2024 Best 5 Portable QR Code Printers for Small Business

QR codes have become a indispensable tool in every industry, making information sharing and customer engagement enhancing, product tracking, and operation streamlining easier and faster. In this article, we will introduce two types of QR code printers including the thermal label printers as well handheld inkjet printers, share 5 top-rated devices and then show you how to choose the right one for your business.

 

The Most Popular Types of QR Code Printers: Direct Thermal and Thermal Inkjet

Direct Thermal Label Printers

When it comes to printing QR codes, direct thermal label printers are a popular choice. These printers use heat-sensitive paper to produce images directly on the label without the need for ink, toner, or ribbon. They work by applying heat to specific areas of the paper, which darkens to create the desired QR code. This type of machines offers several advantages that make them an excellent choice for small businesses:

1. Fast Printing: Offer fast printings speeds, making them suitable for applications that require high-volume QR code labeling.
2. Cost-Effective: Lower unit costs compared to other printers. No ink, toner, or ribbon required, reducing ongoing expenses for printing QR codes.
3. Compact and Portable: Generally smaller and lighter, making them easy to transport and use in various business locations.
4. Maintenance-Free: Fewer moving parts and no ink cartridges to replace, leading to lower maintenance requirements and consistent QR code printing.

 

Best Direct Thermal QR Code Printers Top 3

For avoiding effort researching and comparing, these three thermal label QR printers are market-verified and represent the good quality of speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, making it easier for you to make informed decisions.

 

1. MUNBYN Thermal Shipping Label Printer ITPP941

The MUNBYN ITPP941 model exemplifies this with its thermal printing technology, eliminating the need for ink or toner. This printer is ideal for businesses looking for speed and sustainability in their printing tasks.

1. Brief Overview: Combines environmental consciousness with advanced printing technology.
2. Printing Speed: 150mm/s (72 labels per minute)
3. Label Dimension: 100mm x 150mm (4 in x 6 in).
4. Connectivity: USB
5. System Compatibility: Windows, Mac and Chrome OS. No Bluetooth & Wi-Fi, NOT for Android/IOS. Suitable for all major shipping and sales platforms like Shopify, Etsy, eBay, Amazon, Poshmark, Royal Mail, FedEx, ShipStation, ShippingEasy, etc.
6. Resolution: 300 dpi.
7. Color Options: Pink, white, green
8. Price Range: Starts at $172.99 on Amazon.

 

2. DYMO LabelWriter 450 Direct Thermal Label Printer

The Dymo LabelWriter 450 is a highly efficient and professional solution for various labeling needs. It's designed to streamline the processes of labeling, filing, and mailing in an office environment. The elimination of ink and toner costs, combined with its fast printing capabilities, makes it a cost-effective and time-saving tool for any small business.

1. Brief Overview: This printer is tailored for modern office settings, enhancing efficiency in professional tasks.
2. Direct Integration: It seamlessly connects to a PC or Mac and allows for direct printing from applications like Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Google Contacts.
3. Versatile Printing: Ideal for printing a wide range of labels including address labels, file folder labels, and name badges.
4. Printing Speed: Maximum 51 labels per minute.
5. Label Dimensions: Ranging from 1 1/8 in X 3 1/2 in to 4 in x 6 in.
6. System Compatibility: Windows and Mac.
7. Color Options: Black.
8. Price: Starts at $189.95 on Amazon.

 

3. Brother QL-1110NWB Label Printer

The Brother QL-1110NWB is a professional label printer designed for a range of office needs, including labeling, filing, and mailing. Key features include:

1. Versatility: Prints directly from Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Google Contacts.
2. Printing Technology: Direct thermal printing, eliminating the need for ink or toner.
3. High-Speed Printing: Capable of creating up to 51 labels per minute.
4. Label Customization: Allows for easy creation of address, file folder, and barcode labels.
5. System Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and Mac® compatible.
6. Resolution: 300 dpi
7. Price: $309.99

 

Thermal Inkjet Printers

Thermal inkjet printers, also known as TIJ printers, are designed to print directly on various surfaces. These printers use small, precisely controlled nozzles to spray ink onto the surface, creating clear and detailed images. They are considered the best solution for QR code printing due to their versatility and ease of use with the following advantages:

1. High Print Quality: Produces sharp and detailed QR codes from 300 to 600 DPI in general, ensuring easy scanning and readability.
2. Versatility: Capable of printing on various surfaces, including paper, wood, cardboard, fabric, plastic, metal and many more.
3. Portability: Handheld gun-shaped TIJ printer design allows for easy transport and use in different locations, perfect for using in environment like warehouse, workshop, factory plant, etc.
4. Speed: Quick printing capabilities enable fast, on-demand QR code production.
5. User-Friendly: Easy to set up and operate, with minimal training and maintenance required, making them user-friendly for all skill levels.

 

Best Thermal Inkjet QR Code Printers

Bentsai BT-HH6105B2 Portable QR Barcode Handheld Inkjet Printer

The BENTSAI B2 is a compact, versatile thermal inkjet printer gun. It prints high-resolution QR codes and barcode up to 1/2 inches tall on various surfaces directly, making it ideal for batch coding in small characters.

1. Key Features: Capable of printing text, QR codes, barcodes, dates and pictures on porous and non-porous surfaces directly.
2. Portability: 450g lightweight with ergonomic gun-shaped grip.
3. QR Code Size: 2.5mm to 12.7mm (up to 1/2 inch)
4. Resolutions: 300 DPI or 600 DPI optional
5. Various Ink Options: Water-based ink (5 options): Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Green; Fast dry ink (7 options): Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Green, White, Invisible
6. Wide Applications: Print small-sized 2D codes, GS1 codes and barcodes directly on food packaging, water bottles, medical packs, etc.
7. Price: $530

 

Bentsai B85 Large Format Handheld Inkjet Printer

1. The BENTSAI B85 excels in printing large QR codes, barcodes along with other important information in exceptional clarity and reliable performance. Perfect for industrial and on-site large format QR code marking, sign labeling, etc.
2. Key Features: Thermal inkjet technology, superior print quality, large QR code printing, low maintenance.
3. Portability: Industry-leading wide format inkjet printer on the go, can be operated either wireless or wired up.
4. QR Code Size: 2.5mm to 92mm adjustable.
5. Resolution: 300 DPI
6. Various Ink Options: Water-soluble ink (4 options): Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow; Fast dry ink (6 options): Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Green, White
7. Wide Applications: Ideal for large format advertising, logistics, warehousing, and industrial labeling.
8. Price: $2,199

 

How to Choose the Right QR Code Printer for Your Business

Now that we've gained more insights into the advantages of QR code printers, we know that the printers with direct thermal technology are known for their fast printing speeds, cost-effectiveness due to the lack of ink or toner, compact size, and low maintenance needs. However, they require special heat-sensitive paper.

On the other hand, TIJ printers offer superior print quality with resolutions between 300 to 600 DPI, versatility in printing on various surfaces (paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, etc.), and ease of use with portable, user-friendly designs. TIJ printers, despite the higher ongoing costs for ink, provide exceptional flexibility and detail, making them a favorable choice for businesses needing high-quality, versatile QR code printing solutions.

Apart from the printer types, these are some of the key factors that you should pay attention to when selecting a QR code printer.

1. QR Code Size: Ensure your printer can handle the size requirements of your QR codes. Look for models that excel in printing both large and small codes with high precision.
2. Print Quality: Opt for a printer that offers excellent resolution and clarity. High-quality print output is crucial for maintaining the readability of intricate QR codes and ensuring they scan reliably.
3. Material Compatibility: Choose a printer that supports a wide range of materials. Versatility in printing surfaces like paper, plastic, and metal can enhance the flexibility of your labeling applications.
4. Color Options: If your QR codes need to stand out with vibrant colors, consider printers that offer robust color printing capabilities to enhance visual appeal and functionality.
5. Connectivity: Consider the connectivity options needed (USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).
6. Print Speed: Look for a high print speed if you need to print a large volume of QR codes quickly.
7. Budget: Align your choice with your financial resources, considering long-term expenses like maintenance and consumables.

 

Conclusion

Choosing a right QR code printer is important for small businesses aiming to optimize their operations. In this guide, we highlight the difference between thermal label QR code printers and the thermal inkjet QR code printers by comparing their pros and cons. To help you decide more easily, we also pick out 5 best portable QR code printers for small business suited for different needs. From the cost-effective and speedy direct thermal printers to the high-resolution and versatile handheld inkjet printers, each model brings unique benefits. Considering factors like QR code size, print quality, material compatibility, and budget will help you choose the best printer for your business needs.