You need to replace your industrial label printer and want to invest in the best SATO printer on the market, but you’re not sure which one to choose? In this article, we compare the SATO CL4NX Plus and CT4-LX models to help you make the right decision!

Introducing the SATO CL4NX Plus:

This industrial label printer is a true technological powerhouse, combining precision, printing speed, simplicity, and ergonomics. Printing on an industrial scale becomes effortless — no more production bottlenecks. Its strongest asset remains its printing speed of up to 355 mm/s, making it one of the fastest on the market.

Fast printing is one thing, but does it deliver high resolution? The SATO CL4NX Plus comes loaded with features and power, capable of printing at 609 dpi on a wide range of media.

If you’re looking for the most high-performing industrial label printer available, the SATO CL4NX Plus might just be the one you need!

It stands as the flagship of industrial thermal printers — a new generation capable of printing on a wide variety of materials:

• Labels on rolls with liners
• Labels in fanfold format
• Standard paper labels
• Synthetic paper labels
• Continuous rolls

Like many industrial printers on the market, it handles both 1D and 2D barcode printing. However, the SATO CL4NX Plus goes further by offering optional compatibility with RFID and HF RFID technologies.

That means starting from €2,352, you can get a versatile industrial label printer capable of doing the job of two or even three standard printers!

To learn more about this model, click here.

Introducing the SATO CT4-LX:

This advanced industrial label printer specializes in RFID technology, enabling you to easily read and encode RFID labels. Compact, intuitive, and ultra-efficient, it fits perfectly into any workspace while simplifying your production process.

Its 4.3-inch touchscreen allows smooth navigation and quick access to menus. Reading and encoding smart labels has never been easier, with a printing speed of 203 mm/s. Like most printers in the range, label width supports up to 104 mm.

With a resolution of up to 305 dpi, it stands out in its category for delivering excellent print quality. This compact printer optimizes both productivity and profitability thanks to its efficient configuration and ability to store label media profiles.

Its intelligent detection system adds even more value, automatically identifying and marking black sensor gaps. Moreover, the SATO CT4-LX is compatible with a wide range of label types:

• Labels on rolls with liners
• Labels in fanfold format
• Standard paper labels
• Synthetic and continuous paper labels, center-aligned, inside and outside wound

A high-performance industrial printer, yes — but is it eco-friendly? SATO strives to reduce waste across its product lines. Thanks to its waste-prevention function, you can print from the very first label without unnecessary waste!

If you need a smart, compact, and powerful RFID label printer, starting from €3,109, the SATO CT4-LX is the perfect choice.

To learn more about this model, click here.

What is RFID?

Without realizing it, RFID technology is all around us — in public transport cards, anti-theft tags in stores, RFID access badges, security cards, and even contactless car keys.

Its main advantage is saving time and enabling fast and contactless data reading. But do you really know what RFID means?

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a technology that allows data to be stored and retrieved remotely. It works through electromagnetic energy transfer between a radio tag and an RFID reader. The tag, which includes a microchip and an antenna, receives the signal emitted by the reader and responds with the stored data — enabling both reading and communication.

To learn more about RFID technology, read our article: Understanding RFID in 10 Points.

Comparison Table: SATO CL4NX Plus vs. SATO CT4-LX Industrial Label Printers

Which SATO industrial label printer is the best?

After reviewing all the features and specifications, it’s clear that both the SATO CL4NX Plus and the CT4-LX meet distinct professional needs.

There isn’t a single “best” printer overall — rather, each excels in different use cases. That said, if we had to choose between these two models, we’d recommend the SATO CL4NX Plus.

The SATO CL4NX Plus stands out as the most versatile option. It can read and encode smart RFID labels while also printing standard barcode labels with exceptional quality.

Its 355 mm/s printing speed and 609 dpi resolution make it a powerful ally for high-demand production environments.