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10 Best Dot Matrix Printers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson 9-PIN Dot Matrix Wide DFX-9000

The Epson 9-PIN Dot Matrix Wide DFX-9000 is designed for businesses needing efficient printing of reports, multipart forms, and labels. One of its standout features is its ultra-fast print speed of up to 1550 characters per second, making it suitable for high-volume tasks. Additionally, the automatic platen gap adjustment and jam-sensor help minimize paper waste, enhancing productivity.

Durability is another strong point, as the print head boasts a lifespan of 400 million characters and the ribbon cartridge lasts for 15 million characters, which can significantly lower the long-term costs of printing. The included LCD display simplifies setup and menu navigation, making the printer user-friendly even for those who might not be tech-savvy.

On the downside, the DFX-9000 is quite large and weighs around 3.75 pounds, which may require a dedicated space in an office environment. Its noise level can also be higher than that of modern printers, which might be distracting in quieter office settings. While it offers good connectivity with a USB port, it lacks the versatility of wireless options that many newer printers provide. The print quality is generally acceptable for monochrome outputs, but it may not meet the expectations of users seeking high-resolution color printing, as this is not the focus of a dot matrix printer. The limited maximum input sheet capacity of 9 sheets might also pose a challenge for some users who frequently handle larger print jobs.

The Epson DFX-9000 serves as a robust choice for environments where speed, durability, and cost-effectiveness are essential, though it may not cater to users looking for modern features or quiet operation.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Speed
The Epson DFX-9000 is faster than the Okidata PM4100, making it a great choice for businesses that prioritize speed.
Durability and Reliability
This printer has a similar structure to the Okidata PM4100, giving confidence in its durability and longevity.
Noise Level
The noise level and shaking during operation can be significant drawbacks for those seeking a quieter printing environment.
#2

OKI Microline 320 Turbo Printer - OKI Data 320 Turbo Printer (62411601) | Includes Jetset Software

The OKI Microline 320 Turbo Printer is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable dot-matrix printer. Its print speed of 435 characters per minute (cpm) makes it efficient for printing tasks, particularly in environments where speed is crucial, such as offices or retail settings. The printer handles a maximum input capacity of 320 sheets, which is commendable for continuous printing without frequent paper replacement. It operates at a maximum resolution of 240 x 216 dpi, which is suitable for text and basic graphics, though it may not meet the needs of users looking for high-quality image printing.

Durability is a standout feature, with a maximum duty cycle of 20,000 pages, allowing it to handle heavy workloads without compromising performance. Additionally, the OKI Microline 320 Turbo is equipped with USB connectivity, making it easy to connect to modern computers. The included JetSet Software enhances usability, enabling even those who are less tech-savvy to set it up and operate it efficiently.

The noise level can be an issue, as dot-matrix printers are typically louder than laser or inkjet models, which could be disruptive in quiet environments. The manual duplex printing might also be inconvenient for users wanting automatic double-sided printing. While the printer is lightweight and compact, weighing just under 19 pounds, it is best suited to stationary setups.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Paper Handling
The OKI Microline 320 Turbo Printer is great and dependable, excelling in handling different types of pin feed manifests with ease.
#3

Epson Lq-590ii 24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer

The Epson LQ-590ii 24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer is a robust choice for those needing reliable daily printing. It excels in print speed, achieving up to 584 characters per second (cps), which is quite fast for a dot-matrix printer. This makes it suitable for high-volume tasks where speed is crucial. The 24-pin impact mechanism ensures decent print quality, especially for text documents, although it may not be ideal for graphic-heavy tasks.

Its advanced paper handling capabilities, including support for various media types like envelopes and plain paper, offer versatility for different printing needs. Connectivity is straightforward with USB, allowing seamless integration with both new and legacy systems, making it a flexible option for varied setups. The printer is designed to be durable and reliable, boasting a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 25,000 hours, ensuring long-term use with minimal downtime.

However, as with most dot-matrix printers, it can be quite noisy during operation, which might be a consideration for quieter office environments. Additionally, its weight of 7.2 kilograms makes it relatively heavy, so it may not be easy to move frequently. The low cost of ownership is a significant advantage, particularly for businesses looking to manage printing costs effectively. In summary, the Epson LQ-590ii is well-suited for industrial and high-speed printing tasks, offering a balance of speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency, though its noise level and weight may be drawbacks for some users.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Speed
It prints much faster than older models and is easier to use, with automatic paper loading enhancing convenience.
Print Quality
It prints with letter quality, and the low noise setting is beneficial for those who need it.
Paper Handling
It prints much faster than older models and is easier to use, with automatic paper loading enhancing convenience.
Connectivity
The printer works perfectly with old DOS software and computers, maintaining compatibility with older systems.
Noise Level
The printer is functioning well and operates with low noise, which is a plus for quieter environments.

Buying Guide for the Best Dot Matrix Printers

Dot-matrix printers are a type of impact printer that use a print head to strike an ink-soaked ribbon against the paper, creating characters and images out of dots. They are known for their durability and ability to print on multi-part forms, making them ideal for certain business applications. When choosing a dot-matrix printer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best model for your needs.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in characters per second (cps), indicates how quickly the printer can produce text and images. This is important if you need to print large volumes of documents quickly. Lower speeds (around 200 cps) are suitable for occasional printing, while higher speeds (up to 1000 cps or more) are better for high-volume environments. Consider your typical printing volume to determine the appropriate speed for your needs.
Print QualityPrint quality is determined by the number of pins in the print head, with more pins generally producing higher resolution prints. Common configurations include 9-pin and 24-pin print heads. A 9-pin printer is sufficient for basic text and simple graphics, while a 24-pin printer offers better quality for detailed graphics and clearer text. Choose based on the level of detail and clarity you require in your printed documents.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper the printer can accommodate, as well as its ability to handle multi-part forms. Dot-matrix printers can typically handle continuous forms, single sheets, and multi-part forms (such as carbon copies). If you need to print on various paper types or require multi-part forms for invoices or receipts, ensure the printer supports these features. Consider your specific paper handling needs when making your selection.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how the printer connects to your computer or network. Common options include parallel, USB, and network interfaces. Parallel and USB connections are suitable for direct connections to a single computer, while network interfaces allow multiple users to access the printer over a network. Choose the connectivity option that best fits your setup and the number of users who need access to the printer.
Durability and ReliabilityDurability and reliability are crucial for ensuring the printer can withstand heavy use and continue to perform well over time. Look for features such as a robust build, long-lasting print heads, and a high mean time between failures (MTBF). If you need a printer for a demanding environment, such as a warehouse or production facility, prioritize models known for their durability and reliability.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the printer is during operation. Dot-matrix printers are generally noisier than other types of printers, which can be a concern in quiet office environments. Lower noise levels (around 50-60 dB) are preferable for office settings, while higher noise levels (above 60 dB) may be acceptable in industrial or less noise-sensitive environments. Consider the noise tolerance of your workspace when choosing a printer.

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