Here at Computype, we offer more than just barcodes and labels, we also offer a variety of label printers to ensure that your in-house label printing processes are optimised and meet the demands of your application, budget, and throughput.

After the decision has been made to print labels on-demand, we are often asked “What are the best barcode label printers and how do I know which is right for me?” The answer to this question certainly depends on your specific work environment, and the needs of your organisation.

Here we list our top seven picks for the best barcode printers of 2021. This list includes a range of printers suitable for a broad array of applications so you can find a good fit, no matter your needs.

Different printers have different capabilities and printing technologies that could better suit your needs. There are four different types of print technologies available for the printing of barcode labels:

• Thermal Transfer
  Thermal transfer print technology uses heat to transfer the ribbon to the label material.
  
  
• Inkjet
  Inkjet uses liquid ink and is more prominently used for printing in colour.
  
  
• Laser
  Laser is similar to inkjet, but uses coloured powder and a laser to fuse ink onto the label material.
  
  
• RFID
  RFID print technology writes data to RFID chips embedded in smart labels. The printer is typically able to transmit the data to the chip and encode it.
  
  RFID Printers generally include a secondary print technology (such as thermal transfer) to provide human readable information and/or a back-up barcode.

Regardless of technology, below is out "best of" list (in no specific order) of barcode label printers that we believe to be top of the line for on-demand barcode label printing.

1. cab SQUIX 4

The cab SQUIX 4 barcode label printer combines innovation, ease of use, accuracy, reliability, quality and speed into one label printer. This is an industrial printer which uses thermal transfer print technology to provide crisp, black and white results.

A great feature on this printer is the interactive screen, similar to an iPhone, that provides video instructions for how to stock your printer, clean your print head, and print labels. Another benefit of the cab printer is the adapter which allows you to add a cutter or a peel and present option, both of which can offer time savings for your company.

2. Zebra ZT Series

The Zebra ZT Label Printers are great printers if your operations require labels to be printed day and night. The printers are designed to accommodate high-demand situations, promoting flexibility, integration, ease of use, and simple management.

With a compact design (for an industrial printer) you are able to obtain high resolution labels up to 152mm wide, at speeds of up to 152mm per second. The series accommodates printing of both linear and 2D barcodes. Illuminated media and ribbon paths enable easy internal inspection.

3. Epson C6000/C6500

Epson printers, unlike Zebra and cab, are inkjet printers rather than thermal transfer. This allows you to add detailed coloured elements to your labels. The Epson C6000 and C6500 specifically, is extremely fast and provides very clean, clear colour imagery.

This printer is a good match for any facility that needs to print colour labels on a regular basis. If the printer isn't operated frequently, maintenance uses up a lot of ink. Hundreds of label formats are able to be uploaded to the printer, and changeover is easy and infrequent as ink cartridges are large.

4. cab Hermes+

The cab Hermes+ is an industrial printer which can be upgraded to include a label applicator; The applicator offers precision placement, and increased efficiencies. This printer greatly increases productivity and efficiency in the plant as it is very fast and versatile.

5. cab Mach 4S

The cab Mach 4S offers the highest-class print quality and up to 203 mm per second in print speed. Additionally, this printer has RFID printing capabilities.

With this thermal transfer printer, you can achieve up to 24 dpm print resolution, versatility, and dependable performance.

6. Zebra ZD Series

As an upgrade to its fan favourite predecessor, Zebra ZD Series label printers bring the same high quality and efficient thermal transfer printing abilities as the GX series with a longer list of options.

Just like the GX, the ZD series features a compact clamshell design. Optional cutting, peeling and an adjustable media sensor are also available to better accommodate your processes.

However, unlike the GX there are multiple interface options, one including a colour screen for at a glance status recognition. Additionally, these printers offer improved speeds and an optional healthcare model capable of  withstanding harsh sanitisation processes.

7. Sato CL4NX

The Sato CL4NX is capable of printing RFID labels--making it a great fit for applications where extra security, increased data storage or improved automation compatibility are necessary (or at the very least, useful.)

Three different DPM options are available to ensure crisp imagery for various label sizes--from the very smallest cryo-vial labels to those used in postage or warehouse applications.

This printer is very durable, and offers great print quality. Additionally, the printer will confirm that it is able to write to the tag or barcode before printing; should there be an issue, it will display an error message on the screen.

We hope you now have the necessary knowledge to determine the right printer for you and your business. If you have any additional questions about the models listed here send us a message, or schedule a free consultation with one of our label pros to discuss your specific printing needs.