Best Thermal Shipping Label Printer For Mac



Best Thermal Label Printer Amazon US Links 👉5 - DYMO LabelWriter 450 - Phome. Our desktop label printers and label makers are perfect for a variety of uses in the office, warehouse or wherever you need to print labels. We carry a wide variety of options and brands, meaning you can find the exact label printer that will fit your needs.

I remember my first shipment (about 50 textbooks from my time at University) to Amazon FBA. It was fun but the novelty of it ran off quickly.

In the end, the shipment took me a while to prepare. Why? Because I had to sellotape over each label after realising they were smudgeable. I was using my inkjet print and 30-up self-adhesive labels.

This way of labelling was my only option. Because I wanted to keep costs low as I had no idea if this whole FBA thing was going to work. In the end, it worked out cheap. Downloadhome. I had spent about ÂŁ7 on the 30-up self-adhesive labels and my inkjet printer. And I used spare boxes lying around to package the books.

I would recommend this way of labelling if you’re new to Selling on Amazon. It’s easy and economical. But if you know you will be doing Amazon FBA for a while, I would highly recommend investing in a thermal label printer.

Thermal-based printers are great because anything printed using them are not smudgeable. And because they don’t use ink or toner, you’ll probably save money on supplies in the long run.

I would say a label maker is an essential tool that all ecommerce businesses should have, especially an Amazon-based one. It will save you a lot of time and is more professional.

Best label maker for Amazon FBA

Regardless of how you source — retail/online arbitrage, used books or wholesale — you need a thermal label printer. It will take your product preparation process to the next level.

Here are the most popular thermal label printers. I’ve curated this list based on my research and experience as a full-time Amazon FBA seller.

PRODUCTSuitable for printing..
Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo - BarcodesFIND OUT MORE
Zebra GK420d- Barcodes
- Shipping labels
- Postage labels
FIND OUT MORE
Brother QL-800- BarcodesFIND OUT MORE
Brother QL-810w- BarcodesFIND OUT MORE
Dymo LabelWriter 4XL- Barcodes
- Shipping labels
- Postage labels
FIND OUT MORE
Brother QL-1100- Barcodes
- Shipping labels
- Postage labels
FIND OUT MORE

Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo

The Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo is undoubtedly the most popular thermal label printer among Amazon sellers. It’s what I should have bought instead of the cheaper Dymo 450 model.

The 450 Turbo has the same capabilities as the Dymo 450 but is slightly faster. The Turbo prints 71 labels per minute while the Dymo 450 can print up to 51 labels per minute. As far as I’m aware, this is the only reason why it’s more expensive.

Although the difference between the printing speeds might seem substantial, the time you’ll save is insignificant. Even if you’ll be doing high-volume printing. In my opinion, either of the models will do as they’re essentially the same.

The great thing about the Dymo printers is that they are affordable. So if you’re looking for a great label printer that doesn’t cost much, the Dymo 450 Turbo is a great option.

Key features

Here are the key features of the 450 Turbo label maker:

  • Prints up to 71 labels per minute
  • High printing quality — 600 x 300 dpi resolution
  • Includes proprietary desktop software

These are the basic features of the label printer. And while it might seem like it’s enough, these are the only features you’ll ever need from a label printer.

In addition, the Dymo 450 Turbo was built to last. And except several jams over, I haven’t had any major issues over two years of almost daily use.

ProsCons
Excellent printing qualityMS Excel and Word plugin don't work smoothly
Proprietary Dymo Label V8 software
Easy to set up
Great value for money

Bottom line

Best thermal printer for mac

All in all, the Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo is a solid yet inexpensive thermal label printer from an established brand. It’s well made, easy to use, and has a high printing quality.

Best thermal shipping label printer for mac download

It does, however, have one limitation: it can’t print shipping labels. But I suppose for its price, you shouldn’t expect it to. If that’s important for you, the Dymo 4XL is a safe option.

Click here to read my review of the Dymo 450.

Zebra GK420d

The Zebra GK420d is more expensive than the Dymo 450 Turbo reviewed above because it’s a heavy-duty label maker that was built for high-volume printing.

Another reason why it costs more than the Dymo 450 Turbo is that it can print a wide range of labels including shipping labels, making it ideal for Amazon, Etsy, and Ebay businesses. And despite having a higher price point compared to the Dymo 450 Turbo, the Zebra GK420d is still a highly rated label maker.

In terms of connectivity, it supports USB and has a serial and parrel port for older devices. It also has another version that has both USB and Ethernet connectivity. Which of course is great because multiple people can access the Zebra 420d. But you will be paying more for this feature, about $200 more.

What I particularly love about this label printer is its beefy and sturdy look. Which gives me the feeling that it will last for a long time. And considering its price, I expect it to.

Features

  • Can print a range of labels including shipping labels
  • High printing quality
  • Fast printing speed
  • PC and Mac compatible
  • USB, serial and parallel ports (Or Ethernet)
Thermal
ProsCons
Heavy dutyExpensive
Easy to useLoud motor noise
Can print larger labels up to 4' by 6'

Bottom line

The Zebra 420d desktop printer is a well-made, smart, and multifunctional label maker that all high-volume printing enterprises should have.

And although it might seem expensive, it’s nothing compared to other industrial-grade printers. It’s an investment you should consider, especially if you’re after a printer for the long-term.

Brother QL-800

The QL-800 label maker by Brother is one of the most popular consumer-grade label makers on the market. Why? Because it offers a decent list of features at an attractive price, especially when compared to the label makers reviewed above.

Despite being cheaper than the Dymo 450 Turbo, the QL-800 by Brother has more connectivity options. With the latter, you can print from your Android device with a microUSB-to-printer cable while you can’t with the former.

Best Thermal Shipping Label Printer For Mac Free

The standout feature for me, however, is the design of the printer. It’s small, sleek and looks high-end. And because Brother is a reputable brand, I’m sure that they do use high-quality components and materials, which removes my doubt about the overall quality of the printer.

Best Thermal Shipping Label Printer For Mac

Features

  • USB connectivity
  • Compatible with Windows and Mac
  • Proprietary software
  • MicroUSB-to-printer connectivity option
ProsCons
StylishHard to use
Affordable
Good build quality

Bottom line

As one of the least expensive label makers on the market, the Brother QL-800 doesn’t have any extra fancy features. Which shouldn’t put you off because this printer does what it’s supposed to well: to print high-quality labels reasonably fast.

Overall, I would say the QL-800 by Brother is a decent entry-level thermal label printer. Especially if you are just starting with selling on Amazon. It’s inexpensive, well-built, and doesn’t have the extra features that you probably don’t and won’t need in the near future.

Brother QL-810W

The Brother QL-810W is a sibling and model up of the QL-800 model just reviewed and is, therefore, more expensive. But not by much. For about an extra ÂŁ30 you get more features including more connectivity options and a faster printing speed.

Unlike the label printers we’ve reviewed so far, the QL-800W by Brother has built-in Wifi for cable-free printing. This is a neat feature because it means you and your team can access the printer from anywhere.

In addition to black, this printer can also print in red, which is uncommon for printers in this price range. This feature can be useful because you can print ‘suffocation’ labels in red although it’s not necessary.

The only downside to this printer is that you have to remove the labels and reinsert the protective sheet when you’re not using it.

Key features

  • Built-in Wifi
  • USB 2.0 connectivity
  • USB cable
  • PC and Mac compatible
  • Proprietary software
ProsCons
Lots of featuresHard to install
Sleek design
High print quality

Bottom line

The Brother QL-810w offers good value for money. It’s one of the cheapest label printers to have built-in wifi and the ability to print in another colour other than black. It’s also fast and has excellent print quality, making it a great a buy.

The Dymo LabelWriter 4XL

Dymo is known for its label printers and the 4XL is its answer to the Zebra GK420d. Like the GK420d, it can print larger labels, up to and including shipping labels. You can use it to print Ebay, Etsy, Amazon, UPS, USPS, DHL, and FedEx shipping labels.

And although it’s capable of printing smaller labels like Amazon FNSKU labels, I use it to print mainly FBA shipping labels.

Features

  • Can print large labels up to 4” x 6”
  • USB connectivity
  • PC and Mac compatible
  • Proprietary software
  • Compatible with MS Office and Quickbooks and more
ProsCons
Good build qualityUSB doesn't get recognised sometimes
Can print shipping labels
Easy to use
Good value for money, especially when compared to Zebra GK420d

Bottom line

The Dymo 4XL label inter is an inexpensive but essential tool, especially if, like me, you are a high-volume user. We send about 5,000 to 10,000 units to Amazon every month, so we rely heavily on the Dymo 4XL to print box labels.

I use this printer to print shipping labels and the Dymo 450 in this to print Amazon FBA labels. Which works really well because it means I don’t have to change labels all the time.

Brother QL-1100

The Brother QL-1100 is another label printer that is suitable for printing a range of label sizes include Amazon FNSKU, postage and shipping labels.

The other great thing about this printer is that it’s is slightly cheaper than its competition like the Zebra GK420d and Dymo 4XL we’ve already reviewed. But it’s still worth considering because it’s sleek, well built and has all the essential features.

It also has additional features like the ‘PLug and label,’ which is really neat. This feature lets you create and print labels without needing to install the software. But the downside, it seems, is that this feature only works on a PC.

Features

  • USB connectivity
  • Prints up 69 labels per minute
  • Automatic cutter
  • Host USB interface
  • Plug and label
Best label printer for mac

On paper, the Brother QL-1100 is a neat printer — and it is. But there are some things you need to consider before purchasing. For example, it has trickier installation than the Zebra GK420d and Dymo 4XL.

Another thing you need to know about the Brother QL-1100 is that there are few generic label options. You might have to buy official Brother labels, which are expensive.

ProsCons
Good number of featuresDifficult installation
Stylish design
High print quality and well built

Bottom line

If you want a label printer that prints a range of labels but offers great value for money, then the QL-1100 is a good choice. It’s the cheapest that can print small and large labels, like shipping labels. Also, it has high print quality and, like most printers by Brother, it looks appealing.

Conclusion

The label printers we’ve reviewed are all excellent and would like your business to the next level. But if you’re a beginner and just starting out with selling online, I would recommend using a traditional printer. Another economical option would be to consider a laser printer. It’s cheaper and you can print both small and large labels, and more.

But if you’re serious about selling on Amazon, I would highly recommend getting a thermal label printer. Any of the of the review prints would do and the good thing is that they most are affordable.

Further reading

The instructions below will help you through the process of installing a UPS Thermal Printer.

Best Thermal Shipping Label Printer For Mac Download

This document contains:

Before Installing the UPS Thermal Printer

UPS.com supports printing to several makes and models of thermal printers. To make sure you are using a compliant printer, please select the link below.

For WindowsÂŽ users (without Google Chrome): The following steps should be followed when setting up your thermal label printer for printing labels for UPS Internet or CampusShip shipping from a Windows PC:

  1. Download and install the UPS thermal printer drivers
  2. Enable the UPS Printer Applet
  3. Set your browser's pop-up blocker to accept pop-up windows from ups.com. UPS Internet Shipping and CampusShip use pop-up windows to display labels for printing

For MacÂŽ users or Windows Google Chrome users: The following steps should be followed when setting-up your thermal label printer for printing labels for UPS Internet or CampusShip shipping from a Mac: Argentinos juniorsempty spaces the blog.

  1. Install your thermal printer.
  2. Enable the UPS Printer Applet.
  3. Set your browser's pop-up blocker to accept pop-up windows from ups.com. UPS Internet Shipping and CampusShip use pop-up windows to display labels for printing.

Best Thermal Shipping Label Printer For Mac Download

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Installing the UPS Thermal Printer Driver with Windows

If using a WindowsÂŽ operating system without the Google Chrome browser, to print with an Eltron or Zebra thermal printer you must install the drivers provided below; the driver provided with your printer will not work with UPS Internet Shipping or CampusShip. If you are using a different thermal printer, use the drivers that came with your printer and do not install the UPS Thermal Printer Drivers.

Note: Do not plug your printer into the computer until instructed to do so below.

The following instructions will help you download and install the UPS Thermal Printer drivers to your selected directory.

  • Turn off the printer.
  • Select the Download the UPS Thermal Printer Drivers link below.
  • You may see one or more of the following windows based on your operating system and security settings; take the action listed for each window:
WindowAction
File Download - Security Warning (typically with Run, Save, and Cancel buttons)Select Run
Unknown Publisher Security Warning, 'Are you sure you want to run this software?'Select Run
  • Select Unzip to extract the files. Once files are extracted, select the appropriate buttons to close the window.
  • Right-click the Start menu and choose Explore or Open Windows Explorer, then navigate to C:Drivers UPS_5_1_7_certified_w10 and double-click the file setup.exe to start the Installation Utility
  • You may see one or more of the following windows based on your operating system and security settings; take the action listed for each window:
WindowAction
User AccountSelect Yes
Zebra Printer Driver InstallationSelect Install Zebra Printer
  • You will be prompted to choose your printer model from a list.
  • Click Next after choosing your printer model.
  • You may see one or more of the following windows based on your operating system and security settings; take the action listed for each window:
WindowAction
Choose printer port

Select your port and click Next or Finish

Note: Zebra ZP 450 printers are supplied with a USB printer cable, so you should choose an available USB port, for example USB001 if it is available

Confirm Printer NameDo not change name; click Next
Printer Driver FoundChoose Update the driver and click Next
Windows SecurityChoose Install this driver software anyway
Program Compatibility AssistantChoose This program installed correctly
  • Connect the printer to your computer and turn on the printer power; wait for the green light to turn on indicating the printer is ready.
  • The thermal printer is now installed; set up your thermal printer using the instructions in the printer guide.
  • If the Found New Hardware wizard appears; click Cancel and do not install the software.
  • See below for instructions to use the UPS Printer Applet.
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Download the UPS Thermal Printer Driver

Download Tool
File NameFile FormatFile SizeDownload
Zebra
File Format:
File Size:11.3MB
Download:
11.3MB
Bixolon for Windows
File Format:
File Size:8MB
Download:
8MB
Bixolon for Mac
File Format:
File Size:3.6MB
Download:
3.6MB
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Installing your Thermal Printer on a Mac

The UPS Thermal printer applet supports printing to a thermal printer from your Mac if it meets the following requirements:

MAC Thermal Printer Installation

  • Connect your Thermal Printer to your MAC using the USB cable
    • Turn on the Thermal Printer so the light on top is a steady green
  • Download the UPS Thermal Printer Installation package from this link
  • Double click the UPS Thermal Printing-3.0.0.dmg package
    • Drag the UPS Thermal Printing.app into the Applications folder
  • Open the Launch Pad and click the UPS Thermal Printing.app to run the application

It is possible the application will be require MAC security settings to be updated if the application is rejected. In order to resolve this issue:

  • Open System Preferences
  • Open Security & Privacy
    • Select the General tab
    • At the bottom, the blocked application will appear
    • Select ‘Anywhere’
  • At the prompts, click Approve, Allow, or Run

It is possible the CUPS MAC printer setup interface may not load. In order to load the interface manually, open any browser and type localhost:631 in the address bar:

  • The default browser will open with the MAC CUPS Printer Install interface
    • Review the installed printers
    • Click the Administration tab
    • Click the Add Printer button
    • Select your thermal printer from the 'Local Printers' section
    • Click the Continue button
    • Remove any pre-populated content, and complete the fields.
    • Enter Printer “Name”
      • Example “ZP450”
    • Enter Description
      • Example “Thermal Printer”
    • Enter Location
      • Example “Office, Mac1”
      • Document location name for future reference.
    • Click Continue again on the next screen
    • Click the Select Another Make/Manufacturer button
    • Continue to the next step
    • Select Raw as the 'Make'
    • Click Continue
    • Select Raw Queue(en) as the 'Model'
    • Click Add Printer
    • Select Set Default Options
    • System should display 'the printer default options have been set successfully'
    • Next, follow the instructions below to add Class

Instructions for adding Class

  • Click the Administration tab
  • Click the Add Class Button
  • Remove pre-populated content (if any), and complete the fields.
  • Enter a Class “Name.” (Do not enter the PRINTER name. The PRINTER and CLASS name are case-sensitive.)
    • For example: ZebraClass
  • Enter a CLASS “Description.”
    • For example: Zebra Printer Class

Note: Do NOT use the words Eltron or UPS in the Class Name or Description fields.

  • Enter a CLASS “Location.”

Ask questions herewarrior cats, the game. We recommend the CLASS Location name matches the PRINTER Location name.

    • For example: Mac1
  • Select the printer from the Member’s list.
  • Click the Add Class button.
  • A confirmation window will briefly appear, followed by the Administration window.

Set the UPS Thermal Printing application to start on login

  • Select 'System Preferences' from the Apple menu
  • Select 'Users & Groups' and select the 'Login Items' tab
  • Click the '+' symbol to add an application
  • Select the UPS Thermal Printing.app and click 'Add'

NOTE: Once the application is added you may close this window

Using the UPS Thermal Printing app in Chrome, Firefox, and Opera

  • Log into 'ups.com'
  • Print a Thermal Label

Using the UPS Thermal Printing app in Safari

  • Log into 'ups.com'
  • Try to print a Thermal Label
    • If the 'Missing Plugin' message appears
  • Click 'Missing Plugin'
  • Click 'More Info' to view the 'Java Download for OS X'
  • Click 'Agree and Start Free Download'
  • Select the jre.dmg file and install Java

Setting Preferences in Safari

  • Select “Preferences” from the Safari menu
  • Select “Websites” from the menu bar
  • Select “Java” in the Plugin section on the left navigation bar
  • Select “ups.com” in the “Configured Websites” window on the right
  • Hold down the “Option” key and click the drop down arrow next to “ups.com”
  • Uncheck “Run in Safe Mode”
    • If prompted with a message to 'trust ups.com to run 'Java' select 'Trust'
    • If, upon printing a label, a security risk pop-up message pops up, click the checkbox to accept the Terms and Conditions and select 'Run'
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Printing using the UPS Thermal Printer Applet

The UPS Thermal printer applet supports printing to any supported thermal printer model from any browser or operating system. To use the applet you must have Version 7 of Java installed on your PC. You can check your version at http://www.java.com. Click the 'Do I have Java' link, then click 'Verify Java Version' link. If Java is not installed, click the Download Java button and follow the prompts to install it.

Using the UPS Thermal Printer Applet

  • Install the UPS Thermal Printer Driver using the steps previously provided on this page
  • Log in to ups.com
  • Mouse over the Shipping tab at the top of the page and select Set Preferences in the drop-down menu
    Note: If you are a CampusShip user, click the My Settings button and select Edit Shipping Preferences
  • Select View/Edit in the Printing Preferences section
  • Click the thermal label check boxes:
    • Use my thermal printer to print labels
    • Use my UPS thermal printer to print receipts
  • Click Print a Sample Label
    The 'Do you want to run this application?' window will appear
  • Click the 'Do not show this again for apps from the publisher and language above'. check box
  • Click 'Run'
  • The 'Allow access to the following application form' window will appear. Click the 'Do not show this again for this app and website' check box. Click 'OK'.
  • The 'Applet has requested access to the printer' window will appear. Click the 'Always allow this applet to access the printer' check box. Click 'OK'.
  • Allow a few moments for the printer selection to appear in the Print Label window. Select your printer name. The label will print.

The first time you print a label, you may see one or more of the following windows. Take the action listed in the table below:

WindowAction
Digital SignatureClick 'Always trust content from this publisher'
Java Add-onClick Enable
SecurityClick Enable, then Run


Troubleshooting:

  • If the label pop-up window does not appear, make sure that pop-ups from ups.com are allowed by your browser.
  • If you do not have Version 7 of Java, the label will not print. To install an updated version of Java, go to www.java.com.
  • If you have the correct version of Java, clear your browser's temporary Internet files and try again.
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UPS Thermal Printing with Chrome (ver. 45 and above) and Certain Other Browsers

If you receive a message stating your browser does not support this function, try the following alternative method:

Windows Users: Run the installer (link below), which will place the UPS Thermal Printer App in the Startup folder so that it will run automatically each time you start your machine.

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