The Top Five In-Demand Desktop Label Printers of 2022

Desktop label printers offer a compact and cost-effective solution to short-run labelling requirements. Furthermore, they provide excellent flexibility and can be used to create a variety of labels including shelf edge, asset, specimen, inventory and prescription labels, as well as those required for shipping and receiving.

In addition to ensuring short-run label and barcode printing is straightforward and fast, desktop printers are ideal for use in a range of industries including retail, healthcare, transportation, warehouse management, manufacturing and hospitality. At AM Labels Limited, our comprehensive portfolio consists of a variety of direct thermal and thermal transfer models that are intuitive, robust and simple to operate, including printers from leading manufacturers such as Zebra, Toshiba, Honeywell, TSC and SATO.

We have compiled a guide on our five top rated, most popular and in-demand desktop label printers of 2022. In addition to offering a range of features and benefits, as well as varying speeds, print resolutions and media specifications, the models listed below can all help to enhance workflow efficiency for businesses of different shapes and sizes.

The Zebra ZD421D desktop label printer

The Zebra ZD421D is a robust direct thermal desktop printer that combines print speeds of up to six inches per second (152 mm) with a resolution of either 203 dpi or 300 dpi. The printer is simple to setup, operate and maintain, both onsite and remotely. Furthermore, the 203 dpi model features a maximum print width of 104 mm, while the 300 dpi model benefits from a print width of up to 108 mm. The ZD421D is flexible and is ideal for short-life labelling requirements such as fresh food, shipping, courier and dispatch labels.

This model features an intuitive user interface and is backwards compatible with a range of other printers, meaning it can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows. Furthermore, it can print from any Windows^®, Android^™ or iOS device, offering increased levels of flexibility for users. The ZD421D comes with USB and USB Host connectivity as standard, with options for Ethernet, Serial, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

For applications requiring printing anywhere, such as in factories or warehouses, the ZD421D features an optional, built-in, large capacity battery that can provide enough power to support a full shift of printing at maximum speed. The printer also features five LED icons that will notify users when the media needs replacing and can alert to any issues with the printer too. When increased durability is required, top coated direct thermal labels can be used, offering much improved scuff and UV resistance.

Click here for more information on the Zebra ZD421D desktop label printer.

The Zebra ZD421T desktop label printer

The Zebra ZD421T benefits from all the same great features as the ZD421D, however this model offers a thermal transfer print method. Ideal for businesses that require long lasting labels with increased levels of quality, the ZD421T can deliver crisp labels with high-definition text, for maximum readability and ease of scanning.

This model is available with print resolutions of either 203 dpi or 300 dpi, and also offers dual-ribbon handling, enabling the printer to accommodate ribbon lengths of either 74 m (with a 0.5-inch core) or 300 m (with a 1-inch core). If using a high capacity 300 m ribbon, users can significantly reduce the frequency that changeovers are required. In addition, the ZD421T comes with USB and USB Host connectivity as standard, with options for Ethernet, Serial and dual wireless radio with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The ZD421T can also print onto paper, plastic and tags, offering high levels of versatility and durability and, similarly to the ZD421D model, the printer offers speeds of up to six inches per second. Furthermore, the 203 dpi model features a maximum print width of 104 mm, while the 300 dpi model offers a print width of up to 108 mm.

Click here for more information on the Zebra ZD421T desktop label printer.

The TSC TE Series

The TSC TE Series, which comprises of the TE200, TE300, TE210 and TE310 printers, can produce thousands of clear, crisp barcodes and identification labels per day. The printers offer a high performance at a competitive price point, while benefitting from a durable design to withstand manufacturing and warehousing environments. The TE200 and TE210 models benefit from a 203 dpi resolution and print speeds of up to six inches per second, while the TE210 and TE310 models offer a 300 dpi resolution and print speeds of up to five inches per second. For increased flexibility, all models within the series offer both direct thermal and thermal transfer print methods, however a ribbon is also required when printing onto thermal transfer labels.

The TSC TE Series provides a range of connectivity options; the TE200 and TE300 models offer USB and Bluetooth, while the TE210 and TE310 printers feature USB, USB Host, Ethernet, Serial, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The TSC TE Series is ideal for use in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, healthcare and retail industries, as well as for small office requirements. Furthermore, all four models within the series can accommodate thermal transfer ribbons of between 72 to 110 m in length (with a 0.5-inch core), as well as a high capacity 300 m ribbon (with a 1-inch core). Furthermore, with a maximum print width of up to 108 mm (TE200 and TE210 models), the series also offers a compact footprint, along with straightforward handling and maintenance.

For more information on the TSC TE Series, please view the TE200, TE300, TE210 and TE310 models.

The Sato FX3-LX stand-alone desktop label printer

The SATO FX3-LX is a direct thermal desktop label printer that benefits from an easy-to-use, seven-inch colour touchscreen, providing the same feel as a tablet or smartphone and therefore making it easy for users to navigate. This model combines a three-inch print width with a 305 dpi resolution, while also being highly flexible and customisable. The FX3-LX offers Application Enabled Printing (AEP), meaning it can either be connected to a PC and used as a stand-alone printer or, if additional data input is required, users can connect devices including barcode scanners, weighing scales or keyboards. This model comes with USB and LAN as standard, and an optional WLAN/Bluetooth kit is also available.

The FX3-LX can adapt easily to a range of sectors and environments including healthcare, manufacturing and logistics, however this model is ideal for use in food, retail and hospitality industries. The printer features an easy-to-clean, anti-bacterial case and can be operated by users that are wearing gloves. The FX3-LX offers print speeds of up to six inches per second (152 mm) and is compatible with SATO Online Services, a cloud-based maintenance solution offering businesses additional support to improve their operations and reduce downtime.

Click here for more information on the Sato FX3-LX stand-alone desktop label printer.

The Honeywell PC43D and PC43T desktop label printers

The Honeywell PC Series includes the PC43D and PC43T models, offering a user-friendly yet flexible solution to a range of label printing requirements. The PC43D is a direct thermal printer and the PC43T is a thermal transfer model, both of which are available with print resolutions of either 203 dpi or 300 dpi. The printers feature a clamshell design for increased durability and, in addition to offering a print width of up to either 104 mm (203 dpi model) or 106 mm (300 dpi model), all printers included in the series are easy to install, set up and use.

The PC43D and PC43T printers benefit from speeds of up to eight inches per second (203 dpi model) and are ideal for a range of industries including healthcare, retail, logistics and hospitality, in addition to manufacturing, warehousing and office environments. For businesses with short-life labelling requirements including fresh food, shipping, courier and dispatch labels, the PC43D direct thermal model is ideal. Alternatively, for companies looking to create longer lasting labels with increased levels of quality, the PC43T utilises a thermal transfer print method and can create durable, high-definition barcodes, text and simple logos. The range is available with either a ten language, colour LCD or an intuitive icon graphical user interface. Furthermore, with USB as standard, the PC43D and PC43T printers also offer options for Serial, Parallel, secure Ethernet, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.  

Click here for more information on the Honeywell PC43D direct thermal printer, or click here to view the Honeywell PC43T thermal transfer printer.  

About AM Labels Limited

At AM Labels, we have extensive knowledge and expertise across all aspects of labelling, barcoding and RFID, and we offer one-to-one demonstrations across our range of desktop printers at our Northamptonshire based office. Furthermore, we have our own in-house label production facility and, as a result, can produce and supply a comprehensive range of label materials to support a wide variety of industries and applications.

For more information on our range of desktop label printers or to book a demonstration, please call the sales team on 01536 414 222 or email: [email protected]