Shipping Label Printer vs. Regular Printer – Which Is Better for Your Business?
Not All Printers Are Built Alike
You just sold a product online and need to ship it out. You fire up your trusty inkjet, slap a label sheet in, and… the label prints crooked, half the ink smears, and now you’re left peeling it off your desk with regret.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever wondered whether a shipping label printer is actually worth it—or if your regular printer can get the job done—this guide breaks it down.
What’s the Difference?
Let’s make this simple:
Shipping Label Printers:
Use heat (no ink or toner needed)
Built specifically for labels—rolls, stacks, peel-and-stick perfection
Fast, reliable, and compact
Lower long-term cost per label
Regular Printers:
Use ink or toner (and lots of it)
Not made for labels—often rely on sheets that jam or misalign
Slower, clunkier, and prone to smudging
Higher ongoing costs from ink and wasted sheets
When a Regular Printer Can Work
If you’re only shipping a few packages here and there and already own a printer, you can get by—just know it’s not ideal.
Good for:
Super low-volume users
Occasional shipping needs
Multipurpose printing (documents, photos, etc.)
Not-so-good for:
Speed or efficiency
Anyone who values label quality
Anyone who doesn’t enjoy label sheet gymnastics
Why Shipping Label Printers Make Life Easier
Thermal label printers were built for this. They’re plug-and-play machines designed to make your shipping life easier, not harder.
Perks include:
Print hundreds of labels without needing a refill
Crisp, clear prints every time
Compact enough to fit next to your laptop
Some models—like the Zebra ZD421 or TSC DA210—even support mobile printing, network connections, and barcode automation.
Which One’s Right for You?
Here’s the quick breakdown:
Choose a shipping label printer if you:
Ship more than 10 packages a week
Want something dedicated to labels
Value speed and clean output
Run an Etsy shop, e-commerce store, or fulfillment operation
Stick with a regular printer if you:
Only ship once in a while
Already have one and don’t mind the hassle
Prefer an all-in-one device for documents and labels
Final Verdict: Time to Upgrade?
Here’s the bottom line—if shipping is more than an occasional chore, a thermal shipping label printer will change your life. They're faster, cheaper in the long run, and built to handle the hustle.
Barcode Factory has a huge lineup of shipping label printers to fit your workflow—whether you’re a weekend side hustler or running a warehouse - we have what you need!
Questions about Printers? Ask us!
Have questions about printers and which is right for you? Fill out the quick form below or contact us here and one of our experts will help you!