6 best label manufacturers

Whether you are dealing with files in an office, computer cables in IT, or wires and fuse boxes as an electrician, you need to keep things organized to make your job easier. The best electrician can help you with this task, allowing you to create the necessary labels for each of these areas. Not only does this keep things organized, but it also makes it easier to find the things you need, allowing you to work much more efficiently.

Of course, there are a wide variety of designs to choose from. We chose the top six on the market, with the DYMO LabelManager 500TS coming out on top. This model is lightweight and compact, with great features like a touch screen, QWERTY keyboard, built-in memory for 5 user profiles and up to 500 labels, rechargeable Li-ion battery, and customizable designs. We’ve also included pocket and desktop models, as well as a few more rugged label makers, all of which include a variety of design features and paper options.

When choosing a label manufacturer, there are some features to consider. The maximum ribbon width is one, so you know the largest label size you can use. The lines per label are also important, especially if you need to add a lot of information to your design. You can also check if it is PC or Mac compatible, which could add to its features. To help you choose the best label maker for your needs, we’ve created a comparison chart with in-depth reviews and added a buying guide at the end to cover all possible features of these products.

The 6 best label manufacturers

DYMO LabelManager 500TS

Although it’s more expensive than some other models, the LabelManager 500TS is still one of the best DYMO label makers on the market. It’s lightweight and compact, with a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, and it’s rechargeable for added convenience.

This unit has a large touch screen that you can press to select the font and size, text style, some clipart images or symbols to add to your label. You can also connect this label maker to a PC or Mac to access your computer’s fonts or add graphics, barcodes, or logos. This makes your labels fully customizable to meet your needs in almost any labeling situation.

When you have made all your design selections, the label is displayed on the screen for a quick preview before you print it. If changes are needed, you can make them without wasting paper.

The DYMO LabelManager 500TS is compatible with a variety of DYMO labels, including their standard labels for filing, storage, and other office uses, vinyl labels for extreme conditions, or flexible nylon labels for curved or textured surfaces.

In addition to the touchscreen labeler with a QWERTY keyboard, you also get a D1 Starter label cartridge, rechargeable battery pack, charging adapter, USB cable, and Quick Start Guide to help you set up the labeler.

up to 1 inch

as programmed

keyboard/PC and Mac software

6.5 x 7.5 x 3.7 inches

Limited to one year

stores 500 labels for up to 5 different users, 10 font styles in 25 sizes, 32 text styles, 5 boxes plus underline, and 325 built-in symbols and clip-art images

Epson LW-400

The Epson LW-400 is compact in size and weighs less than a pound, so it’s easy to use almost anywhere you need it. So it’s easy to use almost anywhere you need it. It can be very handy for organizing your cables, scrapbooking, or sorting your tax files.

This device features a QWERTY keyboard and a backlit display that makes it easy to see even in low-light conditions. You can choose from a variety of settings, including 14 fonts, 10 styles, more than 300 symbols, and over 75 frames. You can create text labels, barcodes, or anything else you need. The built-in memory can store up to 50 files, so you only need to make a design once for later use.

This unit can also be used with several label options, including double-sided tabs, luminous, reflective, decorative or fluorescent strips. There are also special print modes that allow you to create different label styles, including tabbed labels, flag labels, and wrap-around labels.

Low margins mean you don’t waste as much tape on each label, extending its life and saving money. You can also use tape up to 0.7 inches wide to fit up to four lines of text, making this label maker even more versatile.

This unit runs on six AA batteries, which can add to the cost if you use it regularly. An AC adapter is also available, but it must be purchased separately.

up to 7 inches

4

keyboard

6.7 x 4.3 x 2.2 inches

not specified

14 fonts, 10 styles, 300+ built-in symbols, 75+ frames, barcodes and more

Brother PTD600

The best label maker for a small business should make professional labels without spending too much money. The Brother PTD600 has a very low price that will fit any business budget and can offer you a variety of fantastic labels in a few sizes to meet all your labeling needs. It can be powered by the included AC adapter or six AA batteries for portability.

This model has a compact size with a QWERTY keyboard that allows you to type on it just like you would with your normal computer. It has a large backlit color display that gives you real-time updates as you type. You can choose from a wide variety of templates, fonts, symbols, and graphics. A USB cord is also included so you can connect the Brother PTD600 to a PC or MAC for even more labeling options, like logos or barcodes.

In addition to a variety of label designs, you can choose from a ton of tape options for your labels. Brother offers several models of TZe tapes that are fade-resistant, heat-resistant, cold-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and water resistant, so they are very durable. There are options for cables, scrapbooking, or even fabrics, all of which are available in top-loading cartridges to fit the labeler perfectly. When labels are printed, there are large one-inch margins on one or both sides, which can lead to paper waste in the long run.

up to 1 inch

7

QWERTY/PC keyboard and Mac software

7.9 x 7.6 x 3.4 inches

Limited to 2 years

battery or AC powered; HD color display

DYMO 450 Label Writer

Whether you need a label maker for the home or for a more professional setting, the DYMO LabelWriter 450 may be the one for you. It uses thermal printing technology, so you don’t need to buy ink or toner to create your labels. It’s also easy to use, even if it’s your first time trying a label maker.

The DYMO unit comes with almost everything you need to get started, including a starter roll of address labels, a power cable and adapter to plug it in, and a USB cable to connect it to your PC or Mac. There is also a quick start guide, although both the full instruction manual and the software must be downloaded.

The software gives you full access to a variety of templates, including address, barcode, and folder labels. You can also use certain programs on your computers, such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, the Mac address book, or Google Contacts. This allows you to fully customize your labels so that they print according to your needs.

This label maker is fast, printing 51 labels in just one minute as standard 4-line address labels. This speeds up printing, which is essential in a busy business environment. When the labels run out, it’s easy to replace the old roll with a new one, without the need to manually feed the labels.

Web width

2.2 inches

4

Software for PC and Mac

7.2 x 4.9 x 5.8 inches

Limited to 2 years

thermal printing technology – no ink required

Brady BMP21-PLUS

A label maker for electricians, automotive workers, or even computer fields needs to be durable enough to withstand some travel and harsh conditions. The Brady BMP21-PLUS meets these needs with its durable construction and versatile use.

This handheld labeler has a durable plastic exterior with heavy-duty molded rubber bumpers all around to keep it from being damaged if you bump it or drop it on a hard surface. It even meets MIL drop test standards, so you’re guaranteed a lifetime of use.

The display is backlit, making it easy to read in low-light work areas. There is an ABC keyboard, which is not as easy to use for those used to QWERTY options, although it still gets the job done.

This unit allows you to create a wide variety of labels for cables, wires, hardware, shelves, toolboxes, and electrical panels, to name a few. The aggressive adhesive of the labels themselves will adhere to any irregular or rough material.

Another advantage is that this model is easy to use, even for beginners. It uses smart auto-formatting, so all you have to do is add the cartridge, type, and print the label. The built-in grabber keeps the label from falling off after it is cut.

The Brady uses six AA batteries. A rechargeable Li-ion battery and AC adapter are also available. Batteries can run down even when the unit is turned off, so be sure to remove them when not in use.

Tape width

up to 0.75 inches

1

keyboard

9.9 x 4.5 x 9.5 inches

Limited to 2 years

6 font sizes; runs on 6 AA batteries

Brady BMP41

If you need a portable label maker that is designed to withstand harsh conditions, the Brady BMP41 may be a good option for you. It features industrial bumpers to prevent damage in the event of a bump or fall and has been tested to ensure durability. It also has a grip handle to prevent it from slipping out of your hands, even on a hot sweaty day.

This model features a 2.6-inch LCD screen, which is backlit for low-light areas. A QWERTY keyboard allows you to quickly enter the text you need for your labels. Text is available in one color, with text sizes ranging from 4 to 103 points.

You can use a variety of Brady’s quick-loading tape cartridges with the BMP41, giving you the right material needed for all your labels, including wires, cables, breaker boxes, and maintenance.

The label maker includes a rechargeable Li-ion battery, charger, USB cable, label cartridge, and a hard carrying case to keep everything together and organized for travel or storage.

The downside of the Brady BMP41 is that the entire kit is quite expensive, especially for those on a budget. While it has some nice features, the full labeling software is not included in the price, so you’ll need to purchase it separately if you want to go beyond the basic labeling software included with the printer.

up to 1 inch

lines per label

keyboard/PC and Mac software

6 x 6 x 3.6 inches

Limited to 2 years

Comes with case, Li-ion rechargeable battery, charger, label cartridge, and USB cable

What is a label maker for

A label maker has more uses than you can imagine. It can be used at home, in the office, or on a job site, depending on your needs.

At home, you can use a label maker to sort through your personal files, label your spices, organize a craft area, label tool cabinet drawers, or even add decorative labels to your scrapbooks or photo albums.

You can also use a label maker in an office to organize everyone’s stuff, including scissors, pens, staplers, and anything else on your desk to make sure they’re always returned if a coworker borrows them. You can label file folders and file drawers to keep paperwork organized. You can even use labeling machines to make address labels for outgoing mail or packages.

Those who work on various job sites, such as electricians or computer specialists, can also use the best label maker for cables, wires, fuse boxes, and data or communication cords.

Basically, you can use a label maker for almost anything, to help you organize your stuff at all times.

Features to consider when choosing a label maker

The best label maker for teachers, office workers, electricians, or IT people all needs great features to make them interesting. The following sections outline these features so you know exactly what you are getting with your new device.

Maximum belt width

Most label manufacturers can use a variety of ribbon options, but they will all have a maximum ribbon width. This is the height of the label after it is printed. The largest size is important, as the ribbon must come out of the dispensing hole when printed. If your ribbon is too wide, it will jam instead of coming out of the labeler smoothly. Most labelers have a maximum width of about 0.75 to 1 inch, but some models can handle a wider label, such as the DYMO LabelWriter 450, which produces labels up to 2.2 inches wide.

Maximum Lines per Label

The maximum lines per label are also important. The more lines, the more information you can add to the label you’re printing, which is essential for some types of labels. For example, an address label must be printed correctly to be accepted by postal service, so up to 4 lines per label is required for this purpose. Other models, such as the Brady BMP21-PLUS, are designed primarily for use with cables, wires, communication or data cords, and other small, thin items, so it is designed for only one line of text. Ask around to make sure you have the space for your labeling jobs.

Whether it is compatible with a PC, a stand-alone unit or both

There are three different types of units as far as their use is concerned. The Epson LW-400 is a standalone unit, which means that all the settings are built into the unit. You use the keyboard to enter the information you want and print the label when it is ready.

Some other devices need to be connected to a PC or Mac. They are capable of printing the labels but all the settings and software are on the computer, so you have to connect them to create the labels. Then the information is sent to the labeler who prints them.

Models like the Brother PTD600 are capable of being used standalone and connecting to a computer. This makes them a bit more versatile since you can use them at home to get some additional options from the downloaded software. Plus, they are portable, so you can take them anywhere you need them and still be able to print quality labels.

Fonts, sizes, styles

Even a cheap label maker will have a few different font options. This allows you to not only choose the style of lettering, but also the size of it, depending on the type of label you are creating. If you’re just doing simple jobs like labeling cables or wires, basic, small font size may be all you need. Some people use their label makers for more creative purposes or like to add style to their labels, even if they are in their files or on shelves and drawers. You may also want a few more label styles, such as barcodes or address labels, so you can use your labels for a wide variety of purposes.

Dimensions

For several reasons, you may want to look at the dimensions of the label maker before you buy it. The larger it is, the more space it will take up on a desk or table when you use it. If you have a lot of room, this may not be such a big issue, but for those who already have a full desk, the smaller the device needs to be to fit in with the rest of your stuff.

A pocket-sized model should fit nicely in your hand, it shouldn’t be too large or you won’t be able to hold it comfortably as you type. The Epson LW-400 is the smallest model on our list, so if you need a small model for travel or have limited space at home, this may be a good option for you.

What materials is it compatible with?

There are a wide variety of labeling materials, each of which is suited for specific uses. For example, polyester labels are ideal for indoor or outdoor use on items such as pipes, control panels, or tools because of their ability to withstand all types of weather conditions. Industrial vinyl is ideal for outdoor labeling because it is chemical and weather resistant. Polypropylene has good clarity and flexibility. Fluorescent paper and foil have bright colors and are typically used for safety labels. Semi-gloss and high-gloss paper is ideal for food labeling, address labels, or other office needs. The more materials the label maker is compatible with, the more uses it will have at home or at work.

Screen Features

Another thing to consider when purchasing a new label maker is the included screen features. Many of these devices come with a backlight for the screen, which makes it easier to see if you are working in low-light areas. Some labelers also have a feature that allows you to preview the label directly on the screen, so you can see exactly what it’s going to look like before you print it. This saves you money on unnecessary labels since you can make your changes until you have the exact label you want before printing it.

Although not a common feature, the DYMO LabelManager 500TS includes a touch screen. This allows you to choose and adjust many settings by simply touching the screen, which many people find more convenient.

Warranty

Like any other product on the market, even the best label maker can have problems that prevent it from working as it should. This can be due to faulty parts or an error during the manufacturing of the label. A decent warranty will allow you to have the unit repaired or replaced without having to pay extra for problems you didn’t cause.

The longer the warranty, the more time you have to try out your label maker to make sure they are doing everything they are supposed to. The DYMO LabelManager 500TS comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers parts or manufacturing issues. While that’s more than enough time to test your new labeler, the two-year limited warranty offered by most of the other models featured in our articles gives you twice as much time to try out your new unit.

Our verdict

A label maker creates professional-grade labels for any job. They’re also handy for home use, so your child’s toys, crafts, or tools are always neat and tidy. If you’re in the market for one of these handy devices, the following models are worth checking out.

Our favorite is the DYMO LabelManager 500TS, which is lightweight, compact, rechargeable, and easy to use. It is PC or Mac compatible, has memory to store 500 labels and up to 5 user profiles, and includes a touch screen for quick setting changes.

The Epson LW-400 is another compact model with built-in memory and a backlit display. It has multiple settings and styles, can be used with a variety of web options, and leaves small margins to reduce paper waste.

Brother’s PTD600 is the least expensive model on our list, but it still includes great features like a color HD screen, top-loading cartridges, and several settings and styles to choose from. It has a QWERTY keyboard but can also be used with a PC or Mac for even more options.