Sato WWCLP3801-WAR vs Wasp WPL408: Specification Comparison
Both the Sato CL4NX Plus (WWCLP3801-WAR) and the Wasp WPL408 are industrial-grade thermal label printers designed for demanding barcode and label production environments. Each supports direct thermal and thermal transfer print modes, offers a 3.5-inch color LCD display, and provides wired plus wireless connectivity. A buyer evaluating either unit would typically be sourcing for warehouse, manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics labeling — making these two directly cross-shoppable industrial label printers.
In This Guide
- Which printer delivers higher resolution and faster throughput for your label runs?
- Which printer better handles media range, RFID encoding, and onboard memory demands?
- Which printer is better suited to the physical deployment environment and IT infrastructure?
- Which should you choose: the WWCLP3801-WAR or the WPL408?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which printer delivers higher resolution and faster throughput for your label runs?
The Sato WWCLP3801-WAR is specified at 609 dpi with a maximum print speed of 14 ips and a maximum print width of 4.09 inches. The Wasp WPL408 is specified at 203 dpi with a maximum print speed of 10 ips and a maximum print width of 4.25 inches.
The resolution gap is substantial: 609 dpi versus 203 dpi represents a three-fold difference, which is meaningful for applications requiring fine barcodes, small fonts, or photo-grade detail such as pharmaceutical labeling or electronics component marking. The Sato also runs 40% faster (14 ips vs. 10 ips), which directly affects throughput in high-volume runs.
The WPL408 holds a marginal edge in maximum print width (4.25 inches vs. 4.09 inches), which could matter if label formats are designed to the wider dimension. For standard 4-inch label stock, both units cover the format.
Which printer better handles media range, RFID encoding, and onboard memory demands?
The Sato WWCLP3801-WAR accepts media widths from 0.87 inches to 5.04 inches and accommodates ribbon rolls up to 1,968 feet. It carries 2 GB Flash, 256 MB SDRAM, and 100 MB of user storage. Critically, it includes an integrated HF RFID encoder operating at 13.56 MHz with auto-antenna tuning, enabling simultaneous label printing and RFID tag encoding in a single pass.
The Wasp WPL408 accepts media widths from 1.6 inches to 4.3 inches and ribbon rolls up to 1,474 feet. Its memory is specified at 128 MB Flash and 128 MB SDRAM; user storage is not specified in the provided data. The WPL408 has no RFID capability listed in its specifications.
For operations requiring RFID-encoded labels — retail inventory, asset tracking, pharmaceutical serialization — only the Sato meets that requirement as specified. The Sato also provides substantially more flash memory (2 GB vs. 128 MB), supporting larger label template libraries and firmware.
Which printer is better suited to the physical deployment environment and IT infrastructure?
The Sato WWCLP3801-WAR is built on a cast aluminum frame and weighs 33 lbs, with an operating temperature range of 41°F to 104°F. It measures 10.66 inches wide by 17.99 inches deep by 12.63 inches tall. Connectivity is specified as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB. Power is AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz. The display is a 3.5-inch full-color LCD.
The Wasp WPL408 weighs 20.28 lbs and measures 9.76 inches wide by 17.17 inches deep by 10.79 inches tall. Its connectivity is specified as USB 2.0, RS-232 serial, Ethernet 10/100 Mbps, USB host, and a Wi-Fi slot. It is driven by a 32-bit RISC CPU. The display is described as a 3.5-inch color LCD touchscreen with HVGA resolution and 6 physical buttons. Frame material is not specified in the provided data.
The WPL408's RS-232 serial port and USB host port extend legacy and peripheral integration options not listed for the Sato. The Sato's cast aluminum frame and heavier build suggest a more ruggedized enclosure. Storage environment for the WPL408 is specified at -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C), but the operating temperature range during printing is not stated in the provided specifications; the Sato's operating range is explicitly 41°F to 104°F.
Which should you choose: the WWCLP3801-WAR or the WPL408?
Our take: The WWCLP3801-WAR is the stronger choice when print quality, throughput, and RFID encoding are primary requirements. Its 609 dpi resolution is three times the WPL408's 203 dpi, its 14 ips print speed exceeds the WPL408's 10 ips by 40%, and its integrated 13.56 MHz HF RFID encoder — absent entirely from the WPL408's spec sheet — makes it the only viable option for simultaneous print-and-encode workflows. Its 2 GB Flash versus the WPL408's 128 MB Flash also supports more extensive onboard template and firmware storage. The WPL408 is the more practical fit for budget-sensitive, mid-volume barcode label operations that require RS-232 serial connectivity or a lighter footprint (20.28 lbs vs. 33 lbs): its broader interface set covers legacy host systems and peripheral devices not addressed by the Sato's listed ports. Neither unit is preferable if RFID capability is needed — that requirement resolves exclusively to the Sato.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Sato WWCLP3801-WAR | Wasp WPL408 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Method | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer | Thermal Transfer / Direct Thermal |
| Resolution | 609 dpi | 203 dpi |
| Max Print Speed | 14 ips | 10 ips |
| Max Print Width | 4.09" | 4.25" |
| Media Width Range | 0.87" – 5.04" | 1.6" – 4.3" |
| Max Ribbon Length | 1,968 ft | 1,474 ft |
| RFID | HF 13.56 MHz (integrated) | — |
| Flash Memory | 2 GB | 128 MB |
| SDRAM | 256 MB | 128 MB |
| User Storage | 100 MB | — |
| Display | 3.5" Full-Color LCD | 3.5" Color LCD Touchscreen HVGA |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB | USB 2.0, RS-232, Ethernet 10/100, USB Host, Wi-Fi slot |
| Processor | — | 32-bit RISC CPU |
| Frame Material | Cast aluminum | — |
| Weight | 33 lbs | 20.28 lbs |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 10.66" × 17.99" × 12.63" | 9.76" × 17.17" × 10.79" |
| Operating Temperature | 41°F – 104°F | — |
| Power | AC 100–240V, 50/60 Hz | — |
| Warranty | 1 year | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the WWCLP3801-WAR or the WPL408?
The WWCLP3801-WAR is the stronger choice when print quality, throughput, and RFID encoding are primary requirements. Its 609 dpi resolution is three times the WPL408's 203 dpi, its 14 ips print speed exceeds the WPL408's 10 ips by 40%, and its integrated 13.56 MHz HF RFID encoder — absent entirely from the WPL408's spec sheet — makes it the only viable option for simultaneous print-and-encode workflows. Its 2 GB Flash versus the WPL408's 128 MB Flash also supports more extensive onboard template and firmware storage. The WPL408 is the more practical fit for budget-sensitive, mid-volume barcode label operations that require RS-232 serial connectivity or a lighter footprint (20.28 lbs vs. 33 lbs): its broader interface set covers legacy host systems and peripheral devices not addressed by the Sato's listed ports. Neither unit is preferable if RFID capability is needed — that requirement resolves exclusively to the Sato.
Is the WWCLP3801-WAR or WPL408 better for pharmaceutical or electronics labeling requiring fine detail?
Based on the provided specifications, the WWCLP3801-WAR prints at 609 dpi versus the WPL408's 203 dpi. For applications requiring small fonts, dense barcodes, or photo-grade label detail — common in pharmaceutical serialization and electronics component marking — the Sato's higher resolution is the directly relevant differentiator. The WPL408 does not list a 609 dpi mode.
Can either printer encode RFID tags, and which one should I choose for an RFID labeling project?
Only the Sato WWCLP3801-WAR includes RFID capability as specified: HF RFID at 13.56 MHz with auto-antenna tuning. The Wasp WPL408 specifications provided do not list any RFID encoding capability. If your project requires RFID tag encoding alongside label printing, the WPL408 is not a viable option based on the available spec data.
Which printer is easier to integrate with older host systems using RS-232 serial connections?
The Wasp WPL408 lists RS-232 serial as one of its interface options, alongside USB 2.0, Ethernet 10/100 Mbps, USB host, and a Wi-Fi slot. The Sato WWCLP3801-WAR's connectivity is specified as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB; RS-232 serial is not listed in the provided specifications. For legacy host systems requiring a serial interface, the WPL408 is the indicated choice based on the specs provided.
More Label Printer Comparisons
- Honeywell PX940 vs Sato WWCLP3B01-WAR
- Honeywell PX940 vs Sato WWCLP3801-NAR
- Honeywell PX940 vs Sato WWCLP3801-WAR
- Honeywell PX940 vs Wasp WPL408
- Honeywell PX940 vs Honeywell PX4654-020
- Honeywell PX940 vs Honeywell PX6654-000
Label Printer Buying Guides
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.