Zebra ZD620 vs Brother QL-1100

Zebra ZD620 vs Brother QL-1100

In today’s age of technology, printing labels for your business has become an effortless and efficient task. The market is brimming with excellent label printing options, and the Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100 are two of the most popular ones out there. In this article, we will look at the features, pros, cons, and other aspects of both printers to help you make an informed choice between them.

Introduction to Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100 Label Printers

Firstly, let’s discuss the basics of both printers. The Zebra ZD620 is a direct thermal printer with a print resolution of 203 dpi (dots per inch). It can print labels up to 4.09 inches wide, and it has a maximum print speed of 8 inches per second. The Brother QL-1100, on the other hand, is a thermal transfer printer that can print at a print resolution of 300 dpi. It can print labels up to 4 inches wide and has a maximum print speed of 4 inches per second.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the features of each printer. The Zebra ZD620 has a color LCD screen that displays printer status and error messages, making it easy to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. It also has a variety of connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, allowing for easy integration into any workspace. The Brother QL-1100, on the other hand, has a built-in automatic cutter that can cut labels to any length, making it ideal for printing shipping labels or barcodes.

When it comes to durability, both printers are built to last. The Zebra ZD620 has a metal frame and a dual-wall construction, making it resistant to drops and other impacts. The Brother QL-1100 has a sturdy, compact design that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Overall, both printers offer reliable and efficient label printing solutions for a variety of industries and applications.

Key Features of Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100

Both printers have key features that set them apart from one another. The Zebra ZD620 has a color touch display with a customizable user interface. On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 has a built-in label cutter and integrates with a wide range of software and devices. Another feature that sets the Zebra ZD620 apart is its ability to print at a higher resolution of 300 dpi, compared to the Brother QL-1100’s 203 dpi. This means that the Zebra printer can produce sharper and more detailed labels, which is especially important for small text or intricate designs.

On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 has a larger maximum label width of 4 inches, compared to the Zebra ZD620’s 2.2 inches. This makes the Brother printer more suitable for printing larger labels, such as shipping labels or barcode labels for inventory management.

Pros and Cons of Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100

The Zebra ZD620 has a high print resolution and a speedy print rate, making it suitable for medium to large-sized businesses with high label printing requirements. However, it is more expensive than the Brother QL-1100, which is more suitable for small-sized businesses. The Brother QL-1100 is also easier to use and more versatile than Zebra ZD620, but it has a lower print resolution and print speed. Another advantage of the Zebra ZD620 is its durability. It is built to withstand harsh environments and can handle heavy usage without breaking down. On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 is more compact and takes up less space, making it a better option for businesses with limited workspace.

When it comes to connectivity, the Zebra ZD620 offers more options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, while the Brother QL-1100 only has USB connectivity. This makes the Zebra ZD620 more suitable for businesses that require remote printing or printing from multiple devices. However, the Brother QL-1100 is more affordable and has a lower cost of ownership, making it a better option for businesses on a tight budget.

Printing Speed Comparison between Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100

As mentioned earlier, the Zebra ZD620 has a maximum print speed of 8 inches per second, making it twice as fast as Brother QL-1100, which has a maximum print speed of 4 inches per second. However, the Brother QL-1100 can produce better quality prints though it can’t match Zebra ZD620’s printing speed. Another factor to consider when comparing the two printers is the cost of consumables. The Brother QL-1100 uses thermal transfer technology, which requires the use of thermal transfer labels and ribbons. These consumables can be more expensive than the direct thermal labels used by the Zebra ZD620. Additionally, the Zebra ZD620 has a larger maximum label width of 4.09 inches, while the Brother QL-1100 has a maximum label width of 4 inches. This may not be a significant difference for some users, but for those who require printing on wider labels, the Zebra ZD620 may be the better choice.

Print Quality Comparison between Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100

The Brother QL-1100 has a higher print resolution of 300 dpi as compared to Zebra ZD620’s 203 dpi. This means that the Brother QL-1100 is capable of producing sharper and clearer images and text, which is essential for printing labels with logos or barcodes. However, the Zebra ZD620 does produce high-quality prints, but it is not as sharp as Brother QL-1100. In addition to print resolution, another factor to consider when comparing the print quality of these two label printers is the type of ink used. The Brother QL-1100 uses thermal transfer technology, which produces prints that are resistant to fading and smudging. On the other hand, the Zebra ZD620 uses direct thermal technology, which produces prints that are more susceptible to fading and smudging over time.

Another advantage of the Brother QL-1100 is its ability to print in color, whereas the Zebra ZD620 only prints in black and white. This is particularly useful for printing labels that require color coding or for adding visual elements to the label design. However, it’s worth noting that printing in color may result in a slightly lower print resolution compared to printing in black and white.

Label Size Comparison between Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100

Both printers can accommodate label widths up to 4 inches. However, the Zebra ZD620 can print longer labels, which is helpful when creating labels for shipping or logistics purposes. Additionally, the Zebra ZD620 comes with several label orientation options, making it more versatile than Brother QL-1100.

Another advantage of the Zebra ZD620 is its ability to print high-quality barcodes and graphics. This is especially important for businesses that require precise and accurate labeling for inventory management or product tracking. The Brother QL-1100, on the other hand, is better suited for printing smaller labels, such as address labels or name tags.

When it comes to connectivity options, the Brother QL-1100 offers more flexibility with its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. This allows users to easily print labels from their mobile devices or laptops without the need for cables or additional software. The Zebra ZD620, however, only offers USB and Ethernet connectivity, which may be limiting for some users.

Connectivity Options of Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100

Both printers come with standard connectivity options such as USB and Ethernet. However, the Brother QL-1100 also has wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which allows for more flexibility in printing labels from various devices. Another connectivity option that the Zebra ZD620 offers is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which allows for easy pairing with mobile devices and enables printing from smartphones and tablets. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that require on-the-go printing capabilities.

In addition to its wireless connectivity options, the Brother QL-1100 also has a built-in USB host interface, which allows for direct printing from USB flash drives. This feature eliminates the need for a computer or mobile device, making it a convenient option for printing labels on the go or in locations without easy access to a computer.

Ease of Use Comparison between Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100

The Brother QL-1100 is a much simpler printer to use as it comes with an updated label creation software and an easy to use control panel. It is the perfect choice for small businesses or offices that need quick label printing solutions. Similarly, the Zebra ZD620 is also relatively easy to use but lacks the same ease of navigation and user-friendliness that the Brother QL-1100 provides. However, the Zebra ZD620 offers more advanced features and customization options, making it a better choice for larger businesses or those with more complex labeling needs. Its advanced software allows for more precise label design and printing, and it also offers a wider range of label sizes and materials to choose from. Overall, both printers have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of ease of use, and the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs of the user.

Cost Comparison between Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100

Cost is an important consideration for any business while making purchasing decisions. The Brother QL-1100 is reasonably priced, making it an ideal choice for small businesses and offices that have budgetary constraints. The Zebra ZD620, on the other hand, is relatively more expensive, which makes it suitable for medium to large-sized companies with significant printing requirements that justify the cost of the printer.

It is important to note that the cost of the printer is not the only factor to consider when making a purchasing decision. The cost of ink or toner, maintenance, and repairs should also be taken into account. The Brother QL-1100 uses thermal printing technology, which eliminates the need for ink or toner, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run. The Zebra ZD620, on the other hand, uses ink or toner, which can add to the overall cost of ownership. However, the ZD620 has a higher print resolution and faster printing speed, which may be worth the additional cost for companies with high-volume printing needs.

Which Label Printer is Best for Your Business:

A Comprehensive AnalysisIf you are a small business looking for a simple and budget-friendly printer, then the Brother QL-1100 is the right printer for you. It is easy to use and has wireless connections, making it flexible and convenient. However, if your business demands high-quality labels at a fast rate, then the Zebra ZD620 is an ideal choice. It provides high-resolution prints and can produce longer labels, making it a better choice for logistics and shipping.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice between the Two Label Printers

Both the Zebra ZD620 and Brother QL-1100 have unique features, pros, and cons that make them appealing to different businesses. Before making a purchasing decision, it’s best to analyze your business needs and requirements to make the right choice.