For shipping labels, a direct thermal printer that handles 4x6 inch labels is the standard choice: no ink, fast output and cheap labels. Check that it supports your computer and shipping software, prints 203 dpi or better, accepts generic fanfold or roll labels, and connects by USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth as you need. Choose thermal transfer only for labels that must last for years or resist heat.
A thermal label printer is usually the first piece of equipment an online seller buys. The cost that matters over time is not the printer; it is the labels.
Direct thermal or thermal transfer
| Direct thermal | Thermal transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| How it prints | Heat darkens coated labels | Heat melts ribbon onto labels |
| Consumables | Labels only | Labels and ribbon |
| Label life | Months; fades with heat and sunlight | Years |
| Best for | Shipping labels | Product, asset and outdoor labels |
What to check
| Spec | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Max label width | 4 inches or more for 4x6 shipping labels |
| Resolution | 203 dpi for shipping; 300 dpi for small product labels |
| Speed | Inches per second; matters at high volume |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet |
| OS support | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, mobile |
| Shipping software | Check your platform’s supported printer list |
| Label compatibility | Generic labels, fanfold or roll, core size |
Fanfold or roll
Fanfold stacks sit behind the printer and do not need a spindle. Rolls need a holder that fits the core size. Fanfold is common for desktop shipping printers and makes high-volume runs easier.
Label cost per shipment
Divide the price of a box or roll by the number of labels. Generic direct thermal 4x6 labels are usually cheaper per label than proprietary ones, which adds up at hundreds of shipments a month. Work the label into your cost per shipment.
Pair it with a scale
Accurate weights avoid carrier adjustments. A digital shipping scale with a capacity above your heaviest package, reading in 0.1 oz increments for light parcels, is the usual companion.
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Common questions
What size label does a shipping printer use?
The carrier standard is 4 by 6 inches. Most shipping platforms print to that size by default.
Do thermal printers need ink?
Direct thermal printers use heat-sensitive labels and no ink or ribbon. Thermal transfer printers use a ribbon.
Can I use generic labels?
Many printers accept any compatible direct thermal labels. Some, such as DYMO's LabelWriter 550 series, only accept the maker's own labels.
Is 203 dpi good enough?
Yes, for shipping labels and barcodes. 300 dpi helps for very small text or tiny barcodes.