Consumer Reports

The Phomemo D30 Label Maker was the choice label maker in our evaluations. Using the app, you can produce labels in under 10 seconds and alternatively, you can connect it to your printer for more elaborate jobs. The Phomemo offers extensive font options and a preview of what it will look like as well. The lithium battery comes charged and ready to print, and you can even print pictures, bar codes, or date and time stamps. The easy-tear labels can be separated with just one hand, and the device is smart enough to calibrate the paper roll to the proper position if you don’t align it perfectly. Apply Amazon’s on-page coupon for additional savings.Learn more about the Phomemo D30 Label Maker.

Best for Most

amazon.com

walmart

arcus-www.amazon.com

TechGearLab

If you want a Bluetooth label maker but don't like the price tags on the high-end models, the MakeID Label Maker might be the perfect option. This model has a super user-friendly smartphone app, and unlike similar models, does not require you to create an account or register in any way. If you know that you just want to make simple and fun labels and stickers, the MakeID has tons of templates. Many of the smaller models we've tested come with teeth for tearing the printed labels off, similar to an old-school receipt printer, but this model has a handy button that easily slices through your completed labels. 
If you need a model that will print barcodes, QR codes, shipping labels, or imported files, the MakeID is not the one. This model is much more geared toward simple home or hobby use than industrial or professional use. The MakeID also has a small label width compared to the high-end professional models. That said, professional use is not the purpose for which it was designed. This compact version is the perfect Bluetooth model for someone seeking simplicity, especially considering the price. 

Also Great

Wirecutter

This model’s compact size and comfy keyboard make operating it with one hand easy. It also has a large and bright display, an intuitive interface, and a convenient rechargeable battery.

The DYMO LabelManager 420P is impressively versatile. At face value, it works similarly to other models with integrated keyboards &mdash; once it's powered up and turned on, you simply type what you'd like and press "print." With an internal lithium-ion battery, this model is ideal for stores, laboratories, warehouses, and offices where you need to be mobile while creating labels. Where the 420P stands apart from the other transportable versions is that it is also made to connect to a computer with an included USB cable to act as the printer for DYMO Connect label-making software. Once linked to the software, this seemingly generic label maker can print any font on your computer, shipping labels, barcodes, QR codes, and more. 
The DYMO LabelManager 420P does have a few small drawbacks. Many models use Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the user to create labels on a smartphone or tablet to be wirelessly printed with the device. With the 420P, you will either need to use the keyboard or connect it directly to your computer with a USB cable. The label width is limited to ¾", so if you're looking to print larger labels such as name tags, badges, or larger shipping labels, you'll need to choose a different model. Flaws aside, we still think this version is the best choice for those who are in the market for a great all-around label maker. 

expert-review

The Best Label Maker

bazaarvoice

pcmag.com

powerreviews

If you're looking for a desktop label maker that prints incredibly quickly, it's hard to top the Brother QL-800. This model prints a ridiculous 97 standard address labels per minute, so if you've got a lot of parcels to send, you will not be waiting on this machine. Brother's newest version of their P-touch software is nothing short of awesome. It has templates for all kinds of labels, including ID badges, barcodes, hobby uses, and even wine bottles. If you can't find a template you like, the software also allows you to import files or create labels from scratch. The QL-800 is postage ready &mdash; just pay for your postage online, download the file, print a sticker, and you're ready to send. One of our favorite features of this model, as opposed to similar versions, is that it automatically senses the size of label tape you have loaded into the machine. 
Unlike mobile models or hybrids, the Brother QL-800 is meant to stay in place. It needs to be connected to a computer via USB as well as an AC power source to function. It lacks a keyboard and does not offer Bluetooth connectivity, so the only way to create a label is with Brother's desktop software. However, for those in the market for a super-fast desktop label maker, we think the QL-800 is the way to go. 

The DYMO LabelManager 160 is incredibly easy to use. There is no setup process, and thanks to the device's large buttons and their intuitive symbols, the user interface is self-explanatory. The dedicated numeric keys, in combination with the qwerty configured keyboard, make entering characters a breeze. The LabelManager 160 also comes programmed with a decent collection of symbols and clip art that can indicate high voltage, fragility, and many characters that are just for fun. 
The simplistic design and functionality of the DYMO LabelManager 160 mean it lacks some bells and whistles that others have. It can only print one generic font, which is sufficient for many but not ideal for those looking to get creative with your labels. Because this model lacks the ability to print barcodes, those seeking a label maker for retail or warehouse applications may need to look elsewhere. However, we think that the LabelManager160 is one of the best label makers out there and will do an excellent job for most people, despite its short list of flaws. 

We found the Brother P-Touch Cube to be the best charger-free label maker in our evaluations. It’s been on sale for a few weeks. but just fell from $60 to half off.The device runs on six AAA batteries and a quick push of the cutting button makes a clean, precise cut each time. We also found that its high-quality labels should stay well-adhered to your spice jars. The corresponding Brother app itself is well-organized and intuitive and saves templates you might want to use again.Learn more about the Brother P-Touch Cube.

The Brother P-Touch Cube Plus PT-P710BT is our favorite label maker that utilizes Bluetooth technology. This device links to a smartphone, tablet, or computer using a free app. Once connected, it is straightforward to create labels from your smartphone or tablet. We love the P-Touch Cube Plus's wide variety of pre-programmed templates for specialized labels such as cables, cabinets, files, and several sizes of barcodes. 
The downside to Bluetooth technology is that it requires a third-party device to interface with the label maker. If you want a model with a keyboard on the maker itself, the P-Touch Cube Plus is not the best choice. This particular model is also a bit spendy. A more affordable model might make sense unless you're really after the latest and greatest in cutting-edge label maker technology. That said, this device is an excellent choice for those that want to use a smartphone or tablet to make labels. 

The Brother P-Touch Cube Plus PT-P710BT is our favorite label maker that utilizes Bluetooth technology. This device wirelessly links to a smartphone or tablet using the Brother P-touch Design & Print 2 app. The newly revamped version of the app is vibrant, easy to use, and offers a ton of templates. Suppose you'd like to connect your label maker to a computer. In that case, the Brother P-touch Editor provides even more features and templates than the smartphone app, ranging from retail to hobby and health warnings to kitchen organization. 
The downside to Bluetooth technology is that it requires a third-party device to interface with the label maker. If you want a model with a keyboard on the maker itself, the P-Touch Cube Plus PT-P710BT is not the model for you. It also is not designed for wider label types, such as shipping labels for larger packages or nutritional information stickers. Despite these small shortcomings, the PT-P710BT is the way to go if you're in the market for a Bluetooth label maker that has a huge variety of tape colors and templates. 

We recommend the Brady BMP21-PLUS if you're looking for a label maker that can survive the everyday conditions of a dirty, dangerous job site. This device has passed military standard shock and vibration testing to 810G standards. In other words, it can take some physical abuse. The BMP21-PLUS has several presets for applications in the field of video & communications, sound, electrical, and it can print barcodes. If you're looking to print extra large lettering, the Brady BMP21-PLUS is the way to go &mdash; this device prints up to a size 40 font. 
The BMP21-PLUS isn't exactly compact. This model weighs 1.6 pounds and measures more than 9 inches long and 4 inches wide with a thickness of 3 inches. If you're looking for a label maker that can easily slip into a desk drawer, we'd recommend going with a smaller, lighter model. This device is also a bit on the pricey side for the number of capabilities that it offers. Despite its flaws, we still think it is the way to go if you're working in the field.

It has a bright display and an easy-to-use keyboard—and its labels actually survived a run through the dishwasher. But it needs six AA batteries.

We recommend the Brother P-touch PT70BM if you're looking for a digital label maker on a budget. This device is programmed and ready right out of the package &mdash; slap some batteries in, and it's ready to go. We find that qwerty keyboards, such as the one on this model, are more comfortable to use than those with buttons in alphabetical order. The PT70BM has a button dedicated to a time & date stamp, which can be very handy for keeping things organized. 
The PT70BM has a few shortcomings. There are very few options for letter sizing, fonts, symbols, and it can't print barcodes. We also weren't thrilled that a shift key is needed to switch between letters and numbers &mdash; other models have buttons solely dedicated to numbers that make typing faster and easier. The PT70BM has a bit of a lag time between when characters are entered and when they show up on the screen. Lastly, when it comes to printing, this device is outright slow. But the P-touch PT70BM handles most label maker tasks at a fraction of the cost of much of the competition. 

We recommend the Brother P-touch PT70BM if you're shopping for a digital label maker on a budget. This device is programmed and ready right out of the package &mdash; slap some batteries in, and it's ready to go. We find that qwerty keyboards, such as the one on this model, are more comfortable to use than those with buttons in alphabetical order. The PT70BM has a button dedicated to a time and date stamp, which can be very handy for keeping things organized. 
The PT70BM has a few shortcomings. There are very few options for letter sizing, fonts, and symbols, and it can't print barcodes. We also weren't thrilled that a shift key is needed to switch between letters and numbers &mdash; other models have buttons dedicated to numbers that make typing faster and easier. The PT70BM lags between when characters are entered and when they appear on the screen. Lastly, when it comes to printing, this device is outright slow. But the P-touch PT70BM handles most label maker tasks at a fraction of the cost of much of the competition. 

The DYMO Organizer Xpress Pro is your best bet if you're looking for a bare-bones simplistic label maker. Entirely manually powered, this device will never require an additional battery purchase or an annoying battery change. To make a label, you just turn the dial to the preferred letter or character and emboss them into the tape by squeezing the handle one letter at a time. The Xpress Pro is also dirt cheap &mdash; you won't see much of a dent in your bank account if you choose this model. 
The manual-powered design of this DYMO Organizer Xpress Pro has a few flaws. First, you have to turn the dial to emboss each letter, which is a bit of a slow and cumbersome process compared to using a keyboard or a smartphone to define text. Unfortunately, the Organizer Xpress Pro only offers one font &mdash; if variety is a determining factor for you, this is not the right choice. Still, we think that this model is perfect for a garage, shop, or those who don't want the hassle of dealing with batteries or apps. 

Label Maker Comparison