1. Epson LabelWorks LW-300
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Specifications:
- Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.71 x 2.17”
- Memory: 30 labels
- Max Print Lines: 2
- Connectivity: Standalone
- Power Source: AC(sold separately) and batteries
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 1 year
Epson is a reputable brand that delivers some of the best and most durable electronics, including a series of labeling machines. The LW-300 is a model that really knows how to combine functionality and variety. It’s small in size but hides many features under that compact housing.
Freedom in movement
It works on batteries, which is great if you want a portable device that you can take anywhere you want without needing a power outlet nearby. Moreover, you can buy the power adapter separately to make it a plug-powered device without having to change batteries. The double power source is a true advantage that will offer you increased freedom in using it. Also, keep in mind that it can’t be linked to a computer because it doesn’t offer any type of connectivity.
Put a label on anything
It uses thermal transfer that eliminates the need to buy ink cartridges and offers fast results. Simply insert the desired words or text from the wide choice of fonts ad styles contained. It offers 14 fonts, 10 styles, and over 300 symbols so you can brand anything you want. The maximum width is not the biggest, only half an inch, but you can print 2 lines on your tags, like with most devices.
The specialty prints include glow-in-the-dark tags, reflective tags, decorative and iron-on tapes so you can extend the use of your tagging to decorating and crafting, not only organizing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t brand barcodes or pipes, which would have been useful. However, it can memorize 30 tags so you can keep records of the most used ones.
The keyboard is very large so you can easily press the desired keys and make your writing selections that will be shown on the large screen. The menu is available in seven languages, like English, French, Spanish, so the printer can be used by anyone. You will find it extremely simple to maneuver even if it’s your first time using a machine like this. It is covered by a 1-year limited warranty and comes with a set of sample tape cassettes to start branding at any time.
PROS
- User-friendly screen and key panel
- Over 300 signs and various fonts
- It can memorize 30 tags
- Ideal for beginners
- It can print in several colors
CONS
- It sometimes needs a restart as it gets stuck mid-labeling
- Some people describe the customer support group as not helpful
VERDICT
This is a model you can’t go wrong with. It’s compact and portable so you can take it with you anywhere a tag is needed, and it boasts a hefty keyboard so you won’t have difficulties handling it. It works with many types of tape and offers a multitude of font choices so you can get creative.
2. Brother QL-700
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Specifications:
- Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 5”
- Memory:
- Max Print Lines: 3
- Connectivity: PC
- Power Source: PC
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 2 years
A small yet powerful machine that enables you to produce up to 93 tags per minute, the QL-700 stands among our favorite for all the right reasons. First off, it enables you to produce cost-effective tags for
packages, banners, wrappers, envelopes, CDs, and more. It doesn’t just make plain rectangular tags, but also rounded, easy-peel, and pre-sized tags.
As it is a future-forward product, it includes an automatic cutter that ensures precise cuts when you print multiple tags at a time. As the resolution it offers is 300 by 600 dpi, the prints you do with it will feature crisp graphics and text. It makes continuous-length paper printing so much easier, on tapes up to 3’ long. You just have to insert the roll and wait for the machine to automatically adjust the tag template to its specifications, which ensures utter ease of use.
You can connect it to a PC using the included USB cable and import designs or elements you have created using Microsoft Word, Excel, or Outlook. Best of all, there’s no software required to use it for importing from the computer.
PROS
- Can deliver up to 93 tags per minute
- Auto cutter allows you to print multiple tags simultaneously
- It works with long tape that it cuts
- Can be linked to a PC using the included USB
- Compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
CONS
- Some customers have had issues with the sensors as time passed
- Installation can be quite a nuisance
VERDICT
If you know that you plan on doing some serious tag printing work, then you need the QL-700 as it can handle a huge workload in a very efficient manner, printing out an impressive 93 tags per minute so you can have the job done very fast.
3. DYMO LabelManager 280
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Specifications:
- Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 2”
- Memory: 9 labels
- Max Print Lines: 2
- Connectivity: PC, Standalone
- Power Source: AC(sold separately) and rechargeable battery
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 1 year
If you like to stay neat and organized, you need to brand your belongings, that is a given. With this device, you will easily print out durable tags that are water-resistant. Over 200 signs and 6 font sizes, 7 text styles, and 4 boxes are included in the list of options. It can print 2 lines and you
can memorize 9 of your most-common tag so you can have quick access to them.
You can use the accompanying USB cable to connect the machine to your computer, thus being granted access to its powerful editing capabilities which include barcodes, graphics, and fonts.
It features a computer-style key panel which makes it easy to enter and edit any test you want. Furthermore, its fast-formatting keys ensure that it will be a speedy process altogether.
To make sure that the tag coming out will suit your expectations, there is a large screen where you can preview it before printing. Seeing how the machine is actually powered by a rechargeable battery, you get to save money in the long run as no battery replacement is required.
Best of all, you can even power and charge it directly using an AC power adapter that you can buy separately. Additionally, the manufacturing company backs it with a pretty lengthy 1-year warranty, so you need not worry about repairs or an eventual replacement costing you a cent.
PROS
- Prints water-resistant tags
- Intuitive QWERTY keyboard
- Contents can be easily checked on the large LCD
- Uses a rechargeable battery
CONS
- Upon reinstalling a new cartridge, some customers have reported issues with print quality
- Some customers have complained that it wastes paper
VERDICT
Straightforward and reliable in the long run, the DYMO is our recommendation to those who want a smart solution to keep things organized. Its powerful editing capabilities ensure versatility when it comes to the categories of tags you can print out with it, while the durability of these prints will astound you as they are water-proof.
4. Brother PT-D400
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Specifications:
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.8 x 3.8”
- Memory: 50 labels
- Max Print Lines: 3
- Connectivity: Standalone
- Power Source: AC(sold separately) and batteries
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 2 years
Another Brother entry we confidently recommend you try out as it comes at a reasonable price while delivering the quality performance this brand has accustomed us all with by this point, it is an acquisition worth every cent. It measures 12.2 inches in width by 3.8 inches in depth by 8.8 inches in height and weighs only 1.61 pounds, which means that maneuvering, as well as storing it won’t be problematic at all. It is
compatible with tapes measuring 3.5, 6, 9, 12, or 18 millimeters in width, and the maximum print resolution it supports is 180 DPI.
It can print at a maximum speed of 20 mm per second to output your tags as fast as possible and not waste any of your precious time. It can print on a maximum of 2 lines and provides a whopping 99 text frame types to pick from.
It puts 14 fonts at your disposal, as well as 11 font styles. There are 4 font sizes that you can pick between, including small, medium, large, extra-large, and 10 built-in designs to make your tags unique. Besides, its memory can stock 50 labels. The horizontal alignment settings include left, right, center, and justified. When it comes to backing, Brother supports the product and warrants it on parts and labor during the first 2 years after you acquire it.
PROS
- 14 font styles are put at your disposal to customize the writing
- Creates a maximum of 9 print copies
- 10 included templates to pick between
- Comes at a fair, affordable price
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
CONS
- Some customers complain that it wastes tape
- The display lacks the backlight feature
VERDICT
Not only is it a reasonable acquisition price-wise, but this Brother entry puts a total of 14 font styles and 10 included templates at your disposal so that you create unique labels each time. It delivers the tags fast and without fault and it allows you to store no less that 50 labels in its memory.
5. DYMO LabelWriter 450 Turbo
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DYMO LabelWriter 450 Turbo
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 7.25 x 4.08 x 5.75”
- Memory: 20 labels
- Max Print Lines: 4
- Connectivity: PC
- Power Source: AC(sold separately) and rechargeable battery
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 2 years
If you need a compact machine that you can use at home or work, you can go with the DYMO 450 Turbo that is one of the fastest and most accessible units out there. It can brand anything from customized graphics to address tags and barcodes. Unlike other printers that use toner or ink cartridges, this one
uses thermal printing that eliminates the costs and mess of dealing with cartridges. This is a very compact device that can be easily moved and used whenever needed, provided that there is a computer nearby because the 450 Turbo only works when connected to a PC. After all, it doesn’t have a screen or a keyboard incorporated.
When hooked to a computer, you can print directly from any program like Word or Excel and it’s compatible with all the newest operating systems from iOS or Windows. The printer releases 71 tags per minute, at a dizzying speed and it can write 4 lines on each tag, which is something you hardly see in other printers. For the most stress-free operating, a DYMO Stamps software has been included so you can obtain USPS-approved postage tags so you can cut on your postage expenses. In the box, you will find a roll of address tags, a USB cable, a power cable, and a useful guide to using it with any PC or Mac device.
PROS
- 2-year warranty
- Compatible with iOS and Windows
- Can print USPS approved stamps
- Can print more than 2 lines per tag
- Affordable price
CONS
- Wastes very much tape
- It only works connected to a PC
VERDICT
This is another great pick if you want a more advanced printer that uses editing programs on the computer. The lack of an additional power source is a disadvantage, but people who use it at the office find it extremely efficient.
6. Brady BMP21-PLUS
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Specifications:
- Dimensions: 9.92 x 4.5 x 9.5”
- Memory: 16 Mb
- Max Print Lines: 4
- Connectivity: Standalone
- Power Source: AC and rechargeable battery
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 2 years
This handheld printer has been crafted to provide you with versatility. It
can create 4-line tags that can be used for wires, circuit boards, or other industrial work-related needs. You can use this machine in tough outdoors or construction sites because it has been crafted with rubber edges to resist high-impact falls. Also, there are no gaps for dust or debris to fall between the keys, so you can trust it to work flawlessly even after a long time.
The keyboard has letters from A to Z and numbers between 0 and 9, as well as numerous signs. The LCD will display a preview of the tag before printing so you don’t waste paper. Furthermore, 6 font sizes are varying from 6 to 40 points and 100 symbols to pick from. Hence, you can create numerous personalized tags that will help you become more organized. The print resolution is 203 dpi and the maximum width of the label can be 0.75-inch or a minimum of 0.25-inch.
Since this product offers you versatility, you can make it operate through 6 AA batteries or by plugging it in. Whatever you choose depends on the environment you find yourself in. Unlike the other models, this one can implement the time and date on the label and print barcodes.
PROS
- You can hold it in your hand and work with it
- It’s easy to align the text
- LCD is large and backlit
- Suitable for less tech-savvy individuals
CONS
- A limited number of accessories included
- Poor battery life
VERDICT
We recommend this model for heavy-duty jobs, being a top favorite of electricians and engineers. You can print numerous things such as barcodes with different currency symbols, labels small enough for wires, and general labeling.
7. Brother P-Touch PT-D210
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Specifications:
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.7 x 5.9”
- Memory: 30 labels
- Max Print Lines: 2
- Connectivity: Standalone
- Power Source: AC(sold separately) and batteries
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 1 year
You’ve probably heard about Brother sewing machines but what you most likely didn’t know is that you can also find a tagging machine designed by this popular manufacturer. The P-Touch model is one of the most appreciated for its intuitive interface and wide range of features. It’s a standalone thermal transfer printer with a generous LCD and a QWERTY key panel that offers 14 fonts, 10 writing styles, 97 frames, and over 600 symbols for the most varied tags. You can also
choose one of the 27 patterns and just press print to have a tag ready.
Thanks to the very compact size, you can always take it with you to the office, use it at home, or borrow it to a friend. It works on batteries but if you wish, you can buy a power cord and plug it in to make it more versatile. A carrying case is also available for purchase and it helps you keep all your tools and accessories at hand.
The resulted tags are water-resistant and can even be placed at extreme temperatures and they won’t fade away. An impressive number of features is at your service to help you design any label, tag, iron-on tape, or ID you might need. If you wish, you can choose the vertical printing that is very useful for tagging folders, mirror printing, or color printing. You can make up to 9 copies and the printer will memorize a generous number of 30 tags in its built-in memory. We end the list of advantages with the 1-year warranty and the prompt customer support.
PROS
- You can hold it in your hand and work with it
- Accessories are included
- Memorizes up to 30 tags
- Simple to assemble
- An impressive number of fonts and signs
CONS
- Hasn’t got a color display
- It wastes a lot of tape
VERDICT
Clients prefer this model because it can be easily held works as a standalone device that instantly delivers tags. It comes with the basic features like 2-line writing on standard 0.5” tags, but it has an impressive memory and is very intuitive.
8. DYMO LabelManager 160
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Specifications:
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 3.9 x 2.8”
- Memory: Last label
- Max Print Lines: 2
- Connectivity: Standalone
- Power Source: AC(sold separately) and batteries
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 1 year
This model helps you leave a mark on the world as it provides a fast and easy manner to produce labels. As it features ingenious one-touch fast-formatting keys for commands like bold, italics, boxed, underline, and vertical, you can print and edit perfect labels that look as professional as it can get conveniently.
Regardless of your organizational needs, the DYMO LabelManager 160 is sure to do the trick for you as it puts at your disposal 8 text styles, 6 font sizes, 228 symbols, and clip-art images, as well as 4 boxed plus underline. One of its most convenient features is the last-label memory that automatically uses the last design so that you won’t have to re-type or re-edit text and graphics. It is compatible with tags that measure 1/4”, 3/8”, or 1/2” in width and you should use water-resistant DYMO D1 and IND labels.
Due to the large-size LCD featured, you get a clear preview of how the label looks so that you more easily decide if the design satisfies you or not. What adds to convenience in use is the portable design it boasts as you can take it with you anywhere you go without much hassle. It requires 6 AAA batteries to run or an optional AC adapter that you must acquire separately and to help extend battery life, it automatically shuts off if it hasn’t been used in a while. Thus, even if you tend to be neglectful, it has you covered when it comes to battery power. Furthermore, DYMO backs it with a 1-year warranty against defects.
PROS
- Provides 228 symbols and clip-art images to pick from
- A computer-style keyboard helps you type the text fast
- Automatic shut-off helps expand battery life
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
CONS
- It lacks certain common symbols
- Can only print up to 2 lines of text
VERDICT
With one-touch keys, it is one of the best entries from DYMO yet, one that you can have at quite a reasonable price without worrying that quality is lost as it produces professional tags. It’s less advanced than the similar 280 model, but it’s worth giving a shot if you want a budget-smart device.
9. DYMO LetraTag LT-100H Plus
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DYMO LetraTag LT-100H Plus
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 6 x 12”
- Memory: 9 labels
- Max Print Lines: 2
- Connectivity: Standalone
- Power Source: Batteries
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 3 years
Handheld models have the advantage of being easily portable so they can be used for instant labeling. This one from DYMO is very compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Despite the small dimensions, it has
a 13-characters screen and a complete ABC keyboard so you can write using up to 195 symbols, 5 fonts, and 15 different styles on tags measuring 0.5” wide. 3 pieces of white paper, transparent plastic and white plastic tapes are included with the device so you can use it immediately as you buy it.
You can either power it with batteries if you need to take it with you or you can plug it into a standard outlet, just remember that it can’t be connected to a PC. You will know when the batteries need to be replaced thanks to the Low Battery indicator.
To save energy, there is an Auto Shut-off feature that turns it off after a few minutes of standby. It can be used to brand white paper, white plastic, and transparent plastic, and it comes with a roll of each so you will have everything you need to start tagging. Therefore, you can use it to create customized tags and to organize things in your house fast and easy. Thanks to the generous 3-year warranty, you will know that it is designed to last and to work impeccably no matter how many tags you plan to create with it.
PROS
- One-touch button for easy access
- Accessories are included
- People describe as lightweight
- Pocket-friendly
CONS
- Instructions may be hard to follow
- Batteries are not included
VERDICT
We have chosen this model because of its unique feature that sets it apart from the rest. Aside from the user-friendly design, it also comes with tape rolls and a more-than-generous warranty so you can enjoy many years of flawless use.
10. Brother P-Touch PTH110
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Specifications:
- Dimensions: 8 x 4.3 x 2.2”
- Memory: 12 labels
- Max Print Lines: 2
- Connectivity: Standalone
- Power Source: AC(sold separately) and batteries
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 1 year
As it
features a simplistic QWERTY keyboard, you will have an easy time using it to brand your belongings. It even includes one-touch keys that offer you fast and easy access to size, style, frames, and font, so that you may more conveniently select the settings you need. It is compatible with TZe tapes that measure up to 0.5 inches or 12 millimeters, the 4 width it offers including 3.5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 9 millimeters, and 12 millimeters. It allows you to enter up to 15 characters as this is the maximum allowed by its LCD.
The maximum print resolution it provides is 180px, while it is capable of printing out with a high speed of 20 millimeters per second. In terms of tape type compatibility, it works with extra-strength adhesive, non-laminated iron-on fabric, standard laminated and flexible ID. It measures 4.3 inches in width, 2.2 inches in height, and 8 inches in length, so you will conveniently walk around with it to brand everything you need. To properly personalize the tags, you have 3 fonts, 14 frames, and over 250 symbols to pick between. Furthermore, there is a 1-year warranty provided for it by the manufacturing company.
PROS
- Can hold in its memory up to 12 models
- High maximum printing speed
- One-touch buttons
- Automatic shut-off helps save battery power
CONS
- Some customers complain that it wastes tape
- Label size and margins don’t adjust automatically
VERDICT
A portable solution with which you can print tags anywhere, tags of all types, colors, and sizes, the PTH110 is a must-have. What adds to its appeal and makes it a fan favorite is the cheap asking price, this being an accessible option for all interested customers.
11. PUQU Wireless Printer
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Specifications:
- Dimensions:4.8 x 3.23 x 2.36”
- Memory: N/A
- Max Print Lines: 3
- Connectivity: Smartphone
- Power Source: Rechargeable battery
- Barcode Printing:
- Warranty: 18 months
You will be happy to know that you can forget about the flimsy models that are full of glitches and get frequently stuck. You will be able to get neat, clear price labels, cable levels, jewelry labels, and much more. You will get easy, fast, and consistent printing of all your tags up to 2.0” x 3.2”. The thermal printing technology will
eliminate the costs of replacement inks and cartridge repairs. Also, there’s no need to purchase batteries because this model use a rechargeable type.
It’s small and easily transportable, so it can be used at home or at work. Even more, it can assist your business by designing price tags or ingredients labels, as it can write a maximum of three lines. Unlike previous models working on AC or using a PC, this one needs to be linked to your phone. While it doesn’t look like the most reliable product, know the fact that it connects easily and fast. All you will need is your smartphone and a good internet connection. The superior Bluetooth connectivity will allow you to control the unit through the app that accompanies it.
PROS
- Smartphone compatible
- Designed with built-in Bluetooth
- Contents can be easily checked on the large LCD
- Uses a rechargeable battery
CONS
- It doesn’t print in colors
- Some customers have reported minor hitches in the feed mechanism from time to time
VERDICT
The main advantage of this device is that it can be connected to the phone, making it more versatile and comprehensible. It works with many tape sizes and it can write 3 lines, so you can make tags for anything at home, at school or at the office.
12. Casio KL-60
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Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10.75 x 6.25 x 3.25”
- Memory: N/A
- Max Print Lines: 1
- Connectivity: Standalone
- Power Source: Batteries
- Barcode Printing:N/A
- Warranty: N/A
This 4-digit per line model is quite popular as it is available for a reasonable price. On the large LCD, you can check out the typed text to make sure the label will turn out alright. As
there is only one font available with it, you are a bit limited when it comes to the style of the prints produced with it. However, it makes up for this flaw in other departments as it features 46 symbols, 10 numbers, and 151 alpha characters that you can choose between to customize labels as you like. The print head boasts a maximum 5-millimeter height and a 160 DPI resolution.
When you use 9-millimeter or 12-millimeter paper with it, the Casio KL-60 can even print on 2 lines, which is an impressive feat considering the cheap asking price it comes at that might initially have you thinking it is limited and simplistic. Besides these two paper size formats, it can print 6-millimeter labels as well. Of course, it features the QWERTY keyboard you are surely accustomed to by this point so that you type the text quickly and familiarly. Moreover, because it prints at a high speed of 5 millimeters per second, you are sure to produce as many labels as you need in record time. Furthermore, it handles a total of 14 international languages and features an English message function.
PROS
- Puts 151 alpha characters, 46 symbols, and 10 numbers at your disposal
- Can print in 3 sizes – 6 millimeters, 9 millimeters, and 12 millimeters
- Features 3 character effects – underline, shading, and box
- Prints at an impressive speed of up to 5 millimeters per second
CONS
- Features a single built-in font
Prints only one line
VERDICT
Cheap and reliable, the Casio KL-60 is a must-have for those who want to stay properly organized and ease their lives. Its compact design makes it portable enough to be carried around and as it prints at a 5-mm per second speed, it doesn’t take up much of your time either.
Special Entry – For Industrial Use
Brady BBP31
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Without a doubt, the most reliable is this model from Brady that is designed to print on over 16 types of materials, including polyester, magnetic polyester, reflective tape, photoluminescent tape, or vinyl.
It can create glow-in-the-dark tags, pipe tags, signs, tags, or even Ids since it can print barcodes. Although it doesn’t print in colors, it can be used with colored tags. This is a desk machine that is slightly bigger than other models, the reason for which it’s hardly portable.
Comprehensible
It incorporates a touchscreen display and a large QWERTY key panel that helps you easily choose between 5 font styles and over 240 signs and symbols. It can work for 8 hours per day and it delivers around 600 small or 300 large tags.
One of its biggest advantages is that it’s very easy to use, despite the numerous features that might seem cumbersome. Changing the material takes around 20 seconds and it offers the possibility to print multiple copies at a time.
It also memorizes several tags so you can create a list of the most popular ones. The tags resulted can vary in size, starting with 0.5 inches and all the way to 4 inches in width and it can write 2 lines on each tag.
Practical
Before actually printing the writing, you can choose to preview the tags and make sure it is perfect, with no errors, so you won’t waste any material. You can either connect it to a computer and use the integrated apps or operate it as a standalone printer in case you don’t have a computer at hand.
It comes with a full set of accessories including a cutter cleaning tool, the required cables, a cleaning kit, a stylus, and a user guide. The warranty for this high-end device is 5 years and you will enjoy all the customer support you need.
The Utility of Labeling Things
While some devices are considered indispensable, others are used less often so they aren’t considered exactly useful without looking deeper into their advantages. They might seem useless at some point if you don’t realize their functionality. Believe it or not, this small gadget can make your life easier and more organized. What mainly makes tags useful is the way they help you sort, arrange, and find things when you need them. Clutter is awful and once it takes over the pantry, the office, or the closet, it’s hard to get rid of it. Children tend to misplace their things and adults can also make a mess while trying to organize their stuff.
- Branded boxes can help you put all your things in order so that you will always know what’s inside a box without having to take a look inside of it. You can sort your clothes, your paperwork, your personal items, things you rarely use and put them in boxes that will say what each of them contains.
- Things that don’t go in boxes can also be branded so you won’t have a hard time finding them. For instance, you can put a tag on a switch so you won’t press the wrong one again, or you can brand the phone chargers to make sure you use the right charger with each device you own. Power cables can also be tagged to make it easier for you to plug and unplug the right one.
- In the kitchen, you will probably use it very often to sort your spices and all your ingredients. Most machines use paper but some can write on plastic so you can make water-proof and non-fading tags that you can store in the cabinets or in the freezer to prevent clutter. If you brand jars and casseroles, you can even wash them and the tags won’t be damaged.
- You can use the machine for fun projects as well. It can be used for scrapbooks, gift tags, crafts, and message cards that you can use in many ways. A lot of DIY projects include a labeling machine. Another great thing about a good machine is that it can tag addresses that you can use for your mail. The best ones also brand barcodes that can be very helpful at work.
Buying Guide
Now that you discovered how useful tagging can be, it’s time you get a tag maker so you can create as many as you need. To make sure you buy the right one, there are some things you ough to know about how they work and the features they offer.
Writing options
- The more styles, signs, and fonts a device has, the better because you will be able to write anything you want on your tags. As such, look for models with a generous keyboard and plenty of symbols, frames, and patterns that will help you decorate your tags.
Printing speed
- You wouldn’t want to wait forever for a tag to be ready so it’s important to find a printer that is fast and prompt. The ones we have studied have a very quick response to commands and can print at high speeds, like 3” per second. Also, it’s best to look for a model that can make multiple copies and can memorize a certain tag, thus making it easier for you to print at a future time.
Number of lines
- You might need to print larger tags at some point so it’s best to look for a model that can write more than one line per tag. The best models can print even 4 lines so you can make more detailed tags, but most of the models you will find can print 2 lines per tag, which should do it.
Power source
- This can also be an important feature because it will allow you to use the machine in any situation. Those that only work with a power cord are not portable so you won’t be able to use them anywhere you need, while printers that work solely on batteries could run out of power at any time. Therefore, the best choice is a combination of the two power sources that will guarantee you will be able to take your printer anywhere.
Rating Our Picks
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Printing technology
Usually, printers use ink or toner to print writing or an image on a piece of paper. The printers nowadays use a thermal transfer printing method that is a digital technology that involves melting a ribbon coating on a piece of material so that it will stay glued to it.
It’s a very resistant method that ensures the resulted tags will not fade away in time. For added durability, they use the thermal transfer to laminate the material, be it paper or plastic, so that the printed image will last even more.
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PC connection
Although not essential for the proper operating of the printer, the possibility to connect it to a computer extends its range of use. First of all, you can use it faster and in a much easier manner. Secondly, you can print tags directly from PC programs like Word or Excel. The best machines are the ones that can be connected to a computer but also work as standalone units so they are easily portable.
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Printing variety
We looked for devices with a wide range of writing options, starting with a variety of materials to print on. For example, the Brady BBP31 can print on over 16 different materials, including paper, plastic, reflective tape, or iron-on tape. The extended range of materials followed by a plethora of signs and styles are what make the printer truly useful and functional.
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Accessories
Aside from the printer itself, you will also need some additional equipment and it’s always best to get it in the package so you won’t have to spend any more money afterward. This is why we looked for printers that come with all the necessary accessories like printing tapes, software CDs, cables, and user manuals.
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Warranty
The more money you pay for a device, the longer you wish to be protected by the warranty so it’s vital to look for a product designed by a manufacturer that stands behind it. We chose products that come with warranties ranging from 1 year to 5 years. This way, we could be certain that the purchase was warranted by prompt customer service for a very long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the stamps USPS approved?
Only one model offers this feature. The rest do not print out UPS approved stamps.
Can I preview my work before printing?
Yes, all of the models that we have mentioned let you look at what you have created before you print it out.
Does the memory feature save my work?
Yes, you will notice that you do not have to keep redoing what you have already done because it will be saved by the printer.
Can a normal printer print stickers?
Yes, you just need the right kind of paper for the job.
What should I look for in a label maker?
Among the essential features, we mention a full QWERTY keyboard, an adjustable font size, multiple label widths, and the ability to memorize several writings.
How can I create a good quality label?
A good label should be simple, with an easily-readable font even in poor light, on a quality paper, and it should contain all the important details.
What can I do with a label maker?
You can create tags for boxes, organize files, make gift tags, place cards, label cords, and many other useful things that help you become a more organized person.
What can I label at home?
There’s not a limit to what you can tag. From spices and herbs in the pantry to shelf boxes and even files and binders in the office, everything can become more organized.
Do I need a device for making labels?
These devices make our life stress-free by helping us keep things in order. It’s much at ease to find stuff in large containers if the container has a label on it, letting you know which category of items is placed inside it.
Which is the most user-friendly model?
This depends on some aspects, like the symbol interface or the keyboard size. If you don’t need it for complicated tasks, you can pick the simplest models with the fewest features.
Conclusion
You probably are convinced by now that you need a device to help you create tags for items at home or at the workplace. In case you need some extra assistance in picking a model, we made a short chart of the most popular items based on their main particularities. This will make it simpler for you to decide which one you need, considering what it can be used for.
Best Overall:
Epson LabelWorks LW-300
Costlier but worth every cent, it boasts a more modern design and functionality. As it can memorize up to 30 tags, you can call your favorite designs that you use most often at the simple touch of a button. Its key highlight is versatility as it includes specialty prints so that you can use it to make iron-on tapes, reflective tags, and more. It provides numerous writing styles and symbols, so there isn’t anything that you won’t be able to write with it.
Editor’s Choice:
Brother QL-700
It’s no wonder that this product is our favorite, considering it’s a forward-thinking device that can be connected to a computer, thus making your tagging much easier. It can write on three lines so you can create tags as wide as 2.5”, being the largest width we have encountered in the models analyzed. Its versatility extends to the point where it can make barcodes using the personalized editing program compatible with Windows.
Best Label Maker for Home Organization:
DYMO LabelManager 280
This small-size tag maker is the perfect pick for use at home as you can store it in a drawer and take it out whenever you need it. It can instantly print labels of various widths so you won’t have trouble labeling the kitchen, the pantry, the office, or the kids’ room. It can memorize the top 9 labels you use most often so you can access them at the touch of a button. Moreover, if you want more complex tags, it can be connected to a PC and you can get creative.
Best Label Maker for Electricians:
Brady BMP21-PLUS
This small-size tag maker is the perfect pick for use at home as you can store it in a drawer and take it out whenever you need it. It can instantly print labels of various widths so you won’t have trouble labeling the kitchen, the pantry, the office, or the kids’ room. It can memorize the top 9 labels you use most often so you can access them at the touch of a button. Moreover, if you want more complex tags, it can be connected to a PC and you can get creative.
Best Label Maker for Crafters:
Brother P-Touch PT-D210
A fan favorite by definition, this model provides a staggering 27 templates, over 600 signs, 14 font sizes, 97 frames, and 10 writing styles to let you customize each tag the way you like to. You can design gift cards, appreciation notes, clothes tags, and it will be much easier for you to organize your props and supplies by clearly labeling boxes and containers. Best of all, it’s one of the most affordable options, so there’s no denying its worthiness.
Best Label Maker for Teachers:
DYMO LetraTag LT-100H Plus
If you work with kids and you need a tag making machine for use at school, this is an excellent option mainly due to its affordable price and the diversity of fonts, signs, and styles it can offer. It’s small, so it will be comfortable to take to class, and it will help you create games and educational activities for all your pupils. It can memorize 9 of your most commonly-printed tags and it can print on white or transparent tape.