The catch
Rollo USB X1038
Native Wi-Fi and iPhone AirPrint connections are not available.
Side by side
Rollo USB X1038 vs Rollo Wireless X1040: Going wireless sets the printer free of the packing computer but does not speed up output
Quick verdict
Rollo USB is the right choice if the packing computer stays next to the printer. Rollo Wireless is the right choice when orders start on your iPhone or the printer has to sit across the room. Both print 4 by 6 labels at the same rated resolution and feed speed.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A side business run from your phone changes the answer
Listing items from the sofa and packing them somewhere else? The Wireless model takes a computer step out of the supported shipping path. Even an occasional label makes that useful, and higher order volume is not the deciding threshold. The USB model makes more sense when the postage workflow already ends on a nearby computer.
Where this comes from
Match where the label comes from to the connection you have. Both take 4 by 6 labels, but only the X1040 documents native AirPrint.
The catch
Rollo Wireless X1040
Wi-Fi or not, it still needs its power adapter.
Rollo USB X1038
- Why pick it
- One computer stays at the packing desk, and USB connects it directly with no Wi-Fi setup.
- Compatible generic 4 by 6 labels are what you already use. The USB model takes non-proprietary media, so you do not need wireless to keep using your current supplies.
- The catch
- Native Wi-Fi and iPhone AirPrint connections are not available.
Rollo Wireless X1040
- Why pick it
- Postage gets bought on an iPhone, and the Wireless model supports the iPhone AirPrint route over the same Wi-Fi network.
- The packing shelf sits away from the laptop. Wi-Fi gets rid of the data cable between them, but the printer still needs power.
- The catch
- Wi-Fi or not, it still needs its power adapter.
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What this page compares
Rollo USB vs Wireless for a fixed packing desk, iPhone shipping and shared spaces. The choice comes down to the connection you need, your label supplies and what each setup costs you in practice.
Rollo USB is the right choice if the packing computer stays next to the printer. Rollo Wireless is the right choice when orders start on your iPhone or the printer has to sit across the room. Both print 4 by 6 labels at the same rated resolution and feed speed.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A single computer sits at the packing desk
With USB, that computer connects directly and no Wi-Fi setup is involved.
- Rollo USB X1038
- Good
- Rollo Wireless X1040
- Good
Compatible generic 4 by 6 labels are what you already use
Because the USB model takes non-proprietary media, you do not need wireless to keep using the supplies you have.
- Rollo USB X1038
- Good
- Rollo Wireless X1040
- Good
Postage is bought on an iPhone
On the same Wi-Fi network, the Wireless model supports iPhone AirPrint.
- Rollo USB X1038
- Depends
- Rollo Wireless X1040
- Good
Your packing shelf is not near the laptop
The printer still needs power, but Wi-Fi gets rid of the data cable between the two.
- Rollo USB X1038
- Depends
- Rollo Wireless X1040
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
A side business run from your phone changes the answer
Listing items from the sofa and packing them somewhere else? The Wireless model takes a computer step out of the supported shipping path. Even an occasional label makes that useful, and higher order volume is not the deciding threshold. The USB model makes more sense when the postage workflow already ends on a nearby computer.
How we worked this out
Match where the label comes from to the connection you have. Both take 4 by 6 labels, but only the X1040 documents native AirPrint.
A small printer body is not the whole packing footprint
Each printer has a fanfold stack or external roll sitting outside it. So a shallow shelf needs space for the media and a clear feed path, wireless model included. Wi-Fi takes care of the cable to the computer. The supply stack and the power cable are still there.
How we worked this out
Both printers take labels from an external feed. Set aside space for the actual holder or fanfold footprint on top of the printer body.
Judge label costs apart from connectivity
Compatible non-proprietary direct thermal labels work in both models. Compare the delivered price per usable label at the same size rather than assuming Wireless needs more expensive consumables. With 203 dpi and 150 mm per second ratings shared by both, there is also no basis for claiming an advantage in print quality or batch time.
How we worked this out
Stated resolution and rated feed speed are identical, and so is the generic-media policy. The speed rating leaves out setup and job processing.
Option A
Rollo, USB X1038
USB X1038
A packing laptop plugs in by USB, and compatible generic thermal labels work with it.
- Best for
- One computer stays at the packing desk, and USB connects it directly with no Wi-Fi setup.
Facts we checked
- Phone printing: Through a USB computer connection
- Media: Generic direct thermal labels that are compatible
- Rated output: 150 mm per second at 203 dpi
- Desk layout: USB to the host, with an external roll or fanfold feed
Option B
Rollo, Wireless X1040
Wireless X1040
Over the same Wi-Fi network, AirPrint can send a 4 by 6 carrier label to it.
- Best for
- Postage gets bought on an iPhone, and the Wireless model supports the iPhone AirPrint route over the same Wi-Fi network.
Facts we checked
- Phone printing: AirPrint over Wi-Fi from iPhone and iPad
- Media: Generic direct thermal labels that are compatible
- Rated output: 150 mm per second at 203 dpi
- Desk layout: Wi-Fi or USB, with an external roll or fanfold feed
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Rollo USB X1038 | Rollo Wireless X1040 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone printing | USB computer connection | Wi-Fi AirPrint from iPhone and iPad | Where the carrier label begins tells you more than how many computers you own. |
| Media | Compatible generic direct thermal labels | Compatible generic direct thermal labels | You can move up in connection without switching label families. |
| Rated output | 203 dpi and 150 mm per second | 203 dpi and 150 mm per second | Spending more for Wi-Fi gives no established gain in barcode sharpness or mechanical print speed. |
| Desk layout | External roll or fanfold feed, USB to host | External roll or fanfold feed, Wi-Fi or USB | Media needs room behind the body on both. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Rollo USB X1038
- The roll holder or fanfold stack sits outside the printer and takes up space.
With Rollo Wireless X1040
- A roll holder or fanfold stack needs space behind the printer.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Native iPhone shipping is a must for you
Go with Rollo Wireless X1040. The documented AirPrint connection comes with the X1040.
A dedicated laptop sits next to the printer
Go with Rollo USB X1038. That supported USB workflow is covered by the X1038.
Exposed storage calls for laminated labels
Neither model fits. Go with another printer family and choose the material to match, since these are direct thermal shipping printers.
Decision guide
How to decide
A packing computer beside the printer points to Rollo USB. Orders that begin on an iPhone, or a printer across the room, point to Rollo Wireless. The rated resolution and feed speed for 4 by 6 labels are the same on both.
A side business run from your phone changes the answer
Listing items from the sofa and packing them somewhere else? The Wireless model takes a computer step out of the supported shipping path. Even an occasional label makes that useful, and higher order volume is not the deciding threshold. The USB model makes more sense when the postage workflow already ends on a nearby computer.
A small printer body is not the whole packing footprint
Each printer has a fanfold stack or external roll sitting outside it. So a shallow shelf needs space for the media and a clear feed path, wireless model included. Wi-Fi takes care of the cable to the computer. The supply stack and the power cable are still there.
Judge label costs apart from connectivity
Compatible non-proprietary direct thermal labels work in both models. Compare the delivered price per usable label at the same size rather than assuming Wireless needs more expensive consumables. With 203 dpi and 150 mm per second ratings shared by both, there is also no basis for claiming an advantage in print quality or batch time.
What this page can’t tell you
- These conclusions come from specifications and workflows. They are not a hands-on comparison of reliability or print quality.
- Amazon offers, software and phone support can all change, so confirm the current version and the package you select.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the label printers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollo USB X1038 |
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| Rollo Wireless X1040 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Rollo USB X1038
One computer stays at the packing desk, and USB connects it directly with no Wi-Fi setup.
See price & reviews on AmazonRollo Wireless X1040
Postage gets bought on an iPhone, and the Wireless model supports the iPhone AirPrint route over the same Wi-Fi network.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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