10 Best Portable Thermal Printers 2025 in the UK

The DYMO LabelManager 160 Label Maker Starter Kit is a compact and lightweight portable thermal printer ideal for home or office use. One of its notable strengths is the QWERTY keyboard, which allows for quick text input and efficient label creation with various formatting options, including 6 font sizes, 8 text styles, and 228 symbols. This makes it versatile for different labeling needs.

The thermal printing technology eliminates the need for ink or toner, making it a cost-effective choice over time. Additionally, the starter kit includes three rolls of D1 label tape, adding value compared to purchasing these items separately. The automatic switch-off feature extends battery life, enhancing its portability. Connectivity is limited to USB, which may not be as convenient as wireless options but is sufficient for basic use.

The printer's resolution ranges between 203 to 300 dpi, suitable for clear, professional labels. On the downside, it lacks dual-sided printing and color depth is monochrome, which might be restrictive for users needing more advanced printing features. The build quality is commendable with environmentally-friendly materials used in its construction, but the absence of included batteries could be inconvenient for immediate use. The DYMO LabelManager 160 is user-friendly with its LCD display and lightweight design, making it a practical choice for everyday labeling tasks.

The iDPRT MT610 Portable Thermal Printer is designed for those who need a lightweight, easy-to-use printing solution on the go. Its key strength lies in its advanced inkless technology, which means no need for messy cartridges. With a high print resolution of 300DPI, it produces clear, detailed prints quickly, taking about 4 to 6 seconds per A4 page. This print resolution is higher than many standard portable printers that usually have 203DPI.

The printer is highly portable, weighing only 650g and compact enough to fit into a backpack or briefcase, making it ideal for travel, office work, or studying anywhere. Its battery life is impressive, offering up to 4 hours of continuous printing or up to 360 sheets on a single charge, perfect for long periods without needing to recharge. The printer supports various connectivity options, including Bluetooth and USB, and is compatible with a wide range of devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The inclusion of the 'HerePrint' app makes it easy to print from mobile devices.

However, the printer only works with thermal paper, which might limit users who need to print on different types of paper. Additionally, while it does not support color printing or dual-sided printing, its focus on monochrome output at high speed (35 ppm) ensures efficiency in black-and-white document printing. The setup process is straightforward with clear instructions provided for both phone and PC connections. This thermal printer might not be ideal for everyone, especially those needing color prints or more varied media compatibility, but it offers a robust solution for those who prioritize portability and ease of use.

The Dymo LetraTag LT-100H is a handheld thermal label printer designed mainly for home and office use. It prints in black and white with a modest resolution of 160 dpi, which is enough for clear text labels but not detailed graphics. Printing speed is relatively slow at about 10 characters per second, fitting for labeling tasks rather than bulk jobs. It uses thermal printing technology, so you won’t need to buy ink or toner, which keeps running costs low. The device is powered by 4 AA batteries (not included), making it highly portable, but battery life depends on usage and batteries used.

Connectivity is limited to USB, so you can’t print wirelessly or directly from a smartphone despite some compatibility claims. The included 13-character LCD screen is simple but lets you preview text and formatting before printing, which helps avoid mistakes. You can choose from multiple font sizes, styles, box designs, and even print two lines with date stamps for versatile labeling needs.

The build is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around, though it has a plastic feel typical of budget handheld devices. Loading labels is straightforward, and the included starter roll helps you get going immediately. This label maker suits users looking for a basic, portable solution to create simple labels quickly without fuss. It is not ideal if you need high-resolution printing, color labels, or advanced connectivity options.