TL;DR: PrintNode vs Ultraprint
- PrintNode is a cloud print API that routes jobs from the internet to local printers. Reliable, but requires an internet connection and ongoing subscription.
- Ultraprint prints directly from the Odoo POS browser to local USB, network, or Bluetooth thermal printers. No cloud dependency, no per-print fees.
- Choose PrintNode if you need remote printing across many locations from one cloud service.
- Choose Ultraprint if you want fast local receipt printing without monthly costs or internet risk.
PrintNode and Ultraprint both solve the same problem—getting Odoo POS to print receipts to thermal printers—but they take fundamentally different approaches. This comparison breaks down setup, pricing, reliability, and use cases so you can pick the right tool for your business.
What Is PrintNode?
PrintNode is a cloud printing service. Your Odoo instance sends print jobs to PrintNode's servers over the internet, and a small local client on a PC or Mac forwards those jobs to the printer.
- Cloud-based: Jobs travel through PrintNode's infrastructure.
- Cross-platform client: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Per-print pricing: Paid plans are based on print volume.
- Remote printing: Good for multi-location setups.
What Is Ultraprint?
Ultraprint is a browser-based POS printing solution built specifically for Odoo. It connects the POS interface directly to ESC/POS thermal printers through the browser, using WebUSB, raw TCP, or Bluetooth.
- Local-first: Print jobs never leave your local network.
- No client install: Works inside the browser.
- No per-print fees: One-time or subscription license.
- Built for Odoo POS: Receipt formatting and printer status are optimized for Odoo.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | PrintNode | Ultraprint |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 15–30 minutes | 5–10 minutes |
| Internet required | Yes | No |
| Local software install | Yes (PrintNode client) | No |
| Pricing model | Per-print subscription | License-based |
| Best for | Multi-location cloud printing | Fast local receipt printing |
| Odoo POS optimization | Generic | Native |
When to Choose PrintNode
- You print from servers or cloud Odoo instances to printers in different cities.
- You already use PrintNode for other applications.
- You need detailed print job logging and status tracking.
When to Choose Ultraprint
- You run Odoo POS in a store or restaurant and want receipts to print instantly.
- You want to avoid monthly per-print costs.
- You need a solution that keeps working if the internet goes down.
Setup Complexity
PrintNode requires creating an account, installing a local client, generating API keys, and configuring your Odoo instance to send jobs to the cloud. Ultraprint installs as an Odoo app and detects printers directly from the POS screen.
Reliability
PrintNode depends on internet connectivity and PrintNode's uptime. Ultraprint depends only on the local connection between the POS device and the printer. For mission-critical receipt printing, local-first reduces failure points.
Bottom Line
PrintNode is a solid cloud printing API for distributed teams. Ultraprint is the better fit for most Odoo POS users who want simple, fast, and reliable local receipt printing without ongoing cloud costs.
Want to see Ultraprint in action? Explore the Ultraprint solution and start printing Odoo POS receipts in minutes.