Give Your Parcels an Expert Touch With the Best Thermal Labels

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Buying Guide: Thermal Labels

Whether you own a small e-commerce store or are simply looking to make custom stickers for your next arts and crafts project, a thermal labeler is just what you need. But a printer is only as good as the surface it prints on. In the case of thermal label printers, this surface is called a thermal label. As the name suggests, these labels are made from thermal paper, which is quite different from your regular white paper. Particularly fine in texture, this paper changes color when you press the printer’s thermal head on it. The result is a high-definition image, barcode, or text that remains intact for a long time. These labels also feature self-adhesive backing so you can effortlessly stick them onto your package, furniture, or other equipment. Buying a high-quality thermal label isn’t exactly easy — what with so many seemingly similar options to choose from. So, join us as we take you through our favorite thermal labels of 2023 and teach you all about them.

For the first spot on our list, we have this thermal label pack that comes in 2 and 3-inch size variations to best suit your product labeling needs. It also comes in cute round and heart-shaped design options, meaning you’ll be able to add a personal touch to whatever you’re labeling. Additionally, you can pick between nine color options, ensuring that each label is easy to read on different surfaces. 

The best part of this pick is its high adhesion capability, which allows it to firmly stick to any surface. The high compatibility is also a great plus, as you can use these labels with almost any label printer brand, including MUNBYN, Rollo, Jiose, Polono, and IDRPT. The high durability, great adhesion, and multiple color options have earned these thermal labels the top spot on our list. 

Pros

• Color labels available to personalize
• Bright enough to read, but not pitch black
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Reasonably priced at under 3C/ each
• Prints perfectly on Munbyn printer models at 300 dpi

Cons

• Some reported the labels aren't waterproof

The runner-up on our list is 9527 Product’s Thermal Labels, which are available in roll and stack variations so you can get the type that’s compatible with your printer. You also get to pick between eight different bundle options to best fit your buying habits. Best of all, their large size is enough to print out all the information you need without the text looking cramped.

Most importantly, these thermal labels have high print quality, providing very clear visuals without any blurring. Another plus is their excellent adhesion properties, which provide a firmer, long-lasting stick. Its high compatibility is a bonus as well, so you can use it with most printer brands, such as Zebra, Brother, Elton, and Fargo without worry. 

Pros

• Comes in roll and stack options
• Large label size
• Available in eight bundles of different quantities

Cons

• Only comes in one color

Next, we have this pack of Rollo Direct Thermal Labels, which contains 500 labels. They feature a laminated finish, allowing you to get a much better print, and the standard sizing ensures that you don’t have to worry about sheet wastage during printing. Even more, each label in the pack is perforated to allow for easy tearing. 

Additionally, the use of non-jamming technology allows you to efficiently print out labels without having to worry. The strong adhesion also prevents labels from coming off easily, ensuring that your package always reaches its destination. And, since they are FSC-certified, these thermal labels are environmentally-friendly.

Pros

• Utilizes non-jamming technology
• BPA-free for your safety
• Perforated for easy tearing
• Laminated finish provides higher print quality

Cons

• Only comes in one stack size

Kenco has brought us these thermal labels that you can get in four size variations and multiple colors as per your preference. Each roll consists of 1,495  labels, so you won’t run anytime soon, providing better value for your money. Additionally, the direct thermal design prevents the need for a ribbon for labeling, making the process that much smoother. 

The materials used to make these thermal labels are all locally sourced in the USA, ensuring much better print quality and adhesion. These labels are also widely compatible and can work with most label printer brands on the market, including Godex, Zebra, and Rollo. With so many positives, there’s no reason not to consider this pick.

Pros

• Available in multiple colors
• Made with locally sourced materials
• Features great adhesion and print quality

Cons

• Cannot be used with DYMO printers

These thermal labels are brought to us by Buhbo, and you can get them in 500, 2,000, and 4,000-label packs. Each stack in the pack is individually packaged, so you can take out only the amount of labels you need without creating a mess. These thermal labels also utilize a strong adhesive that sticks very well to boxes, envelopes, and mailers. As a bonus, there is a perforated line on each label as well, making them much easier to tear and use. 

Even more, the fanfold packing style makes it more convenient to load the labels into the printers quickly. Additionally, this pick is highly compatible, so it works well with label printers such as Datamax, MUNBYN, NEX, and Zebra. And, if all that wasn’t enough, these thermal labels also boast high durability and great print quality — who could ask for more?

Pros

• Fanfold packaging design for faster loading
• Each stack is packed individually 
• Perforated lines allow easier tearing 

Cons

• Could do with more color options

How should I store my thermal labels?

Always store any spare thermal labels in a cool and dry environment — the dry part, in particular, is super important. So, if you live in a humid region, consider poly-bagging the labels. This will ensure the paper stays in shape and that the self-adhesive backing doesn’t expire. Also, if your thermal labels are in roll form, make sure you store them upright. 

Should I load thermal labels face up or down?

Most thermal labels are supposed to be fed into the printer with their right side facing up. Still, you should check out your printer’s user manual to double-check which side should be facing up.

Can I put tape over a thermal label?

It is generally not recommended to tape over your thermal label since this can make it hard to read the label. The glue on the tape can also fade the text on your label.