Epson ColorWorks C3500 vs Brother QL-1100

When it comes to label printers, businesses need to consider various factors such as print speed, print quality, ink cartridge costs, durability, connectivity options, paper handling, user interface, software compatibility, and value for money. Two of the leading label printers in the market today are Epson ColorWorks C3500 and Brother QL-1100. In this article, we will compare these two printers in detail to help you make an informed decision on which one is best for your business.

Overview of Epson ColorWorks C3500 and Brother QL-1100

The Epson ColorWorks C3500 and Brother QL-1100 are both inkjet label printers that can print high-quality labels on demand. The Epson ColorWorks C3500 is a desktop printer that is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require color labels with photo-quality images. It can print at a speed of up to 4 inches per second and has a print resolution of up to 720 x 360 dpi. Meanwhile, the Brother QL-1100 is a wider format printer that is more suitable for larger labels and signage. It can print at a speed of up to 4 inches per second and has a print resolution of up to 300 x 300 dpi.

One of the advantages of the Epson ColorWorks C3500 is its ability to print on a variety of label materials, including glossy, matte, and synthetic labels. This makes it a versatile option for businesses that require labels for different purposes. Additionally, the printer uses individual ink cartridges, which means that users only need to replace the color that runs out, rather than replacing the entire cartridge.

On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 has a built-in automatic cutter that can cut labels to custom lengths, making it a convenient option for businesses that require labels of different sizes. It also has a maximum print width of up to 4 inches, which is wider than the Epson ColorWorks C3500. This makes it a suitable option for printing larger labels and signage, such as banners and posters.

Print Speed Comparison: Epson ColorWorks C3500 vs Brother QL-1100

In terms of print speed, both printers can print at a speed of up to 4 inches per second. This means that they can both print a 4-inch label in one second. However, the Epson ColorWorks C3500 has a higher print resolution, which means that it takes longer to print a label than the Brother QL-1100. This may not be an issue for businesses that prioritize print quality over print speed.

Another factor to consider when comparing these two printers is their connectivity options. The Epson ColorWorks C3500 offers both USB and Ethernet connectivity, allowing for easy integration into a network. The Brother QL-1100, on the other hand, only offers USB connectivity. This may be a limiting factor for businesses that require multiple users to access the printer or need to print from different devices.

Print Quality: Epson ColorWorks C3500 vs Brother QL-1100

When it comes to print quality, the Epson ColorWorks C3500 is the clear winner. It uses four individual ink cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to produce vibrant and accurate colors, as well as sharp text and graphics. On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 uses thermal printing technology, which can produce decent text and graphics, but not as good as the Epson ColorWorks C3500. Additionally, the Epson ColorWorks C3500 can print at a higher resolution than the Brother QL-1100, which means that it can produce images with more detail and clarity.

Another advantage of the Epson ColorWorks C3500 is its ability to print on a wider range of media, including glossy and matte papers, as well as synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene. This makes it a versatile choice for businesses that need to print labels for various products and packaging.

However, it’s worth noting that the Brother QL-1100 has a faster print speed than the Epson ColorWorks C3500. It can print up to 69 labels per minute, while the Epson ColorWorks C3500 can only print up to 4 inches per second. This makes the Brother QL-1100 a better option for businesses that need to print a large volume of labels quickly.

Ink Cartridge Costs and Capacity: Epson ColorWorks C3500 vs Brother QL-1100

When it comes to ink cartridges, the Epson ColorWorks C3500 uses individual cartridges for each color, which means that businesses only need to replace the color that runs out. This can result in cost savings in the long run, as businesses do not need to replace the entire cartridge when only one color runs out. The cartridges for the Epson ColorWorks C3500 are also high-capacity, which means that they can print more labels before needing replacement. Meanwhile, the Brother QL-1100 uses a single cartridge for both ink and label, which means that businesses need to replace the entire cartridge when the ink or label runs out. This can result in higher costs, especially if businesses print a large volume of labels.

In addition to the differences in ink cartridges, there are also differences in the types of labels that can be printed with each printer. The Epson ColorWorks C3500 is capable of printing on a variety of label materials, including glossy, matte, and synthetic labels. This makes it a versatile option for businesses that need to print labels for different types of products. On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 is designed specifically for printing on thermal paper labels, which may limit its usefulness for businesses that require different types of labels.

Another factor to consider when comparing these two printers is their printing speed. The Epson ColorWorks C3500 is capable of printing up to 4 inches per second, while the Brother QL-1100 can print up to 4.3 inches per second. While this may not seem like a significant difference, it can add up over time for businesses that need to print a large volume of labels on a regular basis.

Durability and Reliability: Epson ColorWorks C3500 vs Brother QL-1100

Both printers are durable and reliable in terms of build quality and performance. However, the Epson ColorWorks C3500 is designed to be more rugged and suitable for industrial use, with a steel frame and industrial-grade printhead. On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 is more suitable for office use, as it is smaller and lighter in weight.

In addition to their build quality and performance, both printers also offer different connectivity options. The Epson ColorWorks C3500 has Ethernet and USB connectivity, making it easy to connect to a network or computer. The Brother QL-1100, on the other hand, offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless printing from mobile devices.

Another factor to consider is the cost of consumables. The Epson ColorWorks C3500 uses individual ink cartridges, which can be more cost-effective in the long run as you only need to replace the color that runs out. The Brother QL-1100 uses label rolls, which can be more convenient for high-volume printing but may be more expensive to replace.

Connectivity Options: Epson ColorWorks C3500 vs Brother QL-1100

Both printers offer flexible connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. This makes it easy for businesses to connect the printers to their computers and networks, as well as mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

However, there are some differences in the connectivity options between the two printers. The Epson ColorWorks C3500 also offers Bluetooth connectivity, which allows for even more flexibility in connecting to mobile devices. On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 has a built-in wireless interface that supports AirPrint, which makes it easy to print from Apple devices without the need for additional software.

Another important factor to consider is the security of the connectivity options. The Epson ColorWorks C3500 has advanced security features such as WPA2 and 802.1x authentication, which help to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. The Brother QL-1100 also has security features such as SSL/TLS encryption and IP filtering, which provide additional protection for networked devices.

Paper Handling: Epson ColorWorks C3500 vs Brother QL-1100

The Epson ColorWorks C3500 and Brother QL-1100 can both handle a range of label sizes and types, including matte, glossy, and synthetic labels. However, the Brother QL-1100 can handle wider labels up to 4 inches, while the Epson ColorWorks C3500 can handle labels up to 4.4 inches. This means that businesses that need to print wider labels may be better off with the Brother QL-1100.

Another factor to consider when it comes to paper handling is the maximum label roll diameter that each printer can accommodate. The Brother QL-1100 can handle label rolls up to 4 inches in diameter, while the Epson ColorWorks C3500 can handle rolls up to 5 inches in diameter. This means that businesses that need to print a large volume of labels may find the Epson ColorWorks C3500 more convenient, as it can accommodate larger label rolls and require less frequent replacement.

It’s also worth noting that the Epson ColorWorks C3500 uses individual ink cartridges for each color, while the Brother QL-1100 uses a single, all-in-one cartridge. This means that if one color runs out on the Epson ColorWorks C3500, you only need to replace that specific cartridge, whereas on the Brother QL-1100, you would need to replace the entire cartridge even if only one color runs out. This can result in cost savings and less waste for businesses that use the Epson ColorWorks C3500.

User Interface and Software Compatibility: Epson ColorWorks C3500 vs Brother QL-1100

Both printers come with their own software for designing and printing labels. The Epson ColorWorks C3500 comes with the Epson Label Editor software, while the Brother QL-1100 comes with the P-touch Editor software. Both software packages are user-friendly and offer a range of label design options. Additionally, both printers are compatible with popular label design and printing software such as BarTender and NiceLabel.

Value for Money Comparison: Epson ColorWorks C3500 vs Brother QL-1100

On the surface, the Brother QL-1100 may seem like the more affordable option, as it has a lower upfront cost and requires less maintenance. However, businesses need to consider the long-term costs of ink cartridges and label costs, as well as the quality of the labels produced. In this sense, the Epson ColorWorks C3500 may be the better value for money in the long run, especially for businesses that require high-quality color labels on a regular basis.

Which One Is Best for Your Business? Epson ColorWorks C3500 or Brother QL-1100?

The answer to this question depends on the specific needs and requirements of your business. If you need to print high-quality color labels with photo-quality images and graphics, and you have a higher budget, then the Epson ColorWorks C3500 may be the better option. However, if you need to print wider labels and require a more affordable option, then the Brother QL-1100 may be the better choice.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Epson ColorWorks C3500 versus Brother QL-1100

Both the Epson ColorWorks C3500 and Brother QL-1100 are capable label printers that can meet the needs of different types of businesses. However, businesses need to consider various factors such as print quality, print speed, ink cartridge costs, durability, connectivity, paper handling, software compatibility, and value for money before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two printers depends on the specific requirements of your business.