The Citizen CT-S801III and Citizen CT-S851III are high-performance 3-inch / 80mm thermal POS receipt printers built for fast checkout, reliable daily printing, and demanding retail, restaurant, hospitality, kiosk, and kitchen environments. Both models are part of Citizen’s Type III receipt printer generation, offering ultra-fast printing, easy paper loading, LCD-guided operation, flexible interface options, and compact POS-friendly designs.
The main difference is paper exit direction. The Citizen CT-S801III is the top-exit model, making it a strong fit for retail checkout counters, grocery stores, convenience stores, service desks, and standard POS stations. The Citizen CT-S851III is the front-exit model, making it a better choice for restaurants, bars, hospitality counters, kitchens, under-shelf setups, and areas where front-facing receipt output helps protect the paper path from spills, moisture, or foreign objects.
Spartan POS is an authorized dealer and supports the products it sells, helping businesses compare Citizen receipt printers, confirm interface requirements, choose compatible receipt paper, and build complete POS hardware setups before ordering.
Quick Answer
Choose the Citizen CT-S801III if you need a fast top-exit receipt printer for retail checkout and standard POS counters. Choose the Citizen CT-S851III if you need a fast front-exit receipt printer for restaurants, hospitality, kitchens, bars, or tight counters. Both Type III models support high-speed direct thermal receipt printing up to 500 mm/sec, 203 dpi resolution, easy paper loading, LCD-guided operation, and multiple interface options depending on the exact SKU.
If you are replacing an older Citizen CT-S801II or CT-S851II, the CT-S801III and CT-S851III are strong upgrade paths when the interface type, drivers, POS software, receipt paper, power requirements, and cash drawer setup are confirmed before ordering.
Shop Citizen CT-S801III and CT-S851III Printers
| Printer | Best For | Shop |
| Citizen CT-S801III Top-Exit Receipt Printer | Retail checkout, grocery counters, convenience stores, service desks, high-volume POS lanes, and standard checkout counters | Shop CT-S801III USB + Bluetooth |
| Citizen CT-S851III Front-Exit Receipt Printer | Restaurants, bars, kitchens, hospitality counters, under-shelf workstations, and spill-prone checkout areas | Shop CT-S851III USB |
| Citizen Ethernet Receipt Printers | Networked POS stations, shared receipt printers, kitchen routing, multi-terminal setups, and Ethernet-based POS systems | Shop Citizen Ethernet Receipt Printers |
Best For
- Retail stores that need fast customer receipt printing
- Restaurants, bars, cafes, and quick-service locations
- Hospitality counters, hotel desks, and service environments
- Kitchen order printing where thermal printing is supported by the workflow
- Grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores, and specialty retail checkout lanes
- Kiosk and self-service printing applications
- Businesses upgrading from older Citizen CT-S801II or CT-S851II printer models
- High-volume checkout environments that need speed, reliability, and easy printer operation
Citizen CT-S801III vs. CT-S851III: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Citizen CT-S801III | Citizen CT-S851III |
| Paper Exit | Top exit | Front exit |
| Best Fit | Retail checkout counters, grocery lanes, convenience stores, service desks, and traditional POS stations | Restaurants, bars, kitchens, hospitality counters, under-shelf setups, and tighter workstations |
| Print Method | Direct thermal | Direct thermal |
| Receipt Size Class | 3-inch / 80mm POS receipt printer | 3-inch / 80mm POS receipt printer |
| Maximum Print Speed | Up to 500 mm/sec | Up to 500 mm/sec |
| Resolution | 203 dpi | 203 dpi |
| LCD Display | Yes, for easier configuration, operation, status messages, and user guidance | Yes, for easier configuration, operation, status messages, and user guidance |
| Paper Loading | Easy paper loading | Easy paper loading |
| Best Buying Reason | Choose it when receipts should exit upward from a standard counter printer position. | Choose it when receipts should exit forward for easier access or protection from counter conditions. |
Why the Citizen Type III Generation Matters
The Citizen CT-S801III and CT-S851III are designed for businesses that need speed and reliability in a compact receipt printer. With print speeds up to 500 mm/sec, these models are built for busy checkout environments where slow receipt printing can delay transactions and create longer lines.
The Type III generation also adds practical usability features such as an LCD display for easier configuration and operation, built-in status messaging, easy notification through a built-in buzzer, tool-free maintenance, compact design, and support for multiple POS interface options depending on the exact model configuration.
Citizen CT-S801III: Best Top-Exit Citizen Receipt Printer
The Citizen CT-S801III is the top-exit model in the CT-S801 / CT-S851 family. It is ideal for standard checkout counters where the receipt should feed upward from the printer. This makes it a strong fit for retail, grocery, convenience, liquor, specialty retail, service counters, and front-counter POS stations.
Best CT-S801III Use Cases
- Retail checkout lanes
- Grocery and convenience store counters
- Liquor stores and specialty retail shops
- Service desks and customer checkout areas
- Kiosks and counter-mounted POS stations
- Businesses replacing older Citizen top-exit receipt printers
Key CT-S801III Features
- Top-exit paper path for standard POS counter placement
- Direct thermal 3-inch / 80mm receipt printing
- Print speed up to 500 mm/sec
- 203 dpi print resolution
- LCD display for easier configuration and operation
- Easy paper loading
- Integrated power supply for a cleaner workstation on supported configurations
- Built-in buzzer for easier notification
- ENERGY STAR compliant design
- Small footprint for crowded checkout counters
- Tool-free maintenance
Shop Citizen CT-S801III USB + Bluetooth →
Citizen CT-S851III: Best Front-Exit Citizen Receipt Printer
The Citizen CT-S851III is the front-exit model, designed for environments where forward-facing receipt output is more practical than top-exit printing. This makes it especially useful for restaurants, bars, kitchens, hospitality counters, under-shelf POS setups, and workstations where moisture, debris, or counter placement can interfere with top-exit receipt printing.
Best CT-S851III Use Cases
- Restaurants and quick-service counters
- Bars, cafes, and hospitality locations
- Kitchen order and service printing workflows where compatible
- Under-shelf counter setups
- Tight POS workstations
- Front-counter environments where receipts should exit toward the operator
- Businesses replacing older Citizen front-exit receipt printers
Key CT-S851III Features
- Front-exit paper path designed to help prevent damage from moisture or foreign objects
- Direct thermal 3-inch / 80mm receipt printing
- Print speed up to 500 mm/sec
- 203 dpi print resolution
- LCD display for easier configuration and operation
- Easy paper loading
- Integrated power supply for a cleaner workstation on supported configurations
- Built-in buzzer for easier notification
- ENERGY STAR compliant design
- Small footprint for limited counter space
- Tool-free maintenance
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Citizen CT-S801III | Citizen CT-S851III |
| Printer Type | POS receipt printer | POS receipt printer |
| Print Technology | Direct thermal | Direct thermal |
| Receipt Class | 3-inch / 80mm | 3-inch / 80mm |
| Paper Exit | Top exit | Front exit |
| Resolution | 203 dpi | 203 dpi |
| Maximum Print Speed | 500 mm/sec | 500 mm/sec |
| Maximum Print Width | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Supported Media Widths | 58 / 60 / 80 / 82.5 mm | 58 / 60 / 80 / 83 mm, plus or minus 1 mm |
| Maximum Roll Size | 83 mm outside diameter | 83 mm outside diameter |
| Media Thickness | 65 to 75 µm or 75 to 85 µm | 65 to 75 µm or 75 to 85 µm |
| Main Interface | USB 2.0 full speed | USB 2.0 full speed |
| Optional Interfaces | Serial, Ethernet + USB host, Powered USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth with Apple MFi compatibility, parallel, USB with hub | Bluetooth with Apple MFi compatibility, Powered USB, USB with hub, serial, parallel, Ethernet + USB host |
| Emulation | ESC/POS | ESC/POS |
| Cutter | Guillotine type, full and partial | Guillotine type, full and partial |
| Reliability | 200 million pulses or 150 km, 2 million cuts | 200 million pulses or 150 km, 2 million cuts |
| Approximate Size and Weight | 145 x 192 x 148 mm, 2 kg; DC version 145 x 192 x 120 mm, 1.6 kg | 145 x 192 x 142 mm, 1.9 kg; DC version 145 x 192 x 114 mm, 1.5 kg |
Interface and Connectivity Options
Citizen CT-S801III and CT-S851III printers are available in different interface configurations depending on the exact SKU. Before ordering, confirm whether your POS system needs USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, serial, parallel, Powered USB, USB with hub, or another interface option.
| Connection Type | Best For |
| USB | Single-station POS terminals, Windows-based POS systems, and direct printer-to-terminal setups |
| Ethernet | Networked POS systems, shared printer setups, kitchen routing, and multi-terminal environments |
| Bluetooth with Apple MFi Compatibility | Tablet POS, iPad POS, mobile checkout, and modern wireless printer deployments where supported |
| Serial | Legacy POS systems and older retail software requiring RS-232 connectivity |
| Powered USB | POS terminals that provide power and data through a supported Powered USB setup |
| Parallel | Legacy POS systems that still require parallel printer communication |
Shop Citizen Ethernet Receipt Printers →
What You May Need to Order
A receipt printer is only one part of a complete POS setup. The correct configuration depends on your software, operating system, counter layout, receipt paper size, cash drawer requirements, and connection type.
- Citizen CT-S801III or CT-S851III receipt printer
- Correct interface configuration such as USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, serial, or Powered USB
- Compatible 80mm thermal receipt paper
- Compatible POS cash drawer if drawer kick-out is required
- Correct cash drawer cable when using printer-driven cash drawer operation
- Power supply or power accessories required for the exact SKU
- Printer drivers, utility software, and POS software configuration
- Barcode scanners, label printers, or other hardware for a complete checkout station
Receipt Paper Compatibility
The CT-S801III and CT-S851III are 3-inch / 80mm class thermal POS receipt printers. Standard 80mm thermal receipt paper is common for these printers, but always confirm the correct roll width, roll diameter, core size, and media thickness for the exact printer configuration before ordering.
Cash Drawer Compatibility
Many receipt-printer-based POS systems open the cash drawer through the printer using a drawer kick-out connection. If your setup requires a cash drawer, confirm the printer configuration, drawer cable, voltage requirements, and POS software settings before ordering.
Compatibility Guidance
The CT-S801III and CT-S851III can be excellent receipt printer choices, but the right model depends on more than top-exit or front-exit design. You need to confirm the exact interface type, POS software support, operating system, printer driver, receipt paper, cash drawer setup, network requirements, tablet compatibility, and installation environment.
Compatibility depends on your POS software, operating system, connection type, drivers, accessories, and configuration. Confirm compatibility before ordering.
If you are replacing an existing Citizen printer, check the current model number, interface type, cable, power supply, drawer cable, driver settings, and POS software printer profile before switching to a new Type III model.
When to Choose the CT-S801III
- You want a top-exit receipt printer for a standard checkout counter.
- Your printer will sit in an open counter position where receipts can feed upward.
- You operate a retail, grocery, liquor, convenience, service, or specialty retail checkout lane.
- You want a fast Citizen thermal printer for high-volume receipt printing.
- You are replacing or upgrading a previous Citizen CT-S801 or CT-S801II setup and can confirm compatibility.
When to Choose the CT-S851III
- You want a front-exit receipt printer for easier operator access.
- Your printer sits under a shelf, close to a wall, or in a tight counter space.
- You operate a restaurant, bar, hospitality counter, kitchen, or quick-service checkout station.
- You want to reduce exposure to moisture, debris, or foreign objects entering from above the paper exit.
- You are replacing or upgrading a previous Citizen CT-S851 or CT-S851II setup and can confirm compatibility.
Complete Your POS Printer Setup
| Need | Recommended Spartan POS Category |
| Browse all receipt printers | Shop Receipt Printers |
| Shop Citizen Ethernet models | Shop Citizen Ethernet Receipt Printers |
| Buy receipt paper | Shop Receipt Paper |
| Add a cash drawer | Shop Cash Drawers |
| Add barcode scanning | Shop Barcode Scanners |
| Build a complete checkout station | Shop POS Hardware |
Why Buy Citizen Receipt Printers From Spartan POS?
Spartan POS helps businesses choose receipt printers and POS hardware based on real checkout requirements. Instead of choosing only by price or model name, Spartan POS can help confirm whether your printer needs USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, serial, Powered USB, cash drawer support, specific drivers, or compatibility with a particular POS platform.
- Authorized dealer support: Buy Citizen receipt printers and related POS hardware from a trusted source.
- Compatibility guidance: Get help confirming interface type, software requirements, and accessory needs.
- Receipt printer expertise: Compare top-exit, front-exit, Ethernet, Bluetooth, USB, and legacy connection options.
- Complete POS hardware selection: Pair printers with receipt paper, cash drawers, barcode scanners, label printers, and accessories.
- Support after the sale: Spartan POS supports the products it sells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Citizen CT-S801III and CT-S851III?
The biggest difference is paper exit direction. The CT-S801III is a top-exit receipt printer for standard checkout counters and retail POS lanes. The CT-S851III is a front-exit receipt printer for restaurants, hospitality counters, kitchens, bars, under-shelf setups, and tighter workstations.
Are the CT-S801III and CT-S851III thermal printers?
Yes. Both models use direct thermal printing, which means they print on thermal receipt paper and do not require ink or toner.
How fast do the CT-S801III and CT-S851III print?
Both Type III models support print speeds up to 500 mm/sec on supported configurations.
What receipt paper do these Citizen printers use?
They are 3-inch / 80mm class thermal receipt printers. Standard 80mm thermal receipt paper is commonly used, but always confirm the correct roll width, roll diameter, core size, and media specifications before ordering.
Do the CT-S801III and CT-S851III have an LCD display?
Yes. Both models include an LCD display designed to help with configuration, operation, status messages, low paper warnings, error messages, and user guidance.
Which model is better for restaurants?
The CT-S851III is usually the better choice for restaurants, bars, kitchens, hospitality counters, and tight counter spaces because the receipt exits from the front.
Which model is better for retail checkout?
The CT-S801III is usually the better choice for retail checkout lanes, grocery stores, convenience stores, and standard POS counters because the receipt exits from the top.
Do these printers support Ethernet?
Ethernet is available on supported configurations. If your POS system requires network printing, review the exact SKU and shop Citizen Ethernet receipt printer options before ordering.
Do these printers support Bluetooth or iPad POS?
Bluetooth with Apple MFi compatibility is available on selected configurations. Always confirm your POS software, iPad or tablet compatibility, operating system, printer profile, and exact printer SKU before ordering.
Can these printers open a cash drawer?
Many compatible POS receipt printer setups support printer-driven cash drawer operation, but you must confirm the exact printer configuration, drawer cable, cash drawer voltage, and POS software settings before ordering.
Are the CT-S801III and CT-S851III good upgrades from older CT-S801II and CT-S851II printers?
They can be strong upgrade options when the connection type, drivers, POS software, receipt paper, power requirements, and cash drawer setup are confirmed. Do not assume every older installation can be replaced without checking the exact configuration.
Can Spartan POS help me choose the correct Citizen printer?
Yes. Spartan POS supports the products it sells and can help confirm whether the CT-S801III, CT-S851III, or another receipt printer is the right fit for your POS environment.
Bottom Line
The Citizen CT-S801III and CT-S851III are fast, reliable Type III thermal receipt printers for businesses that need premium POS printing performance. Choose the CT-S801III for top-exit retail checkout and standard POS counters. Choose the CT-S851III for front-exit restaurant, hospitality, kitchen, bar, and tight-counter environments. Both models offer high-speed 500 mm/sec printing, 203 dpi resolution, easy paper loading, LCD-guided operation, compact design, and multiple interface options depending on the exact SKU.
If you need help confirming the correct model, interface, receipt paper, cash drawer setup, or POS compatibility, Spartan POS can help you choose the right Citizen receipt printer before ordering.
Shop Citizen Ethernet Receipt Printers →
Need help choosing between the CT-S801III and CT-S851III? Contact Spartan POS.