Best Label Makers

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 20, 2024
Do you need to organize your working or home space? Or you're just looking for a machine to print labels for industrial purposes? ...Read more
PROS

The model is shock-proof thanks to tough rubber bumpers that lower the chance of damage. Magnetic case and a strap provide hands-free operation.

CONS
ABC keyboard might seem a bit inconvenient in comparison to familiar QWERTY.
OUR VERDICT

Due to the ability to work in tough conditions, this label maker can become a perfect assistant for electricians, installation personnel, and industrial enterprises. 

detailed parameters
BEST FOR
Wire marking, Circuit board labeling, Panel identification, General and industrial labeling
TYPE
Portable
POWER SOURCE

6 x AA batteries

PC CONNECTION

No 

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

Thermal transfer 

PRINT SPEED

0.4 in/sec 

MAXIMUM LABEL WIDTH

0.75" 

RESOLUTION

203 dpi 

MATERIAL
Self-laminating wire markers, Cable flags, All-purpose vinyl, Nylon cloth, Polyester, Polypropylene
EXTRAS
LCD display, ABC keyboard, Shock-proof design, Ergonomic cutter, Label grabber, Multi-Line Print, Single color printing, 6 font sizes, Auto shut-off
Warranty

1 year limited

PROS
The rechargeable battery pack provides long working hours without a power supply, and the large display allows for labels preview. All this makes this model extremely comfortable in use.
CONS
Letters on the display aren't big enough.
OUR VERDICT

The Dymo 280 label maker will suit those who are looking for a versatile device capable of working with both usual tapes and flexible nylon labels.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

Files and binders, Home organization, Wires labeling

TYPE
Portable
POWER SOURCE
Rechargeable battery pack
PC CONNECTION

USB 

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

Thermal transfer 

PRINT SPEED

0.59 in/sec 

MAXIMUM LABEL WIDTH

0.5" 

RESOLUTION

180 dpi 

MATERIAL
Self-adhesive label tapes (vinyl, polyester, nylon)
EXTRAS
QWERTY keyboard, Water resistance, 7 fonts, 6 font sizes, Large LCD display, Auto shut-off
Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

The printer boasts software that allows you to customize the design: you can choose from 6 font sizes, 8 text styles, 4 boxes plus underline, and 228 symbols and clip-art images to create unique labels.

CONS

The instructions come only in pictures.

OUR VERDICT

The Dymo 160 is a good label printer for the office, manufacturing, or warehouse. Thanks to the large LCD screen, you will be able to see the end result before printing it, and the last label memory spares you from making constant adjustments.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

High-quality labels for all your organization needs

TYPE

Portable

POWER SOURCE

6 x AAA batteries (not included) or optional AC adapter (sold separately)

PC CONNECTION

No

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

Thermal transfer

PRINT SPEED

0.59 in/sec

MAXIMUM LABEL WIDTH

0.5"

RESOLUTION

180 dpi

MATERIAL

Compatible with water-resistant DYMO D1 and IND labels in 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch widths

EXTRAS

Large LCD display, QWERTY keyboard and one-touch fast-formatting keys, Last-label memory, Automatic shut-off

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

This model is compatible with the Brother TZe label tapes that are waterproof, resistant to the temperature changes, chemical reagents, mechanical impact, and UV radiation, so they can serve for a longer time. 

CONS

Not very intuitive.

OUR VERDICT

The Brother P-touch PTH110 prints labels of professional quality. With its help, you will be able to organize paper files, CDs, and other things. The cable marking function also helps create labels for adapters and other wires.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

Files, home organization, cables and wires

TYPE

Portable

POWER SOURCE

6 x AAA batteries (not included) or optional AC adapter (not included)

PC CONNECTION

No

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

Thermal transfer

PRINT SPEED

0.79 in/sec

MAXIMUM LABEL WIDTH

0.5"

RESOLUTION

180 dpi

MATERIAL

Brother TZe label tapes in a variety of colors, sizes and types

EXTRAS

QWERTY keyboard, Easy-view graphical display, Up to 15 labels memory

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS
Thanks to small lead margins, it is possible to save printing material. Moreover, built-in memory allows printing out one of the last 30 labels.
CONS
The process of label printing is a bit time consuming.
OUR VERDICT

This label maker will meet the needs of a small shop perfectly where a price label printing is essential. It will make the printing process quick and hassle-free.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR
Files, Storage bins, Household items, Clothing, Scrapbooking
TYPE
Portable
POWER SOURCE
Power cord or 6 AAA batteries
PC CONNECTION

No 

PRINT TECHNOLOGY

Thermal transfer 

PRINT SPEED

0.24 in/sec 

MAXIMUM LABEL WIDTH

0.5" 

RESOLUTION

180 dpi 

MATERIAL
Standard, Black and transparent, Strong adhesive tapes
EXTRAS
LCD display, Mirror printing, Vertical printing, QWERTY keyboard, 14 fonts, 10 font styles
Warranty

1 year

Smart Design

Brady is a world leader in labeling equipment production. The main direction of Brady is product identification technologies for all industrial spheres. Nowadays, the company provides its clients with numerous products including portable printers, thermal transfer printers, durable materials for both portable and desktop laser printers.

The Brady BMP21-PLUS is a universal thermal transfer printer that will be of great use for multiple tasks. It is one of the best label makers on the market thanks to its smart design and good performance. This device allows you to perform numerous tasks concerning the labeling of electrical and telecommunication equipment, processing systems, and data transmission tools.

The device has a rugged design and is made of high-quality materials. Moreover, rubber bumpers on the sides prevent the unit from damage in case of falls. Such characteristics make the tool a perfect assistant if you need to work in tough conditions.

What is more, the size and the body make it possible to hold the device in one hand without discomfort. However, if you want to have a break and don’t need to use the device for some time (or you need to work with two hands), it is possible to attach this label maker to a metal surface with the help of a magnetic holder.

For Differen Spheres

Moving on, what also makes this printer one of the top choices is that it is able to make labels of a very decent size (maximum width is 0.75 inches). To make the picture on the label clear and shart, it also has an enlarged resolution of 203 dpi.

What also makes this model differ from its counterparts is that it is suitable not only for home, office, or manufacturing facilities. You should also be aware of the fact that this label maker meets MIL-STD-810G military standard and, thus, can be used even in the military sphere.

The other convenient things we really like are an ergonomic cutter and a label grabber. The latter one prevents the label from falling on the ground when you cut it off.

As for the type of keyboard, the model is fitted with the ABC one. It may be slightly less convenient than the QWERTY keyboard, but we hope you will get used to it pretty quickly.

In conclusion, we consider the Brady BMP21-PLUS Label Maker is one of the best choices for printing labels. It is a functional device that will make wire and industrial marking much easier and more convenient.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $95.25
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IELD1O4

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4.6)

Prints labels and barcodes perfectly.

Features(4.8)

Different printing types. You can choose from landscape, portrait, wire wrap, patch panel, fuse panel, as well as a few others.

Size & Weight(4.7)

It's solid quality feel and it's portable.

Versatility in Use

The Dymo LabelManager 280 is one of the most advanced and versatile models you can find so far. With this tool, you will be able to organize office files, wires, and tidy up things in your household. 

There are two types of label makers - desktop printers that work when connected to the computer, and portable ones. However, the manufacturer of this gadget decided to create a 2-in-1 model, using which you'll be able to print out labels in the way you like best. Consequently, if you want to make up a label on a printer, you can use its keyboard and display. If you'd like to make a label on the computer, this is even simpler. All you need to do is install a special application and after that, get to work. Using a computer for labeling is much more convenient. You'll never run out of sketches and patterns due to the broad choice. The set of this device includes a USB wire for this purpose. 

On the other hand, not everyone needs a stationary unit and will make more use out of a portable device. The obvious advantage of the Dymo label maker is that it combines the functionality of both, giving users flexible options. The device boasts a printing capacity of 10 copies at a time. This makes it suitable for delivering a large volume of labels. 

In order to allow the user to make the adjustments while the tool is in the wireless mode, the manufacturer equipped it with an LCD display and a keyboard. You can choose different fonts and their styles.

Capacious Battery

Operating on a rechargeable battery (that is also included in a set), this unit can be carried around a warehouse or office to make labels on the go. The battery is capacious enough to serve you for days depending on the frequency of use and spares you from the necessity of purchasing average batteries. 

The model is compatible with different kinds of self-adhesive label tapes including flexible vinyl ones, polyester, and nylon. The maximum label length of this thermal transfer device is 0.5 inches. As for the other characteristics, it is able to print with a speed of 0.59 in/sec and has a resolution of 180 bpi. 

To wrap the whole thing up, the Dymo LabelManager 280 is one of the most advanced printers that can be used both as a portable and a desktop device. It offers great customization possibilities and allows you to create different types of labels to keep your belongings neatly organized.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $45.03
Stock In stock
ASIN B009NVTE5E

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Features(4.2)

Tape is easy to apply, rechargeable battery and no AC makes the unit small, portable and easy to use.

Key Specs(4.4)

This device is an absolute gem. I've purchased two of them: for work and home. I will be getting one for my kid to keep him away from mine!

Size & Weight(4.6)

Love it. Practical, easy to use, compact and convenient.

Adjustable Label Maker

Those who seek a device with the best price-to-quality ratio may be interested in the Dymo LabelManager 160. This printer boasts great functionality and is generally very convenient in use, making the labeling job even easier.

First and foremost, this model is slightly smaller than its counterparts. With the dimensions of 7.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches, it is easy to carry around. Plus, the model is relatively lightweight (around 0.8 pounds), so you can carry it around without experiencing any fatigue. Yet, despite being compact and small in size, this device features a convenient QWERTY keyboard that allows you to easily type the needed text on your labels. As for the power source, the model works on disposable batteries or rechargeable accumulators (both need to be purchased separately), which adds to its portability as you won’t be tied to the socket.

Apart from printing different text on labels, there are several other things you can customize on your labels. The printer allows you to choose one of 6 font sizes, 8 text styles, 4 boxes plus underlines, 228 symbols, and even clip-art images. Thanks to that, you will be able to create unique and catchy labels that will immediately grab people’s attention. A printer like this one will be a good choice for different places such as offices, warehouses, shops, manufacturing, and so on.

Clear LCD Screen

What also makes this model so convenient is that it is fitted with an LCD screen. With it, you will be able to see the final look of your label before printing it. There is also a memory function that will save you a lot of time in the long run.

To spare you from the necessity of changing the batteries on a regular basis or charging the accumulator, the manufacturer equipped this model with an auto shut-off function. It not only helps save the battery charge but also prolongs the service life of the device in general.

We consider this label printer a good option for those who have already had some experience with similar devices. The instructions for this model come only in the form of pictures, so it may be hard for inexperienced users to understand them without additional help. However, we don’t believe it is a major disadvantage considering the great performance of the device.

In the end, if you need a printer that can provide you with quality labels to satisfy your organization needs, we highly suggest going with the Dymo Label Manager. This device is easy to carry around, convenient in use, and comes at an honest price.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $27.42
Stock In stock
ASIN B005X9VZ70

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4.6)

The Dymo LabelManager PnP is essentially a form factor update for Dymo's earlier LabelManager PC, which I previously owned. Top and bottom margins (at least on 1/2-inch tape) seem to be the same. Print quality appears to be the same, if not slightly more pixelated.

Features(3.8)

Good entry level label maker with QWERTY keyboard layout for the price. Has LCD display what-you-see-is-what-you-get display.

Size & Weight(4.6)

This label maker is great because it's compact enough to stay in my messenger bag without thinking twice about it. The design is really nice to hold and type on, and printing works well every time.

Makes Durable Labels

Brother is a trusted brand that has been producing high-quality consumer electronics for ages now. The company offers a great selection of different printers, including not only manual ones but also small label makers that will make the organizing process much quicker and easier. And the P-touch (PTH110) is a good example of that. 

To begin with, the device is compatible with the Brother TZe label tapes that boast amazing quality. The paper is available in various colors, sizes, and types. It is durable and resistant to mechanical impact, water, UV radiation, and drastic changes in temperature. Thus, you can be sure the label will remain in good condition for a long time. Plus, the tapes come with very strong adhesive and always stay in place.

With the help of this machine, you will be able to make labels for paper files, CDs, packages, and more. In addition to this, the model boasts a cable marking feature. Thanks to that, you will be able to neatly organize wires, adapters, and other cables.

To make your labels more interesting and attention-grabbing, you can change fonds, styles, and sizes. You can fit up to 250 symbols on one label. The printer uses thermal transfer printing technology that ensures that the text will stay in place and will stay visible over time.

Convenient Memory Function

Moving on to the power source, this model can work both on a rechargeable battery and disposable AAA batteries. Both of them should be purchased separately. Since the printer features no wiring, you can take it with you no matter where you go.

Like its counterparts, this model comes with a QWERTY keyboard. The users point out that the keys are easy to push and convenient in size, so you will be able to type quickly and correctly.

What we also really like about this model is that it features a memory function. But unlike most models that can save only the last label you’ve printed, this device is actually capable of saving up to 15 label memory settings. On top of that, the model has a pretty decent printing speed. Thus, making a label will take you a minimal amount of time.

The only thing users don’t like about this label maker is that it requires some time to get used to its controls. But other than that, there are no problems with the Brother P-touch (PTH110) Portable Label Maker. It is an affordable yet functional device from a reliable manufacturer that can be handy for organizing things at home and in the office.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $29.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01J3WQ360

What customers say about this product

Features(4.6)

Easy to change label cassette to switch sizes or to replace an empty cassette.

Key Specs(4.8)

I printed about 12 labels right away with no problem. The quality of the printing is excellent.

Size & Weight(4.7)

It's very easy to use, doesn't take up a lot of space.

100% of Convenience

If you seek a super-compact label printer that is functional enough to satisfy your basic needs, look no further. The Epson LabelWorks LW-300 Label Maker should fit the bill.

Starting off, the model boasts very compact dimensions. With the size 5.91 x 5.71 x 2.17 inches, this model will securely lie in your palm and should fit in the uniform pocket if you are using it at work.

Despite its size, this label maker suits most office needs where labeling is an essential and routine job. Like most other devices of the kind, this one comes with a built-in QWERTY keyboard, using which you can customize editing options and make up a visually appealing label with an attractive design. We also want to add that it is not less convenient than the one on the bigger models.

The printer features an LCD display to monitor the typed piece of text. Even though it is pretty tiny, you still will be able to see your label before printing it.

Some consumers find it rather small, but actually, we do believe it ought to be sufficient for capturing 2-line labels. It’s also possible to change the margins of labels, meaning a significant reduction in costs and printing materials. To allow making unique and informative labels, this printer from Epson offers various fonts in different styles and sizes. You will be able to use black, transparent, and standard adhesive tapes with this model. The manufacturer states that such labels will be suitable for placement on clothing, storage bins, scrapbooking, and various household things. By the way, the max label width is pretty average about 0.5 inches.

Created to Make Life Easier

But what we like best about this label maker is that it can be charged from both battery and the mains. This makes it a perfect portable companion on a road and a reliable assistant in the office.

Do note that this model is slightly more basic, so it doesn’t have a great printing speed. Thus, printing a label may take you some time. However, if you intend to use it at home without any rush, we won’t consider it a major disadvantage.

Lastly, we want to mention that this label printer offers vertical and mirror printing options. Plus, you can save up to 30 label designs to print them with ease when needed.

To conclude, with the Epson LabelWorks LW-300 Label Maker you will be able to mark household items quickly and without much hassle. This device is compact and ergonomic yet still offers decent functionality.

Last updated price $59.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B005J7Y6HW

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Features(4)

The label tear-off backing is split down the middle to make backing removal easy. Some labelers don't have this often overlooked frustration saver.

Key Specs(4)

Prints great right out of the box but you can customize to your heart's content. You can adjust text and spacing in a myriad of ways; outline, borders, spacing, width, etc.

Size & Weight(4.8)

Light weight and QWERTY keyboard makes it easy to input text.

What Is a Lable Maker?

It often happens that people don't have time to organize their lives in a proper way - we are always in a hurry and like to postpone really important things. Nevertheless, from now on, there is a chance to put things in order no matter where you are.

Label makers are devices used for printing barcodes, pictures or texts on a special self-adhesive tape or another material. They are irreplaceable in commercial, industrial, warehouse, and haulage operations. Label makers can also be used at home for other purposes. A lot of customers use them for marking foodstuff items, furniture, packages, and so on. Different models are compatible with different kinds of paper, so you can make your markings durable and sustainable to various conditions. Some of them are also versatile enough to allow you to customize the font, size of the text, add pictures, and so on. For our list, we selected 5 top-quality models with different functionality and price.

For business purposes, you may also be interested in receipt printers, more professional equipment used to print out receipts at shops.

What Features to Compare

Type

Considering the type of label maker, there are two types - portable and desktop. 

Portable label makers are small in size, they aren't as efficient as those used in commercial enterprises, yet, they are best suitable for consumers who need to process a low volume of products and who often travel from one place to another. 

Desktop label makers ought to be connected to PC. They can produce a big amount of labels and they support editing options. This is one of the main reasons why they are frequently bought for business purposes. 

Speaking about printing technology, thermal transfer print is more widespread nowadays. Its popularity is determined by a high print speed and resistance to light, warmth, wear and tear. There is also a thermal technology which is more economical than thermal transfer print. However, it is compatible with less number of printing materials.

Performance

This significant feature is determined by several factors.

  • Printing speed will tell you the number of printed labels. Modern label makers can produce from 0.24 to 1.18 inches of text/picture/barcode per second. Thus, the higher the speed is, the more labels per day you can make.
  • Tape width varying from 0.5" to 2.35" determines the number of lines you can type on a label, meaning overall printer's usability.
  • Resolution is of vital importance too since it determines the clarity of printed text or picture.

Extras

Having considered the main features of your future-to-be device, pay attention to additional characteristics. Those who want to purchase a portable model may be interested in a full-sized keyboard and a display in order to create labels directly on a device. To make labels look even better, make sure that your chosen device has a built-in auto cutter. The ability to change margins will allow you to print more text on a label and save printing materials. If you constantly need to change label design, you should look for one with graphics editing options. Some models can save label drafts to internal memory. This function may come in helpful if you've got no option to print out your drafts immediately and want to do so later on. The choice is vast, so keep your eyes open.

Sources:

1. Carol Finch How to Choose a Label Maker, Yourbusiness.

2. How to Buy a Label Maker, Consumersearch. January 2014.

3. Choosing the Right Barcode Printer, Barcodesinc.

4. The History of Self Adhesive Labels, Wordlabel.

5. How to Use a Label Maker? Reference.

6. Marisa McClellan The Best Label Maker, Thesweethome. January 11, 2016.

7. Label Printer, Wikipedia. July 26, 2016.

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