REVIEW – With the holidays coming up, I will be shipping more packages. Usually, I print a copy of the shipping label on regular paper only to cut it out and then run strips of packing tape across it, sealing it to the box. That’s only after I’ve had to print it a couple of times because I printed the label too big or too small. Fortunately, I can review the JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer. Was this shipping nirvana or more frustrating than finding the edge of cut packing tape?
What is it?
The JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer is just that, a printer that uses thermal printing technology for 4×6 shipping labels, although any thermal label with a width range from 1.57″ to 4.1″ will print. The printer supports wireless printing through Bluetooth or a USB connection and can connect to Windows, Android, iOS, and MacOS (more on that later).
What’s included?
- Thermal Label Printer
- Power Supply
- USB cable
- USB-A to USB-C Adapter
- USB Thumb drive (driver)
- Dual Functional Label Holder (Fan-Fold or Roll)
- Sample size 4×6 labels
- User Manual
Tech specs
Click to expand
- Printing Technology: Thermal
- Model: 268BT
- Connection: Bluetooth, USB
- OS Supported: Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS (USB only)
- Label Width: 1.57″ – 4.1″ (40-108mm)
- Label Type: Roll or Fan-fold
- Sheet Size: Circle, 4×6, 3×3, 2×1
- Max Speed: 150mm/s
- Resolution: 1.8 dots/mm (203DPI)
- Output: Monochrome
- Dual Sided: No
- Dimensions: 9.1″ x 5.9″ x 5.9″ (23 .0 x 14.9 x 14.9 cm)
- Weight: 4.13 lbs (1.87 kg)
Design and features
Shipping packages always involve a multi-step process for the shipping label. For me, it would involve printing the label out on regular paper, cutting it, and then running several strips of packing tape across the top. By no means was this “too much” but it was inefficient. I used to work in a mail room many, many, many years ago, and having a dedicated printer for shipping labels was a game-changer. Granted, I don’t ship packages in mass, but with the holidays coming up, it will be a time saver.
The JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer is small, convenient, and easy to use. I don’t need to have a massive printer on my desk all the time. I can easily pull this out when needed. The Bluetooth connection and the JADENS Printer app help make using the printer effortless. I like that I don’t need to buy toner or ink and that thermal printing is waterproof. I was a little leery about printers that use connected labels because experience has shown me that alignment can make or break the print. Happily, the JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer auto aligns and prints come out correctly on each sheet.
I first printed an RMA label through my iPhone. I installed the JADENS Printer app and walked through the Bluetooth connection option. I then simply tapped on the label from my email, selected print, chose the JADENS printer, and it printed perfectly. Then it was just peel and stick and off to UPS I went! The JADENS Printer app is available on both the Apple App store as well as the Google Play Store. The app is required to print using Bluetooth.
I primarily use MacOS and needed to follow specific instructions on how to print from my computer. To print to the JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer from MacOS, it must be with a USB connection. Thankfully the printer came with a USB-A to USB-C adapter for my laptop. There is a driver that needs to be installed and it can be added through the Printers & Scanners setting. For Windows, there’s a similar process but it can also use the Bluetooth connection. I see myself using the app and Bluetooth connection option the most.
The JADENS Printer app is feature-rich and allows for any adjustments to printer quality, label size, and even label content. You can choose to print from a file, from a QR or barcode, DIY a label, and also use AI to generate an image from a prompt. The DIY option is where you can tweak the label height and width. I was intrigued by the AI option. After tapping into the AI option, there are four choices to buy with “bucks”. There are:
- Handwriting Erase (20 bucks): Smart AI Recognition Technology, one-click erasure of handwritten content. An example would be homework sheet that requires handwritten answers. With this option, AI will erase the handwriting and you’ll have the pristine handout again. It’s labels as “Exam Restoration”.
- Cartoon Avatar (5 bucks):Avatar processing, simply upload your own portrait and click to select the desired effect. It’s a heavy, line-traced art effect. You can download the result (in color) but if you choose to print on the JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer, it will be monochrome.
- Image Translate (6 bucks): You can select the Source Language and the Target Language. I did not test this feature.
- AI Painting (5 bucks): There are two options: Text-to-Image or Image-to-Image. See my test below lol!
When creating an account, you automatically get 1,000 bucks! It’s an interesting option to have included in a shipping label printer.
The unit for review also included additional 4×6 labels in white and in a muted pink color, as well as 2″ round labels, and a roll of 4×6 labels. Using the included dual functional label holder for any of these labels would work. The holder has either a round pin to allow for rolled labels to properly spin off, or a flat pin to keep the fan-folded labels level for printing.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
Unpacking and setup for the JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer was straight forward. I plugged power into the printer, opened the printer by pulling the switch on the right side, inserting the labels, it auto aligned, then was able to print using the app or from the direct USB connection.
What I like about the JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer
- Auto calibration of label
- Prints more than shipping labels
- Extra features that are fun
What needs to be improved?
- No WiFi wireless printing
- Bluetooth connectivity not available on MacOS
- Not USB-C powered
Final thoughts
The JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer is fantastic! It’s small, easy to use, doesn’t require work to align, and just works. I’ll be able to print out shipping labels and peel and stick. It prints labels great and also includes some fun features that might be entertaining to play around with.
I do want to point out a potential missed opportunity though…..if the JADENS Thermal Shipping Label Printer could be powered via USB-C, then I can see this printer being more portable. Connected to a power bank, this printer could be used at trade shows, craft fairs, or taken on the road.
Price: $119.99 List (Currently $79.99)
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by JADENS. JADENS did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
