If you're in the market for a POS printer, you've probably come across two main types: thermal and impact.
While they serve the same basic purpose—printing receipts—each type works differently and has its own strengths.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll walk you through how thermal and impact POS printers differ, and help you decide which is the better fit for your business.
Thermal vs. Impact POS Printers: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Thermal POS Printer | Impact POS Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Method | Heat on thermal paper | Printhead strikes ink ribbon onto paper |
| Speed | Fast | Slower |
| Noise Level | Quiet | Loud |
| Print Quality | High (crisp and clean) | Moderate (functional, not sharp) |
| Paper Type | Thermal paper only | Plain paper, multi-part forms |
| Maintenance | Low (no ribbons or ink) | Higher (requires ribbon changes) |
| Best Use Cases | Retail, front desks, ticketing | Kitchens, warehouses, outdoor booths |
Thermal POS Printer
A thermal POS printer uses heat to print on specially coated thermal paper. Inside the printer, a thermal printhead selectively heats the paper to create characters and images. Since no ink or toner is involved, thermal printers are widely used in fast-paced retail and customer-facing environments.
Advantages
- High-speed printing – Perfect for busy checkouts
- Quiet operation – Reduces noise in front-of-house areas
- Sharp print quality – Produces clear text and scannable barcodes
- Low maintenance – No need for ink or ribbon replacements
Disadvantages
- Requires thermal paper, which is more expensive than regular paper
- Printed receipts may fade over time or in hot environments
- Some thermal POS printers are not ideal for kitchens or outdoor use, where heat exposure is high
Impact POS Printer
An impact POS printer, often referred to as a dot matrix printer, uses tiny pins to strike an ink ribbon, which transfers characters onto the paper. This older but reliable technology is valued for its durability and ability to print on multiple layers.
Advantages
- Highly durable – Performs well in hot, humid, or greasy environments
- Capable of multi-copy printing – Ideal for kitchens or delivery forms
- Uses plain paper, which is less costly than thermal paper
Disadvantages
- Slower printing speed compared to thermal printers
- Noisier operation, which may not suit quiet retail spaces
- Requires regular ribbon replacements, increasing maintenance needs
Where Are These Printers Used?
Thermal POS Printers
Thermal POS printers are widely used in environments that prioritize speed, quiet operation, and clean receipt appearance. Here are some of the most common applications:
Retail stores
Supermarkets, convenience stores, fashion boutiques, and electronics shops use thermal printers for fast and clean receipt printing.
Restaurants and cafes (front desk)
Ideal for printing customer receipts quickly and quietly at the cashier counter.
Ticketing systems
Movie theaters, public transportation, and event venues often use thermal printers to issue tickets with barcodes or QR codes.
Pharmacies and clinics
Used for printing customer instructions, transaction records.
Self-service kiosks
Found in ATMs, parking machines, and airport check-in kiosks where quick, no-maintenance receipt printing is required.
Thermal printers are preferred in customer-facing environments where reliability and user experience matter. HPRT manufacturers a wide range of thermal POS printers, contact us to find the right model.
Impact POS Printers
Impact POS printers are more common in demanding work environments where durability, multi-copy printing, or operation under high temperature is necessary. Typical use cases include:
Restaurant kitchens
Able to withstand heat, humidity, and greasy conditions while printing order tickets reliably.
Warehouses and logistics
Used to print delivery notes or pick lists, especially when multiple copies are needed.
Service counters (with multi-part forms)
Such as post offices or customs counters, where duplicate or triplicate receipts are required.
Gas stations or outdoor booths
Suitable for harsh or dusty environments where thermal paper may degrade or fade.
Back-office operations
For record-keeping or documentation that needs physical copies for filing.
Impact printers excel in rugged or industrial settings where thermal printers might not hold up over time.
Which POS Printer Is Right for Your Business?
Still unsure which POS printer to choose? If your business depends on speed, quiet performance, and high-volume output—thermal printers are your best bet. But if you need durability, carbon-copy printing, or operate in harsh environments, impact printers remain the go-to solution.
At the end of the day, the right POS printer helps you reduce errors, serve customers faster, and streamline your workflow—so choose based on your environment, not just the specs.
Choose Thermal If:
- You operate in retail, hospitality, or customer-facing environments
- Print speed and quiet operation are priorities
- You need crisp barcodes or QR codes on receipts
- Low maintenance is important for your operations
Choose Impact If:
- You work in kitchens, warehouses, or outdoor environments
- You need to print multiple copies simultaneously
- Durability in harsh conditions is essential
- You prefer using standard paper instead of thermal paper
