Running a retail, restaurant, hospitality, or point-of-sale setup often comes down to practical fit: the receipt printer needs to match the way the counter is wired, support the printing style required, and include the right essentials for everyday use. In this set, the choice is between two used thermal receipt printers with USB connectivity, auto-cutter wording, and included power supply wording, but they differ in model family, stated connection mix, print width, and listed price.
Quick take
The HP Engage Thermal Receipt Printer M42513-003 Serial ETH USB w/ PSU is the lower-priced pick and the more flexible-looking option if the title wording matters because it names Serial, Ethernet, and USB. It is also described for HP Engage and compatible POS systems, which makes it especially relevant for shoppers building around that ecosystem.
The Star Micronics TSP700II Thermal Receipt POS Printer w/ PS-180 Power Supply costs more, but it centers on the TSP700II / TSP743IIU model wording and includes the PS-180 power supply in the title. It is a straightforward match for shoppers specifically seeking a Star Micronics thermal receipt POS printer with USB connectivity and an auto cutter.
Listed price comparison
The two listed prices span $55 to $89.95, with the lower price sitting about 39% below the higher one. That spread is large enough to matter if you are equipping a counter on a tight supply budget, but the higher-priced model may still be the better fit when the Star Micronics model family is the deciding factor.
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| HP Engage Thermal Receipt Printer M42513-003 Serial ETH USB w/ PSU | USD 55.00 | |
| Star Micronics TSP700II Thermal Receipt POS Printer w/ PS-180 Power Supply | USD 89.95 |
Decision matrix
| Shopping priority | Better fit | Why it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest listed cost | HP Engage Thermal Receipt Printer M42513-003 Serial ETH USB w/ PSU | It is the lower-priced printer in this comparison, making it the easier choice when cost is the first filter. |
| Star Micronics model match | Star Micronics TSP700II Thermal Receipt POS Printer w/ PS-180 Power Supply | The title and attributes point directly to Star Micronics TSP700II / TSP743IIU. |
| Broader connection wording in the title | HP Engage Thermal Receipt Printer M42513-003 Serial ETH USB w/ PSU | The title names Serial, Ethernet, and USB, while the shared comparison highlight calls out USB. |
| Slightly wider stated print width | Star Micronics TSP700II Thermal Receipt POS Printer w/ PS-180 Power Supply | Its stated print width is 3.15 in versus 3.13 in for the HP Engage printer. |
| HP Engage environment | HP Engage Thermal Receipt Printer M42513-003 Serial ETH USB w/ PSU | The description names HP Engage and compatible POS systems. |
| Retail-focused thermal receipt use | Tie | Both are used thermal receipt printers with retail industry attributes and JamFree Auto-Cutter wording. |
What to weigh before choosing
Start with your POS environment. If the counter is already built around HP Engage hardware, the HP model's wording is more directly aligned with that setup. If you are replacing or matching a Star Micronics unit, the TSP700II / TSP743IIU language on the Star Micronics option is the cleaner match.
Next, look at connection wording. Both products list USB in the comparison highlights, but the HP title also includes Serial and ETH. That does not automatically make it better for every counter, but it can be useful if you are trying to keep options open across different POS hardware arrangements.
Print method is also straightforward here. The HP printer states Direct Thermal, while the Star Micronics printer states Thermal. Both are positioned as receipt printers, and both include auto-cutter wording, so the more meaningful shopper differences are model fit, included power supply wording, connection phrasing, and price.
Condition expectations should be practical. Both are used and both descriptions mention normal cosmetic wear such as scratches or scuffs. That makes them better suited to buyers who are comfortable with previously used POS equipment rather than shoppers who want a new-looking accessory for a front-counter aesthetic.
Concise product notes
HP Engage Thermal Receipt Printer M42513-003 Serial ETH USB w/ PSU
The HP Engage printer is the stronger pick when you want the lower listed price and like the connection wording in the title: Serial, ETH, and USB. It is described as a thermal receipt printer for HP Engage and compatible POS systems, and the attributes include Direct Thermal printing, a JamFree Auto-Cutter, and a 3.13 in print width. The included PSU wording also helps keep the product focused on practical POS setup. The tradeoff is that it is used, with the description allowing for normal signs of prior use such as scratches or scuffs, so it is not the neatest choice if cosmetic condition is a top priority.
Star Micronics TSP700II Thermal Receipt POS Printer w/ PS-180 Power Supply
The Star Micronics option is the better-targeted choice for someone shopping specifically around a TSP700II thermal receipt POS printer, with the model also stated as TSP743IIU. Its title includes the PS-180 Power Supply, and the attributes list USB connectivity, Thermal print method, JamFree Auto-Cutter, and a 3.15 in print width. That makes it a focused fit for retail point-of-sale receipt printing where the Star Micronics model family is part of the requirement. The limitation is the higher listed price, and like the HP printer, it is used with possible light scratches or scuffs from previous use.
Final recommendation
Choose the HP Engage Thermal Receipt Printer M42513-003 Serial ETH USB w/ PSU if your main goal is keeping the listed cost down while still getting a used thermal receipt printer with USB connectivity, auto-cutter wording, and HP Engage-oriented description language. The $55 listed price is the clearest advantage in this comparison, especially because the overall spread reaches $89.95 at the top.
Choose the Star Micronics TSP700II Thermal Receipt POS Printer w/ PS-180 Power Supply if the Star Micronics TSP700II / TSP743IIU model wording is the deciding factor, or if you prefer the slightly wider stated print width of 3.15 in. It is the more expensive option, but the product title is very direct about being a Star Micronics TSP700II thermal receipt POS printer with a PS-180 power supply.
For most shoppers comparing these two as general pos retail supplies, the HP Engage printer is the practical price-led pick. For shoppers matching an existing Star Micronics setup, the Star Micronics TSP700II is the more model-specific choice.