Looking for the best mobile barcode printers for your business? Check out our top picks that offer reliability, durability, and advanced features to meet your labeling needs on the go.
What is a mobile barcode printer?
Mobile barcode printers are a versatile tool for anyone who needs to print high-quality barcode labels at various locations or on the move.
It typically connects to a mobile computer or tablet via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and uses thermal printing technology to produce high-quality, durable labels.
These printers are often used in retail, warehousing, and logistics applications where labeling items and tracking inventory is important. With their compact design and wireless connectivity, mobile barcode label printers can be easily transported and used in a variety of settings.
What are mobile barcode printers used for?
Mobile barcode printers are used for a variety of applications where mobility and portability are required. Here are some common use cases:
Inventory Management: Mobile barcode printers are used to print barcode labels for products, assets, and inventory items. These labels can be scanned with a mobile barcode scanner to quickly track and manage inventory levels.
Retail and Warehouse Operations: Mobile barcode printers are used in retail and warehouse operations to print price tags, product labels, and shipping labels on demand.
Healthcare: Mobile barcode printers are used in healthcare settings to print wristbands, specimen labels, and medication labels. These labels are essential for tracking patient information, ensuring patient safety, and managing inventory.
Field Service: Mobile barcode printers are used by field service technicians to print labels for equipment, parts, and supplies. This helps technicians keep track of what they have on hand and ensures they have the right parts and tools for the job.
What are the main features of mobile barcode printers?
Here are some common features of mobile barcode printers:
- Print Speed: Print speed for mobile barcode printers refers to the rate at which the printer can produce printed labels or receipts containing barcodes. It is typically measured in inches per second (IPS) or millimeters per second (mm/s)
- Resolution: Resolution refers to the level of detail that a mobile barcode printer can print. It is typically measured in dots per inch (dpi) and represents the number of dots that the printer can print per inch of the label or receipt
- Battery Capacity: Battery capacity refers to the amount of electrical energy stored in the battery of a mobile barcode printer. It is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). The battery capacity determines how long the printer can operate on a single charge and how many labels or receipts it can print before needing to be recharged.
- Connectivity: Connectivity refers to the methods by which a mobile barcode printer can communicate with other devices or systems, such as mobile devices, computers, or network infrastructure. There are several types of connectivity options available for mobile barcode printers, including: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, Serial or Parallel Ports.
- Weight: Weight refers to the mass or heaviness of a mobile barcode printer, usually measured in pounds (lb) or grams (g). The weight of a mobile barcode printer is an important consideration when selecting a printer for a specific application, as it can affect the portability and ease of use of the device.
- Dimensions: Dimensions refer to the physical size of a mobile barcode printer, typically measured in inches or millimeters. The dimensions of a mobile barcode printer are an important consideration when selecting a printer for a specific application, as they can affect the portability and ease of use of the device.
- Drop Specification: Drop specification, also known as drop resistance, refers to the ability of a mobile barcode printer to withstand drops or impacts without sustaining damage.
- Protection Rating: Protection rating, also known as ingress protection (IP) rating, refers to the level of protection that a mobile barcode printer offers against dust and water intrusion. The IP rating is a standardized rating system that is used to describe the level of protection that a device provides against the ingress of solid objects and liquids.
Who are the top manufacturers of mobile barcode printers?
There are several manufacturers of mobile barcode printers in the market. Here are some of the top manufacturers we evaluated:
Zebra Technologies: A world leader in innovative digital solutions, hardware and software, Zebra enables businesses of all sizes to intelligently connect data, assets, and people.
Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions: Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions are designed for increased performance and enhanced protection. Solutions for customers around the globe.
SATO America: SATO’s line of thermal printers, labels, software, and RFID print/encode solutions have revolutionized the functionality of printing and encoding systems.
SSE Top Picks
In this analysis, mobile barcode printers with a maximum print width of 4 inches were evaluated. Maximum print width refers to the maximum width of the label or receipt that a mobile barcode printer can print. It is typically measured in inches or millimeters and is an important specification to consider when selecting a mobile barcode printer for a specific application. Each of the printers also come in 3-inch and 2-inch models.
The top 3 mobile barcode printers with a maximum print width of 4 inches are:
Zebra ZQ630 Series
Zebra’s ZQ630 series mobile printer allows you to print labels on-demand with ease using advanced technology, innovative design and a large color display.
Honeywell RP4f Series
Honeywell RP4f Series rugged mobile printer is designed for quiet operation. Increase efficiency and minimize downtime.
SATO PV4 Series
SATO’s PV4 4″ mobile label printer can change a business’s work environment by printing labels when and where you need them.
Printer Comparison
| Features/Printers | RP4f Series | ZQ630 Series | PV4 Series |
| Print Speed | 5 ips | 4.5 ips | 5 ips |
| Resolution | 203 dpi | 203 dpi | 203 dpi |
| Battery Capacity | 4900 mAh | 6800 mAh | 6700 mAh |
| Connectivity | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; Wi-Fi Security WPA/WAP2/WPA3; Bluetooth 5.0 + LE, USB 2.0 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; Wi Fi Security WPA/WAP2; Bluetooth 4.2 + LE, USB 2.0 | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n (Infrastructure, Ad-hoc, Soft AP USB 2.0 (Type C connector), Bluetooth® Ver. 5.0 LE |
| Weight | 2.24 lbs/1.02 kg | 2.45 lbs/1.1 kg | 2.4 lbs/1.09 kg |
| Dimensions | 7.35 in. L x 6.5 in. W x 3.25 in. H 186.7 mm L x 165.1 mm W x 82.5 mm H | H x W x D: 187 mm x 164 mm x 77 mm (7.36 in x 6.46 in x 3.0 in) | 7.3″ L x 6.2″ W x 3.2″ H (186mm x 158mm x 82mm) |
| Drop Specification | 6.6 ft./2.01 m | 6 ft./1.83 m | 6 ft./1.83 m |
| Protection Rating | IP54 | IP54 | IP54 |
Summary
Overall, the strengths of these three mobile barcode printers include their durability, fast printing speeds, high-resolution printing capabilities, and range of connectivity options. The Sato PV4 Series, Zebra ZQ630 Series, and Honeywell RP4f Series have similar features and specifications which make them all an excellent choice for printing barcode labels, tags, and receipts.
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