Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer, vs Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer

Price Comparison

The Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer is priced at $219.99, while the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer costs $68.99. This makes the Nelko printer about 69% cheaper than the Canon printer. The significant price difference reflects the intended use and features of each device. The Canon printer is designed for high-quality document and photo printing, whereas the Nelko printer focuses on shipping labels, which generally require less complexity and capability. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option primarily for shipping labels, the Nelko offers a compelling choice without breaking the bank.

Portability and Design

The Canon PIXMA TR160 is lightweight and designed for portability, making it easy to carry in a bag or backpack. This is ideal for users who need to print while on the go. It features a compact design with an optional battery for printing from almost anywhere. In contrast, the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer is smaller than traditional printers but is primarily intended for stationary use in environments like home offices or small businesses. While both products are designed for convenience, the Canon printer excels in terms of mobility, making it the better choice for users who need to print documents in various locations.

Printing Capability

The Canon PIXMA TR160 offers high-quality printing for documents and photos up to 8.5” x 11”, utilizing a 5-Color Hybrid Ink System to ensure vibrant colors and sharp text. It provides a versatile printing experience for both personal and professional needs. On the other hand, the Nelko printer specializes in printing 4x6 shipping labels at a speed of 150 mm/s, which can produce up to 72 labels per minute. Its thermal direct technology eliminates the need for ink or toner, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses focused on shipping. Depending on your printing needs, either product excels in its respective domain.

Connectivity Options

The Canon PIXMA TR160 supports various connectivity options, including the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service for seamless integration with multiple devices. It also features a Wireless Direct Mode, allowing direct connection to compatible devices without a router. Conversely, the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer connects via Bluetooth and supports printing from iOS and Android devices, as well as Windows computers using the NELKO app. While both printers offer wireless capabilities, the Canon provides more flexibility in terms of printing types and methods, which may be beneficial for users who require diverse printing solutions.

User Experience

The Canon PIXMA TR160 boasts a user-friendly interface with a 1.44” OLED display, allowing users to easily check ink levels and printer status. This intuitive design enhances the overall printing experience, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. The Nelko printer, while more straightforward, focuses on a specific task—printing labels. Its operation relies heavily on the NELKO app, which simplifies the process for shipping and provides video instructions for setup. Although both products are designed for ease of use, the Canon’s features may appeal to users looking for a more comprehensive printing experience.

Versatility

The Canon PIXMA TR160 is highly versatile, capable of printing documents, flyers, and even borderless photos, which makes it suitable for a variety of applications. It allows users to save custom templates for quick access, enhancing its functionality for different printing needs. In contrast, the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer is specialized for printing labels, including shipping, barcode, and name tags. While it offers compatibility with various platforms like Amazon and Shopify, it lacks the broader printing capabilities of the Canon printer. Users looking for general-purpose printing will find the Canon printer to be a more versatile solution.

Customer Feedback

The Canon PIXMA TR160 has a sales rank of 1977, indicating a solid performance in the market, while the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer has a slightly higher sales rank of 1044. This suggests that the Nelko printer is a popular choice among consumers, especially for those focused on shipping operations. Customer feedback can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of both products, with the Canon potentially appealing to those requiring high-quality prints and the Nelko favored for efficiency in label printing.

Which should you buy?

If your primary need is for a portable printer that offers high-quality document and photo printing, the Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer is the superior choice, albeit at a higher price of $219.99. However, if your focus is on printing shipping labels efficiently and cost-effectively, the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer at $68.99 presents a compelling value. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific printing needs—whether you prioritize versatility and quality or cost and efficiency in label printing.