Best Mobile Barcode Printers of 2024
Portable barcode printers are useful for employees printing while on the go. Find the best handheld barcode printers of 2024.
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Best Portable Barcode Printers
The ability to print while being mobile using a portable printer/scanner improves productivity and reduces down time while also reducing mistakes. If you’re looking to upgrade your barcode printers for your workforce, you’ve found the right article. Find the best handheld barcode printers for 2024 based on features, reliability, durability and more.
Avery Dennison Pathfinder 6057: Fastest Printer
The dual-function scanner/printer Pathfinder 6057 is the perfect device to assist your business in accelerating performance in global price management and compliance through integrated in-plant, DC, and store level solutions. This simple-to-use device also helps to reduce complexity while improving speed and accuracy for fast and dependable printing. Workers using the 6056 report enjoying the lightning fast data collection abilities which help eliminate error-prone data-matching processes.
- Rating – Great 80%
Pathfinder 6057 Pros
- Thermal direct printing method
- Virtual keyboard on display
- 128 MB RAM, 256 MB Flash memory
- Accessories include hand strap, body strap and more
Cons:
- Not made for harsh environments
Alpha 4L: Best Bluetooth Option
The Alpha-4L portable direct thermal label printer provides excellent labels whenever you need them. Workers love its rugged, yet lightweight, design and mobile printing capabilities making it a favorite in applications like portable point of sale, retail item marking, markdowns, shelf labeling, labels for shipping & receiving, inventory control and more. With both wired and wireless functionality including USB and Bluetooth compatibility, the Alpha-4L will work in any environment whether in the field or at the point of sale. The Alpha 4L is linerless ready.
- Rating – Great 80%
Alpha 4L Pros
- Rugged design with Bluetooth compatibility
- Large capacity to reduce paper roll change
- Ready for EPL, ZPL, or CPCL languages
- Belt clip included
Cons:
- Slighly heavier than similar models
Honeywell PB Series: Most Rugged
For an extremely fast printing option for high-demand applications in warehousing, distribution, and retail, the Honeywell rugged mobile computer is a solid choice. The PB22, PB32, and PB50 printers help companies improve productivity and efficiency while lowering the total cost of ownership. With ultra-fast print speed, proven two to three times faster time-to-first label than competitive products, these printers deliver measurable improvements in faster, more accurate and more efficient worker productivity. Other highlights workers love include ergonomic design elements that help maintain productivity and reduce waste such as the label gap and label take sensors. PB series printers are linerless ready.
- Rating – Great 80%
Honeywell PB Pros
- Built rugged to survive harsher environments
- Sensors to minimize errors and reduce waste
- Languages: IPL, Fingerprint, ZSim, ESC-P, DPL, CPCL
- Hand strap, shoulder strap, belt clip, protective case, cart mount, vehicle mounts available
Cons:
- None
PrintekMobile FieldPro 530: Runner Up Most Rugged
The PrintekMobile FieldPro 530 printer improves operations and productivity whether employees are on the road, in the field, or at a remote customer location. The compact and rugged design is engineered to print crisp, professional-looking receipts, tickets, and field sales documents automatically and reliably. This compact and advanced design is also perfect for all 3” receipt, work order, or ticket printing documents. The FieldPro 530 is available in cabled, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions.
- Rating – Excellent 90%
FieldPro 530 Pros
- Easy-to-read control face and drop-in paper loading
- Quickly print wide-variety of tickets and receipts
- Languages include CPCL and ZPL, and ESCPOS
- Rugged case and shock mounts available
Cons:
- None
Zebra P4T: Most Versatile
The Zebra P4T offers the perfect solution for creating thermal transfer labels that last a long time. As one of the best brands in the barcoding business, the Zebra P4T is able to print long-lasting barcode labels up to 4 inches wide. Improve the efficiency and productivity of your workforce with advanced wireless connectivity options and that include direct thermal mode in a versatile variety of combinations. Smart operating battery mode ensures your device will last long and won’t die in when you need it.
- Rating – Great 80%
Zebra P4T Pros
- Fast, easy media and ribbon loading
- Thermal transfer or direct thermal printing modes
- Heavy-duty forklift mount
- Languages include CPCL, ZPL and XML
Cons:
- Slightly slower printing speeds
PocketJet 8: Best Mobile Document Printer
The PocketJet 8 offers major new advances in printing performance with better wireless connectivity, battery performance, and OS compatibility all for a low price. Mobile printing professionals in public safety, home healthcare, transportation & logistics, field service industries and many others love the compact design that is slim enough to fit into a briefcase or other small bag. The PocketJet 8 is also designed to be easily mountable on many transport or public safety vehicles for mobile printing in your vehicle.
- Rating – Great 80%
PocketJet 8 Pros
- Compact enough to fit into a briefcase or handbag
- Semi-rugged to survive drops
- Out-of-the-box ready to for full-page mobile printing
Cons:
- Less ergonomic than other models
Zebra QLn630: Best Overall
The Zebra QLn630 direct thermal mobile label printer has a large following of satisfied customers based on its drop resistant durability, user-friendly design, features that boost productivity, and easy integration. The QLn630 is commonly used for printing applications in transportation & logistics, labels for shipping, receiving, cross-docking, asset/fleet management, as well as retail applications. Your workers will love this high-quality handheld printer from Zebra that is linerless ready.
- Rating – Great 80%
QLn630 Pros
- Simple-to-use controls w/user-friendly interface
- Fast, high-quality printing with lower power use
- Option for forklift vehicle mounts
- CPCL, EPL and ZPL programming languages
Cons:
- Not made for harsh environments
Brother RJ4230BL: Easiest to Use
The RuggedJet RJ-4230BL mobile label and receipt printer raises industry standards by combining high-performance, connectivity, and ergonomic design all in one hanheld printer. The compact, rugged, powerful, easy-to-use design makes the RJ-4230BL a favorite for workers needing to print labels, receipts and barcodes while on the go. They don’t mind the long lasting battery life either.
- Rating – Great 90%
RJ4230BL Pros
- Compact. Smaller than most competitors
- Ultra-rugged construction with reinforced parts
- Enhanced print speeds of up to 5ips
- Shoulder strap and belt clip available
Cons:
- None
Zebra ZQn420: Most Reliable
The tried and true Zebra ZQn400 series of mobile printers improve inventory management and customer service by adding advanced technology and innovative design. The large color display takes all the guesswork out of printer status allowing for less downtime for printing tasks. Longer lasting batteries can power through long shifts and reduce lengthy battery changes which help increase productivity.
- Rating – Great 80%
ZQn420 Pros
- CPCL, EPL and ZPL languages
- Forklift mount accessories available
- Large color display makes operation fast and easy
- IP54 seal rating with soft case
Cons:
- Upgraded option available (ZQn630)
Honeywell RP4e: Highest Temperature Tolerance
The RP Series of mobile printers are rugged and reliable direct thermal portable label printers that provide industry-leading paper capacity and a Hi-drain, high power efficiency battery for increased print output in DSD. They ability to function in harsher climates is a definite plus so if printing in hotter or colder environments is your job, this printer is for you.
- Rating – Great 80%
RP4e Pros
- Compact. Smaller than most competitors
- Ultra-rugged construction with reinforced parts
- Enhanced print speeds of up to 5ips
- DPL, ZPL II, CPCL, IPL, XML (limited)
Cons:
- Slower printing speed than other models
Printer Comparison Chart
| Product | Reliability | Battery Life |
Printing Resolution |
Speed | Weight | Ruggedness | Warranty | Repair Reputation |
Compatibility | Ease of Use | Temperature Tolerance |
Water Resistance |
Drop Resistance |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avery Dennison Pathfinder 6057 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Alpha 4L | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| PrintekMobile FieldPro 530 | 5 | N/A | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Zebra P4T | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Honeywell PB22 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| PocketJet 7 | 4 | 4 | 5* | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Zebra QLn630 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4* | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Brother RJ4230BL | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 |
| Zebra QLn420 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4* | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Honeywell RP4e | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
1=poor, 5=best
*Depends on exact model