No ink at all, versus printing labels on the printer you already own.
Verdict
A direct thermal label printer uses no ink at all, prints a 4x6 shipping label in about a second, and never smudges. An inkjet prints labels on adhesive sheets using ink you pay for, more slowly, with a risk of smearing in the rain. Buy the thermal printer if you ship more than a few parcels a week; use the inkjet for occasional labels.
~$130
Check Thermal Shipping Label Printer 4x6 Price~$80
Check Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Price| Thermal Shipping Label Printer 4x6 | Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One | |
|---|---|---|
| Ink or toner needed | None | Yes |
| Cost per label | Cost of the label only | Label plus ink |
| Speed | About a second | Slower |
| Smudge and water resistance | Good | Ink can run |
| Other uses | Labels only | Everything |
| Label longevity | Fades with heat and light over time | Stable |
You ship regularly, whether that is a small business or a reselling habit. No ink means the running cost is just the label, and the speed difference matters a great deal when you have twenty parcels to get out.
Check Thermal Shipping Label Printer 4x6 on Amazon
You ship occasionally and already own a printer. Adhesive label sheets work perfectly well for a few parcels, and there is no sense buying a dedicated machine for that.
Check Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One on Amazon
Direct thermal uses heat-sensitive paper and no ribbon, which is what shipping labels use. Thermal transfer uses a ribbon and lasts far longer without fading. For parcels that will be delivered within days, direct thermal is right.
Yes, with heat, sunlight and time, which is why they suit shipping rather than permanent asset labelling. Do not leave a roll in a hot car or the whole thing can darken.
Most 4x6 thermal printers work with the major carriers and marketplaces, but check driver support for your operating system before buying, since that is the usual sticking point rather than the label format.
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these units side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Our DYMO LabelWriter 4XL review covers the thermal side in detail, including why direct thermal labels fade and where that rules them out.