Label printing can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have the right printer. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect one. But, fear not! In this article, we are going to give you all the information you need to know to choose the best printer for printing labels.
Think of a printer as a carpenter’s tool. Just like a carpenter needs a specific tool for each task, you need a specialized printer for printing labels. A good label printer should be fast, reliable, and produce high-quality prints. If you are using a printer for your business, you want to make sure that it can handle large volumes and multi-tasking, with the right printer, you can save time and money in the long run.
Source www.labels4plants.co.uk
Types of Printers for Label Printing
When it comes to printing labels, there are two primary types of printers to consider: inkjet and laser printers. Both offer advantages and are used for different types of printing. Inkjet printers are ideal for printing labels and images with a high degree of detail, while lasers provide sharp, high-quality text and graphics.
Inkjet printers are also a great choice if you need to print labels in color. If you need to make labels that need to be waterproof, solvent or dye label printers are the best option because they provide quality and durability. On the other hand, laser printers are perfect for printing black-and-white labels that need to be smudge-proof or water-resistant.
Type of Printer | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Inkjet | High-quality color printing; Ideal for detailed images and graphics | More expensive ink cartridges; Prints can be smudged; Not water-resistant |
Laser | Sharp, high-quality text and graphics; Prints don’t smudge; Waterproof and long-lasting prints | Higher cost per page; Can’t print detailed images; Not suitable for printing in color |
Solvent/Dye Label | Water-resistant and durable prints; Less expensive cost per page; Good for printing in color | Not as high-quality as inkjet/laser; Solvent-based inks can emit fumes |
If you’re looking for a printer for home or office label printing, it’s important to know what features are necessary. Consider additional features like connectivity options (Wi-Fi or USB), automatic document feeders (to print long runs of labels), and photo editing software (to add custom images or graphics to your labels).
Top Pick: Brother QL-820NWB
The Brother QL-820NWB is our top pick for the best printer for printing labels. With the ability to print up to 110 labels per minute at a resolution of 300 dpi, this printer is both fast and efficient. It can print a variety of label sizes and shapes, including square, circle, and rounded corner labels.
This printer also has versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily connect it to your computer or smartphone. Plus, it has built-in software for designing and printing labels on-the-go, which eliminates the need to download additional software or drivers.
The Brother QL-820NWB also features a built-in automatic cutter that allows you to easily cut your labels, even if you’re printing a large number of them. This ensures that your labels have a professional, polished appearance every time.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Fast and efficient printing | Price is high compared to other label printers |
Versatile connectivity options | Not suitable for printing in color |
Built-in label design software | Expensive label tapes and cartridges |
Runner-up: Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo
If you’re on a tight budget, the Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo is an excellent option for printing labels. It prints at a speed of up to 71 labels per minute and can be used to print a variety of different label sizes and shapes, including address labels, file folder labels, and name badges.
This printer features proprietary LabelWriter software that allows you to design and print professional-looking labels with ease. It’s also compatible with a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
The Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo is also user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to operate. And with a compact design, it won’t take up too much space on your desktop.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Affordable price point | Can’t print in color |
Fast printing speed | Only limited to a few label widths and shapes |
Easy to use software and interface | Cuts labels are not symmetrical |
Overall, the best printer for printing labels will depend on your specific needs, budget, and printing preferences. By considering the factors mentioned above and comparing the features of different printers, you can make an informed decision and find a printer that suits your needs perfectly.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one color laser printer with AirPrint, we’ve got you covered. Our article on the best all-in-one color laser printers with AirPrint will help you make a decision.
Inkjet vs. Laser Printers for Labels
When considering the best printer for printing labels, the debate between inkjet and laser printers often arises. Both types of printers have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to printing labels.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are ideal for printing high-quality, detailed labels. They are often the preferred option for printing labels that require a high level of graphics or images. This is because inkjet printers have a higher resolution than laser printers, which means that they can produce sharper and more detailed images. They are also better at printing small fonts and lines as well as colored labels.
Another advantage of inkjet printers is that they are cost-effective for low volume printing. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and the cost of ink cartridges is much lower than that of toner cartridges used in laser printers. This makes them a cost-effective option for small businesses or home-based businesses that require occasional label printing.
However, there are also some disadvantages of using inkjet printers for labels. The ink used in inkjet printers can be water-soluble, which means that labels printed with inkjet printers may not be suitable for labeling products that will be exposed to moisture or liquids. Additionally, inkjet printers can be slow compared to laser printers when it comes to printing large volumes of labels.
Laser Printers
Laser printers, on the other hand, are better suited for high volume and durable labels. They are faster than inkjet printers, making them an ideal choice for businesses that need to print a large number of labels quickly. Laser printers also use toner, which is more durable than ink and is resistant to water and other liquids. This makes them a better choice for labeling products that will be exposed to liquids or moisture.
Laser printers are also more cost-effective for moderate to high volume printing. While they can be more expensive to purchase than inkjet printers, they have a lower cost per page when it comes to toner cartridges. This makes them a more cost-effective option for businesses that regularly print a large number of labels.
However, laser printers have some disadvantages, particularly when it comes to printing high-quality graphics or images. Laser printers have a lower resolution than inkjet printers, so they are not as good at printing high-quality graphics or images. They also may not be suitable for printing small fonts or lines. Additionally, laser printers can produce labels with a slight curl, which may not be desirable for some labeling applications.
Conclusion
Overall, both inkjet and laser printers can be good options for printing labels, depending on the specific needs of your business. If you need to print high-quality, detailed graphics, an inkjet printer may be the best option. For high volume and durable label printing, a laser printer is likely to be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between inkjet and laser printers will depend on your business’s specific labeling needs and budget.
When it comes to printing labels, having a compact printer scanner combo is a great option. Check out our article on the best compact printer scanner combos to find the perfect one for you.
Features to Consider when Choosing a Printer for Labels
If you need to print labels for your business or home organization, you’ll need to choose a printer that can handle your needs. There are several features to consider when picking the best printer for the job. Here are the three main factors to keep in mind.
Print Speed
The speed of your printer is important if you need to print large volumes of labels quickly. Keep in mind that the speed listed by the manufacturer is usually measured in pages per minute (ppm) for standard A4 pages. Printing labels takes more time than printing text, so check the printer’s label printing speed specification separately to get an idea of the speed you can expect. If you need to print hundreds of labels per hour, consider a printer with a high print speed to save time and reduce delays.
Printer Model | Label Printing Speed |
|---|---|
Brother QL-700 | Up to 93 labels per minute |
Dymo LabelWriter 450 | Up to 51 labels per minute |
Zebra GX430t | Up to 4 inches per second |
Keep in mind that print speed shouldn’t be the only factor you look at when choosing a printer. Other features are also important to consider.
Connectivity Options
Another factor to consider is how you will connect your printer to your computer or network. Most label printers offer USB connectivity, so you can connect it to your computer directly. However, for shared workgroup use, you may prefer Ethernet connectivity, which allows multiple users to share the printer over a network. You might also consider a wireless printer if you frequently move your workstation or need to print from multiple devices. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are common wireless options available on many printers.
- USB: This is the most common connectivity option for label printers.
- Ethernet: This option is ideal for shared workgroup use.
- Wireless: This option is handy for printing from multiple devices or working in an office space with limited connections.
Make sure that the printer you choose has the right connectivity option for your workspace set up. This will help make the installation and set up process easier and more efficient.
Label Sizes
The size of the labels you need to print is also a crucial factor to keep in mind when choosing a printer. Not all printers support every label size. Some label printers can print only small labels, while others can print up to full-sized sheets. Also, consider if you need a printer that can handle multiple label sizes. If you’re printing shipping labels, make sure the printer you choose can handle the size of labels you need for the shipping carrier you use.
Printer Model | Supported Label Sizes |
|---|---|
Brother QL-820NWB | Up to 2.4 inches |
Dymo LabelWriter 4XL | Up to 4 inches |
Zebra GX430t | Up to 4.25 inches |
Check the printer specifications carefully to ensure that the printer you choose can handle the label sizes you use most frequently or the one that your business requires.
Conclusion
Choosing the best label printer involves considering several factors, including print speed, connectivity, and label size. Keep in mind that faster print speeds may not always be the best option for your needs, and it’s important to choose the right connectivity option that suits your business size. Additionally, ensuring that the printer can handle your most commonly used label sizes or those required for your business is crucial for its efficient operation. Select a printer that works best for your business outputs, and you’ll be on your way to printing labels like a pro.
If you’re in need of a 3D printer for printing parts, you’ll want to check out our article on the best 3D printers for parts. You’ll find all the information you need to make an informed choice.
