As a business owner or warehouse/operations manager, choosing the right label printer can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we will compare two popular label printers – GoDEX and Zebra – to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to GoDEX and Zebra label printers

GoDEX and Zebra are two incredible brands in the label printing industry. With GoDEX’s expertise in desktop, industrial, mobile and OEM label printing, and Zebra’s reputation for high-quality label printers, mobile computers, and barcode scanners, you know you’re getting the best of the best. GoDEX has been leading the way since 1993, with their innovative products designed and manufactured in Taiwan. Meanwhile, Zebra has been a trusted name since 1969 in the United States. Both of these brands are known for their exceptional quality, efficiency, and reliability. Whether you’re looking for a barcode printer or a mobile computer, you can trust GoDEX and Zebra to deliver top-notch products that will exceed your expectations.

Features of GoDEX label printers

GoDEX label printers are known for their durability and reliability. They are designed to withstand harsh environments and heavy usage. GoDEX label printers also come with a variety of features, including:

• Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing options
• High-resolution printing – up to 600 DPI in some models
• Large memory capacity for storing label templates and graphics
• Easy-to-use interface with a graphical LCD display, and touch displays in some models
• Multiple connectivity options including USB, Ethernet, RS232 as standard and most models are easily upgradable to Wifi and/or Bluetooth post purchase
• Addons including cutters and presenters easily added and available for most models

Features of Zebra label printers

Zebra label printers are also known for their durability and reliability. They are designed to meet the demands of high-volume printing environments. Zebra label printers come with a variety of features, including:

• Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing options
• High-resolution printing – up to 600 DPI in some models
• Large memory capacity for storing label templates and graphics
• Easy-to-use interface with a colour touch screen display in some models
• Multiple connectivity options including USB, Ethernet,Serial, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi

GoDEX vs Zebra: A Comparison of print quality

When it comes to print quality, both GoDEX and Zebra label printers produce high-quality prints. They both offer a suite of products that are sure to meet most label printing needs, including high DPI models to cater scenarios that require finer detail or smaller text.

GoDEX vs Zebra: A Comparison of Speed

Speed is an important factor to consider when choosing a label printer. Both GoDEX and Zebra label printers are fast and efficient, but Zebra label printers have a slight edge when it comes to speed. Zebra label printers can print up to 14 inches per second, while GoDEX label printers can print up to 7 inches per second. As of May 2023, GoDEX and Zebra have a range of speeds for various applications. Below is an overview of the speeds in key markets. It is important to note that as speed increases, so does cost.

Printer Size	GoDEX	Zebra
2” Desktop Printers	4 – 7 IPS	4 – 8 IPS
4” Desktop Printers	3 – 7 IPS	4 – 8 IPS
4” Industrial Printers	4 – 16 IPS	6 – 14 IPS
6” Industrial Printers	4 – 7 IPS	6 – 12 IPS

GoDEX vs Zebra: A Comparison of connectivity options

Connectivity options are another important factor to consider when choosing a label printer. Both GoDEX and Zebra label printers offer multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, RS232, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

GoDEX vs Zebra: A Comparison of Cost

Cost is always a consideration when making a purchase. GoDEX label printers are generally less expensive than Zebra label printers. However, this does not mean that GoDEX label printers are inferior in quality. GoDEX label printers offer a great balance between affordability and functionality.

GoDEX vs Zebra: Software and Languages

Of course, this all means nothing without the ability to create and print labels. Label printing software can be as important as the hardware when considering which solution meets the needs of the user. GoDEX printers are Windows certified, meaning they will be detectable and functional straight from Windows without needing to install software. Both Zebra and GoDEX provide CUPS drivers available to download from their websites for MacOS. GoDEX offers free, full feature label design software and printer diagnostic utilities for Windows, but at the time of this article do not offer such software for MacOS. Zebra offers free limited functionality label printing software but requires an upgrade to the professional version to allow database connectivity, data manipulation, more advanced design features and variable data input. Zebra does not offer label design software for MacOS or printer diagnostic tools for either Windows or MacOS. To install the Zebra printer on Windows, you will be required to download a Zebra printer setup utility which is a step-by-step guide designed to assist the setup process.

When looking at printer programming languages, GoDEX printers can interpret raw data code sent to it in EZPL, ZPL, EPL and DPL. Zebra printers can interpret raw data sent to it in ZPL and EPL.

Choosing between GoDEX and Zebra label printers

Choosing between GoDEX and Zebra label printers depends on your specific needs. Both brands offer a wide range of connectivity methods and additional printer options. They both back their products with 2 year warranties. If you are looking for a high-speed label printer, then a Zebra label printer may be the best option for you. However, if you are looking for an affordable label printer then a GoDEX label printer may be the best choice. GoDEX’s ability to interpret a wider range of printer languages also makes it an easy choice when replacing older printers of a different brand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both GoDEX and Zebra label printers offer high-quality prints, durability, and reliability. When choosing between the two, it is important to consider factors such as print quality, speed, connectivity options, cost and local support. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.