Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi label printers: Choose the right solution for your business
At Delfi Technologies, we have specialised in barcode solutions and data capture since 1988, including a wide range of label printers. We know that choosing the right label printer is crucial to your company’s efficiency. One of the key considerations is whether you should invest in a label printer with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. Both technologies offer wireless freedom, but their use cases and benefits vary significantly. In this guide, we take a closer look at the differences, advantages and disadvantages of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi label printers, so you can make an informed choice that suits your specific needs.
Our goal is to help you optimise your business and strengthen your competitiveness with the right tools. We deliver solutions that combine hardware and software, tailored to retail, warehousing, industry and the healthcare sector. Let us take a closer look at how Bluetooth and Wi-Fi label printers can be integrated into your business.
Bluetooth label printers: The close-up view
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that is ideal for direct one-to-one connections between two devices. For label printers, this typically means a connection between the printer and a handheld terminal, a tablet or a smartphone.
Advantages of Bluetooth label printers
Easy setup
Bluetooth devices are often quick and easy to pair, minimising setup time.
Mobile flexibility
Perfect for mobile employees who need to print on the go, for example in a warehouse, on a shop floor or during goods receiving.
Low power consumption
Bluetooth is known for its low power consumption, which is an advantage for battery-powered, mobile label printers.
No network infrastructure required
You do not need an existing Wi-Fi network to establish a connection.
Disadvantages of Bluetooth label printers
- Limited range: Typically up to 10–20 metres in open environments, which can be a limitation in larger facilities.
- Lower data speed: Generally slower than Wi-Fi, although this is rarely an issue for standard label printing.
- One-to-one connection: A Bluetooth label printer can usually only be connected to one device at a time.
- Potential interference issues: May be susceptible to interference from other 2.4 GHz devices.
An example of use could be in a retail store, where an employee with a handheld terminal walks around and updates price labels directly at the shelves using a Bluetooth label printer. This is a situation where the advantages of Bluetooth label printers clearly come into their own, in Bluetooth’s favour, due to the local, dedicated connection.
Wi-Fi label printers: The extended network
Wi-Fi makes it possible to connect devices to a local area network (LAN) via wireless access points. This means that a Wi-Fi label printer can be accessed from any authorised device within the network’s range.
Advantages of Wi-Fi label printers
Greater range
Wi-Fi networks typically cover a larger area and can have multiple access points, making them ideal for larger premises such as warehouses or offices.
Higher data speed
Wi-Fi offers significantly faster data transfer, which can be an advantage when printing complex labels with images or large amounts of data.
Shared use
Multiple users can share the same Wi-Fi label printer from different devices, optimising resource utilisation.
Easy IT administration
Because the printer is part of the company network, it is easier to manage and maintain centrally.
Integration with existing networks
Can be easily integrated into an existing IT infrastructure.
Disadvantages of Wi-Fi label printers
- Dependence on network infrastructure: Requires an existing, well-functioning Wi-Fi network.
- Setup can be more complex: Often requires network configuration and security settings.
- Higher power consumption: Wi-Fi generally uses more power than Bluetooth, which can affect battery life on mobile devices.
- Potential security risks: As with all network-connected devices, security is critical and requires proper configuration.
If you are considering Wi-Fi label printers for your company’s primary printing needs—especially in environments with many users and fixed workstations—Wi-Fi will often be the preferred choice. This could be in a parcel hub, where multiple employees print shipping labels from their individual computers to a central printer.
Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi label printers: A direct comparison
To make the choice easier, we have put together a direct comparison of the two wireless technologies:
The choice between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi label printers ultimately depends on your specific operational requirements. If single-user mobility is the most important factor, Bluetooth is a strong option. If network sharing and greater range are more important, Wi-Fi is the way to go.
Choose the right label printer for your needs
At Delfi Technologies, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Since 1988, we have helped companies such as Unilite, NEYE, dao and NORMAL find the right solutions within POS systems, handheld terminals and, of course, label printers. Our expertise spans many industries, and we offer a wide range of label printers that support both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
When choosing between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi label printers, you should consider the following questions:
- Where will the label printer be used? Is it a small area with a need for mobile printing, or a large warehouse/office that requires coverage?
- How many users need to share the printer? Will it be operated by one person, or do multiple employees need access?
- Which devices should the label printer connect to? Handheld terminals, tablets, PCs, smartphones?
- Do you have an existing Wi-Fi network? How stable and secure is it?
- What type of labels do you need to print? Small, simple labels or larger labels with graphics and lots of data?
We can offer a wide selection of label printers to match your needs—whether you need a robust, mobile printer for the warehouse or a stationary, network-ready printer for the store’s packing station. Our solutions are designed to improve efficiency and ease of use, regardless of your industry—retail, warehousing, industry or healthcare.
Delfi Technologies’ expertise gives you peace of mind
As a company, we are proud to deliver more than just hardware. We combine the best hardware with our own in-house developed software to create tailored solutions. Our experienced team is ready to advise you on the optimal solution, whether you choose Bluetooth or Wi-Fi label printers. We can help you with everything from the initial consideration to implementation and support.
Do you have questions about choosing a label printer, integration with existing systems, or do you need customised solutions? Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or by phone.
Are Bluetooth label printers secure?
Yes, Bluetooth label printers use encryption to protect data during transmission. As long as you follow the recommended security procedures for pairing, they are secure for most applications.
Can I use a Wi-Fi label printer without internet access?
Yes, a Wi-Fi label printer does not need internet access to work, as long as it is connected to your local area network (LAN). Internet access is only required if the printer needs to access online resources or be managed via the cloud.
What is the range of a Bluetooth label printer in a warehouse?
In a warehouse, where there may be many obstacles and potential interference, the actual range of a Bluetooth label printer will be shorter than in open environments—typically 5–10 metres. It is important to test in the specific environment.
Can I connect a label printer with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi?
Some advanced label printer models support both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, providing maximum flexibility. This can be an advantage if you need to switch between mobile and network-based use.
What is best for a mobile employee—Bluetooth or Wi-Fi label printers?
For an employee who prints labels on the go and primarily needs to connect to their own handheld device, a Bluetooth label printer will often be the best and most user-friendly solution. It requires no network setup and is quick to pair.
How do I choose between a mobile and a stationary label printer?
The choice depends on your workflow. If labels need to be printed directly on site—for example at a shelf or packing counter without a fixed workstation—a mobile printer is ideal. If you have a fixed printing need at a computer, a stationary printer will be more suitable. We offer both types in our range of label printers.
