Comparison guide
arkalabel vs Labelary
Both render ZPL to images and PDF over a REST API, with the same free-tier rate limits and print densities. They differ in output formats, plans and data handling. arkalabel adds a barcode API and an account console.
Competitor figures last verified 15 October 2026.
Feature comparison
| Capability | arkalabel | Labelary |
|---|---|---|
| Output formats | PNG, PDF, TIFF, JPEG, GIF | PNG and PDF, plus IPL, EPL, DPL, SBPL, PCL 5/6, JSON and ZPL transformation |
| Print densities | 6, 8, 12 and 24 dpmm | 6, 8, 12 and 24 dpmm |
| Free-tier rate limit | 3 requests/second, 5,000/day (see pricing for current limits) | 3 requests/second, 5,000/day |
| Labels per request | Several labels in one request, or one by index; request body up to 8 MB | Up to 50 labels; request body up to 1 MB |
| Largest label | 15 inches per side | 15 inches |
| Paid plans | Plus and Business, with higher rate limits (see pricing) | Plus $90/month (6 requests/s, 20,000/day), Business $228/month (10/s, 40,000/day), On-Premise by contacting sales |
| Data retention | ZPL is processed in memory and not stored, on every plan (see privacy policy) | Zero data retention on Plus, Business and On-Premise; not on the Free plan |
| API key on the free tier | A free account gives you a key; the browser playground needs none | None required |
Labelary figures come from its own published pages, listed below, and may have changed since 15 October 2026. Check the source before you rely on one. arkalabel figures are on our pricing, documentation and privacy policy.
Labelary may fit better if
- You need output as another printer language (EPL, DPL, IPL, SBPL or PCL) rather than an image or PDF.
- You need the 50-labels-per-request ceiling to be a documented, fixed figure.
arkalabel may fit better if
- You also generate standalone barcodes and want one key and one allowance for both APIs.
- You want zero data retention without a paid plan.
- You want an account console to manage keys and see your plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is arkalabel a free alternative to Labelary?
arkalabel has a free tier with the same documented rate limits as Labelary's free plan, 3 requests per second and 5,000 per day. Check the pricing page for current limits before sending production traffic.
Does arkalabel support 203, 300 and 600 dpi labels?
Yes. The API takes 6, 8, 12 or 24 dots per millimetre, which are roughly 152, 203, 300 and 600 dpi.
Can I get a PDF instead of a PNG?
Yes. Send Accept: application/pdf. A request with several labels returns one PDF page per label.
Is my ZPL stored after it is rendered?
No. It is held in memory for the request and returned; our logs do not record label bodies. The privacy policy has the details.
Does arkalabel convert ZPL to EPL or other printer languages?
No. arkalabel renders ZPL to PNG, PDF, TIFF, JPEG or GIF. If you need other printer languages as output, Labelary and LabelZoom both list them.
Sources
- Labelary API service page, checked 15 October 2026
Labelary and LabelZoom are trademarks of their respective owners. arkalabel is not affiliated with either.