TSC T4204 / T4304 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.
The T4000 is an entry-level, streamlined thermal barcode printer with enterprise-grade productivity and flexible features for high-tech environments. The most labor-saving and affordable industrial printer, capable of printing 5,000 labels per day at 10 ips.
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 TSC T4204 / T4304 and Zebra ZD421 are proven barcode printers options sold through JUNJI as an authorized distributor. TSC T4204 / T4304 suits users who prioritize cost efficiency and Taiwan-local support. 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 | TSC T4204 / T4304 | Zebra ZD421 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Method | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer |
| Resolution | T4204: 203 dpi (8 dots/mm); T4304: 300 dpi (12 dots/mm) | 8 dots/mm / 12 dots/mm |
| Print Speed | T4204: 305 mm/s (12 ips) @ 203 dpi; T4304: 203 mm/s (8 ips) @ 300 dpi | 6 ips / 4 ips |
| Print Width | 104 mm (4.1") | 203 dpi: 104 mm (4.09"); 300 dpi: 108 mm (4.27") |
| Min Label Length | 6.35 mm (0.25") continuous paper; 25.4 mm (1") tear/peel/cutter | — |
| Memory | 128 MB DDR3 RAM / 128 MB Flash (SD card expandable to 32 GB) | 256 MB SDRAM / 512 MB Flash |
| Media Types | Continuous paper / die-cut label / folding, supports metal tag thickness up to 1.2 mm | Roll or folded sheet: labels (die-cut or continuous, thermal or thermal transfer)/tags/receipt paper (continuous, thermal)/wristbands |
| Media Width | Max 120 mm (4.72") | 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 203.2 mm (8") | Max 127 mm (5") |
| Media Core | 25.4 / 76.2 mm (1" / 3") | Standard 12.7 / 25 mm (0.5" / 1"); optional adapter 38.1 / 50.8 / 76 mm (1.5" / 2" / 3") |
| Ribbon Length | Max 450 m | Roll: 300 m or 74 m; Cartridge: 74 m |
| Ribbon Width | Max 110 mm (4.3") | Roll: 33.8 – 109.2 mm (1.33" – 4.3"); Cartridge: 109.2 mm (4.3") |
| Interface | USB 2.0 Device + USB 2.0 Host + RS-232 Serial + Ethernet; optional Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac + Bluetooth 4.2 | Standard USB 2.0 + USB Host + Bluetooth LE; optional 10/100 Ethernet + RS-232 Serial + Wi-Fi 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Programming Language | Supports 9 competitive printer language simulations (including TSPL, PGL, ZPL, etc.) | ZPL II / EPL2 / Link-OS |
| Display | 3.5" color LCD + 9 buttons | — |
| Construction | bi-fold side panel | — |
| MTBF | Up to 12,000 hours | — |
| Operating Temp | 0 – 40°C | — |
| Max Print Length | — | 991 mm (39") |
| Sensors | — | Multi-point transmissive + full-width reflective + print head opening sensor |
| Certification | — | ENERGY STAR, meets Energy Efficiency Level VI |
| Power | — | External transformer 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz, output 24 VDC 2.5A |
| Weight | — | Thermal transfer: 2.05 kg; Thermal: 1.35 kg; Ribbon cartridge: 2.3 kg |
| Dimensions | — | Thermal transfer: 267 × 202 × 189 mm; Thermal: 220.8 × 177.5 × 150.7 mm; Ribbon cartridge: 254 × 202 × 177 mm |
Differences highlighted. Data source: JUNJI product catalog (24 spec rows compared).