Best Overall
Brother PTD220 Home/Office Everyday Label Maker
Best Bang for the Buck
Dymo Organizer Express Pro Embossing Label Maker Kit
Upgrade Pick
Brother VC500W Compact Color Label and Photo Printer
We may bring in tax income from the product useable on this page and enter in affiliate program . Learn More ›
If you ’ve ever searched through a stack of storage box , vainly trying to witness what you require , you may have wished you ’d have labeled those container from the showtime . A lineament label Lord is an ideal solution to that situation , but these devices are great for more than identifying the contents of boxes . They can ID each cord in the indistinguishable snarl behind your PC , create attractive place cards for guests , print barcodes for low businesses , and even help clarify which family member have a specific toothbrush or stapler .
Thanks to technology , today ’s label Almighty have make out a recollective way from the ungainly devices of the past . They may boast digital light-emitting diode readouts , QWERTY keyboards , and even photographic print emoticon , border , and other symbolic representation on self - reefer labels . But which model is truly ideal for dissimilar uses ? To find out , we turn over tested a issue of popular models so shoppers can more easily find the best label maker to get organized with easiness .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Label Maker
Label makers are handy impression tools that can aid organise all sorting of around - the - house and in - the - shop point . They ’re especially useful in a home part , number in ready to hand to sort files , documents , and other work - related items . Of naturally , folks who seldom require printed label may be better off buying sail of self - stick label to use with a regular word processing program and home printer rather than append yet another item to an already crowded desk . But those who do decide to invest in a label Lord should consider such key features as available baptistry , keyboard layout , sizing , and whether or not the whole is portable .
Overall Size
Handheld units are relatively pocket-size — just a few inches in width and distance — and soft to stow in a purse or a great air hole . Desktop modeling take up more real estate : great one are up to a foot wide and just as recondite , but there are a turn of unit available that run about 6 inches wide and deep . In addition , some of today ’s screen background recording label makers connect to a PC , so if desk space is severely limited , select a wireless model that can be place on a nearby shelf — that way it wo n’t crowd out other computer peripheral , such as a monitor or a keyboard .
Screen Size
Old - school manual recording label maker do n’t have concealment ; instead , the user chooses numerals and letters by turning a steering wheel to pick out each letter in turn . But many of today ’s recording label makers ( both hand-held and background models ) come with LED screens that range from ½-inch high and a few inches widely — just enough to inscribe a single line of text — to about 2 inch high and 4 inches all-inclusive to display declamatory fount and multiline school text . The largest CRT screen are not on the label Almighty themselves but rather on PC monitors , if the recording label maker can connect to a computer or tablet . Designing label on a full - size reminder covert is great if the label Godhead allows users to select from a full variety of fonts and images . These “ connected ” recording label makers often have no sieve on the unit itself .
Battery
Today ’s label Creator have a wide range of battery , including received AA or AAA alkaline batteries , 9 - volt shelling , and even rechargeable lithium - ion batteries . Many descend with the option of running the recording label maker on either barrage fire or a sparking plug - in tycoon cord . Some models come with internal battery that are charged by plug the unit into a battery charger , while others assume batteries that are removed from the building block and replaced when needed .
Full QWERTY Keyboard
By the time kids touch middle school these daylight , they ’re ordinarily familiar with the stock QWERTY keyboard , which offer the same letter and numerical configuration rule on computer and laptop keyboard . For many , this is the preferred layout because it ’s the one they apply day by day for study and symmetry . Keep in mind that recording label - maker keyboards are unremarkably too small to apply fingers as users would do when typing . Instead , plan to use a single finger’s breadth ( or a stylus ) when keying in letter , similar to how schoolbook is entered on a cell phone . In increase to the received letters and Book of Numbers , label Divine feature “ function ” winder to switch face or supply images and borders to labels .
Multiple-Line Print
All label makers publish a individual personal line of credit of text , but many print two lines , and a few mark three or four lines . Multiple - line recording label Maker usually accommodate panoptic labels , up to 2 inches wide-cut . The user can often choose to print multiple lines or prefer to publish a undivided line with a larger font , depending on the finicky unit ’s options .
Barcode Printing
Barcodes are used in retail sales to check off different product for quick identification by a barcode image scanner . Not all label makers are capable of printing barcodes , but if shoppers need to make this type of label , they will want to pick out a model that either come in with computer software that creates barcodes or use a downloadable app that synchronize with the label maker . Label makers with this function may not have the additional features found on received recording label makers , such as the power to select fonts and let in images .
Adjustable Tape Margins
A label ’s margin relates to the amount of blank portion of the magnetic tape that appears before and after the printed text edition . Margin - size selection is not usable on all recording label makers , but when it is , the exploiter may select from margin as wide as 1 in on both the rightfield and pass on sides to border as narrow as 1/16 inch on both side of meat . For models without margin adjustments , user can simply reduce away supererogatory tape with a pair of pair of scissors .
Font Options
The power to select from dissimilar baptismal font ( typefaces ) lets crafter customize labor , such as scrapbook or ornament jounce of homemade jelly and jam . Most label makers pop the question at least three or four font choices , but some offer 20 or more , allow users to choose from block - style , plain - case , and even fancy script fonts . In increase to font eccentric , many label makers provide additional font options , such as italic or bold .
Our Top Picks
To qualify as one of the recommendations for the unspoiled label Divine , a tool must be easy to use , durable , and work with recording label tape that has real sticking business leader . We hand screen the follow models and found them to be well suitable to various projects .
The Brother PTD220 label maker boasts a simple interface that establish getting started fast and well-fixed . boast a QWERTY keyboard and quick one - touch formatting key , this desktop recording label maker offers five font sizes , 14 typeface , 11 font style , 99 frames , over 600 symbols , and up to two line of printing .
The machine uses six AAA electric battery or an optional AC adapter ( both not let in ) . The label maker also has 25 preset label templates and can store up to 30 label designs for quick and easy reprints . The machine oblige up to ½-inch label and prints with a 180 dpi resolution .
Brother recording label makers are know for their ease of use and strength , and the PTD220 did not let down . This recording label Lord receive top ratings for every attribute we tested . It was easy to determine up and use almost right out of the box . It come with a 12 - millimeter recording label - tape recording sampling that made it quick to use once batteries were added . We made dozens of labels while trying out the various font sizes , styles , symbolic representation , and frames , and find that the PTD220 printed each recording label quickly , with consistent , clean resolving . The recording label are wanton to remove and are very long-wearing .
Get the Brother PTD220 label Almighty atAmazonorOffice Depot .
Those who ’d rather not pony up for a high - technical school recording label maker should regard this budget - friendly manual model . The Dymo Organizer Express Pro Embossing Label Maker Kit feature an easy - to - role turn - and - click labeling organisation with a 49 - character roulette wheel that include text , numbers , and symbols . It ’s prosperous to load and comes with three spool of recording label tape . It ’s lightweight , portable , and does not need a great power root . Those who ’d rather not pony up for a high - technical school label maker should consider this budget - favorable manual model . The Dymo Organizer Express Pro Embossing Label Maker Kit features an loose - to - consumption turn - and - click labeling system of rules with a 49 - quality rack that includes text , number , and symbols . It ’s easy to charge and come with three spools of recording label taping . It ’s lightweight , portable , and does not necessitate a power source .
We enjoyed using this onetime - schoolhouse gadget and appreciate the retro - style recording label it produces . The only downside we find in examination is that it ’s not possible to backspace or delete . That means there ’s no manner to repair spelling errors or other mistake — a whole new label must be created . But for casual function at a great price , this is a handy peter to have around when getting organized around the house .
Get the Dymo Organizer label maker onAmazon .
The Brother VC-500W uses the same zero - ink ZINK technology deployed in many mini photo printers . This tech allows the substance abuser to impress full - color labels , photos , stickers , and more . The label maker include a 1 - inch roll of ZINK Paper , a cleanup roll , a power adapter , and a quick - start templet to get started right out of the box .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
The Brother VC-500W did a phenomenal job printing full - color photos and text on its ZINK labels . We in particular liked the photo cubicle pick in the app that let us take a series of photos with play backgrounds , just like a real photo booth . The print timber was very good . The only offspring , other than the cost of label rolls , was that the printer only process on Wi - Fi . This intend printing is only possible from peregrine equipment on a affiliated internet .
Get the Brother VC500W recording label maker atAmazon , Staples , orOffice Depot .
Best Handheld
Dymo LabelManager 160 Portable Label Maker
The Dymo LabelManager 160 is a compact and lightweight recording label maker with more than 200 symbolisation , clipping art , and 20 - plus options to format text . The machine accommodates recording label widths in ¼-inch , ⅜-inch , and ½-inch ( 6 - mm , 9 - mm , and12 - mm ) size in a variety of color . It ’s leisurely to employ right out of the box and requires minimum setup .
In our examination , we cogitate the Dymo LabelManager 160 ’s standout feature was its machine top executive - off function that turn the tool off after 2 minute of inactivity — worthful to continue the life of the six AAA batteries that power the machine . However , the label Creator also accommodates an AC adapter ( trade separately ) . The Dymo 160 produced indestructible labels in a multifariousness of styles . Although it ’s a hand-held machine , it was somewhat bulky , and small - handed substance abuser may find it ill-chosen to use one - handed .
Get the Dymo LabelManager label maker atAmazon , Staples , orOffice Depot .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
Most Versatile
Brother PTP710BT P-touch Cube Plus Label Maker
Those looking to produce a lot of different label should consider the Brother phosphorus - sense of touch Cube Plus Label Maker — and connectivity reaches fresh height with this simulation , too . Users can wirelessly download the software with a Bluetooth - compatible computer , smartphone , or tablet , and then simply contrive the label on their equipment and publish them from the stylish P - touch Cube . The software includes a blanket variety of creative guide , fonts , symbol , and skeleton to make attractive tradition label .
The Bluetooth label maker accept P - ghost tape ( the standard magnetic tape used on all the Brother P - series machine ) and comes with two sample tape bobbin . It ’s compatible with Apple and Android mobile gadget and desktop computers . Users can also connect the Cube directly via an admit USB cord . The P - mite Cube footrace on a built - in lithium - ion rechargeable barrage fire , and it secure into a household electrical outlet .
The Brother PTP710BT phosphorus - trace Cube Plus ’s standout feature of speech is the immense regalia of style , fonts , and symbols useable on the P - touch Design & Print and/or Brother iPrint & Label app . The setup is easy , and it run on Bluetooth technology . We liked that the machine boasts a rechargeable battery or USB to power it . It printed fast , and each label looked clear and snappy . The Cube is dear , however , and the label quality is identical to the Brother PTD220 — the only difference is that labels are create on the app versus a keyboard .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
Get the Brother PTP710BT recording label Godhead atAmazonorStaples .
Best Portable
Niimbot D11 Smart Label Printer
Whether devise boxes in a computer memory whole or helping put away seasonal items at a schooling or church service after the holidays , a portable recording label maker can be a real asset . For such situation , consider the lightweight Niimbot D11 thermal label maker . It practice wireless Bluetooth technology to design and print predesigned or custom label up to 15 millimeters wide-eyed from a mobile machine . It boasts a rechargeable stamp battery with a USB adapter — and even plays a gleeful tune as it power on and off .
The little printer do remarkably well in testing . The free app features dozens of case and expressive style and can import image and create barcodes and QR codes . The thermic labels are somewhat price , available in various colors , and have a transparent pick ( sold separately ) . The app is straight , and the car prints quickly and intelligibly . The only downside we find out was that there is only one label - size alternative ( 15 by 50 millimeters ) , but apart from that , we can easy urge this model for making attractive and logical labels on the go .
Get the Niimbot label shaper onAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Crafters
Cricut Joy Starter Bundle Joy Machine & Vinyl Sampler
Cricut bestow the Joy to its die - machine lineup in early 2020 as a smaller , less expensive alternative to the caller ’s popular Maker exemplar . The Joy weighs less than 4 pounds , yet it cut and spell on stuff up to 20 foot in length . It runs on Bluetooth connectivity , defecate this die machine very portable , and the starter sheaf includes ample supplies to get started .
The Cricut Joy will make precise , intricate cuts from various pop material like card stock , vinyl radical decal , and Fe - on transfers , and it draws and pen using Cricut pens . Design Space , a destitute app , can work with fonts and uploaded photos from a user ’s equipment and also allow folks choose images , fonts , and labor that can be buy from the Cricut library .
The auto and app are simple to operate , and we had no issues getting started . In examination , we create lots of labels with the Cricut Joy , using the plethora of premade designs from the app . It was also easy to make up our own unique design with the software . While some material ( such as Smart Vinyl and transposition blades ) are pricey , the Joy has impressive recording label - making capabilities and offer so much more , have this political machine a dream for crafters .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Cricut label maker onAmazon .
Best Tech
Phomemo M200 Thermal Label Printer
For the ultimate in ink - free printing , take a look at the Phomemo M200 Thermal Label Printer . This equipment habituate thermal engineering — no mussy toner or ink to deal with — to make labels up to 3 inch wide-eyed . The motorcar boast an LCD user interface to supervise electric battery levels and status .
The standout feature of the Phomemo printer is its app , Print Master . substance abuser can pick out from piles of recording label borders , over 100 face , hundreds of image , many recording label templates , and the power to create custom templet . The app also creates barcodes and QR codes . Swapping the recording label magnetic tape is straightaway and gentle , and the printer automatically lines up the next label once the roll is inserted .
In testing , Phomemo ’s Print Master offered excellent options for customization . We could easily spell artwork , add textual matter , and size the overall excogitation to our needs . The only downside is that the recording label selection is pretty limited ( primarily white or transparent ) , and it only prints in pitch blackness . apart from that egress , this is a square automobile for minuscule business sector , dwelling organization , and crafters .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Phomemo label maker onAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
Our Verdict
TheBrother PTD220 label makerearned our Best Overall prize due to its versatility , label design options , and solid printing performance . It creates labels easily , and exploiter can tailor-make them to fit their needs . TheDymo Organizer recording label makeris another fantabulous label - earn choice . It does n’t require batteries and makes undestroyable , water - resistant labels . It ’s inexpensive and diminished enough to gibe on a desk , in a kitchen drawer , or in a knapsack .
How We Tested the Best Label Makers
We screen each label Godhead according to an shew rubric that included setup and teaching , portability , functionality , and overall value . We rated the recording label makers on a scale of 0 to 4 to determine their score .
Once unboxed , we load each twist with the appropriate recording label cartridge . Then , each label Jehovah was plugged in and charge , or batteries were added . We download the app ( if required ) and printed dozens of labels to prove the design functions . We take note of the ease of setup , how easy it was to sail the app , the lineament of the photographic print , and how promptly it print . Lastly , we applied the labels to various surfaces to see how well-to-do it was to remove the adhesive mount , how well it stuck to unlike surfaces , and how easy it was to murder .
FAQs
If you still need more information on using a recording label maker , see the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these handy organizational gimmick .
Q. How does a label maker work?
Most label makers feature a pocket-size screen door and a keyboard that admit you to key in line of text , which are then print on self - adhesive tape that comes with a Sir Robert Peel - off backing .
Q. How do you laminate labels?
utilize a glossy , cleared recording label on top of a publish recording label from a recording label Divine will keep it from denigrate . This can be helpful if recording label items will be used outdoors or in a workshop put where they might get wet .
Q. What can you use a label maker for?
The most common use is for organizing items around the house and office , such as labeling corner and bins as to their contents .
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your skunk unripened and your works thriving does n’t just take a fleeceable quarter round — it starts with the right tool and supply .
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
Photo: amazon.com
