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Head-to-head · Barcode Generators

ZebraDesigner vs GNU Barcode

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score ZebraDesigner #1 in Barcode Generators 9.2/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit ZebraDesigner
GNU Barcode #2 in Barcode Generators 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit GNU Barcode

ZebraDesigner leads on 0 checks, GNU Barcode on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreZebraDesigner · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly ZebraDesigner

ZebraDesigner scores higher on our rubric for barcode generators: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

ZebraDesigner is the better fit for teams printing labels on Zebra printers. GNU Barcode is the better fit for linux users needing free barcode generation.

  • ZebraDesigner fits best

    Teams printing labels on Zebra printers

  • GNU Barcode fits best

    Linux users needing free barcode generation

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Side by side

Feature ZebraDesigner 9.2/10 Visit ↗ GNU Barcode 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.7
Ranking #1 in Barcode Generators #2 in Barcode Generators
Best for Teams printing labels on Zebra printers Linux users needing free barcode generation
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Desktop Self-hosted
Platforms Windows Linux
Features ZebraDesigner 1/3 · GNU Barcode 1/3
Label design Not checked yet Not checked yet
Batch generation Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Data import ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Barcode formats Not checked yet UPC, EAN, ISBN, CODE39, other encoding standards
Export formats Not checked yet PostScript, Encapsulated PostScript
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Designs labels, tags, and receipts with fixed or variable data.
  • Professional adds database connectivity, RFID encoding, and VB scripting.
  • Creates ZPL templates and supports Excel, Access, text files, and ODBC.
  • Free, open-source executable and library
  • Supports UPC, EAN, ISBN, CODE39 and other standards
  • Creates PostScript tables sized for sticker pages
Cons
  • Runs on Windows only.
  • Database connectivity, RFID, and VB scripting require Professional.
  • The product is focused on label workflows for Zebra printers.
  • Command-line workflow may not suit GUI-focused teams
  • PostScript and Encapsulated PostScript are the listed exports
  • Support is community-based rather than a commercial channel
Our verdict

ZebraDesigner is Windows-based software for designing and printing barcode labels, tags, and receipts on Zebra printers. It suits teams that need variable-data label workflows, from basic designs to database-connected production.…

Read the review →

GNU Barcode converts text strings into barcodes through both an executable program and a library. It is aimed at Linux users who need free, self-hosted generation for printed materials, whether through command-line workflows or software…

Read the review →
  1. ZebraDesignerBarcode Generators 9.2Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. GNU BarcodeBarcode Generators 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ZebraDesigner — where it wins

    • Designs labels, tags, and receipts with fixed or variable data.
    • Professional adds database connectivity, RFID encoding, and VB scripting.
    • Creates ZPL templates and supports Excel, Access, text files, and ODBC.

    Where it doesn't

    • Runs on Windows only.
    • Database connectivity, RFID, and VB scripting require Professional.
    • The product is focused on label workflows for Zebra printers.

  • GNU Barcode — where it wins

    • Free, open-source executable and library
    • Supports UPC, EAN, ISBN, CODE39 and other standards
    • Creates PostScript tables sized for sticker pages

    Where it doesn't

    • Command-line workflow may not suit GUI-focused teams
    • PostScript and Encapsulated PostScript are the listed exports
    • Support is community-based rather than a commercial channel

More comparisons

All barcode generators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update