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A thermal receipt printer is an integral piece of any business’ POS software, and it has been the go-to tool for restaurant owners since the 1990’s. With a variety of features like touch screens, wireless printing capabilities, and print speeds up to 44 ppm (mono), these printers are essential in today’s market.
The “thermal printer” is a type of receipt printer that uses thermal printing paper. These printers are often used in restaurants, bars, and other places where people order food or drinks.
Thermal receipt printers are small printers that link to a cash register or POS system and create hardcopy receipts for sales transactions. Because they print utilizing heat on thermosensitive paper rather than pricey ink cartridges, thermal receipt printers are the most frequent in small enterprises. A decent thermal printer costs roughly $350 on average. You may get them from stores or via your POS system provider.
The top thermal printers, according to our research, are:
Comparison of the Best Thermal Receipt Printers
*The systems provided are only examples; check with your POS provider to see whether these printers work with a system that isn’t listed.
The Methods We Used to Evaluate Thermal Receipt Printers
We examined a dozen current and developing thermal receipt printers based on features that small business and restaurant owners care about. For each printer, we assessed the price, general printer features, and simplicity of use. We also took into account the thoughts of our retail and restaurant specialists on each hardware solution.
The TSP143III by Star Micronics emerged as the best thermal receipt printer based on the following parameters. According to our rating methodology, this printer obtained the highest overall score (4.45 out of 5). The TSP143III by Star Micronics is also the #1 printer we personally suggest based on our personal experience working with and with small companies who utilize thermal receipt printers on a daily basis.
For a complete list of our assessment criteria, scroll down to the boxes below:
20% of the overall score
Because many small companies may want many thermal receipt printers, we sought for printers that were around $500 apiece. We gave the best grades to printers that cost less than $300.
30% of the overall score
We took into account the print speed, connection kinds, and POS integrations offered by each printer. We were looking for printers that could also serve as a power source for mobile POS terminals. We also searched for features such as auto cutters with a high life lifetime and de-curl functions.
30% of the overall score
First, we checked through customer reviews from several platforms for each printer. We also checked at manufacturer’s warranties, and printers with warranties longer than a year received the best marks. To simplify your POS setup, we looked at the number of various network connection types each printer offers, as well as printers with a modest footprint.
20% of the overall score
Finally, we relied on our specialists’ knowledge of these printers and their assessments of any distinguishing traits. The popularity of each printer among small retail and restaurant enterprises was taken into account. We also looked at whether each printer provided good value for money.
*Percentages based on total score
TSP143III by Star Micronics: Best Overall Thermal Receipt Printer
TSP143III by Star Micronics
4.45 OUT OF 5 I I I I I I I I I I I Our ranking is based on our experts’ weighted assessment of hundreds of comparable items and services.
What We Enjoy
- Receipt de-curling is a feature that allows you to de-curl your receipts.
- Mobile POS terminals may be charged through a powered USB connection.
- Tools for digital receipts and promotions
What Isn’t There
- This item has a larger footprint than the others on the list.
- The print speed isn’t the fastest accessible.
Pricing
TSP143III by Star Micronics Pricing: $247 – $355, depending on desired network connection style
The TSP143III by Star Micronics is a cost-effective, high-speed thermal printer that works on several popular POS systems. It prints at a respectable 250 millimeters (nearly 10 inches) per second. It is available in charcoal gray or white to coordinate with almost any payment terminal.
This printer supports contactless and mobile operations with a variety of connection options and a few useful features. The TSP143III is available from numerous third-party retailers for $247 to $355, depending on the color and connection type you want.
The TSP143III earned a 4.45 out of 5 on our thermal receipt printer scoring system. This printer scored well for its combination of print speed, multiple network connection types, warranty, and reasonable price. It lost some ground with user reviews, though. The TSP143III by Star Micronics averages 4.4 out of 5 on sites like Amazon. Other printers on this list—the TM-T20III Epson and the TM-T88VII Omnilink—earned ratings above 4.5.
While 250 mm per second is a good print speed, it is not the fastest on the list; the SRP-350plusIII Bixolon prints at 300 mm per second, and the Omnilink Epson TM-T88VII prints at 500 mm per second, outpacing them both.
TSP143III by Star Micronics Standout Features
- The TSP143III includes a “Push n’ Connect” button that allows you to rapidly discover your POS network. In a mobile POS arrangement, it also has an additional USB port for charging tablets and other mobile devices.
- Star Micronics’ digital receipt tool is called AllReceipts. When the AllReceipts feature is used, a QR code is printed at the bottom of client receipts. The consumer may acquire a digital copy of the receipt by scanning it with their smartphone. If you’ve ever had a customer contact a month later to seek a receipt, you’ll love this feature. By putting digital coupons on scanned receipts, you may increase the marketing value of these digital receipts.
- futurePRNT: This is a Star Micronics-designed software program that lets you to add detailed images or coupons to the bottom of your receipts. It runs on Windows OS.
- The TSP143III is covered by a two-year limited guarantee from Star Micronics.
- Compatibility: The TSP143III is a faster version of Star Micronics’ famous TSP100 printer. The TSP143 will function with any POS system that specifies the TSP100 as a compatible printer. Square, Lightspeed, TouchBistro, WineDirect, Vend, and other prominent retail and restaurant POS systems are all compatible with this Star Micronics printer. The TSP143III also works with online ordering services like as DoorDash, Grubhub, and UberEATS, as well as reservation services like SevenRooms and Tock.
Take a look at the Star Micronics TWP143III.
Omnilink Epson TM-T88VII: The Best High-Speed Thermal Receipt Printer Omnilink Epson TM-T88VII: The Best High-Speed Thermal Receipt Printer
Omnilink Epson TM-T88VII
4.28 OUT OF 5 I I I I I I I I I I I Our ranking is based on our experts’ weighted assessment of hundreds of comparable items and services.
What We Enjoy
- The fastest print speed offered is 500 mm/s.
- You may print from a variety of devices thanks to the variable simultaneous connections.
- Manufacturer’s guarantee of four years
What Isn’t There
- Pricey
- It might be difficult to ensure that you obtain the most recent model when purchasing from a reseller.
Pricing
Pricing for the Epson TM-T88VII ranges from $356 to $499.75.
The Omnilink Epson TM-T88VII is Epson’s most recent upgrade to its TM-T88V printer. The T88 has been the most popular restaurant printer for more than a decade. These printers are absolute workhorses in a restaurant setting and integrate directly with any restaurant POS you can think of.
When researching thermal printers, you’ll often come across the term “Epson emulation.” This word simply refers to a printer that has been designed to communicate in the same “language” as an Epson printer. Because of its widespread use, the Epson T88 series printers are the ones that many rivals strive to imitate, as well as the ones that POS software developers design for.
On our thermal receipt printer ranking, the TM-T88VII Omnilink received a 4.28 out of 5 rating. The TM-T88VII printer received great scores for its connection choices, which include ethernet, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi (via a wireless USB dongle). Customers like the printer as well; on Google and Amazon, average customer evaluations vary from 4.5 to 4.7 out of five stars.
The printer’s most significant flaw is its cost. The TM-T88VII is the most expensive item on our list, costing roughly $400 brand new. Because several variants of the T88 have been available for such a long time, you should be cautious of purchasing one from a third-party site like eBay. It’s easy for sellers to advertise their T88 printers as the newest version when they aren’t.
Highlights of the Epson TM-T88VII
The following are some of the highlights of the Epson TM-T88VII:
- Exceptional print speed: The TM-T88VII prints at a blistering 500 millimeters per second. This may be more than a little coffee shop need, but in a busy grocery store or high-volume bar, it may be a lifesaver.
- Numerous connection possibilities: The T88VII supports locally installed and cloud-based POS systems, mobile devices, and cloud servers with its multiple connection options. Epson’s ePOS Print technology also allows you to print from web-based apps. Server Direct Printing allows ghost kitchens and cloud kitchens to print online ordering tickets straight from the cloud to their kitchen.
- Multiple connection interfaces may be used at the same time with the TM-T88VII Omnilink. This implies that the same printer can print from a USB-connected POS, Wi-Fi-connected mobile tablets, and cloud servers. The TM-T88VII Omnilink is the only printer on our list that allows several connection types to be used at the same time. The TM-T88VII Omnilink, like the mC-Print3, allows you to print tickets and receipts directly from a web server, bypassing your POS. This is a fantastic tool for ghost kitchens or stores with a high volume of ecommerce orders.
- Epson built this printer to be durable, which is shown in the four-year manufacturer’s guarantee. You’re unlikely to have any problems for a number of years because to the tough design and long-lasting auto cutter and print head. As a result, the four-year guarantee assures that you’ll be covered even if anything goes wrong years later.
- Variable language settings: In addition to standard English characters, the Omnilink Epson TM-T88VII includes 18 international characters and supports Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Korean characters. The SRP-350plusIII Bixolon comes close, supporting all the same languages, except for Thai.
Take a look at the Omnilink TM-T88VII.
The mC-Print3 from Star Micronics is the best compact thermal receipt printer on the market.
mC-Print3 from Star Micronics
4.24 OUT OF 5 I I I I I I I I I I I Our ranking is based on our experts’ weighted assessment of hundreds of comparable items and services.
What We Enjoy
- Splashes and spills are no match for the front-loading design.
- In tiny settings, the compact size is ideal.
- Can connect via USB, Lightning, Bluetooth, LAN, and via the cloud through CloudPRNT & WebPRNT functions
What Isn’t There
- It might be difficult to feed printer paper from the front.
- The life of an auto cutter is shorter than that of rivals.
Pricing
mC-Print3 from Star Micronics Pricing: $295 – $351, depending on connection type and vendor
The mC-Print3 from Star Micronics is a compact, front-loading thermal receipt printer. This petite, cube-shaped printer is a little over 5 inches square, making it easy to squeeze into tight cash wraps and server stations. The front-loading design may be a little tricky to load, but it protects the print head from spills and helps your receipts print flat with no curling. The various network connection types make the mC-Print3 work for multiple POS configurations. The mC-Print3 is available in black or white to match your store’s decor.
On our thermal receipt printer evaluation system, this tiny printer received a 4.24 out of 5 rating. The mC-Print3 received high marks for POS compatibility and a wide range of connectivity options. It was docked points due to a lack of positive customer feedback and a less robust auto cutter.
For example, the TSP143III, the mC-brother Print3’s printer, is rated for 2 million cuts, but Star Micronics does not reveal the mC-cutter Print3’s life span, which is concerning. While other printers on our list, such as the Epson TM-T88VI, have an average user rating of 4.5 to 4.7 on sites like Amazon, the mC-Print3 has a lower average user rating of 4.4.
mC-Print3 from Star Micronics Standout Features
- Streamlined peripherals: The mC-Print3 is part of Star Micronics’ mCollection, a range of small point-of-sale devices. These printers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, POS stands, and scales all feature a streamlined design that aims to be adaptable enough to suit future POS demands.
- Star Micronics’ CloudPRNT/WebPRNT You may print tickets and receipts straight from the cloud or web-based apps using the CloudPRNT and WebPRNT functionalities. This functionality is useful for printing orders straight from an ecommerce site or an online ordering platform. However, using these tools need a good, consistent internet connection.
- Connection types are included: Unlike printers like the TM-T20III Epson, which require you to choose your connection type when purchasing each printer, the mC-Print3 includes all five connection kinds in each printer. When a result, as your company expands or changes POS partners, your mC-Print3 will grow with it.
Check out mC-Print3 from Star Micronics
TM-T20III Epson: Best Low-Cost Thermal Receipt Printer for Restaurants
TM-T20III Epson
4.19 OUT OF 5 I I I I I I I I I I I Our ranking is based on our experts’ weighted assessment of hundreds of comparable items and services.
What We Enjoy
- Price that is reasonable
- POS integrations abound.
- Designed for high-volume usage and long-term durability
What Isn’t There
- The print speed of 200 mm/s is the slowest on this list.
- There is no powered USB port for charging POS displays.
- There are no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection options available.
Pricing
TM-T20III Epson Pricing: $183 – $309, depending on vendor and preferred connection type
The TM-T20III Epson is a workhorse of a thermal receipt printer. This model integrates with most any restaurant POS system, and has long been popular with small restaurants that need a cost-effective receipt printer. If you’re in the retail business, the TM-T20III Epson integrates with several retail POS systems too. The TM-T20III prints 200 millimeters (around 7.75 inches) per second, which is respectable, but also the lowest speed on this list. The TM-T20III’s greatest asset is its price; you can find these printers for as low as $175 from online retailers like Amazon.
On our thermal receipt printer scoring system, the TM-T20III Epson earned a 4.19 out of 5. The printer scored well for price and its high ratings from users. Users awarded the TM-T20III 4.6 stars on Amazon and Trust Pilot. This is a solid, sturdy printer that won’t disappoint small to medium shop or restaurant owners. But if you need a printer that can power your POS tablet or preemptively “de-curl” your receipt paper, you’ll be happier with the TSP143III by Star Micronics or the mC-Print3.
TM-T20III Epson Standout Features
- Paper saver: The TM-T20III has an automatic paper-saving feature that may save you up to 30% on paper use. This is accomplished by lowering margins and combining print activities, such as printing the logo on the next receipt before cutting a finished receipt. Every small amount of savings adds up in a high-volume store or restaurant.
- You may choose between thermal paper with a width of 80 millimeters or 58 millimeters for your receipts.
- Two-year warranty: The TM-T20III comes with a standard two-year manufacturer’s warranty. Lower than what Epson offers on the sibling TM-T88VI (which is four years), but on par with the TSP143III by Star Micronics.
- Compatibility: The TM-T20III Epson is the low-cost version of the TM-T88VI. These printers operate with the ESC/POS printer language, so most any POS that integrates with the T88 will work with the T20.
Check out TM-T20III Epson
Best Overall Low-Cost Thermal Receipt Printer: SRP-350plusIII Bixolon
SRP-350plusIII Bixolon
3.93 OUT OF 5 I I I I I I I I I I I Our ranking is based on our experts’ weighted assessment of hundreds of comparable items and services.
What We Enjoy
- Prints at a speed of up to 300 mm per second
- Epson Emulation enables the printer to work with a wide range of point-of-sale systems.
- Warranty period: 3 years
What Isn’t There
- Users must ensure that the printer they buy has the connections they need.
- There are no Wi-Fi alternatives available.
- Some users have given them worse ratings than their rivals.
Pricing
SRP-350plusIII Bixolon Pricing: $176 – $211, depending on vendor
The SRP-350plusIII Bixolon is built for durability, and it can look a little brick-like. It is larger than the others on this list, but only by about an inch of depth. It also comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. If style is a primary concern for you, you might be happier with the mC-Print3 from Star Micronics. But with prices ranging from $176 to $211, the SRP-350plusIII Bixolon is the lowest cost printer on this list. If price is your primary concern, the Bixolon has you covered.
The SRP-350plusIII Bixolon earned a 3.93 out of 5 on our thermal receipt printer ranking system. The printer scored well for its low price and high print speed of 300 millimeters per second. This speed is higher than most of the printers on this list; only the Omnilink Epson TM-T88VII is faster at 500 millimeters per second. The Bixolon lost points because some user reviews on Amazon are lower than the others on this list, ranging as low as 3.6 stars for some models. Though other listings garner a full 5 stars.
Most of the negative reviews are from customers who received a printer that lacked the connection they needed. SRP-350plusIII printers do not contain all connection options; you need to double-check that you order the model with the connection you need. If you need all connection types in a single printer, try the mC-Print3 from Star Micronics.
SRP-350plusIII Bixolon Standout Features
SRP-350plusIII Bixolon’s standout features include:
- Variable print resolution: All the printers on this list print at a standard 203 dpi, which is more than high enough resolution for most receipt functions. The SRP-350plusIII Bixolon offers resolution as high as 300 dpi, allowing you to set a lower resolution if you like, down to 180 dpi. The lower resolution increases the Bixolon’s print speed close to 10 inches per second. If you don’t print barcodes or detailed logos, this lower resolution setting could be exactly what you need.
- Epson Emulation: Bixolon printers “emulate” the Epson printer ESC/POS interface. So, with a little back-end tinkering, any POS that integrates with Epson should readily accept the SRP-350plusIII Bixolon.
- Rated for durability: The SRP-350plusIII Bixolon’s printhead is rated to print up to 150 kilometers of receipts before it wears out. Similarly, the auto cutter supports 1.8 million cuts before losing its edge.
- Customizable languages: Like the Omnilink Epson TM-T88VII, the SRP-350plusIII Bixolon supports standard English characters as well as Japanese, Chinese, and Korean characters.
Check out the SRP-350plusIII Bixolon
Conclusion
When it comes to thermal receipt printers, it’s hard to find a bad one. But if you’re looking for the best thermal receipt printer available, you should try the TSP143III by Star Micronics. This printer combines an accessible price with respectable print speed with a durable print head and long-lived auto cutter.
The digital AllReceipts option is the real deal, as it allows your consumers to convert any paper receipt into a digital one, allowing you to sneak in extra offers and incentives. Examine the TSP143III for yourself to determine whether it’s the ideal printer for your store or restaurant.
Check out TSP143III by Star Micronics
The “thermal receipt printer bluetooth” is a type of printer that prints receipts on thermal paper. The thermal paper can be used to detect counterfeiters, as the ink is not erasable and the paper itself is a physical document.
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