Editor
The most important task for a POS (point of sale) thermal printing machine is creating receipts. All businesses – whether retail, industrial or even food service – need to provide receipts, to verify transactions and give customers peace-of-mind. Nowadays, it is almost mandatory for businesses to integrate a thermal receipt printer into their POS ecosystem. Printers of all types and sizes are available, calibrated to the specific needs of different types of business. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? We’ve evaluated a huge range of thermal printers, based on the most essential criteria for POS: speed, cost, construction, compatibility and portability. Here are our top choices for the best thermal printer for POS in 2022.
Product Comparison Table: Best Thermal Printer for POS
| Title | Price | Rating (Amazon) | Best in class | Buy | |
 | Star Micronics TSP143III USB Receipt Printer | $$$$ | 4.5 stars | Best multifunctional | Amazon |
 | POS-X Evo HiSpeed Thermal Receipt Printer | $$ | 5 stars | Best for high volume | Amazon |
 | Epson TM-T88VI Thermal Receipt Printer | $$ | 4 stars | Best for restaurants | Amazon |
 | Epson Mobilink TM-P60II M292B Thermal Printer | $$$ | 4 stars | Best mobile | Amazon |
 | Star Micronics TSP 100 Series Thermal Receipt Printer | $$ | 4.5 stars | Best overall | Amazon |
Star Micronics TSP143III USB Receipt Printer
The Star Micronics TSP143III USB Receipt Printer is built into a mobile Epsilont cash drawer, and features an integrated iPad screen stand so you can run all of your POS tasks from one convenient setup. It also includes advanced power management circuitry, which allows you to reduce your electric current consumption when printing by 75% compared to other standard Star machines. Smart paper management features also prevent paper wastage and minimize the printer’s environmental impact further. It can connect to peripherals via Bluetooth and USB, including barcode scanners in the Star mPop line, for further multifunctionality. The system easily integrates with Square, Connect POS and other mainstream POS systems. Best of all, Star offers a 2 year warranty, useful manuals and downloadable print drivers via their website.
Pros
- Supports all major operating and POS systems
- Includes screen stand and cash drawer
- Eco-friendly power conservation
Cons
- Not compatible with older iPads or iPad minis
- Very expensive
Verdict
The Star Micronics TSP143III USB Receipt Printer is the best multifunctional POS receipt printer we reviewed. For pop-up shops, very small businesses, trade shows or drive-thrus, this machine provides an entire POS storefront – including cash management and software interface – wherever you set up shop. The price may limit this to larger enterprises, however, and the lack of compatibility with certain iPads may lead to you shelling out even more for a shiny new screen.
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POS-X Evo HiSpeed Thermal Receipt Printer
The POS-X Evo HiSpeed Thermal Receipt Printer is designed with high-volume businesses in mind. This printing powerhouse has a sturdy heat and damage resistant structure; it can survive temperatures from 5-40 degrees Celsius, meaning it will work in heavily temperature controlled or outdoor environments too. It lives up to its HiSpeed name, too, printing at a lightning-fast 12 inches per second. This is enough for even the longest, most detailed receipts to be run off in no time. Connection is available via Serial, Ethernet and USB. Plus, the support for various printing languages means it can be integrated with most mass-market POS systems. Lastly, it comes with the longest warranty out of all the machines on this list: 5-year warranty, and an online support service.
Pros
- Head and damage resistance
- Large print volume and fast speed
- Multiple connection and integration options
- Long warranty period
Cons
- No WiFi or Bluetooth connection
Verdict
With the POS-X Evo HiSpeed Thermal Receipt Printer, you can easily process a huge number of transactions in a short period of time, with no interruptions due to environmental conditions. This makes it perfect for outdoor or dusty areas, such as those used for crafts or construction, as well as large volumes of sales. The long warranty is a huge plus, too, considering receipt printers aren’t cheap. However, the lack of WiFi or Bluetooth connection might keep you bound to your desk.
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Epson TM-T88VI Thermal Receipt Printer
The Epson TM-T88VI Thermal Receipt Printer is a perfect fit for food service businesses, designed to integrate perfectly with all major restaurant POS systems: Clover, Toast, Square, ShopKeep, Lightspeed and more. The printing speed is fast, too, at 11.8 inches per second. This is faster than the Star Micronics TSP 100 Series, but slower than the industrial POS-X Evo. It can connect seamlessly via USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth and Near Field Communication (NFC), making it portable for tableside service. It comes with a 4-year warranty, as well as phone and email-based customer support. The Epson TM-T88VI also features a paper-saving function, consolidating multiple receipts and offering businesses a 49% paper saving compared to other comparable printers.
Pros
- Integrates with restaurant POS systems
- Fast printing speed for large volumes
- Multiple connection options
- Paper saving features
Cons
- Difficult to set up
Verdict
The Epson TM-T88VI Thermal Receipt Printer is our top choice for best thermal printer for POS, specifically for restaurants and foodservice businesses. The paper-ssaving receipt consolidation function is perfect for these environments (where customers are likely to split transactions into multiple parts), and the fast printing speed means you can process a large number of transactions without customers having to wait too long to go home after eating.
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Epson Mobilink TM-P60II M292B Thermal Printer
The Epson Mobilink TM-P60II M292B Thermal Printer is a mobile receipt printing machine, made to attach to the user’s belt. This allows it to function in mobile job sites such as stores, food trucks and trade shows. It can withstand drops from up to 4 feet – meaning it can be worn safely by even the most junior employees – and has a battery life of 46 hours not plugged in. It can connect via WiFi, Bluetooth and Near Field Communication (NFC) for maximum portability, integrates with all major mobile POS systems, and works with iOS, Android and Windows operating systems. Most uniquely, the Epson Mobilink has an auto paper cutter to prevent paper jams, and save you up to 30% on paper costs.
Pros
- Multiple connection options
- Integrates with most POS and operating systems
- Portable, clips to belt
- Sturdy with long battery life
Cons
- Slow print speed (4 inches/second)
- Expensive to buy
Verdict
Being compatible with smartphones, being small enough to clip to your belt, and having a super long battery life makes the Epson Mobilink TM-P60II M292B Thermal Printer the perfect machine for very mobile businesses. It is perfect for use by sales assistants, allowing them to process transactions without going to a desk. However, the expensive price means it is out of reach for most businesses; buying multiple units would be more workable for an outlet or pop-up associated with a larger company.
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Star Micronics TSP 100 Series Thermal Receipt Printer
The Star Micronics TSP 100 Series Thermal Receipt Printer is currently the bestselling receipt printer for POS, for a reason: it is cost-effective, high speed and has connection options to support mobile sales. It can print at 10 inches per second – enough for 43 receipts per minute. Plus, it can connect via LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth and USB, and integrates with both mobile and locally installed POS systems. It is small and compact enough to move around. The most impressive feature of the Star Micronics TSP 100 Series is the fact it includes a full set of software utilities; you can redesign your receipt, add your logo, add coupons, preview receipts and enhance bar codes, without third-party programs. It also allows ‘Plug & Play’ automatic installation for desktop operating systems. Last of all, take advantage of a two-year parts and labour warranty if anything goes wrong.
Pros
- High print speed for large volumes
- Multiple connection options
- Full set of software utilities
- Instant installation, long warranty
Cons
- Bluetooth connection drops out sometimes
Verdict
The perfect receipt printer for POS systems has widespread integration, high speed, versatile connectivity and a substantial warranty; the Star Micronics TSP 100 Series Thermal Receipt Printer has all these things, and more. The included ‘All Receipts’ software gives you professional-grade features that would usually cost you more than the price of the printer – especially a great value one like this. The Star Micronics TSP 100 Series is our number one overall pick for the best thermal printer for POS in 2022.
