BarTender vs MakeZPL
BarTender
bartendersoftware.com
MakeZPL
makezpl.comSide by side
| Figure | BarTender | MakeZPL |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $16.58/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Product Label Makers | 8.5 (#2) | 7.5 (#9) |
| Spec score · Barcode Labeling Software | 8.5 (#6) | 7.4 (#28) |
| Label design | It supports more than 100 linear and 2D barcode symbologies and standards, RFID encoding, and a library of more than 400 pre-built label templates. | The canvas supports text, barcodes, QR and Data Matrix codes, lines, boxes, ellipses, and images at 203, 300, or 600 dpi. |
| Purpose | BarTender creates, manages, and prints labels, barcodes, RFID tags, and other product identifiers. | MakeZPL is a browser-based visual designer for Zebra printer labels that exports printer-ready ZPL II. |
| Support | Standard Maintenance and Support includes live phone and chat support and product updates; Premium support offers 24/7/365 coverage and a guaranteed one-hour response for critical production-impacting issues. | The privacy page directs questions to an issue on the project's GitHub repository. |
Plans
BarTender
- Starter$199 a year
- Professional$299 a year
- Automation$575 a year
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
BarTender
BarTender creates, manages, and prints labels, barcodes, RFID tags, and other product identifiers. Its design tools support more than 100 linear and 2D barcode symbologies and standards, RFID encoding, and a library of more than 400 label templates. The on-premises product can print from local workstations, browsers, and mobile devices, with more than 11,000 printer drivers. The Automation edition adds REST APIs, File Drop, no-code builders, and more than 70 trigger actions. Listed connectors include SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and Workday, alongside REST APIs and custom integrations for more than 20 enterprise platforms. On-premises security features include role-based permissions, document encryption, license server redundancy, and printer failover options. BarTender can operate without an internet connection and supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails and electronic signatures. The on-premises operating-system requirements are 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, or 2025. Starter costs $199 a year; a 30-day Enterprise Edition trial supports up to three printers.