label-printersthermalequipment
Thermal vs Inkjet Label Printers: Complete Comparison
Choose the right label printer for your shipping volume and needs.
January 9, 20262 min read26 views
Label Printer Comparison
Select the best printer for your operation.
Technology Comparison
| Feature | Thermal | Inkjet |
|---|---|---|
| Print speed | Fast | Moderate |
| Cost per label | $0.02-0.05 | $0.10-0.20 |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Initial cost | $150-500 | $50-150 |
| Label durability | High | Medium |
Volume Recommendations
| Daily Volume | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 1-20 labels | Inkjet |
| 20-100 labels | Entry thermal |
| 100-500 labels | Pro thermal |
| 500+ labels | Industrial thermal |
Popular Models
| Model | Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollo | Thermal | $180 | Home business |
| DYMO 4XL | Thermal | $250 | Small business |
| Zebra GK420d | Thermal | $400 | Medium volume |
| Brother QL-1100 | Thermal | $200 | Light use |
Annual Cost Analysis (100 labels/day)
| Cost | Thermal | Inkjet |
|---|---|---|
| Printer | $250 | $100 |
| Labels/year | $730 | $3,650 |
| Ink/year | $0 | $200 |
| Total Year 1 | $980 | $3,950 |
Setup Tips
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