Zebra GK420d vs Zebra ZD420d Review: Pros, Cons, & Verdict
Some of you probably have not heard about the brand Zebra. But this brand has quality printers at an affordable price that you can rely on. One of their popular printer devices is Zebra GK420d vs Zebra ZD420d.
So, which one is better between these two?
Here is the review.
Zebra GK420D Review
The Zebra GK420d is a consumer-grade label printer that offers a wide variety of expansion options at a very low operation cost. The brand claims it as a small, compact direct thermal printer ideal for small businesses, home offices, and personal use.
But you can still use it as an industrial-strength label printer. Though the brand says it is a small thermal printer, it is actually bulkier compared to its competitors.
The Zebra GK420d is a good choice for industrial-strength, mid-volume labeling. With this printer, you can print a broad range of label types from your PC, smartphone, and tablet.
The direct thermal printer supports USB and comes with serial and parallel ports, allowing you to connect the device to older hardware. If you wish for an Ethernet connection, you need to buy one with a factory upgrade. With the Ethernet connection, more people can access the printer.
It does not support any kind of wireless connectivity. So, it comes with no control panel since all communications with the printer occur via a PC. The only control on the printer is an advance button on the front of the chassis for scrolling the label roll forward.
>> See the latest pricing for Zebra GK420D on Amazon <<
Zebra GK420D Pros & Cons
- This printer offers a wide range of expansion options.
- It is very low in operating costs.
- It can be connected to older hardware.
- It does not support any wireless connectivity.
- It has no control panel.
Zebra ZD420D Review
The Zebra ZD420D is a direct thermal label printer that is ideal for retail, transportation, warehouse management, manufacturing, hospitality, and other industries. It offers a wide range of label printers, barcode scanners, mobile computers, and tablets for growing your business.
The unit also comes with a print DNA feature, which is the genetic code that transforms the printer with business-driven capabilities. It is a high-performing, remotely manageable printer.
Unlike the Zebra GK420d, the ZD420d already supports Ethernet and USB. Thanks to Ethernet connectivity, more people in your team can access the device. The Zebra ZD420d is an energy star approved. For the printing speed, it can print at 6 inches per second on the 203-dpi model.
While the 300-dpi model can print at 4 inches per second. Though there is an optional cutter available, this cutter is not heavy duty. It will likely struggle to cut through labels or heavy-duty liners.
With the direct thermal technology, the label printer requires the use of direct thermal media without the thermal ribbon needed to print.
>> See the latest pricing for Zebra ZD420D on Amazon <<
Zebra ZD420D Pros & Cons
- It comes with a print DNA feature.
- It supports Ethernet and USB.
- This printer is energy-star approved.
- It is high-performing and remotely manageable.
- The optional cutter is not heavy duty.
- It is quite bulky.
Which One is Better?
So, which one is better between Zebra GK420d vs Zebra ZD420d?
Overall, the Zebra ZD420d is better because it already supports Ethernet connectivity so that more people can access the label printer. It is also faster at 6 inches per second in printing labels.
While the Zebra GK420d is for mid-volume labeling, the ZD420d is stronger for higher performance. So, if you are looking for a better, more reliable one, you can choose the Zebra ZD420d.