Zebra ZQ630 vs. Brother RJ4250WB – The Best Portable Barcode Printer?

What’s the one tool that delivery drivers, warehouse staff, healthcare workers, and field service technicians all need to stay productive on the move? A high-performance, portable barcode printer. In today’s fast-paced logistics and service environments, reliable mobile printing isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Choosing the right portable barcode printer matters more than ever.

At OmegaBrand Sales Corporation, we provide a wide range of mobile printing solutions from trusted names like Zebra and Brother. Whether you’re printing receipts in the field or barcodes labels in a warehouse, our job is to make sure you have a device that performs under pressure. In this comparison, we’ll help you decide between two of the most trusted models in this category—the Zebra ZQ630 and the Brother RJ4250WB.

We’ll compare their performance based on battery life, wireless features, speed, print quality, rugged design, and support accessories. Our goal is simple: help you choose the right device for your mobile workforce and daily operations.

Portable Barcode Printing in Action

Before we get into technical specs, it’s important to understand how these printers are used. The Zebra ZQ630 and Brother RJ4250WB are both 4-inch mobile printers designed for teams that need fast, wireless label and receipt printing on the go.

They are commonly used in:

• Delivery and courier services: For printing invoices and shipping labels directly from the field.
• Warehouse and inventory control: For real-time barcode generation and labeling of inventory items.
• Healthcare environments: For bedside labeling and specimen tracking.
• Field sales and service: For on-the-spot billing, receipts, and asset tagging.

Let’s break down their specs and see how they perform side by side.

1. Battery Life and Hot-Swappable Features

A mobile printer is only as good as its battery. Long shifts and remote work demand devices that last all day.

Zebra ZQ630

• Battery Capacity: 6800 mAh PowerPrecision+ smart battery.
• Runtime: Lasts an entire 8–10 hour shift, even under heavy use.
• Hot Swap Support: Yes. The Zebra ZQ630 supports hot-swappable battery technology, so workers can change batteries without rebooting the device.
• Battery Analytics: Advanced battery diagnostics help users and IT teams monitor battery health in real time.

Brother RJ4250WB

• Battery Capacity: 3200 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery.
• Runtime: Suitable for medium-duty use; lasts through a standard shift but may require a mid-day charge for intensive applications.
• Hot Swap Support: No hot-swap capability.
• Battery Monitoring: Basic LED battery indicator, with less detailed diagnostic support.

Verdict: For field teams that can’t afford downtime, the Zebra mobile printer stands out with superior battery capacity and hot-swapping.

2. Wireless Connectivity and Pairing Options

Mobile printers must connect easily to smartphones, tablets, and handheld devices via secure and fast wireless methods.

Zebra ZQ630

• Wi-Fi: Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with fast roaming.
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1 Classic and BLE.
• NFC: Tap-to-pair via integrated NFC chip for Android devices.
• Security: WPA3 support, making it suitable for enterprise-level deployments.

Brother RJ4250WB

• Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi.
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 with MFi (Made for iPhone) certification.
• NFC: Yes, supports NFC pairing.
• Security: WPA2 security.

Verdict: Both models are strong performers here, but Zebra edges ahead with enterprise Wi-Fi protocols and faster roaming, which is especially useful in large warehouse or hospital environments.

3. Print Resolution and Print Speed

Clarity and speed are critical for barcode scanning accuracy and operational efficiency.

Zebra ZQ630

• Print Resolution: 203 dpi.
• Max Print Speed: 4.5 inches per second.
• Print Technology: Direct thermal printing.

Brother RJ4250WB

• Print Resolution: 203 dpi.
• Max Print Speed: 5 inches per second.
• Print Technology: Direct thermal.

Verdict: Brother’s RJ4250WB has a slight edge in print speed, but the difference is minimal. Both produce crisp barcode and text output suitable for scanning in logistics, healthcare, and retail.

4. Label Width and Media Compatibility

Media flexibility means fewer printer changes and more adaptability.

Zebra ZQ630

• Max Print Width: 4.1 inches.
• Media Compatibility: Linered and linerless labels, receipt paper, gap and black mark sensing.
• Label Types: Supports a wide variety of media with adaptive sensors.

Brother RJ4250WB

• Max Print Width: 4.09 inches.
• Media Compatibility: Labels, receipts, tags (Brother-approved media recommended).
• Label Types: Linerless and standard labels.

Verdict: Both offer similar print widths and label compatibility, but Zebra offers slightly more flexibility with advanced sensor calibration for various label formats.

5. Ruggedness and Durability

Fieldwork exposes printers to drops, dust, and moisture. How well do these two models hold up?

Zebra ZQ630

• Drop Resistance: Survives drops from up to 6 feet.
• IP Rating: IP54-rated (dust and water resistance).
• Build: Hard-wearing plastic and rubber over-molded design.

Brother RJ4250WB

• Drop Resistance: Withstands drops from up to 6.6 feet.
• IP Rating: IP54 with optional case.
• Build: Ruggedized shell designed for mobile professionals.

Verdict: Both devices are engineered for durability. Brother offers slightly better drop resistance, while Zebra includes ruggedness without requiring an additional case.

Ready to Streamline Your Mobile Printing?

Are you looking to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and empower your mobile workforce with dependable technology? At OmegaBrand Sales Corporation, we offer one of the best selections of portable barcode printers, including the Zebra ZQ630 and Brother RJ4250WB. We also carry a full lineup of Epson LabelWorks printers, including the Epson C8000 printer, EpsonC6500 printer, and Epson C6000 printer, along with Epson C4000 printer models and all related inks and labels.

From rugged mobile printers to color inkjet label printers for desktop environments, we help businesses find the best printing solutions for their workflow. Whether you're printing Epson C6500 labels, using Epson C6000 ink, or looking for the best color label printer for industrial applications, OmegaBrand Sales has the inventory, expertise, and support you need.

Order your Zebra or Brother mobile printer from OmegaBrand Sales Corporation today—and equip your team with tools built to perform wherever the job takes them. When reliability, speed, and rugged design matter, we’re here to help you make the right choice.