Honeywell PC42t vs Zebra ZD421
Side-by-side comparison of barcode printers specs, hardware, and features to help you pick the right one for your use case.
Affordable 4-inch desktop thermal transfer printer, supports multiple label language emulations, ideal for low to medium volume printing.
Zebra's next-generation desktop printer with built-in Print DNA smart software suite, multiple connectivity options, easy operation and enhanced security.
Which one should you pick?
Both Honeywell PC42t and Zebra ZD421 are proven barcode printers options sold through JUNJI as an authorized distributor. Honeywell PC42t suits users who prioritize premium durability and industry certifications. Zebra ZD421 is a better fit for large-scale deployments needing vendor parity. Request a quote and we'll match you to the exact configuration for your workflow.
Full spec comparison
| Specification | Honeywell PC42t | Zebra ZD421 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Method | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer |
| Resolution | 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) | 8 dots/mm / 12 dots/mm |
| Print Speed | 4 ips | 6 ips / 4 ips |
| Print Width | Max 104.1 mm (4.1") | 203 dpi: 104 mm (4.09"); 300 dpi: 108 mm (4.27") |
| Memory | 64 MB DRAM / 64 MB Flash | 256 MB SDRAM / 512 MB Flash |
| Sensors | Gap sensor + black mark sensor + print head open sensor | Multi-point transmissive + full-width reflective + print head opening sensor |
| Media Types | Roll or folding sheet: label/tag/continuous/die-cut (thermal or thermal transfer) | Roll or folded sheet: labels (die-cut or continuous, thermal or thermal transfer)/tags/receipt paper (continuous, thermal)/wristbands |
| Media Width | 25.4 – 110 mm (1 – 4.3") | ZD421t: 15 – 112 mm (0.585 – 4.41"); ZD421c: 15 – 118 mm (0.585 – 4.65"); ZD421d: 15 – 108 mm (0.585 – 4.25") |
| Media Roll OD | Max 127 mm (5") | Max 127 mm (5") |
| Media Core | 25.4 mm (1") | Standard 12.7 / 25 mm (0.5" / 1"); optional adapter 38.1 / 50.8 / 76 mm (1.5" / 2" / 3") |
| Ribbon Length | Up to 300 m (984 ft) | Roll: 300 m or 74 m; Cartridge: 74 m |
| Ribbon Width | Max 109.2 mm (4.3") | Roll: 33.8 – 109.2 mm (1.33" – 4.3"); Cartridge: 109.2 mm (4.3") |
| Ribbon Core | 12.7 / 25.4 mm (0.5" / 1"), supports dual-axis switching | — |
| Interface | Standard USB 2.0 + USB Host; optional RS-232 Serial or Serial + Ethernet | Standard USB 2.0 + USB Host + Bluetooth LE; optional 10/100 Ethernet + RS-232 Serial + Wi-Fi 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Programming Language | Direct Protocol (DP) / ESim (EPL) / ZSim (ZPL II) / DPL | ZPL II / EPL2 / Link-OS |
| Power | External transformer 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz, output 24 VDC 2.5 A | External transformer 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz, output 24 VDC 2.5A |
| Weight | 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) | Thermal transfer: 2.05 kg; Thermal: 1.35 kg; Ribbon cartridge: 2.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 297 × 226 × 177 mm (11.7 × 8.9 × 7.0") | Thermal transfer: 267 × 202 × 189 mm; Thermal: 220.8 × 177.5 × 150.7 mm; Ribbon cartridge: 254 × 202 × 177 mm |
| Max Print Length | — | 991 mm (39") |
| Certification | — | ENERGY STAR, meets Energy Efficiency Level VI |
Differences highlighted. Data source: JUNJI product catalog (20 spec rows compared).