9 Best Label Printers For Small Business: Consumer's Top-Picks

What is the best label printers for small business?

If printing barcode labels is a regular part of your business, investing in a high-quality label printer is almost extremely necessary. 

The best barcode label printers are designed to be simple to use, dependable, and capable of doing the jobs you want. 

Don't worry if you're wanting to add or upgrade your label printing setup, we've compiled a list of the top barcode printers for you.

So, let’s find out!

Top best label printer for small business

What Are Barcode Label Printers?

A business label printer is a computer peripheral that uses barcode label software to print barcode labels or tags that can be affixed to or directly printed on real items. 

Barcode printers are frequently used to mark boxes prior to shipment, as well as to label retail products with UPCs or EANs.

Retail stores frequently use barcode label printers. 

What is a bar code printer?

When printing a QR code or a barcode label, barcode printers provide trustworthy performance.

If you need printers for work, consider the list of the best label printer for small business that we will discuss later!

Is A Barcode Printer Worth Buying?

Check out these reasons if you are wondering whether you should purchase a barcode printer or not! 

• You have to print labels for your retail business

If you operate any sort of retail business, you must print barcode labels for your merchandise.

You may then scan them at your POS system and sell them to your clients.

• QR Code labels are required for personal advertisement.

Many artists and musicians utilize QR codes to promote themselves and their products. 

You may print your own QR code stickers and post them throughout town for people to scan using the best barcode printer.

QR Code labels are required for personal advertisement.

• You need to inventory a large variety of items.

If you run a warehouse and need to inventory a large number of items, a barcode scanner is an absolute requirement.

There are several best barcode printers available that can print big quantities of label stickers fast.

Questions To Ask Before Buying The Best Barcode Printer

There are several machine and model kinds in the industrial printing industry.

Each has unique mechanical characteristics, including maximum speed, substrate specialty, print height, and DPI resolution. 

Consider the following to help you limit down your options for the best label printer for small business.

What Materials Are You Printing On?

When looking for a printer, the substrate must be carefully considered. Each substance has distinct qualities that impact ink adhesion. 

Porous substrates (such as cardboard or paper) enable ink to sink under the surface, whereas nonporous substrates (such as plastic or metal) have ink-resistant surfaces. 

The only method to ensure effective coding is to link the substrate with the right ink formulation.

However, not all printers work with the same ink. 

CIJ printers can use formulae for both porous and non-porous applications

While CIJ printers can use formulae for both porous and non-porous applications, some TIJ printers and high-resolution case coders can only use porous-appropriate inks. 

Fortunately, you may avoid potential printing issues by researching which formulae work with which printer models.

What Is Your Production Setup?

The speed and ease of a high-speed production line are frequently necessary for larger enterprises, whereas a conveyor belt may be overkill for smaller companies.

As a result, printer manufacturers provide models with various sizes and levels of movement to meet this diversity.

In order to code items moving at 1000 feet per minute or more, continuous inkjet printers, like the DuraCode Touchscreen, are big, stationary equipment that are meant to sit on production lines.

Choose your production setup

For applications that call for some degree of mobility, thermal inkjet printers, like the Anser U2 Pro-S, are an excellent option due to their high affordability, small design, and lightweight.

Similar in size to CIJ printers, high-resolution case coders like the Precision 72 are utilized in automated manufacturing lines. 

Will the Printer Be Needed for Other Applications?

More versatile barcode label printers exist than others. 

For instance, case coders are excellent at marking porous surfaces but are unable to print on non-porous materials due to their restricted ink access. 

To avoid restricting yourself by choosing the wrong printer, it's crucial to have a thorough understanding of all potential uses if you require a multipurpose machine.

Will the printer be needed for other applications?

Inkjet, Laser Printer or Thermal Printer?

An industrial thermal printer can produce better prints at the quickest print rates than other printer types like the dot matrix, inkjet, or laser printer while enduring lengthy periods of continuous mass printing. 

As a result, the thermal printer is the best option for producing barcode labels.

Thermal printer

Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer?

Compared to direct thermal prints, which are less expensive, thermal transfer prints are more robust and last longer. 

Although it still relies on the requirements of the application and the specific use to which they will be put, this does not necessarily imply that the former is superior than the latter.

• Direct Thermal Printers

Direct thermal printing is frequently employed in sectors where labels aren't expected to endure more than a year and aren't likely to be mistreated much.

Labels used in the food business are an example of this since there is a high turnover of goods on the shelf and things are intended to be stored out of the sun and heat, which can make printing fade more quickly.

Direct thermal vs Thermal transfer

• Thermal Transfer Printers

Thermal transfer printing is the ideal option for labels that will likely be exposed to severe conditions and high levels of surface friction due to the longevity of its prints.

Higher density labels would perform better with this type of printer since thermal transfer offers more accurate printing.

Also read: How does a thermal printer work?

Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Label Printers For Small Business

Without the proper software, even the best printer model won't function properly. 

Your printer may be integrated into a bigger IT system by employing top-notch software. 

You can rapidly produce barcodes for your product lines or shipping labels by integrating to retrieve the data you need.

So, let’s look at the following aspects when purchasing the best barcode label software for your company.

Database Connectivity/ERP Compatibility

Barcode labels must be manually made using stock templates in the absence of integration.

Database connectivity/ERP compatibility

This is time-consuming and increases the likelihood of human mistake. 

You may improve the effectiveness and accuracy of your labeling system by combining a printer with a bigger ERP system.

Label printing software that is compatible with ERP enables users to simply extract data from the master data system without the need for special coding. 

The accuracy of this data reduces the possibility of errors, assisting consumers in avoiding expensive printing errors.

Ability to Create GS1-128 Barcodes

Global Standard One (GS1) is a non-profit multinational organization that develops serialized commercial numbering systems. 

The group developed GS1-128, an application standard for high-density linear barcodes, in 1989. 

Ability to create GS1-128 barcodes

This technology is now the most extensively used barcode standard in the world. 

As a result, it's critical to employ a barcode generator that can generate labels that adhere to GS1-128 standards.

Kind of connectivity

To print anything, barcode label printers must be linked to a computer. However, this does not always imply a physical link. 

Consider your barcode printing habits to determine the level of connectivity you require from your printer.

If you require mobile printing, we recommend purchasing one of the wireless mobile barcode label printers. 

If you're printing at your desk, though, a printer with USB connection makes a great desktop barcode printer. 

Kind of connectivity

A decent desktop barcode printer, in general, has a quick print speed.

Bluetooth-enabled bar code printer is also available. Labels may be printed from a smartphone or tablet in this manner. 

Thankfully, these mobile printers frequently have a USB connector for physical connectivity.

Print volume

Next, consider how much printing you will require. Different barcode label printers have varying print volume capacities. 

In general, different levels can be classified as low, medium, or high volume.

You should also think about print speed in connection with print volume. Print speed relates to how quickly your printer can generate labels. 

Industrial printers with huge print volumes often have the fastest print speeds.

9 Best Label Printers For Small Business In 2023: Detailed Reviews

Manufacturers now provide a wide range of models, making it tough to pick the best product label printer for small business. 

They differ in terms of specs, technology, capabilities, and pricing.

So, we've compiled a list of the top 9 best label printer for small business in 2023.

Let’s check it out!

AirTrack SP-1

The AirTrack SP-1 label printer is a desktop thermal transfer printer. 

It has a resolution of 203 dpi, print rates of up to 4 ips, and a print width of 1.57" to 4.33". 

Many organizations value this cost-effective solution that does not compromise print quality. 

AirTrack SP-1

A prominent characteristic that helps conserve space is the lower size. 

The SP-1 is frequently used for asset monitoring, retail and hospitality point of sale, shipping and receiving, and other applications.

Features:

• Generate 1D and 2D barcodes.

• Printing times of 4 seconds.

• 4MB of memory

Zebra ZT411

The Zebra ZT411 label printer is a high-quality industrial printer. 

The ZT411 is a hybrid option that supports both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing. 

Zebra ZT411

It has a maximum printing width of 4.09", a printhead resolution of 203-600 dpi, and an easy-to-use design with a slide-loading print mechanism and tool-less printhead change. 

The 4.3-inch touch screen makes operating quick and simple.

Features:

• Design and operation are simple

• High-speed USB 2.0

• Custom upgrades are available

Honeywell PX940

The Honeywell PX940 is a very reliable, adaptable piece of equipment that can handle a wide range of jobs. 

You'll get the best of both printer types because it's a direct thermal and a thermal transfer printer. 

The PX940's inbuilt label verification technology assures error-free printing, which users appreciate. 

Honeywell PX940

Poor labels that do not match the set level are nullified, and a new label is issued. 

The Honeywell PX940 is commonly used in transportation and logistics, healthcare, shipping and distribution, and a variety of other applications.

Features:

• Label verification technology that is integrated.

• Capability for smart printing.

• Printing accuracy of up to +/-0.3 mm (0.012 in).

Honeywell RP4e

Honeywell's RP series barcode label makers are highly dependable and durable, with a lightweight, ergonomic design that employees can easily carry and use. 

Honeywell RP4e

A portable printer, such as the Honeywell RP4e, boosts efficiency by allowing personnel to print labels and receipts in the field. 

The simple loading technique allows for fewer and shorter interruptions.

Features:

• Extremely durable: IP54-rated and can withstand 2m drops.

• Operating across a broad temperature range.

• Manage, monitor, and maximize printer assets using operational intelligence.

SATO CL4NX Plus

An ideal choice for a straightforward, reliable, and high-performance small business label printer is the SATO CL4NX thermal transfer/direct thermal unit. 

Based on the specific model, it offers a variety of resolution printing options (203, 305, and 609 dpi), an aluminum cast frame and print head mechanism, a quick print speed of 14 ips, and tool-free maintenance. 

SATO CL4NX Plus

The full-color LCD screen, which offers an easy user experience, is highly appreciated by users.

Features:

• Competitive printer language emulations are pre-installed

• SATO Online Services' remote management (SOS)

• high level of print accuracy

Brother PTP950NW

If you're searching for a thermal transfer barcode label printer with a lamination capability, the Brother PTP950NW is a choice to take into account. 

The PTP950NW can generate broad, premium quality labels with a high print resolution that vary in label size and color in addition to its laminating capability. 

Brother PTP950NW

The Brother PTP950NW is frequently used by personnel in manufacturing and warehousing, field services, healthcare, and mobility professionals.

Features:

• Laminated quality

• Works effectively in challenging or unclean conditions

• Small size and weight to conserve space

Zebra ZSB 

Home-based workers and other small company owners will benefit from having an easy-to-use device that can easily generate, print, and manage their shipping and labeling requirements. 

The quick setup that may have you printing in three minutes or less will be appreciated by employees. 

Zebra ZSB 

Additionally, you'll benefit from simple customization for various label kinds and top-notch customer service. 

The Zebra ZSB Series is probably your best option if you require a home office printing solution that is simple to use and incredibly adaptable.

Features:

• Mobile printing from a PC, app, or phone

• Quick and simple setup

• Easy label design customization

Series Phomemo-M110 

This UPC bar code label maker has a small footprint and a great selection of distinctive features, such thermal printing and optical character recognition. 

Any text contained in your photographs may be converted into an editable format using its OCR capability.

The maker features a unique application to facilitate and simplify printing. 

Series Phomemo-M110

Producing labels for jewelry, folders, cables, prices, apparel, etc. is a terrific alternative using this method.

The printer is equipped with large batteries that can run continuously for 24 hours without recharging. In addition, this model is offered in many colors.

Features:

• Small in size

• The OCR feature is included

• Paper holders are adaptable

• Impressive battery life

NETUM NT-G5

This device may be used to print a wide range of tags and labels. You can use it for jewelry, clothes labels, home or school requirements, etc.

You can print on sheets up to 54mm wide by adjusting the paper plate. 

This sticker barcode printer has an integrated rechargeable lithium battery and can operate independently for three to five hours.

NETUM NT-G5

Both iOS and Android smartphones can use this model. 

The free NETUM printing software allows you to print labels from your smartphone. 

Additionally, this label maker for business works with Mac and Windows-based laptops and tablets.

Features:

• The paper tray can be altered

• It features an OLED display

• Suitable for iOS and Android devices