Best Serial Label Printers of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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

Serial label printers are a type of thermal printer that are designed to print labels one at a time. These printers are ideal for businesses that need to print a large number of labels quickly and efficiently. They are often used in industries such as manufacturing, retail, and logistics, where labeling is an essential part of the production and shipping process. Serial label printers are easy to use and can print a variety of labels, including barcodes, shipping labels, and product labels. They are available in a range of sizes and can be connected to a computer or other device for easy printing.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Zebra GC420D Label Printer (Renewed) Cover #TOP 1
Zebra GC420D Label Printer (Renewed)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Zebra - GX420d Direct Thermal Desktop Printer Cover #TOP 2
Zebra - GX420d Direct Thermal Desktop Printer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ZEBRA GK420d Label Printer Cover #TOP 3
ZEBRA GK420d Label Printer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Serial Label Printers

#TOP 1

Zebra GC420D Label Printer (Renewed)

GC420D
white
Zebra GC420D Label Printer (Renewed) Cover
Zebra GC420D Direct Thermal USB Serial Label Printer (GC420-200510-000) (Renewed)

The Zebra GC420D Label Printer (Renewed) is a certified refurbished product that looks and works like new. It has been professionally inspected and tested to ensure quality. The printer has a black print speed of 4ppm and supports multiple language simulations including EPL, EPL2, ZPL, and ZPL II. It also features parallel, serial, and USB interfaces for easy connectivity. This label printer is perfect for printing labels and is available at a lower price point than a new model.

What We Like
Professional inspection and testing ensures quality
Supports multiple language simulations
Easy connectivity with parallel, serial, and USB interfaces
Lower price point than a new model
#TOP 2

Zebra - GX420d Direct Thermal Desktop Printer

GX42-202510-000-cr
black
Zebra - GX420d Direct Thermal Desktop Printer Cover
Zebra - GX420d Direct Thermal Desktop Printer for Labels, Receipts, Barcodes, Tags, and Wrist Bands - Print Width of 4 in - USB, Serial, and Parallel Port Connectivity (Renewed)

The Zebra GX420d Direct Thermal Desktop Printer is an easy-to-use printer that connects via USB, serial, or parallel port. It is compatible with direct thermal label rolls with 1 in core, max diameter of 5 in, and max media width of 4.25 in. The printer uses direct thermal technology, which eliminates the need for expensive ink or toner. The GX420d can create high quality address, shipping, mailing, file folder, barcode, and binder labels as well as name tags, wrist bands, and receipts. It prints 6 in/sec at 203 dpi, is Energy Star approved, and on demand printing allows you to print exact quantities instead of wasting 8.5 x 11 sheets of labels. It can be used with Windows 10 and above, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and above, and Linux systems using current CUPS printer drivers.

What We Like
Easy-to-use printer that connects via USB, serial, or parallel port
Uses direct thermal technology, which eliminates the need for expensive ink or toner
Creates high quality address, shipping, mailing, file folder, barcode, and binder labels as well as name tags, wrist bands, and receipts
Prints 6 in/sec at 203 dpi, is Energy Star approved, and on demand printing allows you to print exact quantities instead of wasting 8.5 x 11 sheets of labels
Compatible with Windows 10 and above, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and above, and Linux systems using current CUPS printer drivers
#TOP 3

ZEBRA GK420d Label Printer

Zebra Technologies
GK420d
Black
ZEBRA GK420d Label Printer Cover
ZEBRA GK420d Direct Thermal Desktop Monochrome Printer Print Width of 4 in USB Serial and Parallel Port Connectivity GK42-202510-000

The ZEBRA GK420d Label Printer is a reliable and easy to use direct thermal printer that connects via USB, Serial, and Parallel. It is compatible with media rolls that have a 1 in core, a max diameter of 5 in, and a max width of 4.25 in. It can create high-quality address, shipping, mailing, file folder, barcode, and binder labels as well as name tags with a max print speed of 5 in/sec, 203 dpi, and is Energy Star approved. Tested and certified by Zebra engineers, it is designed for durability and frequent use.

What We Like
Compatible with media rolls that have a 1 in core, a max diameter of 5 in, and a max width of 4.25 in
Max print speed of 5 in/sec, 203 dpi, and is Energy Star approved
Tested and certified by Zebra engineers to provide optimal performance and reduce printer downtime
#TOP 4

Zebra ZP450 Label Printer

ANYHDD
ZP450-PRINTER
Thermal
Large
Zebra ZP450 Label Printer Cover
Zebra ZP450 (ZP 450) Label Thermal Bar Code Printer - USB, Serial, and Parallel Connectivity 203 DPI Resolution with Power Cord + USB 2.0 Cable + Microfiber Cloth (Renewed)

The Zebra ZP450 Printer is designed for seamless integration in various low-volume printing settings, such as offices and shipping areas. With its multiple connectivity options, including USB and Serial, you can easily connect it to your devices. This printer excels in label production, delivering fast printing speeds of up to 5 inches per second and a resolution of 203 dpi, making your labeling tasks quick and efficient. Its compact and sturdy design ensures durability, so you can rely on it for daily use without worry. Plus, it accommodates a wide range of label types, providing flexibility for your shipping and labeling needs.

What We Like
Multiple connectivity options
Fast label printing speeds
Durable and compact design
Compatible with various labels
#TOP 5

ZEBRA ZT411 Thermal Transfer Industrial Printer

ZT41142-T010000Z
Gray
ZEBRA ZT411 Thermal Transfer Industrial Printer Cover
ZEBRA ZT411 Thermal Transfer Industrial Printer 203 dpi Print Width 4 Inches Features Serial, USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth Connecting Options ZT41142-T010000Z

The ZEBRA ZT411 Thermal Transfer Industrial Printer is a sturdy, simple and smart printer ideal for manufacturing, transportation, healthcare and retail. It connects via USB, serial, or ethernet and is compatible with thermal transfer rolls with a 3 in core and 8 in diameter. It prints using thermal transfer technology which uses a wax/resin ribbon instead of expensive ink or toner and prints 14 in/sec at 203 dpi. It is energy star approved and on demand printing allows you to print exact quantities instead of wasting 8.5 x 11 sheets of labels. It is equipped with a metal frame and a bi-fold metal media cover with an enlarged clear viewing window.

What We Like
Compatible with thermal transfer rolls with a 3 in core and 8 in diameter
Prints using thermal transfer technology which uses a wax/resin ribbon instead of expensive ink or toner
Prints 14 in/sec at 203 dpi
Energy star approved
On demand printing allows you to print exact quantities instead of wasting 8.5 x 11 sheets of labels
#TOP 6

Brother TD4420DN Thermal Label Printer

TD4420DN
6.1"x7.1"x8.8"
Brother TD4420DN Thermal Label Printer Cover
Brother TD4420DN 4-inch Thermal Desktop Barcode and Label Printer, 203 dpi, 8 IPS, Standard USB and Serial, Ethernet LAN

The Brother TD4420DN Thermal Label Printer is an affordable solution for printing temporary documents with high-speed and hassle-free labeling. With 203 dpi and 8 IPS, it delivers high-quality monochrome prints to increase productivity. The built-in Ethernet port allows easy sharing with various systems.

What We Like
Affordable solution for temporary document printing
High-speed and hassle-free labeling
Produces high-quality monochrome prints to increase productivity
#TOP 7

Brother P-Touch PT-P950NW Label Printer

PTP950NW
Black
Desktop
Brother P-Touch PT-P950NW Label Printer Cover
Brother P-Touch PT-P950NW Industrial Network Laminate Label Printer, Up to 36 mm Labels, Standard USB 2.0 and Serial, Ethernet, Built-in Wi-Fi®, Optional Bluetooth®,Black

The Brother P-Touch PT-P950NW Label Printer is an industrial-grade label printer that produces durable laminated labels of up to 36mm wide. With high-speed and high-resolution printing, you can print quality labels that are resistant to chemicals, UV, abrasion, and water. You can print from anywhere with its wired network, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its P-touch Editor 5 professional barcode and label design/print software lets you customize your labels according to your needs. The printer is easy to operate with its built-in auto cutter, easy peel function, and drop-in tape cartridge design. The package comes with everything you need to start printing right away.

What We Like
Durable laminated labels up to 36mm wide
High-speed and high-resolution printing
Print from anywhere with wired network, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity
Easy to operate with built-in auto cutter, easy peel function, and drop-in tape cartridge design
Comes with everything you need to start printing right away
#TOP 8

ZEBRA ZT411 Label Printer with Peeler

ZT411
Black
ZEBRA ZT411 Label Printer with Peeler Cover
ZEBRA ZT411 Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Industrial Label Printer - Ethernet, Bluetooth, Serial, USB, USB Host Connectivity - 203 DPI, 14 IPS, 4.09" Print Width - JTTANDS

The ZEBRA Label Printer is an industrial thermal transfer and direct thermal label printer with a built-in peeler assembly that conveniently peels labels as it prints them. With a 4.3-inch full-color touch display, you can see the print status at a glance. The printer offers a print width of 4 inches and print speeds of up to 14 inches per second, making it ideal for high-volume printing tasks. It also offers high-resolution printing with a resolution of 600 dpi. The all-metal frame provides rugged reliability for extreme environments, while the bi-fold door design saves space. The printer has multiple connectivity options, including Ethernet, USB 2.0, RS-232 Serial, and Bluetooth 4.1, and has two open media slots enabling you to add Parallel or Wi-Fi connections. The side-loading supplies path simplifies media and ribbon loading, and the 256MB SDRAM Memory ensures smooth operation.

What We Like
High print speed
Built-in peeler assembly
Multiple connectivity options
#TOP 9

Zebra LP2844 Barcode Label Printer

Tekswamp
LP2844
Beige
Medium
Zebra LP2844 Barcode Label Printer Cover
Zebra LP2844 Direct Thermal Barcode Label Printer USB Serial Parallel 120599-025, Bundle with AC Adapter

The Zebra LP2844 Printer is a reliable choice for your labeling needs. With a maximum resolution of 203 x 203 DPI, it ensures that your barcodes are printed clearly and accurately. You can connect the printer through various options, including Parallel, Serial, and USB 2.0, making it easy to integrate into your existing setup. This versatility allows you to use it in different environments, whether in an office or a warehouse. The included AC adapter ensures that you have everything you need to get started right away, providing convenience and efficiency for your labeling tasks.

What We Like
High-resolution printing
Multiple connectivity options
Includes AC adapter
#TOP 10

Zebra GX430t Thermal Transfer Desktop Printer

GX43-102410-000
grey
Zebra GX430t Thermal Transfer Desktop Printer Cover
Zebra - GX430t Thermal Transfer Desktop Printer for Labels, Receipts, Barcodes, Tags, and Wrist Bands - Print Width of 4 in - USB, Serial, Parallel, and Ethernet Connectivity (Renewed)

The Zebra GX430t Thermal Transfer Desktop Printer is an easy-to-use printer that can connect via USB, serial, or ethernet port. This printer is compatible with thermal transfer label rolls with 1 in core, max diameter of 5 in, and max media width of 4.25 in. It is perfect for office use and has a compact design.

What We Like
Easy to use with multiple connectivity options
Compact design
Compatible with thermal transfer label rolls
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which printer is best for printing barcodes?

List Of The Best Barcode Printers. DYMO LabelWriter 450 Turbo Direct Thermal Label Printer.Rollo Label Printer.MUNBYN Thermal Label Printer.Brother QL-1100 Wide Format.Phomemo-M110 Label Printer.Zebra GK420d.Epson LabelWorks LW-400 Label Maker.Brother TD4550DNWB 4 -inch.

2. Which label printer is best?

The best label printers reviews and recommendations. Best overall: Rollo Label Printer.Best value: Leoity Thermal Label Printer.Best color label printer: Brother VC-500W Versatile Compact Color Label and Photo Printer.Best for small businesses: Dymo 4XL.Best for organizing: Brother P-Touch.Paper size.Printing technology.

3. What is the difference between a label maker and a label printer?

A label printer is a computer printer that prints on self-adhesive label material and/or card-stock (tags). A label printer with built-in keyboard and display for stand-alone use (not connected to a separate computer) is often called a label maker.

Editor's Notes

During our serial label printer research, we found 24 serial label printer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,590 customer reviews through our big data system to write the serial label printers list. We found that most customers choose serial label printers with an average price of $427.54.

The serial label printers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of serial label printers, including ZEBRA, Zebra Technologies, ANYHDD, Brother, Tekswamp. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 4 consumers with an average rating of 5.0.

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.