Which POS Printer Is Best?

When it comes to point of sale (POS) systems, choosing the right printer is crucial. A good printer can help increase efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction, while a bad one can lead to frustration, mistakes, and lost revenue. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which POS printer is best for your business? In this article, we'll explore different types of printers, key features to consider, and some top picks to help you make an informed decision.

Types of POS Printers

There are several types of printers that can be used for POS systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Thermal Printers: These printers use heat to transfer ink onto paper, making them fast, quiet, and low-maintenance. They are ideal for printing receipts and barcodes, but may not be suitable for printing graphics or logos. Some thermal printers require special thermal paper, which can be more expensive than regular paper.

2. Impact Printers: These printers use a ribbon and pins to create dot-matrix images on paper, making them durable and versatile. They can handle a variety of media, including multipart forms, invoices, and checks. However, they are slower and noisier than thermal printers, and may need more maintenance.

3. Inkjet Printers: These printers use liquid ink to create high-quality graphics and images, making them a good choice for printing logos, coupons, and marketing materials. They can also use regular paper, which is more cost-effective than thermal paper. However, they are slower and more prone to smudging or fading, and may require more ink refills.

5 Key Features to Consider

When comparing different POS printers, here are some key features to look for:

1. Speed: How many pages per minute (PPM) can the printer produce? A faster printer can help reduce waiting times for customers and staff.

2. Connectivity: What types of connections does the printer support, such as USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth? A printer that can connect to multiple devices can be more flexible and convenient to use.

3. Paper Handling: What size and type of paper can the printer handle, and how many sheets can it hold? A printer that can accommodate various paper sizes and thicknesses can be more versatile and cost-effective.

4. Durability: How long is the printer expected to last, and what kind of warranty or service plans are available? A more durable printer can save you money in the long run by requiring fewer repairs or replacements.

5. Software Compatibility: Does the printer work with your POS system and software, and what kind of drivers or configuration tools are provided? A printer that seamlessly integrates with your existing setup can save you time and effort.

Top POS Printer Picks

Based on these criteria, here are some of the best POS printers on the market:

1. Epson TM-T20II: This thermal printer boasts fast speeds (up to 200mm per second) and easy setup, with USB and Ethernet connectivity. It can handle standard 80mm receipt paper and has a small footprint, making it ideal for small businesses and tight spaces.

2. Star Micronics TSP654II: This thermal printer offers high resolution (203 dpi) and multiple interface options, including USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It can handle both standard and liner-free label paper, making it a good fit for retail and food service environments.

3. Bixolon SRP-350III: This thermal printer features a triple interface (USB, Ethernet, and Serial) and a durable design (up to 1.8 million cuts). It can print both text and graphics at fast speeds (up to 250mm per second) and supports various paper widths and thicknesses.

4. Epson TM-U220B: This impact printer is built to last, with a rugged design and a two-year warranty. It can handle multipart forms, invoices, and receipts with ease, and offers multiple connectivity options (USB, Ethernet, or serial). It may be a bit slower than thermal printers, but can be more reliable in demanding environments.

5. HP Engage One Prime Receipt Printer: This inkjet printer offers high-quality color printing (up to 4800 x 1200 dpi) and touch-to-print NFC technology. It can connect to various devices via USB, Ethernet, or Bluetooth, and comes with a 3-year warranty. It can print both receipts and marketing materials, making it a good choice for businesses that want to enhance their branding and customer experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right POS printer can be a game-changer for your business. By considering factors like speed, connectivity, paper handling, durability, and software compatibility, you can find a printer that fits your needs, budget, and goals. Whether you prefer thermal, impact, or inkjet printing, there are plenty of options on the market to choose from. Keep in mind that the best printer for your business may depend on your industry, size, location, and other unique factors. By doing your research and testing out different models, you can find the POS printer that is best for you.