Best Parallel Printers of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 29, 2026

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

Parallel printers are a type of computer printer that uses a parallel interface to connect to a computer. These printers were widely used in the 1980s and 1990s before being replaced by USB printers. The parallel interface allowed for faster data transfer and printing speeds compared to older serial interfaces. Parallel printers are typically larger and noisier than USB printers, but they can still be useful for older computers or for printing in industrial settings where a USB connection may not be available. They are also often used in point-of-sale systems and can be more reliable than USB printers in these applications.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Koncept Zebra ZP450 Label Printer Cover #TOP 1
Koncept Zebra ZP450 Label Printer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ZEBRA GK420d Label Printer Cover #TOP 2
ZEBRA GK420d Label Printer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ANYHDD Zebra ZP450 Label Printer Cover #TOP 3
ANYHDD Zebra ZP450 Label Printer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 5 Parallel Printers

#TOP 1

Koncept Zebra ZP450 Label Printer

Printer-Zebra ZP450 Renewed
Grey
Medium
Koncept Zebra ZP450 Label Printer Cover
ZP450 Zebra Direct Thermal Label Barcode Printer with USB 2.0 Cable & 3 Prong Cord - USB, Serial and Parallel Connectivity 203 DPI

The Koncept ZP450 Label Printer is designed for efficient label printing, offering quick production with direct thermal technology. Its multiple connectivity options allow easy integration into various environments, like offices and retail settings. The printer's cost-effective labeling feature eliminates the need for toner or ribbons, reducing operational costs. Its compact and durable design ensures longevity in busy workspaces. With versatile label compatibility, including UPS and FedEx labels, the ZP450 is a versatile choice for businesses needing diverse shipping solutions.

What We Like
Efficient label printing
Cost-effective labeling
Versatile label compatibility
#TOP 2

ZEBRA GK420d Label Printer

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 3

ANYHDD Zebra ZP450 Label Printer

ZP450-PRINTER
Thermal
Large
ANYHDD Zebra ZP450 Label Printer Cover
Zebra ZP450 (ZP 450) Direct Thermal Label Barcode Printer - 1 Year Warranty, USB, Serial, and Parallel Connectivity 203 DPI Resolution with Power Cord + Microfiber Cloth

The ANYHDD Zebra ZP450 Printer offers easy setup with multiple connection options, including USB, serial, and parallel ports, so you can quickly integrate it into your workspace without hassle. Its direct thermal printing technology provides fast label production at a crisp 203 dpi resolution, helping you get labels done efficiently. The printer’s sturdy double-walled design ensures it stands up to daily use in busy offices or shipping areas, giving you reliability and durability. Plus, it supports a wide range of label types, making it a flexible choice if you need to print different shipping or product labels.

What We Like
Multiple connectivity options
Fast printing speed
Durable construction
Supports various label types
#TOP 4

Epson LX-350 Dot Matrix Printer

C11CC24001
1-(Pack)
Epson LX-350 Dot Matrix Printer Cover
Epson C11CC24001 LX-350 Dot Matrix Printer - 9 pin - Up to 347 char/sec - Parallel/Serial/USB

The Epson LX-350 is a compact dot matrix printer with fast and durable 9-pin technology, ideal for front and back office applications needing continuous paper or multi-part stationery. It prints up to 347 characters per second and has a mean time between failure of 10,000 operating hours. The LX-350 has parallel, serial, and USB interfaces, and is energy-efficient for less power consumption.

What We Like
Fast and durable 9-pin technology
Compact design fits neatly onto desks
MTBF of 10,000 operating hours
Multiple interfaces: parallel, serial, and USB
Energy-efficient model for less power consumption
#TOP 5

Epson TM-T88VII OmniLink Printer

TM-T88VII
Black
Small
Epson TM-T88VII OmniLink Printer Cover
Epson TM-T88VII OmniLink Single-Station Thermal Receipt Printer C31CJ57052

The Epson TM-T88VII Printer delivers ultra-fast printing speeds up to 500 mm/sec, helping you complete transactions quickly and keep lines moving. Its reliable design includes a water-resistant case and long-lasting printhead and cutter, so you can count on consistent performance and less downtime. You can connect this printer to multiple devices at once, including PCs, tablets, and mobile gadgets, which makes sharing easy and convenient. Plus, with built-in USB and Ethernet ports and additional optional connections, this printer offers great flexibility to fit your current setup and adapt to future needs.

What We Like
Fast print speed
Durable and water-resistant
Multiple device connections
Flexible interface options
Buying Guide Image

The Ultimate Parallel Printers Buying Guide

How to Choose the Perfect Parallel Printer for Your Needs

Are you in the market for a new parallel printer but don't know where to start? With so many options and features available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one for your needs. In this article, we'll break down the key factors to consider when choosing a parallel printer.

Types of Parallel Printers

There are two main types of parallel printers, dot matrix and laser. Dot matrix printers use pins to create images or text on paper, while laser printers use toner and heat to create the same effect. Dot matrix printers are slower, but they are more durable and can handle thicker paper, making them ideal for businesses that need to print invoices or receipts. Laser printers are faster and produce higher-quality prints, making them ideal for offices that need to print documents quickly and efficiently.

Connectivity Options

Parallel printers can connect to your computer in several ways, including through a parallel port, USB, or Wi-Fi. Parallel ports are the traditional way of connecting a printer to a computer, but they are becoming less common as newer technologies emerge. USB connections are faster and more reliable, making them a popular choice for most users. Wi-Fi connections allow you to print from anywhere in your home or office, but they can be slower and less reliable than USB connections.

Print speed and quality are important factors to consider when choosing a parallel printer. If you need to print a lot of documents quickly, look for a printer with a high print speed. Print quality is also important, especially if you need to print photos or graphics. Look for a printer with a high resolution and color depth for the best print quality.

Paper Handling

Paper handling is another important factor to consider when choosing a parallel printer. If you need to print on different types of paper, such as cardstock or labels, look for a printer with multiple paper trays or manual feed options. Some printers also have automatic duplexing, which allows you to print on both sides of the paper without having to flip it over manually.

Maintenance and Cost

Finally, consider the maintenance and cost of the printer. Some printers require more maintenance than others, such as replacing toner cartridges or cleaning the print heads. Make sure to factor in the cost of these supplies when choosing a printer. Additionally, consider the cost of the printer itself and whether it fits within your budget.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect parallel printer for your needs can be a daunting task, but by considering the factors outlined above, you can make an informed decision. Remember to consider the type of printer, connectivity options, print speed and quality, paper handling, and maintenance and cost when making your decision. By doing so, you'll be able to find the perfect printer to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a parallel connection printer?

A parallel port is an interface allowing a personal computer (PC) to transmit or receive data down multiple bundled cables to a peripheral device such as a printer. The most common parallel port is a printer port known as the Centronics port.

2. What is the purpose of parallel port?

The parallel port interface was originally known as the Parallel Printer Adapter on IBM PC-compatible computers. It was primarily designed to operate printers that used IBM's eight-bit extended ASCII character set to print text, but could also be used to adapt other peripherals.

3. What is difference between serial port and parallel port?

A serial port is able to transmit a single stream of data at a time. A parallel port is able to transmit multiple data streams at a time.

Editor's Notes

During our parallel printer research, we found 24 parallel printer products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,760 customer reviews through our big data system to write the parallel printers list. We found that most customers choose parallel printers with an average price of $260.28.

The parallel printers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of parallel printers, including Koncept, Zebra Technologies, ANYHDD, Epson, The Supplierhub. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 85 consumers with an average rating of 4.3.

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.