Receipt and label printers (thermal) + barcode readers: how to choose

Receipt and label printers (thermal) + barcode readers: how to choose

If you search Google for "receipt printer," "80mm thermal printer ," "thermal label printer ," "thermal printer," or "USB barcode reader," you almost always have the same goal: to set up (or improve) a point of sale/storage system and gain speed in invoicing, labeling, and managing inventory.

This guide (PT-PT) was written to help you buy well — without paying for unnecessary "extras" and without discovering too late that the equipment is not compatible with your software/store.

1) First: what are you going to print and where are you going to use it?

Before specifying, you define the scenario:

  • Receipts/tickets (POS/TPV) : restaurants, retail, kiosks, services, pick-up.

  • Labels : prices, shelf space, logistics/shipping, location labels (warehouse), product identification.

  • Barcodes / QR codes : inventory control, quick checkout, order picking, returns.

The choice changes significantly depending on whether you are:

  • occasional use (a few pads per day)
    vs

  • Intensive use (checkout line, kitchen, storeroom).

2) Thermal receipt printer: the essentials (58 mm vs 80 mm)

2. Paper width: 80 mm or 58 mm?

The most common widths in POS terminals are 80 mm and 58 mm . Many models support both (with guides/adapters), but always confirm.

Epson, for example, explicitly documents the change from 80 to 58 mm using paper guides on POS models.
And in POS model specifications, both widths appear as supported (80 mm and 58 mm).

How to decide:

  • 80 mm : more space for lines, logo, QR code, returns/conditions; very common in stores and restaurants.

  • 58 mm : more compact (small counters), narrower rollers; may be sufficient for simple receipts.

2.2 POS Compatibility: ESC/POS (very important)

If you are going to connect the printer to a billing/POS system, look for ESC/POS compatibility (very common in the POS world). Epson itself maintains the official ESC/POS command reference for receipt printers.

Practical translation:

  • If your software/POS says "supports ESC/POS", you are more likely to get "plug-and-play" compatibility with many thermal POS systems.

2.3 Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Choose based on your operation, not on trends:

  • USB : Simple and stable for 1 station.

  • Ethernet (network) : ideal for sharing printers between workstations, or connecting in environments with more traffic and fewer failures.

  • Wi-Fi : useful when you don't want cables, but it depends heavily on network quality.

  • Bluetooth : good for mobile/temporary setups (trade shows, events), with limited range.

3) Thermal label printer: direct vs. thermal transfer

When searching for "label printer" or "thermal label printer for shipping," the key decision is the type of printing.

3.1 Direct Thermal

Prints on thermal labels (no ribbon required).
Advantages: simple supplies, fast operation, good for shipping/logistics.
Limitations: the print may fade sooner with heat, light, and friction (depends on the label).

3.2 Thermal Transfer

Use ribbon to print on various label materials.
Advantages: greater durability and resistance (ideal for labels that "have to last").
Costs/complexity: there is tape and additional management involved.

Zebra explains these differences and the impact on costs/consumables between direct thermal and thermal transfer.

How to decide (quickly):

  • Shipping, shipping labels, quick use → direct thermal printing usually arrives.

  • Labels for long-term storage/warehousing, harsh environments → thermal transfer is usually better.

4) Consumables and an "invisible" detail that causes problems: thermal paper and BPA.

Many businesses only think about the equipment and forget the real cost: rolls + labels .

And there is still a point of compliance and safety: bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols. The EU published Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 , and national authorities (e.g., DGAV) summarized the prohibition of BPA and other hazardous bisphenols in materials/objects intended for contact with food (with specific exceptions).

What this means in practice (without dramatizing):

  • If your business deals with food , it makes sense to opt for BPA-free thermal paper when applicable and available (in addition to being a sign of trust for customers).

  • Confirm with your raw material supplier and the needs of your sector.

5) Barcode readers: 1D vs 2D (and why this changes shopping)

5.1 1D (EAN/UPC, Code 128…) vs 2D (QR, Data Matrix…)

  • 1D : the classic bars (e.g., EAN/UPC).

  • 2D : QR Code, Data Matrix, etc.

Honeywell sums it up well: laser scanners and linear imagers tend to read only 1D , while 2D imager scanners (camera-based) read both 1D and 2D.

Purchase recommendation (Portugal, 2026):

  • If you want a "one-time purchase and it's done" solution, choose a 2D imager — because in addition to EAN codes, you'll be able to easily read QR codes (for payments, links, inventory, and logistics).

5.2 Symbols: what you need to confirm

In retail and logistics, you will find:

  • EAN/UPC (very common in products)

  • Code 128 (common in logistics/transport)

  • QR Code / Data Matrix (increasingly common)

Zebra provides references on symbologies and definitions (including 1D and 2D) that help to understand the "universe" of supported codes.

Quick checklist for choosing a scanner:

  • Reads EAN-13 (obvious for retail)

  • Read Code 128 (logistics)

  • Reads QR and Data Matrix (future-proof)

  • It has a USB HID/wedge keyboard mode (it connects and functions as a "keyboard" on many systems).

  • It's comfortable for your pace (trigger, support, base)

6) Barcodes and labels: where does GS1 come in (for those who sell products)

If you sell products with "off-the-shelf" barcodes, you'll hear about GTIN/EAN and GS1 . GS1 Portugal explains that the barcode visually represents data associated with the GTIN , and that GS1 Portugal assigns the country and company prefix.

Because this matters for your setup:

  • Label printers and scanners work best when you have a consistent identification system (GTIN, internal references, warehouse labels).

7) Integration with POS and invoicing in Portugal

Since we're talking about "payment slips," many people buy the printer and then realize that the software doesn't communicate with it.

In Portugal, many businesses use certified billing/POS software (depending on their tax framework). Some vendors highlight the AT certification of their software on their websites (e.g., Moloni indicates certification and number).

Practical tip: before buying 10 printers, check:

  • recommended models/tests from your POS software

  • It prints at 58/80mm as you need.

  • ESC/POS is supported where applicable.

8) Checklists for "buying without mistakes"

A) For store/retail (express checkout)

  • Thermal POS printer 80 mm (or 80/58 with guide)

  • ESC/POS compatible

  • 2D imager scanner (reads 1D + QR/Data Matrix)

  • Connection: USB (simple) or Ethernet (more robust)

B) For shipping/e-commerce (labels + picking)

  • Thermal label printer (direct-to-ship; transfer if durability is needed)

  • 2D scanner (for QR codes and logistics)

  • Consistent labels and consumables (not "the cheapest," but those that don't fail)

FAQ

Which is better: a 58 mm or an 80 mm thermal printer?
For most stores, 80 mm provides more comfort (more information on the receipt). If you have a small counter or simple checkout area, 58 mm may be sufficient. Many models support both widths with guides/adapters.

Is ESC/POS really important?
If you're going to print from POS/software, the answer is often "yes": ESC/POS is a set of commands widely used in POS receipt printers and documented by Epson.

Label printer: direct or thermal transfer?
Direct (without ribbon) is great for short-term shipping and labels. Transfer (with ribbon) is better when you need greater durability/strength.

Will a 1D reader arrive, or should I buy a 2D one?
For purchases "without regrets," a 2D imager is more versatile: it reads both 1D and 2D (QR, Data Matrix). Honeywell explains that linear lasers/imagers tend to stay in 1D, while 2D imagers cover both.

BPA in thermal paper: should I be worried?
There is recent European regulation regarding BPA and other bisphenols in materials intended for contact with food; in the food business, it makes sense to prefer "BPA-free" consumables when applicable.