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Hardware list · 7 items

Barcode label printers and scanners

Professional label printers, handheld scanners and a mobile computer for the jobs the site’s tools and guides cover, each named by its exact model with facts from the maker’s own product page.

How this list is made

  1. Named by maker and exact model. 7 items from 4 makers. The facts come from each maker’s own product page, linked under the item with the date it was read (Oct 16, 2026).
  2. Listed for the job, not the commission. An item is here because it fits work the site’s tools and guides cover: printing labels that scan, and reading them. Plain Barcode has not tested this hardware, and there are no ratings and no prices: check the current price on Amazon. How gear lists are chosen.
  3. Amazon links are affiliate links, each marked “(paid link)”. As an Amazon Associate, Plain Barcode earns from qualifying purchases.
  4. “Search on Amazon” searches Amazon for the exact maker and model. Models come in several configurations (resolution, connectivity, kits), so check the listing against the maker’s page before you buy.

The hardware list is not printed. It is online at plainbarcode.com/gear/.

Label printers

4-inch desktop thermal printers for product, bin, asset and shipping labels: two Zebra models that come in thermal transfer (ribbon) versions for long-life labels, and two direct thermal paper-label printers for office and e-commerce use.

Guides for this hardware: How to Print Barcodes That Scan: Size, Quiet Zones, Color, Asset Tags with Barcodes: Numbering, Materials and Placement, Barcode Not Scanning? A Checklist From Most to Least Likely, Direct Thermal vs Thermal Transfer vs Sheet Labels for Barcodes, GS1-128 SSCC Shipping Labels: Build the Number and the Label

Hardware listLabel printers4 items

As an Amazon Associate, Plain Barcode earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are marked “(paid link)”; prices aren’t shown here.

  1. Zebra ZD421

    ZD421 Advanced Desktop Printer, 4-inch

    For a shop that prints its own product, bin and shipping labels on 4-inch rolls and wants the choice of direct thermal or ribbon (thermal transfer) printing.

    • Maximum print width 4 in.; thermal transfer and direct thermal models, plus the ZD421C with a ribbon cartridge.
    • 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) or 300 dpi (12 dots/mm) print resolution; print speed 4 or 6 ips.
    • Optional Wi-Fi with Bluetooth, plus Bluetooth Low Energy; Zebra describes the wireless as field-upgradeable.

    Specs: Zebra product page, read

    Search on Amazon for Zebra ZD421 (paid link)

  2. Zebra ZD621

    ZD621 Premium Desktop Printer, 4-inch

    For higher daily label volumes in a stockroom or shipping area: Zebra's premium 4-inch desktop model, with faster print speeds than the ZD421.

    • 4-inch desktop printer in direct thermal and thermal transfer models; Zebra positions it as industrial print quality in a desktop size.
    • 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) or 300 dpi (12 dots/mm) print resolution; print speed 6 or 8 ips.
    • Optional Wi-Fi with Bluetooth, plus Bluetooth Low Energy; can be part of Zebra's linerless printing solution.

    Specs: Zebra product page, read

    Search on Amazon for Zebra ZD621 (paid link)

  3. Brother QL-1110NWB

    QL-1110NWB Wide Format Professional Label Printer

    For an office that prints paper address, shipping and simple barcode labels up to 4 in. wide from a PC, Mac or phone, with no ribbon to buy.

    • Direct thermal printing on Brother DK rolls, labels up to 4 in. wide, at 300 dpi.
    • Bluetooth, Ethernet and Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) plus USB; an automatic cutter cuts one label or a run of labels.
    • Brother lists up to 69 standard address labels per minute (black text, 300 dpi) and a two-year limited warranty.

    Specs: Brother product page, read

    Search on Amazon for Brother QL-1110NWB (paid link)

  4. DYMO LabelWriter 5XL

    LabelWriter 5XL Label Printer

    For e-commerce sellers who print 4 × 6 in. shipping labels plus barcode and bin labels, and want the printer to report which roll is loaded.

    • Direct thermal printer for 4 × 6 in. shipping labels and other large-format labels, at 300 dpi.
    • Automatic Label Recognition shows the size, type and number of labels remaining on the loaded roll.
    • USB or LAN connection with DYMO Connect software; 2-year limited warranty.

    Specs: DYMO product page, read

    Search on Amazon for DYMO LabelWriter 5XL (paid link)

Barcode scanners

Corded 1D/2D handheld imagers for a packing desk, receiving bench or checkout. Both read QR codes as well as UPC, EAN and Code 128.

Guides for this hardware: How to Print Barcodes That Scan: Size, Quiet Zones, Color, How to Set Up a Barcode Inventory System for a Small Business, Barcode Not Scanning? A Checklist From Most to Least Likely, How Barcode Scanners Work: Laser, Imager and Phone Camera

Hardware listBarcode scanners2 items

As an Amazon Associate, Plain Barcode earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are marked “(paid link)”; prices aren’t shown here.

  1. Zebra DS2208

    DS2208 Corded 1D/2D Handheld Imager

    For a packing desk, checkout or receiving bench: a corded imager that reads linear barcodes and 2D codes such as QR and plugs straight into the computer.

    • Corded 1D/2D handheld imager from Zebra's DS2200 Series; the cordless sibling is the DS2278.
    • Auto-host-detect cables select the host interface when you plug the scanner in; 123Scan configures it.
    • Optional IntelliStand for hands-free scanning; Zebra warrants the corded DS2208 for 60 months.

    Specs: Zebra product page, read

    Search on Amazon for Zebra DS2208 (paid link)

  2. Honeywell Voyager XP 1470g

    Voyager XP 1470g General Duty Scanner

    For a retail counter that scans product barcodes as well as codes on customers' phone screens, and needs a scanner built to be dropped.

    • Corded 1D/2D scanner that Honeywell says reads traditional barcodes and codes on digital screens, including damaged codes.
    • Rated for 30 drops from 6 ft (1.8 m) to concrete and 1,000 tumbles from 1.6 ft (0.5 m); IP52.
    • Keyboard wedge, RS-232 and USB host interfaces; 5-year warranty.

    Specs: Honeywell product page, read

    Search on Amazon for Honeywell Voyager XP 1470g (paid link)

Mobile computers

An Android device with a built-in scan engine, for counting and receiving at the shelf with an inventory app.

Guides for this hardware: How to Set Up a Barcode Inventory System for a Small Business, How Barcode Scanners Work: Laser, Imager and Phone Camera

Hardware listMobile computers1 item

As an Amazon Associate, Plain Barcode earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are marked “(paid link)”; prices aren’t shown here.

  1. Zebra TC22

    TC22 Android Mobile Computer

    For counting, receiving and picking at the shelf: a phone-style Android device with a built-in scan engine, when your inventory app has to go where the stock is.

    • Android mobile computer with a 6 in. FHD+ display and a built-in SE4710 or SE55 1D/2D scan engine.
    • The TC22 is the Wi-Fi model (the TC27 adds cellular); IP68 and IP65 sealing and Corning Gorilla Glass on the display and scan window.
    • Removable 3,800 mAh or 5,200 mAh battery; Zebra says barcodes can be entered into apps out of the box, with no programming.

    Specs: Zebra product page, read

    Search on Amazon for Zebra TC22 (paid link)