., 100-150 mm/s) may be sufficient.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and indicates the clarity and detail of the printed output. Higher resolution (e.g., 300 DPI) produces sharper and more detailed prints, which is important for printing barcodes or graphics. For basic text or simple labels, a lower resolution (e.g., 203 DPI) may be adequate. Consider what you will be printing most often to determine the necessary resolution.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options refer to how the printer connects to your computer or network. Common options include USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This spec is important because it affects how easily you can integrate the printer into your existing setup. For a stationary setup, USB or Ethernet might be sufficient. If you need flexibility and mobility, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity would be more suitable. Choose based on your workspace and how you plan to use the printer.
Paper Size and TypeThermal printers are designed to work with specific paper sizes and types, such as receipt paper, label rolls, or continuous paper. This spec is crucial because using the wrong paper can result in poor print quality or damage to the printer. Determine the type of printing you will be doing (e.g., receipts, shipping labels) and ensure the printer supports the appropriate paper size and type. Some printers offer versatility with multiple paper size options, which can be beneficial if you have varied printing needs.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality refer to how well the printer is constructed and how long it is likely to last under regular use. This is important because a more durable printer will withstand the rigors of a busy environment and reduce the need for frequent replacements. Look for printers with robust construction, good reviews on longevity, and features like dust and moisture resistance if you are in a harsh environment. Choose a printer that matches the intensity and conditions of your usage.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use and maintenance covers how user-friendly the printer is and how easy it is to perform routine maintenance tasks like replacing paper or cleaning the print head. This is important because a printer that is difficult to use or maintain can lead to downtime and frustration. Look for features like simple paper loading mechanisms, clear instructions, and easy access to maintenance parts. If you are not very tech-savvy, prioritize a printer known for its user-friendly design.

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