Label printers

Label printers produce adhesive labels, barcode stickers, shipping labels and price tags. Our range includes desktop, industrial and portable thermal models, plus a few inkjet ones. The leading brands are ZEBRA, BROTHER, HONEYWELL and TSC, covering warehouses, shops, offices and online sellers who ship parcels.

How to choose a label printer

Print technology. Direct thermal printing needs no ribbon, which keeps running costs simple, but the print fades with heat and light. It suits shipping labels. Thermal transfer uses a ribbon and gives longer-lasting prints for warehouse and product labelling. Our range has both types, along with models that can work in either mode.

Resolution. 203 DPI is usually enough for barcodes and shipping labels. Choose 300 DPI for small labels, fine text and logos. We stock both 203 and 300 DPI models, and the inkjet printers reach much higher resolutions.

Connectivity. USB is enough when the printer sits next to one computer. Ethernet is the better choice when several colleagues print over a network. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth helps with portable models and printing from a phone. Many models in our range combine several connection types.

Workload and label size. A desktop printer copes with a few dozen labels a day. If you print hundreds or thousands, an industrial printer with a sturdy housing and larger label rolls will cope better. Check the maximum label width and roll diameter before you buy.

Display. A built-in display lets you change settings and run saved templates without a computer. Many models in our range have one, while the smallest home and office printers are often controlled only through an app.

Brands in our range

• ZEBRA: the largest brand in our range, known for industrial and desktop barcode label printers used in logistics and retail.
• BROTHER: known for the QL series for shipping labels and P-touch labellers for offices and technical work.
• HONEYWELL: also makes barcode scanners and mobile computers, so its printers fit easily into a warehouse system.
• TSC: specialises in barcode label printers, from desktop to industrial models.
• DYMO: known for small office printers for address, folder and shipping labels.
• BIXOLON: a Korean maker known for receipt, label and portable printers for retail.
• NIIMBOT: offers small printers controlled from a phone app for home and light organising tasks.
• EPSON: known for its ColorWorks range of colour inkjet label printers.
• SATO: a Japanese manufacturer known for industrial label printers and RFID labels.

Also in our range: CITIZEN, GODEX C.ITOH and SEIKO PRECISION.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer label printers?

A direct thermal printer heats specially coated paper and needs no ribbon. A thermal transfer printer melts ink from a ribbon onto the label, so the print lasts longer. For short-term use such as shipping labels, direct thermal is usually enough.

What resolution does a label printer need?

203 DPI is usually enough for barcodes and larger text. Choose 300 DPI when labels are small or you need sharp fine text and logos.

Does a label printer need ink?

Most label printers use no ink. Direct thermal models heat coated paper, and thermal transfer models use a wax or resin ribbon. Only inkjet colour label printers need ink cartridges.

Can I print labels from my phone?

Yes, if the printer has Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and the manufacturer offers an app for your phone's operating system. Check which systems are supported and what template options the app has before buying.