Choice assistant
Choosing the right label printer can be quite difficult. There are many different printers, labels, printing techniques, and sizes. That is why we are here to help you step by step below.
We focus mainly on:
- How many labels you print per day
- What you use the printer for
- Which labels are suitable for that
- Whether you need direct thermal or thermal transfer
Still not sure after reading this? Feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to help you think it through.
Quick choice: which label printer suits you?
| Number of labels per day | Recommended printer | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 50 labels | Zebra ZD220D | Starting webshops, small shipping volumes, and office |
| 50 to 200 labels | Zebra ZD421D | Daily use, webshops, retail, and logistics |
| 200+ labels | Zebra ZT111 | Large volumes, warehouses, and intensive printing |
| Rougher use / dirtier environment | Zebra ZT231 | Warehouses, production, and environments where the printer faces tougher conditions |
Which print technique do you need?
Direct thermal: Choose direct thermal when you are mainly printing shipping labels. This is the most popular option for parcel labels. You do not need ink, toner, or a print ribbon. The printer prints directly onto the thermal label.
Suitable for:
- Shipping labels
- Parcel labels
- Temporary labels
- Webshop shipments
Thermal transfer: Choose thermal transfer when labels need to remain legible for longer. With thermal transfer, you print using a ribbon. This is useful for labels that need to last longer or withstand more wear and tear.
Suitable for:
- Product labels
- Shelf labels
- Warehouse labels
- Product identification
- Labels that need to remain legible for longer
Are you still unsure between these two print techniques? Read our blog Direct Thermal V.S. Thermal Transfer Printing. There, we clearly explain the difference and help you determine which technique best suits your labels, printer, and application.
I print 0 to 50 labels per day
Do you print about 0 to 50 labels per day? Then the Zebra ZD220D is a great fit for you.
This is Zebra's affordable entry-level model. The printer is compact, easy to use, and fits well on a desk or shipping table.
The ZD220D is suitable for:
- Shipping labels
- Parcel labels
- Product stickers
- Small webshops
- Office environments
The ZD220D fits standard shipping labels of 102 x 150 mm with 300 labels on 1 roll. With these shipping labels, you can ship packages via providers including PostNL, DHL, UPS, GLS, TNT, and DPD.
Our advice:
Are you primarily using the printer for shipping labels? Then choose direct thermal.
I print 50 to 200 labels per day
Do you print an average of 50 to 200 labels per day? Then the Zebra ZD421D is a better choice.
The ZD421D is the bigger brother of the ZD220D. This printer can handle more and is suitable for daily use.
This printer is a great fit for:
- Webshops
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Transport and logistics
- Light production
- Healthcare
The ZD421D is also a great choice for printing A6 shipping labels.
The ZD421D fits standard shipping labels of 102 x 150 mm with 300 labels on 1 roll. With these labels, you can ship via PostNL, DHL, UPS, GLS, TNT, and DPD.
Our advice:
Are you mainly printing shipping labels? Then choose direct thermal and 203 dpi.
I print more than 200 labels per day
Do you print more than 200 labels per day? Then we recommend the Zebra ZT111.
This is an industrial label printer from Zebra. This printer is made for larger volumes and more intensive use. A big advantage is that it can hold rolls with 1,000 labels. This means you have to change rolls less often and can keep working faster. The Zebra ZT111 fits labels including the 102x150 mm shipping labels.
Which version do you choose?
| Choice | When do you choose this? |
|---|---|
| Direct thermal | If you mainly print shipping labels |
| Thermal transfer | If labels need to remain legible for longer |
| 203 dpi | For standard shipping labels and barcodes |
| 300 dpi | For small text, sharp logos, or detailed images |
Do you work in an environment where the printer faces tougher conditions? For example, in a dusty, busy, or rough working environment? Then the Zebra ZT231 is also a great choice. Thanks to its sturdy metal housing, display, and control buttons, this printer can handle more impact.
Which printer for shipping packages?
Do you mainly use shipping labels for packages with PostNL, DHL, UPS, GLS, TNT, or DPD? Then you usually need standard shipping labels of 102 x 150mm.
This is the most widely used format for parcel labels.
| Number of packages per day | Recommended printer | Labels |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 50 packages | Zebra ZD220D | 102 x 150mm shipping labels |
| 50 to 200 packages | Zebra ZD421D | 102 x 150mm shipping labels |
| 100+ packages | Zebra ZT111 | rolls containing 1,000 labels |
I want to ship 0 to 50 packages per day
Do you ship 0 to 50 packages per day? Then the Zebra ZD220D is usually sufficient. This printer is compact, affordable, and easy to use. Choose the direct thermal variant if you mainly print shipping labels.
Use standard 102 x 150mm shipping labels with this.
I want to ship 50 to 200 packages per day
Do you ship 50 to 200 packages per day? Then we recommend the Zebra ZD421D.
This printer is faster and more robust than the ZD220D and is well-suited for daily use in a webshop, warehouse, or store.
Are you mainly using the printer for shipping labels? Then choose:
- Direct thermal
- 203 dpi
- 102 x 150mm shipping labels
I want to ship more than 100 packages per day
Do you ship more than 100 packages per day? Then the Zebra ZT111 is a great choice. This industrial label printer is suitable for larger quantities of labels per day. This printer fits larger rolls, such as rolls containing 1,000 labels.
We recommend larger rolls if you print a lot. You won't have to replace the roll as often and can keep working faster.
Still in doubt?
No problem. Choosing the right label printer and labels depends on what you print, how much you print, and where you use the printer. Are you in doubt between direct thermal or thermal transfer? Or are you unsure which labels fit your printer? You can always contact us.
We think along with you and help you choose what fits your situation.
We believe that a good partnership goes beyond just an order.
Do you have a question or are you unsure which version suits you best?
Call us or start a chat via the website.
We think along with you and also help you with the installation, so you can get started quickly.
Print. Stick. Done.
With a partner who thinks along with you.