Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Barcode Labeling Software

ZPLab vs PrintSpirit

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score ZPLab #2 in Barcode Labeling Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit ZPLab
PrintSpirit #3 in Barcode Labeling Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit PrintSpirit

ZPLab leads on 0 checks, PrintSpirit on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreZPLab · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresPrintSpirit · 4 of 4

ZPLab scores higher on our rubric for barcode labeling software: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

ZPLab is the better fit for ZPL-focused teams needing advanced validation. PrintSpirit is the better fit for organizations needing APIs and remote printing.

  • ZPLab fits best

    ZPL-focused teams needing advanced validation

  • PrintSpirit fits best

    Organizations needing APIs and remote printing

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature ZPLab 9.3/10 Visit ↗ PrintSpirit 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #2 in Barcode Labeling Software #3 in Barcode Labeling Software
Best for ZPL-focused teams needing advanced validation Organizations needing APIs and remote printing
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Self-hosted Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Integrations 7 integrations 13 integrations
Features ZPLab 3/4 · PrintSpirit 4/4
Variable data ✓ ✓
Batch printing ✓ ✓
Data import ✓ ✓
API access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Deployment Hybrid Hybrid
Included users Not checked yet Not checked yet
Print limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Imports, edits, previews, and exports ZPL and PRN files
  • Supports 28 barcode symbologies with GS1 and EAN/UPC validation
  • Prints variable labels in batches from CSV, Excel, and databases
  • Supports batch printing, variable fields, and automatic sequence management.
  • Connects with Excel, CSV, SQLite, MySQL, MSSQL, and PostgreSQL.
  • Offers JavaScript, DLL, REST, SpiritCenter, and multiple printer languages.
Cons
  • Focused on ZPL-compatible printers rather than broader label formats
  • No documented label or print automation API
  • Advanced workflows may require familiarity with ZPL source
  • Temporary VIP and Gold memberships cap printing at 1,000 prints per day.
  • Unlimited daily printing is available only with Platinum membership.
  • Its broad feature set focuses on labeling and printing rather than wider operations.
Our verdict

ZPLab is an MIT-licensed, open-source barcode labeling application for teams designing and printing labels for ZPL-compatible printers. It is available through a browser, self-hosted web deployment, or desktop applications for Windows,…

Read the review →

PrintSpirit is barcode label design and printing software for logistics, retail, export, warehouse, and enterprise workflows. It supports text, tables, images, barcodes, QR codes, and PDF417 in label designs, along with batch printing,…

Read the review →
  1. ZPLabBarcode Labeling Software 9.3Free plan
  2. PrintSpiritBarcode Labeling Software 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ZPLab — where it wins

    • Imports, edits, previews, and exports ZPL and PRN files
    • Supports 28 barcode symbologies with GS1 and EAN/UPC validation
    • Prints variable labels in batches from CSV, Excel, and databases

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on ZPL-compatible printers rather than broader label formats
    • No documented label or print automation API
    • Advanced workflows may require familiarity with ZPL source

  • PrintSpirit — where it wins

    • Supports batch printing, variable fields, and automatic sequence management.
    • Connects with Excel, CSV, SQLite, MySQL, MSSQL, and PostgreSQL.
    • Offers JavaScript, DLL, REST, SpiritCenter, and multiple printer languages.

    Where it doesn't

    • Temporary VIP and Gold memberships cap printing at 1,000 prints per day.
    • Unlimited daily printing is available only with Platinum membership.
    • Its broad feature set focuses on labeling and printing rather than wider operations.

More comparisons

All barcode labeling software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update