Arkscan 2054A vs Brother QL-1100

If you are in the market for a label printer, chances are you have come across two of the most popular models: the Arkscan 2054A and the Brother QL-1100. Both of these label printers offer excellent features and are suitable for a variety of business needs. In this article, we will compare the two and help you decide which one is best for your specific use case. Let’s dive in.

Introduction to Label Printers

Label printers are useful tools for organizing and streamlining business operations. They can print high-quality labels for a variety of purposes, including shipping, inventory tracking, barcoding, and more. With that said, not all label printers are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a world of difference. In this article, we will be comparing the Arkscan 2054A and the Brother QL-1100.

The Arkscan 2054A is a thermal label printer that can print up to 4 inches wide labels at a speed of 5 inches per second. It has a built-in Ethernet port, which allows for easy integration into a network. The printer also comes with a software development kit (SDK) that enables customization of label designs and integration with other software systems. Additionally, the Arkscan 2054A has a durable design that can withstand harsh environments, making it ideal for industrial settings.

The Brother QL-1100, on the other hand, is a versatile label printer that can print labels up to 4 inches wide at a speed of 69 labels per minute. It has a built-in automatic cutter that can cut labels to any length, making it ideal for printing labels of varying sizes. The printer also comes with a free software called P-touch Editor, which allows for easy customization of label designs. Furthermore, the Brother QL-1100 has a compact design that makes it easy to fit into small workspaces.

Overview of Arkscan 2054A and Brother QL-1100

The Arkscan 2054A and Brother QL-1100 are both reliable label printers that can print labels at high speeds with excellent precision. The Arkscan 2054A is a thermal label printer that can print up to 5 inches wide while the Brother QL-1100 can print up to 4 inches wide. Additionally, the Arkscan 2054A can print up to 6 inches per second while the Brother QL-1100 has a printing speed of up to 4 inches per second.

Another key difference between the two label printers is their connectivity options. The Arkscan 2054A offers USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for easy integration into various systems and networks. On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 only offers USB connectivity. This may be a limiting factor for businesses that require more flexible connectivity options.

Design and Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to design and build quality, both label printers are well-constructed and durable. The Arkscan 2054A has a sleek design with a compact footprint, making it easy to fit in tight spaces. It has a sturdy metal frame and a clamshell design, which makes it easy to access the internal components for maintenance. The Brother QL-1100 is also sturdy, but it has a larger profile than the Arkscan 2054A. It has a plastic body but feels sturdy and well-built.

However, the Brother QL-1100 has an advantage over the Arkscan 2054A in terms of connectivity options. It has built-in Wi-Fi, which allows for wireless printing from mobile devices and computers. The Arkscan 2054A, on the other hand, only has USB and serial ports for connectivity.

Another factor to consider is the printing speed. The Arkscan 2054A can print up to 5 inches per second, while the Brother QL-1100 can print up to 4 inches per second. While the difference may seem small, it can add up when printing a large number of labels.

Printing Speed and Capacity Comparison

Print speed is an essential consideration when choosing a label printer. The Arkscan 2054A is undoubtedly the faster of the two, as it can print up to 6 inches per second. The Brother QL-1100, on the other hand, can print up to 4 inches per second. Both printers have a capacity for rolls of labels up to 4 inches in diameter. The Arkscan 2054A has a larger label capacity, with the ability to print labels up to 5 inches wide as opposed to the Brother QL-1100, which has a maximum label width of 4 inches.

In addition to print speed and label capacity, it’s important to consider connectivity options when choosing a label printer. The Arkscan 2054A 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.

Another factor to consider is the cost of replacement labels. The Arkscan 2054A uses thermal transfer technology, which requires the use of a ribbon to print. While this may result in a slightly higher cost per label, it also allows for more durable and long-lasting prints. The Brother QL-1100 uses direct thermal technology, which does not require a ribbon but may result in labels that are more susceptible to fading over time.

Connectivity Options Comparison

The connectivity options for both label printers are similar, with both printers supporting USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Brother QL-1100 also has support for Bluetooth, which can be helpful for wireless printing from mobile devices.

However, the Zebra GX430t has an additional connectivity option of serial connectivity, which can be useful for connecting to legacy systems or equipment that only have serial ports. This can be particularly important in industrial or manufacturing settings where older equipment may still be in use.

Another difference between the two printers is the range of mobile printing options available. While the Brother QL-1100 supports Bluetooth printing, the Zebra GX430t has a wider range of mobile printing options, including Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Zebra’s own Link-OS mobile printing solution. This can be beneficial for businesses that have a variety of mobile devices and want to ensure compatibility with their label printer.

Software Compatibility Comparison

Both label printers come with software that can be used to design and print labels. The Arkscan 2054A comes with Bartender Ultralite software, while the Brother QL-1100 comes with P-touch Editor software. Both software programs offer similar features, such as support for barcodes and various label templates, but Bartender Ultralite has more advanced functionalities.

Additionally, Bartender Ultralite software is compatible with a wider range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, while P-touch Editor software is only compatible with Windows and Mac. This may be an important factor to consider for users who work with different operating systems or who plan to switch to a different operating system in the future.

Label Design and Customization Options Comparison

Both label printers offer customization options such as label templates, fonts, and graphics. The Arkscan 2054A also offers additional customizations, such as the ability to create QR codes. However, the Brother QL-1100 has more label templates available out of the box.

Another important factor to consider when comparing label design and customization options is the software that comes with each printer. The Brother QL-1100 comes with P-touch Editor, which is a user-friendly software that allows you to easily create and print labels. On the other hand, the Arkscan 2054A comes with Bartender Ultralite, which is a more advanced software that offers more design options but may have a steeper learning curve.

It’s also worth noting that both printers offer the ability to print in different languages, which can be useful for businesses that operate in multilingual environments. The Brother QL-1100 supports printing in 14 different languages, while the Arkscan 2054A supports printing in 13 different languages.

Cost Comparison: Initial Price and Maintenance Expenses

When it comes to the cost of the printer, the Brother QL-1100 is slightly more affordable than the Arkscan 2054A. However, both printers offer excellent value for money while providing a range of features and functionalities. The maintenance costs for both printers are also similar, with replacement labels and ink cartridges being the primary ongoing expenses.

It is worth noting that while the initial price and maintenance expenses are important factors to consider when purchasing a printer, it is also important to consider the long-term cost savings. Both the Brother QL-1100 and the Arkscan 2054A are designed to be durable and reliable, which means that they are less likely to require costly repairs or replacements in the future. Additionally, both printers offer energy-saving features that can help to reduce electricity costs over time.

User Experience and Customer Support Comparison

The user experience for both label printers is excellent, with both printers having easy-to-use software and intuitive interfaces. The Arkscan 2054A has the edge when it comes to customer support, with a 24-hour technical support hotline compared to the Brother QL-1100’s standard office hours support.

Additionally, the Brother QL-1100 offers a wider range of label sizes and types, including continuous length labels and heat shrink tubing, making it a more versatile option for labeling needs. However, the Arkscan 2054A has a faster printing speed, which may be a deciding factor for those with high volume printing needs.

Pros and Cons of Each Label Printer

There are pros and cons to both label printers. The Arkscan 2054A offers faster printing speed, larger label capacity, and QR code customization. The Brother QL-1100 offers an affordable price point, more label templates, and Bluetooth connectivity.

However, it is important to note that the Arkscan 2054A is bulkier and heavier than the Brother QL-1100, making it less portable. On the other hand, the Brother QL-1100 has a smaller label capacity and slower printing speed compared to the Arkscan 2054A. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two label printers.

Which Label Printer is Best For Specific Use Cases?

The Arkscan 2054A is the best option for businesses requiring faster printing speeds, larger label sizes, and QR code customization. The Brother QL-1100 is a great option for businesses with lower printing needs and a tighter budget.

Final Verdict: Which Label Printer is The Winner?

Both label printers offer excellent value for money, but the Arkscan 2054A is the winner for larger businesses with higher printing needs that require faster speeds and larger label sizes. The Brother QL-1100 is a solid choice for smaller businesses that need a reliable label printer without breaking the bank.

Conclusion and Recommended Applications for Arkscan 2054A vs Brother QL-1100

Overall, both label printers perform well and offer excellent features. The Arkscan 2054A is the superior option for larger businesses that require faster printing speeds and larger label sizes, while the Brother QL-1100 is a great choice for smaller businesses with lower printing needs and a tight budget. Both label printers are versatile and can be used for a range of applications, including shipping, inventory tracking, and barcode printing.