Top 7 Best Dot Matrix Printer Reviews
Dot Matrix Printers are a staple in office environments all over the globe. They produce very high-quality prints at a low cost. These printers use a dot-matrix approach to provide a highly detailed output of their range. Many models on the market today suit various budgets and requirements, so selecting the best dot matrix printer is challenging. Many companies are now investing heavily in developing new technologies to enhance their products further.
There are several reasons why business owners prefer to buy Dot Matrix Printers from a trusted vendor. With experience in the Dot Matrix Printing industry, they know what features customers require and how much money they have allocated to buy such equipment. It’s not easy to find a reliable source after researching online. This is where we come in with our services. Our team of experts has years of experience in the industry. We guarantee that you will get only the finest printers at affordable prices. So let’s review some of our top choices for best dot matrix printers with their detailed information, features, pros, and cons.
Our Top Pick:
Leading 7 Best Dot Matrix Printers Reviews
1. OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer (62411601)
What’s in the Box
- Power cable
- Warranty card
- ML-320 Turbo PrinterRecommend
- CD-ROM
- User Manual (guide)
Our top pick goes to this 9-pin OKI Dot Matrix Printer. This OKI MicroLine Series offers fast page turn times, high print quality, and advanced networking capabilities. The model comes equipped with an integrated USB port that allows it to be connected directly to your computer or network router. Enjoy the print speed of up to 435 characters per second with a maximum duty cycle of 2000 pages. It’s ideal for financial departments, wholesale and retail sectors, or even manufacturing spaces.
Key Features
- Fast printing speeds of 450cps (characters per second) improve efficiency and productivity.
- Excellent resolution of 240 by 216 dpi for quality and precise prints
- USB connectivity option to efficiently transfer data from your pc
- A robust design to suit the most demanding and harsh environments like warehouses, wholesales, and other production areas’
- Rugged printhead delivers a strong punch to the last page of a six-part form, thus increasing convenience and fast printing.
Pros
- Easy to set up and operate
- It’s very economical
- Excellent customer service
- Time-saving
Cons
- The printer cable is not in the package
- It can be a challenge to set up on Windows 10
2. Epson C31C514767 Epson, TM-U220B, Dot Matrix Receipt Printer,
What is in the Box
- Epson TM-U220 printer
- Power cable
- Warranty cart
- User manual
- Printer cable
Available in cool white and dark gray colors, Epson TM-U220 receipt printers are compact, efficient, fast, and easy. They have all the features a restaurant, retail, or hospitality industry would need. The Epson C31C514767 also features a drop-in paper load, a selectable automatic cutter, and clamshell covers for easy navigation and maintenance. This new dot matrix printer allows you to print on plain paper in three widths while still saving space with a footprint of 160 (W) x 248 (D) x 133 (H) mm. You can also mount it on the wall.
Key Features
- Ethernet connectivity: for efficient transfer of data from PCs and laptops
- Functionality: It’s fast and easy to use, ideal for printing receipts in fast businesses.
- Compatibility: connects with PC and laptops
- Very compact: With a thickness of 14 inches and a weight of 1 pound, you only need a small space for its installation.
- Ease of use: It’s easy to set up and use; thus, it’s the best choice where there are multiple users.
Pros
- It takes up a small footprint
- Very easy to use
- You can mount it on the wall
- Efficient connectivity option
Cons
- The warranty lasts only 90 days
- Some may get their carriage stuck in the printhead
3. Citizen America 910II-40RF120-B CBM-910II Series Palm-Sized Dot-Impact POS Printer
What is in the Box
- Power adapter
- Citizen CBM 910 II – POS receipt printer
Even in its compact and palm-sized nature, the CBM-910ll dot-matrix printer offers unmatched features within its class range of impact printers. It packs a list of great software, from coin counting, data logging, instrumentation, and measurement terminals. Other features that interest us in the Citizen America 910ll are compactness, low cost, lightweight, low power consumption, and the ability to detect when papers are almost running out. The unit features either a Centronics parallel interface or an RS-232C serial interface.
Key Features
- Compact and lightweight, with measurements of 10 x 2 x 2.7 inches and a weight of 1.04 pounds,
- A high printing speed of 2.5 lines per sec and a media width of 57.5mm for increased productivity and efficiency
- Paper near end detection feature alerts the user to get ready to refill papers; thus, no surprise paper outages.
- Cost-saving: this printer is low-cost, uses less power, and requires less maintenance.
- Functionality: It supports duplex and CD printing and connects with smartphones.
Pros
- Excellent printing speed
- It’s a compact device
- Low cost and low power consumption
- Automatically print on two sides
Cons
- You need to be careful about whether you need a serial or a Centronics parallel model.
4. OKI 62418701 MICROLINE 420 Dot Matrix Printer
What’s in the Box
- Dot-matrix printer
- Single function inkjet printers
The OKI Microline 420 is another decent dot matrix printer designed to satisfy the need of the most demanding print environments. It’s excellent in automation, point of sale, and utility use like warehouses, financial departments, wholesale or retail outlets, and manufacturing sites.
You can never go wrong with the OKI Microline 420. This best dot matrix printer supports a wide range of paper types and speeds up to 550cps, a 240 by 216 dpi resolution, and a maximum duty cycle of 24 000 pages. The OKI Microline is a 9-pin parallel model, energy star certified, and features a USB connectivity option.
The printhead of this powerful machine is also something to behold. Built with robust samarium magnets, it has a life expectancy of 400 million characters and strong pins which enhance precise and sharp characters with every print.
Key Features
- Functionality: OKI Microline 420 has 9 pins for sharp printing with support for a wide range of paper types at a resolution of 240 x 216 dpi and a speed of 570 cps.
- Powerful printhead built with samarium magnets to enhance its longevity and the accuracy of the prints
- The inbuilt fan ensures the flow of cool air around the printhead. The uninterrupted airflow also increases productivity and offers an unequaled performance rate even with unattended prints.
- The 3-piece top cover allows easy access and provides unsurpassed break resistance.
- Additional feed rollers promote easy paper handling and, in turn, precise character placement for accurate prints.
Pros
- Fast and excellent performance for multi-part forms
- It’s a bit quieter than older versions.
- It prints both vertical and horizontal text.
- Offers a 3-year standard warranty
Cons
- It lacks a wireless connection
5. Oki MICROLINE 320 Turbo Dot Matrix Printer (91907101)
What’s In the Box
- Dot-matrix printer
- Printer accessories
Another great dot matrix printer is the OKI Microline 320 Turbo. It’s a 9-pin device engineered to offer matchless performance in many print applications. This dot matrix printer is built to be durable no matter the environment. The printhead is robust and strikes hard enough to deliver clear marks, even on 6 part forms.
The OKI Microline 320 Turbo features USB connectivity and a 240 x 216 dpi resolution. All your printing needs demand this machine from your order desk and the financial and shipping departments. An optical sensor ensures that the printhead is appropriately positioned for professional prints. And you no longer need to worry about waste; this dot matrix printer prevents waste by aligning the continuous forms with an automatic clear tear along the perforations.
The printer operates on a rack-and-pinion system which is more durable than cable or belt drive systems. Additionally, OKI Microline 320 Turbo has an efficient motor to keep heat damage at bay. The robust, impact-resistant chassis gives you a longer great user experience even when you have to use the printer in the least gentle operations.
Key Features
- The optical sensor ensures accurate alignment of the printhead to ensure the prints are clear, even in multiple forms.
- Durability features a rack-and-pinion system and a robust printhead to serve you long enough.
- Versatile connectivity with a USB port and serial and parallel ports for universal compatibility. You can never run out of data transfer options.
- Competent speed of 435 cps for superior and exceptional productivity
- Functionality: The printer offers a maximum resolution of 288 x 144 dpi, a printhead life of 200 million characters, and a maximum monthly duty cycle of 20,000 pages.
Pros
- Easy accommodation of multi forms and stock
- Versatile connectivity
- Matchless productivity
- Durable and improved technology
Cons
- The one-year warranty is limited on parts, labor, and printhead.
6. OKI 62411601 Microline 320 Turbo Dot Matrix Impact Printer
What’s in the Box?
- Dot-matrix printer
- User manual
- CD Drive with user guide
This 9-pin dot matrix printer is engineered to meet all the demands of any printing environment easily. Its rugged printhead is designed to render sharp and clear images with a lifespan of 200 million characters. Moreover, the motor is lightweight and robust to ensure less friction and minimum wear and tear. And to add more juice, it has a durable rack and pion drive system, which serves longer than belt or cable systems.
This dot matrix printer features an impact-resistance chassis that protects the entire machine even in demanding operations. And for a clearer and stronger pin punch, the device is built with a lightweight samarium cobalt magnet and robust spring-activated pins. You also enjoy the great benefits of the optical sensor, which automatically aligns the printhead with the page, and an auto-tear feature that continuously positions multiple forms for a clear and accurate cut at the perforations.
Key Features
- An excellent speed of 435cps for efficient ad increased productions with a monthly duty cycle of 20000 pages.
- Connectivity: reliable connectivity options via USB with support for the network-ready feature. It also features a parallel and optional serial port.
- Rugged, robust printhead with a maximum life of 200 million characters offering clear and sharp text even in continuous usage
- Functionality: uses the durable rack and pinion drive systems and delivers precise prints up to the last page in a 6 part form.
- Efficiency: It has an impact resistance chassis that keeps the entire mechanism running without breakage and an optical sensor for properly aligning the printhead on a page.
Pros
- Versatile connectivity options
- Reliable performance even ideal even for challenging environments
- Excellent printing speed for increased productivity
- Strong and lightweight
Cons
- It’s a refurbished product
7. Epson FX-890II Impact Printer
What’s in the Box
- Quick Installation Guide
- Epson FX-890II Impact Printer
- Power Cable
- Printer Driver
Epson FX-890ll wins our final product review in this match of the best dot-matrix printers. It’s a best-in-class printer with outstanding technological features in its class. Epson FX-890ll features 9 reliable pins and narrow durable cartridges with a ribbon life of 7.5 million characters. Moreover, it comes with a one-year limited warranty and the best in class printing speed of 738 cps. Epson FX-890ll is simply our best dot matrix printer you should never overlook.
This dot-matrix printer is also built to ensure reduced user interventions and a lower cost per page. And for more reliability, it virtually integrates with any system, whether IBM, Epson ESC/P, PPDS, and all MICROLINE printer languages. Epson FX-890ll delivers precisely aligned prints up to 7-page forms and features an easy-to-understand control panel for easy setup and printer settings access.
Key Features
- Extreme reliability: It offers a long life cycle, a robust, durable design, and withstands dust, extreme temperatures, and humidity.
- Low cost: ribbon cartridges feature a long life of 7.5 million characters, promoting a low cost per page and fewer user interventions.
- High productivity thanks to its strong 9 pins, which renders a speed of up to 738 cps.
- Smooth paper handling: It features a simple paper path with accommodation for cut sheet paper and continuous paper forms of up to 7 pages
- Reliability: user-friendly intuitive control panel with configuration features, printhead life of 400 million characters, and support for Ethernet connection.
Pros
- Excellent speed and print quality
- Low power consumption
- Easy to set up and operate
- Low maintenance cost
Cons
- It does not come with a cable
Best Dot Matrix Printer Buying Guide
Technology keeps evolving, from the features to the enormous variety of models available on the market. And since dot matrix printers are mostly used in industries and offices, this calls for them to be near perfect, if not wholly. However, selecting the best dot matrix printer for your requirements in this flooded market can be challenging. That’s why we’ve come up with this buying guide to help you through. Compare the following features for a perfect choice.
1. Number of pins
Dot-matrix printers apply impact on pins to display an image on the media. For this reason, the number of pins a printer has determines the print quality. The more pins, the clearer your letters appear.
2. Cost
If you only need a dot matrix printer for slips and passbooks, it’s advisable to get one personalized for this use. Otherwise, buying a dot matrix printer with features you do not require might incur a higher purchase price and waste features.
3. Speed
The urgency of the prints primarily determines the speed you require. A dot matrix printer for busy business premises should have a fast speed. Generally, dot matrix printers have a speed ranging from 50-to 5000 characters per second, so it’s up to you to pick your preference. Nevertheless, most of these printers have adjustable speeds.
4. Durability
A harsh industrial environment can shorten the life of your printer; thus, go for one that has a sturdy frame to ensure it stands strong to serve you long enough. Luckily, the majority of our reviewed printers above have this feature.
5. Maintenance
Your priority should lie with the printer that requires little maintenance. Even if the prints are of high quality, printers with many maintenance requirements are problematic and costly in the long run. This is why most buyers opt for dot matrix printers when dealing with lightweight printing.
How Does a Dot Matrix Printer Work?
Dot-matrix printers are more versatile than typewriters and use pins to form letters on the print media. These printers use impact on the printhead to move it horizontally or vertically during the printing process. Unlike typewriters, letters made by dot matrix printers are wider and can be displayed in various fonts and graphics.
Generally, the printing process of a dot-matrix printer involves a moving head that prints what you need line by line. The pins are hammered onto the ribbon, where they make holes and leave a mark, like a printout on the paper. And unlike typewriters, dot matrix printers can print complex symbols and are not limited to any preset templates. This allows one to create a variety of fonts on the same piece of paper. See below for different parts involved in the printing process;
Ribbon
The ribbon is found between the paper and the printhead. Once the pins emerge from the printhead, they are hammered onto the ribbon to form a hole, creating a mark on the print media to form letters.
Ribbon cartridges are pre-inked fabric ribbons that depreciate or run out with gradual use, calling for a replacement.
Paper Handling
Paper Handling is another mechanism determining how you use a dot matrix printer. While most of these printers accept individual sheets like inkjets and lasers, their competence lies in their ability to handle continuous paper feeding mechanisms.
The majority of dot matrix printers have a sprocket drive which enables them to grab the punched paper strips and feed them through the printer for smooth printing. This smooth paper feeding, in turn, necessitates the continuous printing process as well as hindering paper jams.
Generally, dot-matrix printers are great for work environments that involve lightweight printing, especially in financial institutions and other busy industries. Unfortunately, these printers are known to be noisy due to the hammering effect of the pins onto the ribbon and have lower resolutions of up to 240 dpi. However, the printers will last a long time in the market as they are key in running businesses at cheaper costs, while quality and lucidity are less of a preference.
For more, How Does a Dot Matrix Printer Work
FAQs
1. How do I Choose a Dot Matrix Printer?
The benefits of dot matrix printers are noticeable in every area used. They are practical, valuable, and economical. Nevertheless, there are some aspects you need to look into when choosing the best dot matrix printer. These factors include the points, paper handling, speed, characters, and connectivity options. Generally, choose a dot-matrix printer that offers the best features for your printing needs.
2. Is a Dot Matrix Printer Better Than a Laser Printer?
Laser printers with fine ink powder and thermal technology produce text on paper, while inkjet printers spray liquid ink on printed media. Dot-matrix printers push pins against an ink-soaked fabric ribbon on paper and have a slower speed and a lower cost per page than lasers.
Both laser and dot matrix printers are great, but the better one depends on your printing preference. And while lasers print a single piece of paper at a time, dot-matrix printers can print multiple forms of carbon copies.
3. Does a Dot Matrix Printer Produce the Best Quality Printing?
The quality of a dot matrix printer is directly proportional to the number of pins the printer holds. Generally, dot-matrix printers are ideal where cost is a primary consideration, and print quality can be compromised. They are not the best where high resolutions are called for and are primarily used in ATMs, POS terminals, cash registers, and shopping outlets.
4. Are Dot Matrix Printers still manufactured?
Dot-matrix printers are here to stay. Though their popularity has gone down, new models of these printers are still emerging. Dot-matrix printers win when maintenance costs are considered and are best for certain applications like ATMs and cash registers. So yes, dot matrix printers are still being manufactured, and since they create multiple pages at a go, their benefits are needed even in years to come.
5. What is the Fastest Dot Matrix Printer?
So far, the Epson FX-890ll is our fastest and best dot matrix printer. Designed to offer your business extreme reliability and productivity, it allows you to complete the most exhausting workloads with ease.
6. What is the Difference Between a Thermal Printer and a Dot Matrix Printer?
While these two printer types can print logos and other graphics, thermals use etching, which produces more detailed prints. Nevertheless, the main difference between the two printer types is that dot matrix printers apply impact on their tiny wired pins onto the inked ribbon. In contrast, thermal printers push their electrically heated pins against heat-sensitive paper.
Bottom Line
Comparing the numerous brands available in the dot matrix market can be overwhelming. We believe our guide will help you make the best choice, whether for business or personal use. Most importantly, compare what the best dot-matrix printer offers with what you need. Once this is clear, you will pick the perfect machine that matches your requirements.
Nevertheless, if you still don’t have a definite choice, you can pick any printer in our guide. All reviewed products are excellent and handpicked for quality and durability. A dot matrix printer is one of those machines that won’t die on you unexpectedly.