Nowadays, e-commerce, express delivery, warehousing, and other industries are becoming increasingly busy. Thermal shipping label printers have become a vital tool in the distribution process. Among them, thermal label printers are particularly popular. Unlike traditional inkjet or laser printers, thermal printers for shipping labels do not require ink cartridges. They also do not have the problem of nozzle clogging. In addition, a thermal printer has a fast printing speed and a low cost of use. This makes it the first choice for many merchants and office workers.
However, there are many brands and models on the market. How to choose a suitable thermal label printer? This article will help you clarify your needs and give you suggestions. If you are interested in how label printers work and technology, you can check out our other blog, “How Does a Thermal Printer Work.”
Table contents
- Three Key Questions of Thermal Shipping Label Printer
- Recommended Thermal Shipping Label Printer for Different Usage Scenarios
- Seven Major Technical Parameters of Thermal Shipping Label Printer
- Conclusion
Three Key Questions of Thermal Shipping Label Printer
Before purchasing a label printer, we should confirm the following questions. In this way, we will avoid choosing the wrong shipping label printer.
1. What Is Your Daily Printing Volume?
Daily printing volume is less than 30 sheets: You can choose an entry-level model. This will have a low price and compact size.
Daily printing volume is more than 100 sheets: It is recommended to choose a mid-to-high-end model with a high printing speed (above 127 mm/s). The thermal shipping label printer also needs to have high durability. This can reduce paper jams and overheating problems.
2. What Device Do You Use to Print?
Computer (Windows/macOS): You need to check whether thermal printers support Windows or macOS systems. Especially, Mac users need to confirm driver compatibility. If the printer does not support macOS drivers, PDF printing is a new factor. If you export PDF labels from an ERP or platform and the printer supports PDF printing, you can also use it. Or check whether the printer supports printing using a Chrome plug-in.
Phone or tablet: If the thermal shipping label printer comes with an app, you just need to choose a model that supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. If you are an iPhone user and the printer does not come with an app, you need the printer to support AirPrint.
3. On Which Platforms or Software Do You Print Labels?
Different platforms have different requirements for label formats. You need to choose a thermal shipping label printer based on the platform and workflow. Choosing the right label printer can simplify operations and reduce errors in the workflow. The following guide can help you choose the best printer.
I. For Amazon FBA, eBay, Shopee, and other platforms.
Direct PDF printing: No screenshot conversion required.
Common label size: 100×150 mm (4×6 inches). This size is suitable for FBA box labels, product labels, and shipping documents.
Automatic detection: The thermal shipping label printer needs to support automatic paper sensing and multiple label templates. This will prevent misalignment.
II. For ERP/WMS/OMS systems (warehouse and logistics)
Standard driver support: The thermal shipping label printer needs to be compatible with BarTender, NiceLabel, and KuaiDi Print Master.
System integration: It should support network printing, command line control, or API calls for automation.
Common uses: barcode labels, batch numbers, serial numbers and inventory management.
Other tips: It is recommended to use industrial-grade, durable printers for large-volume printing. If the thermal shipping label printer has multiple connection options, such as USB, serial port, and Ethernet, it is more conducive to flexibility.
III. For mobile users (small businesses, community group buying)
Bluetooth printing: A Bluetooth thermal printer for shipping labels can be used with the brand app to achieve mobile printing.
Mini program support: Some printers are integrated with WeChat mini programs. This will be more convenient.
Compatibility: The thermal shipping label printer needs to be preferably compatible with iOS/Android systems and support PDF/JPG format printing.
Important tip: iPhone users do not necessarily need AirPrint, but they need a stable official app.
Recommended Thermal Shipping Label Printer for Different Usage Scenarios
E-commerce Sellers
E-commerce sellers need to print dozens to hundreds of express delivery labels every day. So they need efficient and stable thermal shipping label printers. The thermal label printer needs to meet the following requirements. You’d better choose a 4x6 thermal label printer. This is to say, the printer needs to support printing 100×150 mm labels. This is the standard label size of most e-commerce platforms. At the same time, the thermal printer for shipping labels needs to be able to print at high speed (above 127 mm/second) and be compatible with multiple e-commerce platforms. In terms of functions, the thermal shipping label printer needs to automatically detect paper and automatically position itself, so as to reduce manual adjustments. It is also best to have strong batch printing stability to avoid paper jams.
Warehousing or Wholesale Shipping Personnel
For warehouse or wholesale transport personnel, they need to print cargo labels, barcodes, and delivery notes. So they need an extremely durable thermal shipping label printer. The thermal label printer needs to meet the following requirements. The printer should preferably support thermal transfer technology. This technology is more suitable for labels that need to be preserved for a long time. At the same time, the thermal printer for shipping labels needs to be compatible with multiple sizes. Different sizes can meet different printing needs. If it has industrial-grade durability, it would be even better. This means that the printer can withstand frequent use.
There is another special case - barcodes. The barcodes must be clear, have strong contrast, and have sharp edges to be recognized. Therefore, a wide-format printer with high DPI (over 300 dpi) is required. High DPI can improve the print clarity. For wide-format printing, if the print format is not wide enough, the barcode part will be truncated, wrapped, or deformed. These will make it unreadable.
Small Office or Retail Store
For small offices or retail stores, they only need to print product labels and stickers occasionally. So the thermal shipping label printer must be easy to operate. Basic connection methods and device system compatibility are the most important things. Besides, the printer also needs to be small and space-saving. At the same time, it needs to be compatible with 40×30 mm regular labels. Most importantly, the printer must be easy to operate. This is to say, non-professionals can easily get started after reading the instructions.
Seven Major Technical Parameters of Thermal Shipping Label Printer
To buy a suitable thermal shipping label printer, you also need to compare the various parameters of the printer. The following seven parameters are the most important in label printers.
1. Print Size
Different application scenarios require labels of different sizes. Before purchasing, you need to confirm whether the printer is compatible with common specifications:
Express delivery bill: The standard size of express delivery bills in the United States is 100×150 mm
Product barcode/price tag: Common sizes include 40×30 mm, 50×50 mm, 60×40 mm
Warehouse/logistics labels: 80×60 mm, 100×80 mm, other specifications may be required
It is best to choose a model that supports multiple sizes or adjustable width. This can avoid being limited by label size. If you need to print extra-long labels, you can choose a thermal shipping label printer that supports continuous paper printing.
2. Print Resolution (DPI)
DPI (dots per inch) determines the print clarity:
203 DPI: Suitable for express delivery orders and ordinary text labels. It is cost-effective.
300 DPI: Suitable for high-precision barcodes, small fonts, and complex QR codes.
600 DPI: Used in precision industrial and medical labels.
3. Print Speed (mm/s)
Printing speed directly affects work efficiency. Common speed ranges:
Low speed (50–100 mm/s): Small offices and low-printing scenarios.
Medium speed (101–150 mm/s): Balanced speed and stability for e-commerce and express delivery.
High speed (151–200 mm/s and above): Suitable for warehousing and logistics centers.
4. Connection Method
USB: Stable wired connection, ideal for fixed office use.
Bluetooth: Great for mobile devices.
Wi-Fi: Supports multi-device access, ideal for teams.
AirPrint: Compatible with Apple devices.
5. Operating System Compatibility
Choose based on your device’s OS. See “What Device Do You Use to Print?” for more.
6. Paper Supply Method and Operation Convenience
Built-in paper box: Compact, good for office and retail.
External holder: Supports large rolls, good for logistics.
7. Other Practical Functions
Auto detection and positioning: Reduces manual steps.
Label detection accuracy: Ensures precise alignment.
Consumable replacement convenience: Open designs make loading easier.
Conclusion
In modern offices and logistics, printing efficiency directly affects order processing speed. A suitable thermal shipping label printer can save ink cartridge costs, manpower, and time. When purchasing in the future, you could review the key points mentioned in this article: 1. Consider the print volume, printing device, and platform; 2. Choose a printer according to the usage scenario; 3. Compare the parameters of the printer.
