If you've decided it's time to get a printer specifically for shipping labels, this guide, which outlines the key factors to consider and discusses the best 4-inch shipping label printers that we've tested, should help you find the right choice. However, if the only shipping labels you need are 3 by 6 inches for mailing tubes, or 2 by 4 inches for small packages, you might be better off with a 2- or 3-inch wide printer, and should also take a look at our top choices for the best label makers overall.

Finally, if you don't mind folding and stuffing regular paper into a pouch, check out our guide to the best printers overall.

The label printers we've reviewed are designed for consumers, professionals, or small businesses alike, with prices in the $150 to $400 range. The thermal technology these printers use—they don't need ink or toner—is mature enough that there's little change over a span of several years. We reviewed one of the models included here in 2020, and it remains our Editors' Choice pick. We like that much of what's available on the market is a collection of proven, solid performers, and even the newer models are based on an equally well-proven technology.

Since shipping label printers are a subset of label printers, you can learn even more about the wider breadth of these printers in our Best Label Makers guide.