Keeping proper track of inventory and stock can sometimes be difficult if you own a business. However, a simple, easy to use solution is a bar code system. Bar code printers are easy, and cheap to find, however you will need to do a little research prior to purchasing one. Here are the top 3 models people and businesses buy, and a review of each of them:

The Most Popular Model, and Our Favorite:
1)Zebra LP2844



This amazing little printer packs a punch, is fast, easy to set up, and cheap. By far the most popular model in the industry. The model we had was purchased from http://www.ZebraOutlet.com for less than $130.

When we opened the package, everything we needed to start printing was included in the box, even labels. Upon plugging in the USB cord, we were presented with a surprisingly simple installation process. Better than that though, every label we printed was clean, neat, accurate, easy to set up and format, and fast.

The Zebra LP2844 was by far the best printer in our tests.

The Runner Up.... By a Good Distance
2)Brother QL-1060N


It is unfortunate that we tested the Zebra 2844 first, we were spoiled. Upon connecting the Brother to our system, we were confronted with a wildly confusing installation process, and a cable which did not properly fit. We purchased this unit from eBay for $220 and regret it. Although it came in second place, that is because there are only 3 printers in this test.

When we finally got the printer installed, the Brother QL-1060N did actually produce decent results. While slightly, and we mean slightly, faster than the Zebra 2844, it was hard to set up other templates for different shipping labels. Also, the design and case felt cheap and light weight compared to the other 2 models we tested.

For the price, hard work involved in setting it up, and difficulty in changing printing formats, the Zebra LP 2844 is a much better option than the Brother QL-1060N, but not worse than the.....

Worst Thermal Label Printer of the 3 We Tested
3)DYMO LabelWriter 4XL


While we found it for a little cheaper than the Brother, it was still more expensive than the Zebra 2844. We got this one off of Amazon.com for $180. This was a real piece of work. Upon opening the package we found an odd shaped usb connection which we did not have. After finding a converter for it, we plugged it in, and were informed we needed to connect to the internet to download the install files. Why was there even an “Installation” disk if we have to go online and download files? Couldnt they just have included a link?

It claims to be a 4” label printer, and while we did get the labels to fit, it took awhile. The labels barely fit and constantly ripped on the sides and were jamming the printer. This was not a problem with either of the other 2 printers. Also, the quality of the printing was extremely poor. You could literally see the dots with your blind eye which made the bar codes. This printer did not have an easy way to change the printing size or format, and was nothing compared to the Zebra 2844.

In Conclusion

The Zebra LP 2844 was our hands down favorite. The ease, cost, speed, and quality surpassed all of the competitors. This review truly revealed why Zebra leads the industry in thermal laser printers.

-Randall