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Zebra ZD420 — Label thermal · 2018
Zebra

Zebra ZD420

Label thermal · 2018

84
/ 100
From $399
VS
Canon Selphy CP1500 — Dye-sub photo · 2023
Canon

Canon Selphy CP1500

Dye-sub photo · 2023

84
/ 100
From $149
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Zebra ZD420 lands at 84 and Canon Selphy CP1500 at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Zebra ZD420 if…

  • ✓Wireless printing (most)
  • ✓Current-gen firmware
  • ✓Mature driver support

Pick Canon Selphy CP1500 if…

  • ✓Wireless printing (most)
  • ✓Current-gen firmware
  • ✓Mature driver support
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Quality

Tie

Compared on the quality sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Reliability

Tie

Compared on the reliability sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Speed

Tie

Compared on the speed sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Canon Selphy CP1500

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Canon Selphy CP1500 more score per dollar ($149 vs $399).

Zebra ZD420 84
vs
84 Canon Selphy CP1500

Score breakdown

Zebra ZD420
84
speed 80
quality 84
cost 80
reliability 82
Canon Selphy CP1500
84
speed 80
quality 84
cost 80
reliability 82

Specs side-by-side

Zebra ZD420 versus Canon Selphy CP1500 — full spec comparison
Spec Zebra ZD420 Canon Selphy CP1500
Type
Label thermal
Dye-sub photo
Release year
2018
2023

Zebra ZD420

Pros
  • +Wireless printing (most)
  • +Current-gen firmware
  • +Mature driver support
Cons
  • −Ink/toner subscriptions (HP)
  • −Noisy under heavy loads
  • −Paper path varies

Canon Selphy CP1500

Pros
  • +Wireless printing (most)
  • +Current-gen firmware
  • +Mature driver support
Cons
  • −Ink/toner subscriptions (HP)
  • −Noisy under heavy loads
  • −Paper path varies

FAQ: Zebra ZD420 vs Canon Selphy CP1500

Which is better, Zebra ZD420 or Canon Selphy CP1500? +

Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Zebra ZD420 worth the price? +

At $399, Zebra ZD420 delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in quality.

Is Canon Selphy CP1500 worth the price? +

At $149, Canon Selphy CP1500 delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in quality.

Does Zebra ZD420 or Canon Selphy CP1500 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, Zebra ZD420 or Canon Selphy CP1500? +

Canon Selphy CP1500 — more score per dollar ($149 vs $399). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.