Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

QZ Tray VS PrintNode

Compare QZ Tray VS PrintNode and see what are their differences

QZ Tray logo QZ Tray

Print raw (ZPL, ESC/P, FGL), HTML, PDF as well as communicate with USB, HID, and serial devices...

PrintNode logo PrintNode

PrintNode offers cloud printing solutions for web applications.
  • QZ Tray Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-06
  • PrintNode Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-20

QZ Tray features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Support
    QZ Tray can be installed on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing users to integrate printing functionality across different operating systems seamlessly.
  • Web-Based Printing
    It facilitates direct printing from web applications, making it easier to integrate printing capabilities into web-based software solutions without relying on additional software or middleware.
  • Support for Various Printers
    QZ Tray supports a wide range of printers, including thermal label printers, receipt printers, and standard inkjet and laser printers, providing flexibility for different business needs.
  • Barcode and QR Code Printing
    The software offers robust support for printing barcodes and QR codes, which is essential for businesses requiring such features for retail or inventory management.
  • Security Features
    QZ Tray includes several security features, such as signed scripts and app whitelist capabilities, to ensure that only authorized applications and scripts can initiate printing tasks.

Possible disadvantages of QZ Tray

  • Complex Configuration
    Setting up QZ Tray might require technical knowledge, particularly when configuring it for advanced use cases or integrating with custom web applications.
  • Limited Free Version
    While QZ Tray offers a free version, some features are restricted to the premium version, which may not be suitable for users looking for a completely free solution.
  • Reliance on Java
    QZ Tray relies on the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which can be a downside for some users due to potential security vulnerabilities and the need for additional installations.
  • Browser Compatibility Issues
    Some users might experience compatibility issues with certain browsers, particularly as browser updates may affect how QZ Tray interacts with them.
  • Support and Documentation
    Although there is documentation available, some users report that the support and documentation can be insufficient, especially for troubleshooting complex issues.

PrintNode features and specs

  • Ease of Integration
    PrintNode offers straightforward integration with a variety of platforms and applications through its robust API, streamlining the process of adding printing functionality to your software.
  • Multi-Platform Support
    PrintNode supports multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility for users with different hardware setups.
  • Cloud Printing
    The cloud printing feature allows users to print from anywhere, increasing convenience and efficiency for businesses with employees in multiple locations.
  • Wide Printer Compatibility
    PrintNode is compatible with numerous printer models and brands, reducing concerns about whether existing hardware will work with the service.
  • Automatic Printer Discovery
    The service can automatically detect printers on the network, simplifying the setup and reducing configuration time.
  • Reliable Performance
    PrintNode holds a reputation for reliable and high-speed performance, which is critical for businesses to avoid downtime and maintain productivity.

Possible disadvantages of PrintNode

  • Cost
    While PrintNode offers a free tier, advanced features and higher usage plans can be expensive, potentially being a barrier for smaller businesses or startups.
  • Learning Curve
    Although the API is robust, there might be a learning curve associated with its implementation, especially for developers who are not familiar with API integrations.
  • Dependency on Internet
    Since PrintNode is a cloud-based service, it relies on a stable internet connection, which could be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Limited Free Tier
    The free tier has limited features and usage, which may not be sufficient for businesses with higher printing needs, requiring an upgrade to a paid plan.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As a cloud service, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and the security of transmitted print jobs, particularly for businesses handling sensitive information.

QZ Tray videos

QZ Tray - Overview

More videos:

  • Review - QZ Tray - PHP Signing
  • Review - QZ Tray - macOS Catalina Fix

PrintNode videos

No PrintNode videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to QZ Tray and PrintNode)
Office & Productivity
39 39%
61% 61
Cloud Printing
36 36%
64% 64
Accounting
46 46%
54% 54
Online Services
27 27%
73% 73

User comments

Share your experience with using QZ Tray and PrintNode. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, QZ Tray seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 4 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

QZ Tray mentions (4)

  • How to get print window from the URL
    Https://qz.io/ The function looks like as shown below:. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Label Printer Intergration
    Could this be as simple as a custom button and https://qz.io/ ? Source: over 1 year ago
  • Printing USPS and other shipping labels -- Laser printer, Inkjet, something else?
    When we did physical stuff, I believe we used Zebra thermal printers. There are specific rolls meant for shipping as well. Then we used https://qz.io/ for printing. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Zebra ZD230 on Linux and CUPS driver not understanding raw data.
    I´m trying to configure label printing with the QZ Tray application and from the DEMO Page @ qz.io installed on a Linux machine (Xubuntu 20.04), but the printer can´t by any means understand the language it is using. Using the QZ Demo page on a Windows machine it works okay. Source: about 3 years ago

PrintNode mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of PrintNode yet. Tracking of PrintNode recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing QZ Tray and PrintNode, you can also consider the following products

Printix - Printix is a cloud-based print management platform.

ezeep - ezeep provides managed cloud printing solutions for educational institutes and SMB's.

Printer Pro - Print attachments, receipts, documents, web pages from your iPad and iPhone.

PrinterLogic - PrinterLogic is an enterprise print management software.

gLabels - gLabels is a program for creating labels and business cards for the GNOME desktop environment.

directprint.io - Printer management for Chromebooks & Windows.