The Best Shipping Label Printers

Manage all your shipping needs from home with these excellent shipping label printers.

Shipping labels provide important information that ensures packages are delivered on time and without issue. They usually include the sender’s and recipient’s addresses, shipping carrier details, barcodes and tracking numbers, package contents and weight, and other essential details.

With a plethora of shipping label printers available with a variety of features, it’s crucial that you get the right one for your needs.

Let’s look at various quality shipping label printers available today.

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A Durable and Speedy Printer for High-Volume Shipping

Consider the Rollo USB Shipping Label Printer for the speed required for high-volume shipping. It can pump out monochrome 4x6-inch shipping labels at a rate of 150mm/s, making it among the speediest printers out there. It’s also a highly durable device and a cinch to set up. It has a remarkable lifespan, and upkeep is a breeze with little need for cleaning. It also works with any direct-thermal label, saving you even more in the long run.

If you seek a fast, reliable, and compact device with low running costs, the Rollo USB Shipping Label Printer awaits your call. It’s a commercial-grade thermal printer compatible with both Windows and Mac. On top of shipping labels, you can also generate warehouse and Amazon FBA labels, QR codes, barcodes, and so much more.

Not only is it very capable, but also super simple to set up and operate. Once you connect to your computer via USB, you simply download the drivers, and off you go. Loading labels is also a cinch, although there is no holding tray. Once in operation, it’s a fast printer and turns out labels at a rate of 150mm/s.

It is also very low maintenance. There’s little need for cleaning or oiling, and the thermal print heads have an astonishing 650,000-label lifespan. However, if you want to print intricate graphics, remember that the resolution is a standard 203dpi. Still, it’s plenty for the detail and sharpness needed for regular shipping labels.

It’s compatible with all major platforms and marketplaces, and the accompanying app simplifies and optimizes the process. Not only that, but you’ll get favorable rates with carriers, allowing users to enjoy lower shipping fees. For even further savings, the printer works with any direct thermal label, meaning you won’t need to splash out extra on expensive proprietary ones.

Quality, Fast, and Affordable Shipping Label Printing

The Jadens Thermal Shipping Label Printer is a cost-effective device. Not only is it an affordable printer, but you also avoid pricey proprietary labels premium printers often insist on, and direct-thermal printing avoids the need for ink. It also comes with a complementary roll of labels to boot. Print quality and speed are surprisingly good for a device in this price range, and setup is super easy.

For a simple, easy-to-use, and affordable device, consider the Jadens Thermal Shipping Label Printer. It might not have the durability for high-volume printing that premium devices offer. But for everyday use, it’s a great, pocket-friendly choice. It’s another thermal printer that doesn’t require ink, and you can use any direct thermal labels, further adding to its cost-efficiency.

Print quality is 203dpi, enough for regular shipping labels, and it prints the standard 4x6 inches. It’s surprisingly fast at 150mm/s, and it’s compatible with Windows or Mac. You connect via the included USB cable, and there’s also a U-disk to download the drivers from that also features a handy video demonstration to get you started. Also in the package is a complementary 100-piece 4x6-inch label roll perfect for shipping.

The built-in paper bin is where you house this roll. This design keeps your desk tidy. It’s compatible with both rolls and fan-fold labels and features a simple calibration button for identifying your label size.

No attribution – Amazon screenshot

Easy to Use and No Calibration Required

For easy out-of-the-box label printing, consider the DYMO LabelWriter 4XL. It’s a wide-format label printer perfect for standard 4x6-inch shipping labels. Print quality is excellent, and if you need to customize logos and graphics, the DYMO Productivity software offers a wide range of options.

The DYMO LabelWriter 4XL is a versatile, wide-format thermal label printer perfect for 4x6-inch shipping labels. Setup is easy, there’s no calibration required, and it’s simple to operate. It’s compatible with Mac and Windows, and you simply connect with USB to install the DYMO Productivity software suite. This software includes more than 60 label layouts to help you customize any logos and graphics, and you can print directly from Microsoft Office, Outlook, and other programs.

With a resolution of up to 600dpi, these logos and graphics can be more intricate than on lower-resolution printers. The LabelWriter 4XL is also fast and can print up to 53 4-line address labels per minute. It handles big jobs efficiently and is a good choice for high-volume shipping. It is also versatile and can print postage, barcodes, and more. However, you need to use perforated DYMO-specific labels, and you don’t have the convenience of fan-fold label support.

The printer is compatible with all the major shipping carriers and online selling platforms, making it ideal for your e-commerce business. You can also use the device for printing extra-large labels for other purposes, including warehouse labels and file organization.

Fantastic Performance at an Excellent Price

The LabelRange LP320 is another affordable option that ticks all the boxes required by low- to medium-level shippers. It delivers good-quality prints at a speedy 150mm/s and is compatible with a wide range of platforms.

The LabelRange LP320 is another affordable machine with most of the features you need from a shipping label printer. It’s a sturdy, direct-thermal device that prints barcodes, warehouse and household labels, and various other types in addition to 4x6-inch shipping labels.

Print quality is good at 203dpi, while it’s fast for a printer in its price range at 150mm/s. Additionally, Its compatibility extends beyond Windows and Mac, with Linux and Chromebook users also included. It’s also compatible with any shipping and e-commerce platform you’ll likely use and automatically identifies your label sizes.

On top of thermal printing, its cost-effectiveness is also evident in the fact that you can use any direct-thermal labels with this printer. However, it doesn’t feature a built-in bin like the equally affordable Jadens Thermal Shipping Label Printer. Although, like that printer, it’s compatible with both fan-fold and media rolls. In fact, it comes with a complimentary sheet of 100 fan-fold labels.

Save Time With an Integrated Scale and a Useful App

The PitneyShip Cube is a highly practical thermal shipping-label printer. It comes with a built-in scale on top that you can use to measure the weight of products up to 15lbs, and an innovative app from which you are able to measure products using your camera phone. It also batch prints, has a resolution of 300dpi, and has an integrated roll bin to keep your desktop clutter-free.

The PitneyShip Cube from Pitney Bowes is an innovative and practical thermal shipping-label printer. It features a built-in scale you can use to accurately weigh items up to 15lbs. Additionally, with the PitneyShip app, you can measure products with the mobile dimensioning tool and generate labels directly from your smartphone. The practicality extends into connectivity, too, with Wi-Fi connections available on top of USB.

Connecting to your Amazon, eBay, or Shopify stores through the companion software or mobile app gives you access to some incredible discounts from USPS and UPS without having to meet the minimum volume requirements. However, if your e-commerce needs extend beyond the three mentioned, or you need a wide variety of label sizes, this may not be your device.

However, another practical feature is the printer’s ability to batch-print shipping labels. You simply import your customer orders, and the device generates and prints the individual shipping labels one after the other in a single operation. Prints are high quality at 300dpi, and rolls are housed inside the printer, freeing up your desk space.

A Printer for Labels up to 2.4 Inches Wide

The Brother QL-800 is the entry-level printer in the 800 series and is a basic yet solid machine that won’t let you down. It’s also the most affordable in the series and is easy to use, compact, and lightweight. It doesn’t print standard 4x6-inch labels and is best for shippers needing smaller labels up to 2.4 inches wide. It prints both red and black in high resolution and can turn out 93 standard address labels per minute.

For a no-frills printer for printing small labels up to 2.4 inches wide, the Brother QL-800 is basic, fast, and prints quality labels. However, before buying, ensure the carrier you wish to use accepts shipping labels smaller than the standard 4x6.

It is the most affordable in the QL-800 series and has the fewest features. However, if you just need to design and print your shipping labels over USB, this device is ideal and will save you a bit of cash. It comes with a variety of software and apps that make it easy to design and print your labels and is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

It’s a compact and lightweight thermal label printer. At just 2.5lbs, you can carry it anywhere, and you can print DK-2251 labels in black, red, or a combination of the two. You have the option of nine preset resolutions with quality ranging from 100 to 600dpi.

Printing is fast, too. You can turn out up to 93 standard address labels (1.1x3.5 inches) with black text at 300dpi per minute. You can use Brother DK pre-sized labels for convenience. However, the printer also features an automatic built-in cutter.​​​​​​

A Compact Printer for All Your Label Printing Needs

Easy to use, lightweight, and compact, the Zebra GK420d delivers quality shipping labels at high speed. It’s also versatile, and this direct-thermal label printer can print various types of labels via USB, Serial, and Parallel.

The Zebra G420d is a compact, easy-to-use thermal label printer. It’s compatible with media rolls with a 1-inch core, a maximum diameter of five inches, and a width of 4.25 inches. While it isn’t designed for the high-volume output of the Rollo USB, it has a decent print speed of five inches per second. It proves to be a very adept device for low- to medium-volume printing of standard 4x6-inch shipping labels.

It’s a versatile printer and can deliver high-quality prints for a variety of different uses, including barcodes, name tags, and, of course, shipping labels. With a 203dpi resolution, it isn’t the best choice if you want to add complex graphics or logos, but as far as text goes, it will give you crisp and sharp characters.

This printer offers USB, Serial, and Parallel connectivity options. However, there is no wireless connection, and calibration for Mac users can be a little complex.

Before buying a shipping label printer, you need to consider certain things. One important concern is the label size you need. Label printers often don’t generate the standard 4x6-inch labels that some carriers require. However, this size can be inconvenient if you send small packages, such as jewelry or small electronic components. Check with the carrier you will likely use to see if they accept smaller labels, then choose a suitable machine for your needs. The Brother QL-800 is one of the best for small-label printing.

Affordability is also a consideration for many, especially if you are not seeking a high-volume printer. The Jadens Thermal Shipping Label Printer is not only an affordable device but also cost-effective because you can use any direct thermal labels with it, avoiding the need to buy pricey proprietary ones.

Speed is another priority. If you need a high-volume printer, it needs to print fast. But it also needs to be designed for such an output. The Rollo USB is fast and durable and has an exceptional lifespan. It’s our top choice for anyone seeking a reliable shipping label printer.

A Durable and Speedy Printer for High-Volume Shipping

Consider the Rollo USB Shipping Label Printer for the speed required for high-volume shipping. It can pump out monochrome 4x6-inch shipping labels at a rate of 150mm/s, making it among the speediest printers out there. It’s also a highly durable device and a cinch to set up. It has a remarkable lifespan, and upkeep is a breeze with little need for cleaning. It also works with any direct-thermal label, saving you even more in the long run.

Barry has had a passion for all things tech-related ever since he was given a Commodore Plus/4 computer as a child. Having spent most of his adult life traveling, teaching, and writing—often combining all three—Barry considers himself a "digital nomad." His current passion is travel gadgets, and he has been writing buying guides for around a year.