Best Thermal Printers of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Thermal printers are a type of printer that uses heat to transfer an image or text onto paper or other materials. They work by heating up a special type of paper or ribbon, which then melts the ink and transfers it onto the surface. Thermal printers are often used in retail settings for printing receipts or barcodes, as well as in medical facilities for printing labels and patient information. They are known for their speed and reliability, as well as their low maintenance requirements. Overall, thermal printers are a popular choice for businesses and organizations that require fast, high-quality printing capabilities.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Phomemo Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer, 241BT Cover#TOP 1
Phomemo Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer, 241BT
ftb score rating icon9.9
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer Cover#TOP 2
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer
ftb score rating icon9.8
JADENS Bluetooth Thermal Printer Cover#TOP 3
JADENS Bluetooth Thermal Printer
ftb score rating icon9.6

Top 10 Thermal Printers

Phomemo Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer, 241BT

241BT
Pink
Phomemo Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer, 241BT Cover
Phomemo Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer, 241BT 4X6 Wireless Shipping Label Printer for Small Business, Pink Label Printer for Shipping Package, Compatible with iPhone, Android, Amazon, Shopify, USPS
ftb score rating icon9.9
FTB Score

The Phomemo Bluetooth Label Printer is a versatile and convenient printing solution for modern women. With its unique pink color design, it caters to the needs and personalities of independent and self-reliant women. The printer supports wireless printing through Bluetooth connection, allowing you to easily print documents, photos, and more from your iPhone or Android device. It also offers the option to print via USB cable for PC and Mac systems. The printer is compatible with major sales and shipping platforms, making it easy to print labels for eBay, Amazon, and more. With its advanced thermal direct technology, the printer eliminates the need for expensive toner or ink, saving you both time and money. The Phomemo Bluetooth Label Printer is backed by a professional support team that provides lifetime and technical support, ensuring you have all the assistance you need.

What We Like
Pink Color Design
Wireless Printing
USB Cable Connection
Wide Compatibility
Money and Time Saver

Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer

Gloryang
PD-A4
Black
8.5X11 inch
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer Cover
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel, Wireless Thermal Printer Supports 8.5 x 11 Inch US Letter Size, Bluetooth Printer Includes Carry Case and 3 Rolls of Thermal Paper Kit, Black
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

The Gloryang Portable Printer is designed for those who need efficient printing on the go. Its inkless technology means you won’t have to worry about buying ink or toner, making it a cost-effective choice. Weighing only 1.75 lbs, this printer is ultra-portable, fitting easily into your bag for travel, work, or school. With seamless Bluetooth connectivity, you can print directly from your smartphone or laptop, ensuring you’re always ready to print when needed. Plus, its high-quality printing and long-lasting battery give you the freedom to print up to 360 sheets on a single charge, perfect for busy days.

What We Like
Inkless printing technology
Lightweight and portable
Bluetooth connectivity
Long-lasting battery life

JADENS Bluetooth Thermal Printer

A4black
Black
8.5×11
JADENS Bluetooth Thermal Printer Cover
JADENS Bluetooth Thermal Printer, Support 8.5" X 11" US Letter, Portable Printers Wireless for Travel, Inkless Printer Compatible with iOS, Android, Mobile Printer for Home, Office, School
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

The JADENS Portable Printer offers a cost-effective and ink-free solution for your printing needs. It allows you to print everything from documents to travel papers without the hassle of ink or toner. With its lightweight design, you can easily carry it wherever you go, making it perfect for business trips or emergencies. Setting up the printer is a breeze, as it connects to your smart devices via Bluetooth in just five minutes. Plus, enjoy high-quality prints with long-lasting battery life, ensuring you can print up to 360 sheets on a single charge.

What We Like
Ink-free printing
Portable and lightweight
Easy Bluetooth setup
Long battery life
#TOP 4

Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer

PL70E
black
PL70E
Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer Cover
Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer, Wireless 4x6 Shipping Label Printer for Shipping Packages, Support Android, iPhone and Windows, Widely Used for Amazon, Ebay, Shopify, Etsy, USPS
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

The Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer offers wireless printing via Bluetooth for both iOS and Android devices. It also has the option to print via USB for Windows, Mac OS, and Chrome OS. With advanced thermal direct technology, it can print up to 72 sheets of 4x6 labels per minute, making it an ideal choice for small businesses. It is compatible with various platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Shopify, USPS, and more. The package includes a U-disk with printer drivers, instruction videos, and problem shooting videos. Nelko also provides free lifetime technical support.

What We Like
Wireless printing
Support for multiple devices
High-quality prints
Easy setup
Compact and lightweight

MinZhi Portable Thermal Printer

MinZhi
White
MinZhi Portable Thermal Printer Cover
MinZhi Portable Thermal Printer,Wireless Printer Supports 8.5" X 11"US Letter&Legal,A4&A5 Paper,Bluetooth Inkless Travel Printer Compatible with Android iOS & Laptop for Office Travel Home
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

The MinZhi Portable Printer is an inkless thermal printer that offers high-quality black and white printing. Its portability allows you to print on the go, making it ideal for travel, office, school, and more. With enhanced compatibility, it supports various operating systems and paper sizes. The Bluetooth and USB printing settings provide convenient connectivity options for different devices. For only $0.12 per sheet, you can print cost-effectively without the need for ink cartridges or ribbons.

What We Like
Inkless Printing
High-Quality Prints
Portable
#TOP 6

MUNBYN Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer

ITPP130B
White
small
MUNBYN Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer Cover
MUNBYN Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer, 130B Wireless 4x6 Shipping Label Printer for Shipping Packages Small Business Office or Home, Compatible with iPhone Android iPad Windows macOS Chrome Etsy eBay
ftb score rating icon9.2
FTB Score

The MUNBYN Bluetooth Label Printer is the ideal partner for label printing. With its user-friendly design and advanced thermal printing technology, you can easily print labels without the need for ink or toner, saving you money on supplies. The printer supports Bluetooth connection for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to print labels anytime, anywhere. It also comes with a USB cable for easy connection to macOS and Windows computers. The printer is portable and lightweight, making it perfect for on-the-go use. Its high definition printing ensures clear and accurate barcodes, and its fast print speed saves you time. Compatible with major shipping and shopping platforms, this label printer is suitable for a wide range of label types, making it a versatile choice for home and office use.

What We Like
User-friendly design
No need for ink or toner
Bluetooth and USB connectivity

NelkoGlobal Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer

NelkoGlobal
Thermal Label Printer
Black
8.66 x 6.3 x 4.41
NelkoGlobal Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer Cover
Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer, Wireless 4x6 Label Printer for Shipping Packages & Small Business, Compatible with Android, IOS, Windows and Mac, Widely Used for Ebay, Amazon, Shopify, Etsy
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

The NelkoGlobal Label Printer makes printing shipping labels a breeze. With both Bluetooth and USB connectivity, you can easily print from your smartphone or computer without any hassle. Its lightweight design allows you to take it anywhere, fitting snugly in your backpack. You’ll appreciate the quick setup and the ability to print a 4x6 label in just one second, enhancing your productivity. Additionally, the printer uses advanced thermal technology, eliminating the need for messy ink or toner, which means no more spills or clogs to worry about.

What We Like
Dual connectivity options
Lightweight and portable
Fast label printing
Ink-free thermal technology
#TOP 8

Rollo Shipping Label Printer

X1038
Regular
Rollo Shipping Label Printer Cover
Rollo USB Shipping Label Printer - Commercial Grade Thermal Label Printer for Shipping Packages - High Speed Direct Thermal 4x6 Label Printer
ftb score rating icon8.8
FTB Score

The Rollo Shipping Label Printer is a commercial-grade direct thermal high-speed printer that is compatible with ShipStation, Etsy, Ebay, Amazon, and other platforms. It works with any Thermal Direct Label, including free UPS labels, saving you hundreds of dollars on label costs. The advanced thermal direct technology prints without requiring toner or ink, and the high-speed printing at 150mm/s (one shipping label per second) makes it ideal for printing warehouse labels, barcode and ID labels, bulk mailing labels, and more. The printer is easy to set up with short how-to videos and offers 5-star U.S. based customer service via Phone, Email, and Remote-Desktop.

What We Like
Compatible with various platforms
Works with any Thermal Direct Label
High-speed printing at 150mm/s
Easy to set up with short how-to videos
Offers 5-star U.S. based customer service
#TOP 9

LIIUU Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer

LIIUU
POS-9220
Leaden Grey
7.8x4.6x4.3 inch
LIIUU Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer Cover
LIIUU Thermal Shipping Label Printer Bluetooth, 4x6 Label Printer for Shipping Packages, Support iOS, iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows, Widely Used for Amazon, Ebay, Shopify, Etsy, USPS,UPS
ftb score rating icon8.7
FTB Score

The LIIUU Thermal Label Printer offers a seamless printing experience with Bluetooth connectivity for your smartphone, allowing you to print labels wirelessly from your iOS or Android devices. You can also connect it to your Windows or Mac computer via USB, making it versatile for any setup you prefer. With advanced thermal technology, this printer eliminates the need for ink or toner, saving you time and money. Its high-speed printing capability means you can print up to 72 labels per minute, ensuring you can handle your shipping needs efficiently.

What We Like
Wireless Bluetooth printing
USB connection for PCs
High-speed printing
Cost-effective thermal technology
Wide compatibility with labels

PEDOOLO Label Printer

BY-482BT
Label Printer
PEDOOLO Label Printer Cover
PEDOOLO Label Printer, Bluetooth Shipping Label Printer, 4x6 Thermal Printer for Shipping Packages, Compatible with Android. iPhone.Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Amazon, Ebay, UPS.USPS, FedEx, Shopify
ftb score rating icon8.5
FTB Score

The PEDOOLO Bluetooth Label Printer is a versatile and efficient thermal printer designed for shipping packages and small businesses. With wireless connectivity, it can be easily connected to iOS, Android, and Windows devices via Bluetooth, or to Mac and Chromebook via USB. It supports various shipping and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay, UPS, FedEx, and Shopify, making it a great assistant for online businesses. The printer is also compatible with any brand thermal labels, allowing you to customize and print product labels, barcode labels, address labels, and more. With high-resolution printing and a high printing speed of up to 150mm/s, it delivers clear and readable labels. The printer's small size and smart features, such as automatic calibration and intelligent paper return, make it efficient and easy to use. Additionally, PEDOOLO offers reliable technical support and a 10-year warranty for a hassle-free experience.

What We Like
Versatile and compatible with multiple devices
Automatic paper detection and easy calibration
Ability to create custom templates
Buying Guide Image

The Ultimate Thermal Printers Buying Guide

How to Choose the Right Thermal Printer for Your Needs

When it comes to finding the right thermal printer, there are a few things to consider. From the type of printing you need to the size and portability of the printer, it's important to make the right choice to ensure you get the best results. In this article, we'll explore the key factors to keep in mind when choosing a thermal printer.

Consider the Type of Printing You Need

First and foremost, you need to think about the type of printing you need. Are you printing barcodes, labels, receipts, or something else entirely? Different thermal printers are designed for different types of printing, so it's important to choose a printer that's optimized for your specific needs.

Look for Durability and Reliability

Durability and reliability are also key factors to consider. You want a printer that's built to last and can handle the demands of your business. Look for models with strong, sturdy construction and a track record of reliability. You don't want to invest in a printer that will break down or malfunction after just a few uses.

Think About Size and Portability

The size and portability of your thermal printer are also important considerations. Depending on your needs, you may need a printer that's compact and easy to carry with you on the go, or you may need a larger, more stationary model that's designed for heavy use in a fixed location. Think about your specific requirements and choose a printer that fits your needs.

Check for Compatibility and Connectivity

Compatibility and connectivity are also crucial factors to consider. Make sure the printer you choose is compatible with your existing systems and software, and check for connectivity options like USB, Ethernet, or wireless connectivity. This will ensure that your printer can integrate seamlessly with your existing setup and work efficiently with your other devices.

Look for User-Friendly Features

Finally, look for user-friendly features that will make your thermal printer easy to use and maintain. Features like easy-load paper trays, intuitive control panels, and simple maintenance and cleaning routines can help streamline your workflow and ensure that your printer stays in top working condition for years to come.

In conclusion, choosing the right thermal printer requires careful consideration of your specific needs and requirements. By considering the type of printing you need, durability and reliability, size and portability, compatibility and connectivity, and user-friendly features, you can find a printer that meets your needs and delivers high-quality results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the disadvantage of thermal printer?

Some disadvantages of thermal printers include slower print speeds, short-lasting thermal printheads, high cost of direct thermal films, limited label material selection, and susceptibility to extreme heat, which can cause labels to darken.

2. Can thermal printers print anything?

Thermal printers are commonly used for printing labels, shipping labels, receipts, barcodes, and other monochrome documents. They are specifically designed for these purposes, and our thermal printer buyer guide can help you choose the right printer for your specific needs.

3. Do thermal printers run out of ink?

No, thermal printers do not require ink or toner. They use heat to print on thermal paper. This means you never have to worry about running out of ink or toner supplies.

4. How long do thermal printer prints last?

The lifespan of thermal printer prints depends on the type of thermal printing technology used. Direct thermal printing can last around 7-25 years, while thermal transfer printing can last 2-35 years. The choice between these methods depends on your business's specific needs for receipt printing.

5. Do I need special paper for thermal printer?

Yes, thermal printers require thermal paper. This is because the printing process involves heating the thermal paper with chemicals to produce text or images. Normal paper does not have these chemicals and will not work with thermal printers.

Thermal printers are not as popular for long-term use because the label material used is heat sensitive and can fade over time. Direct thermal labels are also sensitive to abrasions, water, chemicals, and strong sunlight, which can affect their readability. For these reasons, thermal printing may not be the best choice for long-term printing needs.

Editor's Notes

During our thermal printer research, we found 24 thermal printer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 106,709 customer reviews through our big data system to write the thermal printers list. We found that most customers choose thermal printers with an average price of $114.69.

The thermal printers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of thermal printers, including Phomemo, Gloryang, JADENS, Nelko, MinZhi. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 539 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.