Comparison• 10 min read

Odoo Direct Print vs PrintNode: Complete Comparison 2026

Choosing between Odoo Direct Print and PrintNode for your Odoo printing needs? This comprehensive comparison covers pricing, features, performance, and security to help you make the right decision.

📊 Quick Summary

Choose Odoo Direct Print if:

  • ✅ You want to eliminate monthly subscription costs
  • ✅ You prefer keeping data within your network
  • ✅ You need offline printing capability
  • ✅ You want faster print speeds
  • ✅ You need better security and privacy

Consider PrintNode if:

  • ⚠️ You need cloud-based print queue management
  • ⚠️ You print from multiple different locations
  • ⚠️ You're okay with ongoing monthly costs
  • ⚠️ You don't mind data going through third-party servers

💰 Cost Comparison: The Real Numbers

The most significant difference between Odoo Direct Print and PrintNode is the pricing model. While PrintNode requires ongoing monthly payments, Odoo Direct Print is a one-time purchase. Let's break down the real costs:

Time PeriodDirect Print AdvancedPrintNodeSavings
1 Month€29€7.99-79.99N/A
6 Months€29€47.94-479.94€18.94-450.94
1 Year€29€95.88-959.88€66.88-930.88
2 Years€29€191.76-1919.76€162.76-1890.76
3 Years€29€287.64-2879.64€258.64-2850.64

💡 Over 3 years, Odoo Direct Print saves you between €258.64 and €2,850.64 compared to PrintNode!

⚔️ Feature-by-Feature Comparison

PricingWinner: Direct Print ✓
Direct Print Advanced
€29 one-time payment
PrintNode
€7.99-79.99/month
Details: DirectPrint saves you €95-€948 per year
Setup ComplexityWinner: Direct Print ✓
Direct Print Advanced
Simple - install module and start printing
PrintNode
Complex - requires PrintNode account, API keys, client installation
Details: DirectPrint setup takes 5 minutes vs 30+ minutes for PrintNode
Third-Party DependenciesWinner: Direct Print ✓
Direct Print Advanced
None - works natively with Odoo
PrintNode
Requires PrintNode cloud service
Details: DirectPrint eliminates external dependencies and potential points of failure
Offline FunctionalityWinner: Direct Print ✓
Direct Print Advanced
Full functionality offline
PrintNode
Requires internet connection
Details: DirectPrint works even when internet is down
Data SecurityWinner: Direct Print ✓
Direct Print Advanced
All data stays in your local network
PrintNode
Documents sent through cloud servers
Details: DirectPrint offers superior security - no data leaves your network
Print SpeedWinner: Direct Print ✓
Direct Print Advanced
Instant - direct browser to printer
PrintNode
Slower - goes through cloud servers
Details: DirectPrint is typically 2-3x faster
Printer CompatibilityTie
Direct Print Advanced
All printers (USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, Network)
PrintNode
All printers (USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, Network)
Details: Both support all printer types
Print AnalyticsWinner: Direct Print ✓
Direct Print Advanced
Comprehensive built-in tracking
PrintNode
Basic tracking
Details: DirectPrint offers more detailed analytics within Odoo
User PermissionsWinner: Direct Print ✓
Direct Print Advanced
Granular per-user and per-report control
PrintNode
Limited user control
Details: DirectPrint offers more flexible permission system
Odoo Version SupportTie
Direct Print Advanced
Odoo 14.0 - 19.0
PrintNode
Most Odoo versions
Details: Both support modern Odoo versions
MaintenanceWinner: Direct Print ✓
Direct Print Advanced
One-time purchase, free updates
PrintNode
Ongoing subscription required
Details: DirectPrint includes lifetime updates
SupportTie
Direct Print Advanced
Direct email support
PrintNode
Ticket-based support
Details: Both offer good support options

⚡ Performance Comparison

Odoo Direct Print

  • Print Speed: Instant (0.5-1 second average)
  • Reliability: No internet dependency
  • Security: Local network only

PrintNode

  • Print Speed: 2-5 seconds (cloud routing)
  • Reliability: Depends on internet connection
  • Security: Data passes through cloud servers

⚠️ Important Note: PrintNode's cloud-based architecture means your sensitive documents (invoices, orders, etc.) are transmitted through their servers. Direct Print keeps everything within your local network for enhanced security.

🎯 Real-World Use Cases

Small to Medium Business (10-50 employees)

Best Choice: Odoo Direct Print Advanced ✅

Why: One-time payment of €29 vs €95-€959/year for PrintNode. Better cost efficiency, simpler setup, and no ongoing subscription management. Most SMBs print within a single location, making Direct Print's local architecture perfect.

E-commerce / Warehouse Operations

Best Choice: Odoo Direct Print Advanced ✅

Why: Fast, reliable printing for shipping labels, packing slips, and barcodes. No internet dependency means printing continues even during network outages. Instant print speeds crucial for high-volume operations.

Multi-Location Enterprise

Best Choice: Consider both options

Why: If you need centralized print management across multiple offices, PrintNode's cloud architecture may offer benefits. However, Direct Print can still work well with proper network setup and costs significantly less (€29 vs €2,879 over 3 years).

Manufacturing & Production

Best Choice: Odoo Direct Print Advanced ✅

Why: Production environments require reliable, fast label printing. Direct Print's offline capability ensures manufacturing continues even during internet outages. Local network printing is faster and more reliable for production labels.

🔄 Migrating from PrintNode to Odoo Direct Print

Switching from PrintNode to Odoo Direct Print is straightforward. Here's how:

  1. 1. Purchase and Install Direct Print Advanced

    Buy from Odoo Apps and install the module. Follow our setup guide.

  2. 2. Configure Your Reports

    Enable direct printing for the same reports you were using with PrintNode. The configuration is simpler and faster.

  3. 3. Test Printing

    Test each report type to ensure everything works. You'll notice faster print speeds immediately.

  4. 4. Disable PrintNode

    Once you've verified everything works, disable PrintNode in your Odoo instance and cancel your subscription to start saving money immediately.

✅ Most businesses complete the migration in under 30 minutes and immediately start saving on monthly subscription costs!

🏆 Final Verdict

For 95% of Odoo Users: Odoo Direct Print is the Clear Winner

Cost Savings:

Save €258-€2,850 over 3 years

Better Performance:

2-3x faster print speeds

Enhanced Security:

Data never leaves your network

Offline Capability:

Works without internet

Unless you specifically need cloud-based print queue management across multiple geographic locations, Odoo Direct Print offers superior value, performance, and security.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Join hundreds of businesses saving money with Odoo Direct Print