Choosing the right shipping label printer for your ecommerce business

When you’re running an online store, efficiency is everything.

One small upgrade that can dramatically improve your workflow is choosing the right shipping label printer. Whether you’re shipping locally across Australia or sending orders overseas, a reliable label printer helps you save time, reduce errors, and present a more professional image.

At ReadyToShip, we recommend thermal or laser printers for shipping labels and any documents with barcodes, since they deliver sharp, reliable prints that scan easily. Inkjet printers still have their place for printing invoices, picklists, or branded inserts, but we find they are not suitable for label printing.

In this guide, we’ll explain the main types of printers, what to look for, and which brands e-commerce sellers trust most. Table of contents

1. Thermal vs laser vs inkjet printers: what’s the difference?

1.1 Thermal printers

1.2 Inkjet printers 

1.3 Laser printers

2. What to look for in a shipping label printer

3. Business considerations before you buy

Thermal vs laser vs inkjet printers: what’s the difference?

When printing invoices, picklists and shipping labels, most businesses choose between thermal, inkjet, and laser printers. Each type has its strengths and trade-offs depending on your shipping volume, budget, and workspace.

1.1 Thermal printers

Thermal printers use heat to print directly onto special label paper, so there’s no need for ink or toner. This makes them ideal for busy fulfilment environments where speed and simplicity matter.

Advantages:

• No ink or toner needed (lower running costs)

• Fast, reliable printing for high-volume shipping

• Smudge-proof and clear labels

• Compact, quiet, and low-maintenance

Drawbacks:

• Labels can fade over time if exposed to heat or sunlight

• Require thermal label rolls or fanfold labels

  
  

Best for: E-commerce businesses that ship frequently and need a dedicated A6 printer for parcel labels.

Popular A6 thermal printer brands:

• Zebra ZD220 / ZD421 – Known for durability and enterprise-level performance.

• Rollo X1040 – USB and wireless models designed specifically for e-commerce platforms.

• Brother QL-1100NWB – Compact design with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

1.2. Laser printers

Laser printers use toner powder and heat to fuse text or images onto paper. They’re known for sharp, durable prints and can handle heavy workloads efficiently. Laser printers are a practical choice for businesses that print both shipping labels and business documents.

Advantages:

• Crisp, waterproof, and smudge-resistant prints

• Fast print speeds, ideal for busy offices

• Lower cost per page compared to inkjet printers

• Excellent for large batches of labels or documents

Drawbacks:

• Higher upfront cost than inkjet models

• Larger and heavier units

• Requires compatible label sheets (not rolls)

Best for: Businesses that print both shipping labels and other documents in high volume and want professional-quality results.

Recommended models:

• Brother HL-L2350DW – Compact monochrome laser printer suitable for A4 label sheets, invoices, and dispatch notes.

• HP LaserJet Pro M404dw – Fast, high-resolution printer with Wi-Fi and duplex printing.

1.3 Inkjet printers

Inkjet printers use liquid ink sprayed onto paper or label sheets. They’re versatile and can print in colour, but ReadyToShip does not recommend inkjet printers for shipping labels or barcodes. The print quality can vary, and barcodes printed on inkjet labels often lack the sharpness required for reliable scanning.

Best use: Inkjet printers are best reserved for non-barcode documents such as invoices, picklists, or branded packing slips.

Advantages:

• Can print colour logos or marketing inserts

• Suitable for multipurpose office printing

• Easy to find compatible paper and label sheets

Drawbacks (for label printing):

• Ink can smudge if the labels get wet

• Ongoing cost of ink cartridges

• Slower print speed

• Does not produce the sharp results needed for barcodes or carrier labels

  
  

Recommended models (for office documents only):

• Canon PIXMA Series – Reliable all-rounder for colour documents.

• Epson EcoTank Series – Refillable ink tanks reduce running costs over time.

• HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 – Great for invoices, picklists, and general office use.
  

What to look for in a shipping label printer

When evaluating a shipping label printer, focus on features that make your fulfilment workflow smoother and faster.

1. Print size compatibility: Ensure your printer supports 4" x 6" labels, the standard size used by most carriers, including Australia Post, Sendle, and CouriersPlease. Either print 1 per page (A6) or 4 per page (A4)

2. Print quality and barcode clarity: Crisp, accurate barcodes are essential for smooth parcel scanning. Poorly printed barcodes can be difficult or even impossible to scan, and inkjet printers are not recommended for this purpose. Look for printers with a minimum resolution of 203 dpi (dots per inch) or higher.

3. Connectivity options: Look for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth if you print from multiple devices or manage orders from a laptop, tablet, or warehouse computer.

4. Print speed and volume: High-volume sellers will benefit from faster print speeds (150mm/s or more). If you’re shipping hundreds of parcels a week, this difference adds up.

5. Integration and ease of setup: Many printers integrate with e-commerce and fulfilment platforms such as ReadyToShip. Plug-and-play setup saves time and minimises configuration issues.

6. Durability and support: Choose a business-grade printer with a solid warranty and reliable tech support - especially if you depend on it daily.

   
   

Business considerations before you buy

Before investing in a label printer for shipping, think beyond features; also consider how it fits your broader business needs.

• Shipping volume: Estimate how many labels you print per day. If you ship more than 20 parcels a day, a thermal printer is a smarter long-term investment.

• Budget: Thermal printers have higher upfront costs (around $200–$400) but lower ongoing expenses since there’s no ink or toner.

• Label supply costs: Check label prices before committing. Thermal labels are widely available in Australia from office supply and online sellers.

• Integration with carriers: Ensure your printer works with your carrier systems, such as Australia Post MyPost Business, Sendle, or CouriersPlease.

• Scalability: Choose a printer that can handle increased order volume as your business grows, avoiding the need for early upgrades.
  

Final thoughts

A good shipping label printer is more than just office equipment—it’s a vital part of your fulfilment process. Investing in a reliable label printer for shipping helps streamline your dispatch workflow, minimise delays, and deliver a professional experience for your customers.

ReadyToShip recommends thermal or laser printers for any documents containing barcodes or shipping information, as these ensure consistent, scannable results. Inkjet printers can still serve a purpose for invoices, picklists, and marketing inserts, but not for label printing.

Whether you choose a compact thermal model like the Brother QL-1100NWB, or a robust option such as the Zebra ZD421, the key is selecting a printer that fits your business today and can grow with you tomorrow.