The Niimbot B21 is a nod to the mid-century modern design, bringing a touch of the 1950s to today’s labeling needs. Targeted at craft stores, event organizers, and home organization enthusiasts, this thermal label printer marries style with functionality.
Disclosure: We received the printer from the manufacturer as a courtesy for review purposes. However, the review is intended to provide honest, unbiased insights about the product, based on personal experiences and observations.
Design and Build Quality
The Niimbot B21 looks amazing with its retro design, a delightful blend of a typewriter and cash register aesthetics. Available in glossy red, green, or black with touches of gold or silver, it’s a statement piece as much as a practical device. Measuring just 2.36″D x 5.1″W x 3.54″H and weighing 300 grams (0.66 lbs), this palm-sized, wireless device is ideal for on-the-go labeling.
Functionality and Performance
Functionally, the B21 is tailored for a variety of labeling tasks, supporting sticker widths between 0.8”-2” (20 – 50 mm), perfect for barcodes and product information. Niimbot offers an array of sticker rolls, from basic white to clear vinyl and themed designs, catering to diverse needs. However, its monochrome printing limits its capability, especially for labels requiring more detailed images or color. The printing quality is not great, especially when you need to print small text or details; They are jagged and can’t be clear as compared to inkjet printers. Having said that, it is still good enough for its purposes.
The printer’s ease of use is notable. It’s intuitive to set up and operate, requiring minimal technical skills. The manual alignment of paper rolls might be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, the lack of auto-cutting means labels must be torn off manually, which, while functional, may not appeal to everyone.
The printer’s battery life, estimated at four hours per charge, adds to its portability. The inclusion of a USB-C port is a modern touch, although the lack of an AC adapter might be a minor setback for some users.
Software and App Integration
The Niimbot Design & Print app, essential for creating designs, is available for iOS and Android. The app, albeit busy, is manageable with onboarding instructions. It offers a range of templates, design options, from fonts to icons, and the ability to convert photos into basic monochrome illustrations. However, some features are locked behind a paywall, which might deter users from accessing the full range of creative options.
Final Thoughts
The Niimbot B21 stands out for its unique design and functional versatility. While it may not suit everyone’s needs, especially for those requiring high-detail or color printing, its appeal lies in its simplicity and novelty. As a label printer, it performs its core functions admirably, and even when it’s not in use, it doubles as a decorative piece, adding a retro flair to any desk or workspace.
The B21 is competitively priced at $65. However, the potential additional costs for VIP features in the app should be considered. Despite its limitations in image quality and app features, its speed and ease of use make it a valuable tool for small businesses and home users alike. They are offering a special discount from now until the end of January 2024, you can apply the coupon code TechWallsB21 to receive a discount of up to 30% (20% off code +10% off coupon), so the price will drop to just over $46.
