Best Thermal Printers (April 2024) - Rated by CherryPicks' Experts

Your Ultimate Guide to Buy the Best Thermal Printers!

Thermal printers, also known as inkless printers, utilize heat to create images on special thermal paper. They stand out for their ink-free operation, making them cost-effective and low maintenance. These printers are recognized for their rapid printing speed, which is particularly useful in settings such as retail for receipt printing or logistics for shipping labels. The print quality is high, especially for applications like barcode and ticket printing where clarity is essential. 

Thermal printers are generally compact and durable, fitting well in various environments, including industrial settings. While they excel in producing clear, monochromatic prints, they are less suitable for color-intensive tasks. Their eco-friendliness, owing to the absence of ink cartridges, adds to their appeal in a range of applications.

How Do Thermal Printers Work?

Thermal printers operate on the principle of using heat to create images or text on paper. There are two main types of thermal printing: direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing.

Direct Thermal Printing

In direct thermal printing, the process involves a printhead applying heat and pressure directly onto heat-sensitive thermal paper. The thermal paper has a special coating that reacts to the heat from the printhead, turning black in the areas where it is heated to produce the desired image or text. This method does not require ink, toner, or a ribbon, making it a more straightforward and often more reliable option for printing. However, the prints are susceptible to fading over time when exposed to light, heat, or abrasions.

Thermal Transfer Printing

Thermal transfer printing, on the other hand, uses a printhead to press a wax-coated ink ribbon onto the printing material. The heat from the printhead melts the wax, transferring the ink onto the material where it dries. This method allows for printing in multiple colors (if the printer has multiple ribbons) and produces more durable prints that can withstand exposure to sunlight, moisture, and harsh conditions. However, it involves higher long-term maintenance costs due to the need for ribbon replacement and has more moving parts, which could potentially lead to operational issues.

Components of a Thermal Printer

A typical thermal printer consists of several key components:

• Thermal Head: Generates heat to create an image on the paper.
• Platen: A rubber roller that feeds the paper through the printer.
• Spring: Applies pressure to ensure the paper is in contact with the printhead for heat transfer.

Print Media

For direct thermal printing, the media itself is heat-sensitive and chemically treated. For thermal transfer printing, a heat-sensitive ribbon is used in conjunction with various materials like paper, plastic, or other substrates.

Resolution and Detail

Thermal print heads can have a resolution of up to 1,200 dots per inch (dpi), with heating elements arranged as a line of small, closely spaced dots to create detailed images.

Thermal Printers Facts and Trends

Thermal printers, particularly the small, portable, inkless variants, have seen a surge in popularity recently, largely driven by student interest. These compact gadgets are becoming a go-to for students for printing digital notes, with searches for "mini inkless printer" skyrocketing by 3500% in the past five years. One such popular model is making significant sales, approximately $236K per month, on Amazon.

Inkless printers are riding the wave of the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt meta trend. This trend reflects the influential power of TikTok, where 55% of its users report purchasing items they discovered on the platform. 

Factors to Choosing the Best Thermal Printers

When choosing a thermal printer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best device for your needs. 

Print Type

There are two main types of thermal printers: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Direct thermal printers use heat-sensitive material that darkens when heated, making them ideal for short-term applications like shipping labels and receipts. Thermal transfer printers, on the other hand, use a thermal ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting prints, making them suitable for long-term applications like product labels and asset tags.

Required Label Size

Consider the size of the labels you're trying to print. Ensure the printer you choose can accommodate the maximum width of your labels.

Print Volume and Speed

The first factor to consider is the print volume and speed. This is crucial as it determines the printer’s capacity to handle the volume of printing. Desktop-range thermal printers can produce around 500 labels per day, while mid-industrial and industrial-range thermal printers can produce approximately 3000 & 7000 labels.

Print Resolution and Quality

Print resolution is another important factor. The higher the print resolution, the clearer and sharper your labels will be. Print resolution is measured in DPI (dots per inch). Most thermal printers have print resolutions within the 200 – 600 DPI range. However, a high print resolution isn't always necessary and largely depends on your specific needs.

Connectivity

Modern thermal printers offer various connectivity options, including wired options such as USB, Ethernet, and Serial ports, and wireless options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. The choice between wired and wireless connectivity depends on your specific needs and the setup of your workspace.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another crucial factor. You need to ensure that the thermal printer you choose is compatible with the systems you use, such as your computer's operating system or your POS system.

Portability

If you need to move your printer around frequently, consider a portable model. Portable thermal printers are convenient for document printing and home organization.

Cost

The cost of the printer is also a significant factor. While thermal printers can be more expensive upfront than inkjet or laser printers, they can be cheaper in the long run because they don't require ink or toner.

Environmental Considerations

Thermal printers are an environmentally friendly choice as they reduce printing-related waste. Some thermal printers also incorporate energy-saving features.

Round Up of the Best Thermal Printers (Verified to Buy)

• 1. MUNBYN Pink Shipping Label Printer, P941 [Upgraded 2.0] USB Label...
• 2. MUNBYN Shipping Label Printer P941, 4x6 Label Printer for Shipping...
• 3. Pink Label Printer, Thermal Label Printer for Shipping Packages &...
• 4. JADENS Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer – Wireless 4x6 Shipping...
• 5. Jiose Thermal Label Printer - 4x6 Label Printer for Small...
• 6. Tordorday Shipping Label Printer 4x6 Thermal Label Printer for Shipping...
• 7. Logia Thermal 300 DPI Label Printer | High-Speed 4x6 &...
• 8. LabelRange LP320 High Speed 4x6 Shipping Label Printer, Windows, Mac,...
• 9. Rongta POS Printer, 80mm USB Thermal Receipt Printer, Restaurant Kitchen...
• 10. POLONO Label Printer - 150mm/s 4x6 Thermal Label Printer, Commercial...

Top 10 Thermal Printers Brands on Amazon

Here is the list of top-rated brands that were evaluated by CherryPicks.

• MUNBYN
• Phomemo
• JADENS
• Jiose
• Tordorday
• Logia
• LabelRange
• Rongta
• POLONO
• ST-CARE

Related Thermal Printers Guides

For more personalized Thermal Printers guides, Check those pages,

Thermal Printers FAQs

Is thermal printer worth it?

For small retail businesses and startups, opting for thermal printers presents an economical solution. Their affordability in terms of initial setup and minimal maintenance requirements makes them a sensible choice. However, larger enterprises or those with needs for high-resolution printing, or sophisticated connectivity might find more advanced printing solutions more fitting.

Thermal printers excel as an investment for businesses prioritizing speedy, monochromatic printing while looking to reduce ongoing ink expenses. Yet, for scenarios demanding color output, enduring print quality, or enhanced features, exploring alternatives beyond thermal printers would be advisable.

What are the cons of thermal printers?

Thermal printers, while offering several advantages such as cost-effectiveness, low maintenance, and high-quality printing, do have some disadvantages that potential users should be aware of:

• Limited Lifespan of Prints: One of the main drawbacks of thermal printers, especially those using direct thermal printing, is that the prints can fade over time, particularly when exposed to light, heat, or physical touch. This makes them unsuitable for long-term labeling or applications that require durability.
• High Consumable Costs: While thermal printers do not require ink or toner, the specialty materials used in the thermal printing process, such as thermal paper or thermal ribbons, can be more expensive than regular paper or ink.
• Restricted Functionality: Thermal printers are limited in their functionality. They are primarily designed for printing labels, receipts, and similar items, and can only be used with thermochromic paper. They are also unable to print in multiple colors.
• Printhead Wear and Maintenance: The printhead in a thermal printer can wear out over time, especially in direct thermal printing, due to the high heat involved in the printing process. This can lead to additional costs for printhead replacement and maintenance.
• Susceptibility to Heat: Labels printed by thermal printers are susceptible to darkening when exposed to extreme heat, which can affect the readability of the labels.
• Not Suitable for High-Volume Printing: Thermal printers are best suited for low to medium-volume printing. They may not be practical for high-volume printing due to the cost and limitations of thermal paper.

What is the difference between thermal printers and inkless printers?

The terms "thermal printer" and "inkless printer" are often used interchangeably because thermal printers are a type of inkless printer. 

Thermal printers use heat to produce an image on paper. Inkless Printers, this broader category includes thermal printers and others that don’t use traditional ink, like ZINK (Zero Ink) technology. ZINK involves paper embedded with color crystals that change color when heated.

In essence, while all thermal printers are inkless, not all inkless printers use thermal technology. Thermal printers specifically rely on heat for image creation, either directly on special paper or through a ribbon, whereas inkless printers encompass any technology that operates without ink cartridges or toners.

How long do thermal prints last?

The durability of thermal prints can last 7 to 35 years, influenced by the printing technique and environmental conditions. Direct thermal prints, susceptible to fading, have a shorter lifespan compared to the more robust thermal transfer prints. The longevity of thermal prints largely depends on the quality of the paper and exposure to elements like heat and moisture. Opting for high-quality, moisture-resistant media can significantly enhance the lifespan of thermal prints.

Can thermal printers print color?

Color printing with thermal printers is possible but limited. Traditional direct thermal printers typically produce only black monochrome prints, using heat-sensitive paper. Thermal transfer printers, however, can print in different colors like black, blue, red, and green, but generally only one color at a time, depending on the ribbon used.

Multi-color thermal printers exist but are rarer and more expensive, using multiple ribbons for different colors. Despite this capability, the color range and vibrancy of thermal printers are often less compared to inkjet or laser printers, making them less ideal for high-quality, colorful prints.

Top 10 Thermal Printers Sellers: CPR Seller Rank List

CPR sellers rank is based on CherryPicks-AI bestselling ranking system that helps us analyze each seller's sales trends. The List of top seller ranks is our in-house data, essential for our product ranking to help you make the right shopping choice.