The Munbyn RealWriter 401 AirPrint Printer is a fantastic printer that limits cables thanks to its masterful WiFi and AirPrint functionality. This makes it possible to print from almost any device including mobile phones. The 300 dpi print resolution is as high as it needs to be to deliver great-looking labels every single time.
Support for labels between 1.57 and 4.3 inches wide gives the necessary flexibility to be useful for both shipping labels and smaller, more decorative labels. Label rolls are perfect for smaller circular labels, which are great for fixing to bags, while the fanfold alternative delivers everything required for standard-size shipping labels.
The Munbyn Print App is available on both iOS and Android devices and allows users to adopt mobile working without the need for printer drives, or large and bulky computers. The app is free of charge and incredibly easy to use so there are no problems there. Print speed is pretty rapid, with the capability to print up to 150 mm per second. Considering this speed is achievable at 300 dpi, it is very impressive.
The printer works across all major platforms and will print labels from Etsy, Shopify, eBay, Amazon, Poshmark, Ship Station, Shipping Easy, Shippo, Ordoro, Endicia Dazzle, Shipwire, Shipworks, Stockx, Xps Ship, and all other major shipping and selling platforms. The printer is also able to instantly convert from 8x11 to 4x6 labels, which drastically reduces the conversion workload that is common in other workflows.
Munbyn RealWriter 401 AirPrint Printer: Specifications
Munbyn RealWriter 401 AirPrint Printer: Design & Handling
The build quality of the Munbyn RealWriter 401 AirPrint Printer is very good, although there are a lot of plastic materials. At this price point, I would like to have seen a metal case, thereby increasing durability. The plastic is thick enough so I don't have many concerns that the unit would break easily but I think a more rugged case would have taken the ruggedness rating to a higher level.
The top cover is opened using a top cover button located on the side of the unit. The button is fairly robust, although a button that required the user to pull upwards would really have helped with single-hand opening. In its current form, two hands are very much required.
The hinge is very similar to most other Munbyn label printers in that it's solid enough to cope with regular label roll changes. You won't encounter any hinge breakages with this unit. Unfortunately, the hinge does become quite stiff through the last 20 degrees of its opening angle. Again, this means two hands are required for the opening operation.
There is no in-built location to store the labels, although a separate roll holder can be purchased separately if required. The lack of a holder keeps the unit small but has the downside of users having to store the labels behind, often leading to an untidy setup.
Munbyn RealWriter 401 AirPrint Printer: Performance
The RealWriter 401 AirPrint Printer from Munbyn performs excellently in almost every regard. The label feed is responsive and reliable, ensuring labels are fed accurately and, most importantly, straight. Changing rolls or fanfolds is easy and predictable, with no problems getting back up and running.
The printer can handle up to 150 mm of printing per second, which is pretty average for this price. Any small business or individual is unlikely to need anything faster. An automatic cutting tool would make the printing and labeling process faster but unfortunately, users are limited to using the manual serrated edge for this.
The 300 dpi print resolution performance is excellent. Every label looks the part with bar codes printing super clear and curved lines avoiding any jagged edges. I think all printers should have at least this resolution so it's great to see Munbyn delivering the goods here.
The printer performed reliably and predictably during all my tests and I would have absolutely no problems recommending this printer for either shipping or decorative labels.
Munbyn RealWriter 401 AirPrint Printer: Verdict
I love pretty much everything about the Munbyn RealWriter 401 AirPrint Printer. It prints high-definition labels reliably and predictably. It lacks color printing but will accept color labels to provide decorative label printing. The wireless connectivity makes it a breeze to use with any device, including phones and tablets. Voice commands are fun to have but the lack of enough voice commands results in a lack of use case in a production environment. This is an excellent label printer, as long as you're happy to part with a fair amount of money for the privilege.
