
Label makers have become indispensable no matter whether you’re a home user or a business. They offer a clear print and efficient ways to keep track of items with a professional finish. If you’re looking to organise your home, streamline your office or create professional, trackable labels choosing the right label maker will make all the difference. Here, we have the best label makers available in 2025, focussing on performance, industry and ease of use.
What’s the Difference Between a Label Maker & Label Printer?
Label makers are usually an all-in-one device, with a built-in keyboard and display, In most cases, they are built to keep all printing on the device and designed for simple tasks.
Some newer label makers, however, are designed to connect with smart devices, they’re still small enough to be portable, but use apps on phones and tablets to allow further customisation.
Label printers, on the other hand, are larger, and require to be plugged into mains for power, these always require software to design and print labels and are more suited for higher volumes and more complex labelling tasks, like shipping or product labels.
Why Use A Label Maker?
A label maker covers a variety of different uses. These can be used to organise items in your home or label uniforms and clothing. Label makers can even be used for business to, keep track of office items, mark files, create ID tags and produce shipping labels.
The best label maker does depend on what you need, a handheld Brother labeller won’t be much use for shipping labels, but does your home have the space for a large label printer?
The benefits of a label maker include:
- Easily organising and tracking items
- Saving time compared to hand-written labels
- Professional, easy-to-read appearance
How To Choose The Best Label Maker
When considering the best label maker for your needs, consider the following:
Print Quality
On average, label makers have either a 180 or 203dpi print resolution, this is suitable for clear, readable labels. Some high-end label makers go up to 300dpi, this is better for shipping labels, and scannable codes.
Ease Of Use
Find an interface that is easy for you to follow. Another important question for businesses: “Does this fit into my POS system”
Cost Of Ownership
The initial budget for a label maker would also depend on your needs, a simple hand-held home label maker can cost under £30, with low running costs too. But, this would be limited by use, a handheld printer would not cope under heavy use. The budget for the best label maker should be adjusted based on your needs.
Connectivity
All desktop label makers will connect to your PC or Laptop by USB. However, industrial label makers offer additional connections, to easily fit into your current systems.
Label makers can include the following connection options:
- USB
- Network
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- Serial
- Parallel
Handheld label makers often need no connection, with the label being made completely on the device.
Additional Features
Not all label makers use the same labels. It’s recommended to check the label types you’re using before buying a new label maker.
Is it compatible with your software? At Printerbase we always recommend checking with your software, or POS provider on compatible label makers before integrating them into your system.
8 Best Label Makers
Best Overall Label Maker
Brother QL-1110NWBc

Specifications:
- Thermal Direct Label Maker
- Max Print Width 103mm
- USB, Network, Wireless & Bluetooth
- Automatic Cutter
- 300 x 300 dpi Print Resolution
- Uses Brother DK Labels
Reasons To Buy:
- Can print courier compliant labels
- Cheap to run
- Easy to use
- Variety of label sizes available
Reasons To Avoid:
- Needs Connecting To Mains
The Brother QL-1110WNB is the best label maker for both home and business use. It offers wireless connectivity, allowing you to print from computers, smartphones, or tablets with ease. Its wide-format capability supports labels up to 4 inches, perfect for shipping labels or ingredient lists. With fast print speeds and high-quality output, it delivers professional results efficiently.
Best Budget Label Maker
Brother PT-H110

Specifications:
- Thermal Direct Label Maker
- Max Print Width 12mm
- Handheld Printer
- Manual Cutter
- 180dpi Print Resolution
- Uses Brother TZ/TZe Tapes
Reasons To Buy:
- Lightweight and Portable
- Fully Handheld
- Great for Iron-On Fabric Tapes
Reasons To Avoid
- Low DPI
The Brother PT-H110 is the best label maker for those on a budget. It is affordable without sacrificing quality. Compact and easy to use, being fully handheld, without needing a connection to a PC or mobile. It offers 3 fonts, 14 frames and over 250 symbols to customize labels for home or office use. Using Brothers durable, laminated TZ and TZe tapes, it ensures long-lasting labels that resist fading and wear. The built-in QWERTY keyboard and simple interface make label creation fast and easy, making it the top choice for users on a budget.
Best Label Maker For Small Business
Zebra ZD421 Direct Thermal

Specifications:
- Direct Thermal
- Max Print Width 104mm
- USB, USB Host & Bluetooth Lite Connectivity
- 203dpi Print Resolution
- Supports Courier Supplied Labels
Reasons To Buy:
- Supports Royal Mail & Courier Labels
- Various Connectivity Options Available
- Support For Various Label Finishes
Reasons To Avoid
- Difficult To Setup
- No mac Support
The Zebra ZD421 Direct Thermal is the best label maker for small businesses, offering reliable performance and versatile label support. Its compact design saves space while delivering fast, high-quality labels without the need for ink or toner. The intuitive interface, with status icons, simplifies operation, and the wide range of connectivity options ensures seamless integration. Durable and efficient, it’s perfect for small businesses needing quick, hassle-free label printing.
Best Label Maker For The Home
DYMO Omega Embossing Label Maker

Specifications:
- Embossing Label Maker
- Max Print Width: 9mm
- Handheld Labeller
- Manual Cutter
- Uses DYMO 3D Embossed Labels
Reasons To Buy:
- No Plugs Or Battery Needed
- Simple To Use
- Durable
- Ergonomic Grip
Reasons To Avoid
- The Click Dial Can Be Time Consuming
- No Display
- Only One Label Size Available
The DYMO Omega Embossing Label Maker is the best label maker for home use, offering simplicity, durability, and no need for batteries or cables. Its manual turn-and-click system has 49 characters and is easy to use. It also produces high-quality, raised labels that are ideal for organizing household items. The ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, while the durable embossing tape withstands everyday wear. Perfect for labelling jars, boxes, or files and outdoor garden use.
Best Portable Label Maker
Brother PT-H500

Specifications:
- Direct Thermal Label Maker
- Max Print Width: 24mm
- Handheld Printer
- Automatic Cutter
- 180dpi Print Resolution
- Uses Brother TZ/TZe Tapes
Reasons To Buy:
- Durable build quality
- Fully handheld operation
- Easy tape replacements
Reasons To Avoid
- Heavy for a handheld label maker
The Brother PT-H500 is the best portable label maker, designed for reliability and ease of use on the go. With its durable design and handheld build, it’s easy to carry and perfect for both home and on-the-move use. The QWERTY keyboard and large, clear display make label creation quick and simple. It supports heat-shrink tubing, ideal for labelling cables, while the durable laminated tapes ensure long-lasting results. Its USB connectivity allows for easy printing from computers, making it an excellent choice for portable labelling needs.
Best Label Maker For Crafting
Brother VC-500W

Specifications:
- ZiNK Printer
- Max Print Width: 50mm
- USB & WiFi Connectivity
- Manual Cutter
- 313dpi Print Resolution
- Uses Brother CZ Tapes
Reasons To Buy:
- Affordable
- Full-Colour Printing
- Ideal For Scrapbooks
Reasons To Avoid:
- Not Ideal For Heavy Use
- Running Costs Can Be High
The Brother VC-500W is an excellent label maker for crafting. It offers wireless connectivity, vibrant full-color printing, and versatile label customization. Its ZINK (Zero Ink) technology eliminates the need for ink cartridges, producing high-quality labels and stickers perfect for scrapbooking, DIY projects, or personalized gifts. The “Brother Color Label Editor 2” is a user friendly app, which allows quick and easy design creation from your phone or computer.
Best High-End Label Maker
Zebra ZQ630

Specifications:
- Thermal Direct Printer
- Max Print Width 104mm
- Portable Printer
- Automatic Cutter
- 203dpi Print Resolution
- Uses Zebra Labels
Reasons To Buy:
- Print 6×4″ Labels On The Go
- Large Colour Screen
- Can Withstand High Drops
Reasons to Avoid:
- Expensive
- No Cables Included With Initial Purchase
The Zebra ZQ630 is the best high-end label maker, perfect for high label output or places where a label would be under a lot of stress, such as warehouses, industrial lines and construction sites. Its strong build, long battery life, and wireless capabilities make it ideal for on-the-go labelling. With advanced features like RFID and large label capacity, it handles complex label tasks with ease. The user-friendly interface and fast print speeds further enhance productivity. If you’re looking for reliability, flexibility, and premium performance in a portable label maker, the ZQ630 is unmatched.
Best Label Maker For Industrial Use
DYMO RHINO 5200

Specifications:
- Thermal Direct Label Maker
- Max Print Width: 19mm
- Handheld Printer
- Manual Cutter
- Print Resolution: 180dpi
- Kit Includes Carry Case and AC Adapter
Reasons To Buy:
- Clear Print Quality
- Durable
- Long Battery Life
Reasons To Avoid:
- Maximum Print Width Isn’t Wide
The DYMO Rhino 5200 is the best label maker for industrial use, ideal for professionals, whether it’s in construction, IT tracking, or electricians. Its rugged design withstands tough workplaces, while the hotkeys for common labelling tasks like wire wraps and barcodes streamline workflows. The device supports multiple label sizes and materials, ensuring durability and versatility. Its intuitive interface and efficient thermal printing make the Rhino 5200 the best choice for precise, high-quality labels.
Verdict
These are the best label makers from Printerbase for 2025. Featuring our top recommendations for all users, in all industries.
But what is the best label maker? It’s the one that meets your specific needs the best. Whether it’s for the home, office or industrial use. Our top recommendation would be the Brother QL-1110NWBc thanks to it’s variety of label sizes, ease of use and multiple connectivity options.
If you need more help choosing the best label maker for your needs, our sales team will be happy to assist!
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