How to Buy the Right Barcode Printer

A good quality barcode printer is essential when it comes time to upgrade your labelling system. It can speed up the pace of business, present a professional appearance, and deliver efficiencies that enhance your bottom line.

What to Look for in a Barcode Printer

The barcode printer you choose will depend on the intended purpose. Do you need it for retail pricing? Shipping labels? Specimen labels or patient tracking? Security ID documents, parking passes, or airline tags?

Our consultants have decades of experience advising clients in every industry. Let us work with you to evaluate your needs and suggest the best barcode printer, scanner and software for your situation.

What is a Thermal Barcode Printer?

Barcode printers rely on heat to produce the barcode image. There are 2 main kinds:

Direct Thermal Barcode Printer: Heat causes a chemical reaction that turns the paper black. This technology tends to be less expensive but the labels can fade over time.

Thermal Transfer Printer: Heat melts off a waxy surface and transfers ink from ribbon to paper, creating a longer lasting barcode.

Factors in Choosing a Barcode Printer

Speed and performance. What type of barcode printer will keep up with the demands of your workplace?
Size. Is compactness or fast, bulk printing more important?
Budget. Which barcode printer is both affordable and reliable?

To make it easier for you to find the right model, we've divided our barcode printers into 3 categories: Desktop (smaller); Mid-range (both fast and compact); and Industrial (larger, faster print runs).

Thermal Barcode Printers:

Desktop

Mid-Range

Industrial