Thermal Print VS Inkjet Printer: Which Printer is Right for You?

Choosing the right printer can be overwhelming, especially when there is so much choice out there, especially when it comes to printing labels. However, making the right choice is what can make the biggest difference in cost, overall print quality and efficiency. Two common options for printing labels are thermal printers and inkjet printers. Both are very different, but how?

Throughout this blog post, we will break down what each printer is, how it works, and what it’s good for.

What is a thermal printer, and how does a thermal printer work?

So what exactly is a thermal printer? Well, a thermal printer is a type of printer that uses heat to produce images, which it does on specifically designed thermal paper. By doing so, it uses heat instead of ink to create text, barcodes, or images directly on the paper.

However, it is also important to understand the two different types of thermal printing:

1. Direct thermal printing: This uses heat-sensitive paper to print direct thermal labels

2. Thermal transfer printing: This uses a ribbon to transfer ink onto the label to print thermal transfer labels

Thermal printers are usually a lot more reliable and cost-effective due to no ink being involved and fewer moving parts, which also means that they require less maintenance.

What is a thermal printer used for

Thermal printers are mainly used in industries and businesses where there is a need for accuracy, durability and speed, such as:

• Shipping and courier labels
• Barcode labels
• Retail receipts
• Warehouse and logistics labelling

These types of printers are usually the go-to choice due to their consistent output and efficiency, especially for companies that require regular printing of shipping labels.

What is an inkjet printer, and how does an inkjet printer work?

An inkjet printer, unlike a thermal printer, uses droplets of liquid ink that it sprays onto paper to create images and text. Inkjet printers are mostly found in residential homes and offices as they can produce high-quality colour prints, and they are very accessible. 

These printers rely on ink cartridges, which are applied to the page through microscopic nozzles, which can make them a bit more expensive in the long run and prone to drying out or clogging, so they require regular maintenance.

What is an inkjet printer used for

Inkjet printers are mainly used for tasks that require high-quality colour printing, or common at-home printing usage, such as:

• Photos and images
• Marketing materials
• Documents and report
• General office printing

While inkjet printers can be used for labels, especially for home label printing, they are not specifically designed for high-volume or logistics-based label printing due to the ink costs and maintenance.

The difference between a thermal printer and an inkjet printer

What is the difference between a thermal printer and an inkjet printer, you may be wondering. Well, the main difference is how they print and what they are specifically designed for. For example, thermal printers use heat and require no ink, which makes them a lot more efficient and fast at printing, whereas the use of liquid ink on inkjet printers makes them very versatile and needed when printing colour.

In terms of maintenance, thermal printers tend to be a lot more reliable, which is why they’re better for high-volume label printing, whereas inkjet printers require ongoing ink replacement and cleaning.

Inkjet and thermal printer labels FAQs

1. Can you print shipping labels with inkjet printers?

Yes, you can definitely print your shipping labels with an inkjet printer; however, there may be some limitations to be aware of. Firstly, inkjet-printed labels are capable of smudging if exposed to moisture. They also rely on ink cartridges, which can make them expensive if you print frequently or in bulk; however, for occasional use, an inkjet printer is fine. 

2. Do you need a thermal printer for shipping labels?

No, you do not need a thermal printer to print shipping labels, but it is usually the better choice if you are a business or someone who sends parcels very regularly. Thermal printers are designed specifically for label printing as they produce clear, scannable barcodes, print quickly, and do not require the need for expensive ink or toner. Due to this, they are the perfect printer for eCommerce businesses, warehouses, or anyone handling high volumes of orders.

3. Are thermal printers better for labels?

It depends, but in most cases, yes. This is because thermal printers are considered better for bulk labels as they are:

• More effective and speedy at printing large volumes
• More cost-effective over time, due to no ink required
• Less prone to smudging or fading
• More reliable for barcode scanning
• Less maintenance required

Therefore, they are a go-to solution for shipping, logistics, and retail environments, such as Amazon shipping labels.

Thermal printer vs inkjet printer: which should you pick for labels?

When you’re picking your printer for label printing, you need to ask yourself: What is my main goal? If your main goal is to print labels, especially shipping labels, in high quantities and often, then a thermal printer is usually the best option. It offers durability, speed and lower long-term costs, perfect for regular users and businesses.

If you’re looking for something more multi-purpose, or you want colour images, and you don’t need to print labels that often, an inkjet printer would be suitable. It is not designed specifically for label printing, but it can be a great all-arounder.

Conclusion

To summarise, if you are looking to regularly print labels, especially as part of a business, then investing in a thermal printer is really worth it. It simplifies the process, reduces long-term costs, and ensures your labels are high-quality and consistent with little maintenance.

For casual labelling, or people focusing on vibrant images, inkjet printers are fine, but for growing businesses and eCommerce sellers, switching to a thermal printer can save time, improve efficiency, and help avoid common issues like misprinted barcodes, ink jams or smudging.

If you require labels for your inkjet or thermal printer, take a look through our website today!