Office Equipment

The 10 Best Handheld Label Makers

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Lea Kuscer Avatar
Lea Kuscer
28 February, 2024 • Updated 15 days ago
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The 10 Best Handheld Label Makers
It is indispensable to get recognized with your products. A handheld label maker is an easy-to-use tool that you can use for the needs of your business as it allows you to switch the fonts and writing styles.

It can also be used in the kitchen or for hobby purposes to label the jars, bottles, spices, and other things. It enables you to identify the content of your jars and boxes. Moreover, it can also be used in garages and offices.

Handheld label makers are available at reasonable prices. If you are thinking of starting a new business, then you should consider buying one of these little office supplies.

IN A HURRY? CHECK OUT OUR EDITOR’S CHOICE
Epson LW-300

Almost all the handheld label makers come with a QWERTY keypad that makes typing easy. Some label makers enable you to even connect to the PC. In this review, we gathered information from independent media publishers and Amazon to help you with your choice.

Things to Consider

Although a label maker looks like an addition to your crafts’ drawer, it is an indispensable tool for organizing all sorts of things. Before purchasing one, make sure to check what features a label maker has to get the product you need.

1. Large QWERTY keyboard

For starters, you would want to look for a keyboard that’s big enough for you to type on it. This is especially important if your eyesight isn’t in the best shape. Also, ensure that the keys on the keyboard are arranged just like on your computer keyboard (QWERTY) to be able to type faster with two hands and with more precision.

2. Font and size switching

Next, you will have to make sure that you can change fonts and sizes if that’s important to you. Naturally, you won’t have to worry about that if you want to label all of your jars the same. But if you’re looking for a tool you will use for many different purposes, then check if you can switch between fonts and their size on the label maker.

3. Easy-to-read screen

The third factor to consider is an easy-to-read screen. Nobody wants a tiny screen that you can only look at with your glasses on. The label maker has to have a screen big enough not to cause you issues with reading,

4. Different tape cartridges

In case it’s crucial for you to use tapes of different width, make sure that you can add in different type cartridges into the tool.

5. Price

A label maker is an affordable tool that, in most cases, won’t break the bank. However, if you need a professional tool for years to come, you will have to cash out a bit more than you planned.

QUICK OVERVIEW

The Best Handheld Label Makers


Products Features
EDITOR’S PICK
4.3
835+
835+
Epson LW-300
Epson LW-300Epson LW-300
  • 14 fonts 30 styles, 300+ symbols
  • Small margins
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200
  • 14 fonts 30 styles, 300+ symbols
  • Small margins
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200
Check price
at Amazon
MOST REVIEWED
4.2
10,040+
10040+
DYMO 280
DYMO 280DYMO 280
  • 20 plus ways to format text
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50
  • 20 plus ways to format text
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50
Check price
at Amazon
TOP PICK
4.4
385+
385+
DYMO RhinoPRO 5200
DYMO RhinoPRO 5200DYMO RhinoPRO 5200
  • It has a large memory that can store 100
  • Lets you to print barcodes, texts, and other tags
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150
  • It has a large memory that can store 100
  • Lets you to print barcodes, texts, and other tags
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150
Check price
at Amazon
BUDGET PICK
3.3
55+
55+
DYMO 11944
DYMO 11944DYMO 11944
  • Direct thermal print technology
  • ABC keypad and a wide collection of symbols
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $25
  • Direct thermal print technology
  • ABC keypad and a wide collection of symbols
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $25
Check price
at Amazon
BUDGET PICK
4.2
10,040+
10040+
DYMO 160
DYMO 160DYMO 160
  • 8 different text styles
  • 6 types of font size
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $25
  • 8 different text styles
  • 6 types of font size
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $25
Check price
at Amazon
EDITOR’S PICK
Epson LW-300
The king of handheld label makers

If you need the label maker that will tackle any labeling job for you, the Epson LabelWorks LW-300 Label Maker is the right choice.

4.3
835+
835+
  • 14 fonts 30 styles, 300+ symbols
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Easy to use
  • Split back printing
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200

Take a look at the Top 10 Best Handheld Label Maker.

Under $30

DYMO LabelManager 160 Hand Held Label Maker

DYMO LabelManager 160 Hand Held Label Maker

Features

  • 20+ text formats and 200+ symbols
  • 3 different tape widths
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30

DYMO LabelManager 160 Hand Held Label Maker is one the simplest machine that permits you to print perfectly fine labels in less time. This label maker is highly portable; you can take it anywhere with you and print whatever you like. It proffers 8 different text styles and 6 types of font size.

It has more than 200 types of symbols that allow you to make any style of text. The DYMO LabelManager 160 Hand Held Label Maker earned the title of “Best Seller” on Amazon. It has a QWERTY keypad and performs well. It comes with a guarantee of 1 year.

Pros
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Easy to use
  • Smooth tape cutter
Cons
  • Special characters need to be accessed via menus

Brother P-touch PTH10 Easy Portable Label Maker

Brother P-touch, PTH110

Features

  • 3 fonts and 250+ symbols
  • 4 different tape widths
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $30

The Brother P-touch PTH11 offers 3 different fonts, 14 frames, and more than 250 symbols for professional labels. With one-touch keys, you can select the font, patterns, frames, and symbols. The graphical display makes the use easy for you as you can see the label before printing. 

The deco mode gallery has 10 pre-designed labels that can be used to design a perfect and classy label. You can store around 15 labels in the memory and can print 1 or 2 lines of text. It has more than 95 frames, 600 symbols, 6 name badge formats, and 12 Deco mode patterns.

Pros
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Easy to use
  • Adjustable margins
Cons
  • Expensive tape
  • A lot of tape wasted when making labels

Under $50

DYMO Label Maker LabelManager 280

DYMO LabelManager 280

Features

  • 20+ text formats and 200+ symbols
  • 3 different tape widths
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50

The DYMO Label Maker | LabelManager 280 Rechargeable Portable Label Maker offers the connection with MAC or PC that allow you to use any graphics and fonts. The QWERTY keypad makes it easy to type quickly in a facile manner.

You can also edit the text with a one-touch key. Its battery is rechargeable, so you don’t need to buy a battery after a certain time. You can have the access to recently used 9 labels.

Pros
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Easy to use
  • Connects to PC or Mac for additional texts or graphics
Cons
  • Does not work if only plugged in

Brother P-touch PTD210 Easy-to-Use Label Maker

Brother P-touch PTD210 Easy-to-Use Label Maker

Features

  • 14 fonts and 600+ symbols
  • 4 different tape widths
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50

The Brother P-touch PTD210 is a simple machine that makes the label quickly as it offers a one-touch key that sets the fonts, patterns, frames, and styles. You can store your favorite labels in the memory as it has the capacity to store 30 different labels, which is a significant improvement if you look at its predecessor PT200 which had the capacity to store only 9 labels.

Due to its portability and lightweight, you can take it with you anywhere. The Brother P-touch offers more than 600 symbols, 97 frames, 14 fonts, and 27 pre-designed labels.

Pros
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Easy to use
  • Durable
Cons
  • Expensive tape
  • A lot of tape wasted when making labels

Under $75

DYMO LabelManager 420P with Adapter

DYMO 1768815 LabelManager 420P Label Maker

Features

  • 8 fonts, 7 font sizes, 6 barcode types
  • 4 different tape widths
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $75

DYMO 1768815 LabelManager 420P Label Maker offers thermal printing that makes the label without toner or ink. It allows you to print a 4 line text that makes it stand out among other label makers.

You can preview the text on a graphical display before printing.The lithium-ion battery is used in the DYMO label makers that last longer and charges quickly, it can easily be recharged with an adaptor or USB. You can print 6 different types of barcodes, 10 text styles, 7 types of font sizes, and 8 fonts.

Pros
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Easy to use
  • Connects to PC or Mac for additional texts or graphics
Cons
  • Poor print quality

DYMO Industrial Label Maker Rhino 4200 Label Maker

DYMO Industrial Label Maker Rhino 4200 Label Maker

Feaetures

  • 2 barcode types
  • 4 different tape widths
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $75

DYMO Rhino 4200 Industrial Labeling Tool (1801611) is a high-quality handheld label maker with QWERTY keypad. It is designed for industrial use and has all the features that meet the industrial needs.

The rubber bumpers keep the DYMO Rhino Industrial Labeling tool safe from the damage. The hot key shortcut makes the things more convenient for you and with the favorite key you can have the access to the frequently used frames, symbols, and terms.

Pros
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Easy to use
  • Industrial-strength labels
Cons
  • It takes time to get to certain symbols

Under $100

Brady BMP21-PLUS Handheld Label Printer

Brady BMP21-PLUS Handheld Label Printer

Features

  • 6 font types
  • Many material and color options
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $100

Brady BMP21-PLUS Handheld Label Printer is tagged as “Best Seller” on Amazon. The QWERTY keypad allows you to create multi-lines.It proffers 6 different font sizes and an LCD screen that allows you to preview the text.

It is made with a strong material that doesn’t damage and gives a high-quality performance. The Brady BMP21-PLUS Handheld Label Printer receives good ratings among the masses.

Pros
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Easy to use
  • Industrial-strength labels
Cons
  • Rechargeable battery option is expensive

Under $150

DYMO Industrial Label Maker RhinoPRO 5200 Label Maker

DYMO Industrial Label Maker RhinoPRO 5200 Label Maker

Features

  • 2 barcode types
  • 1 label width
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150

DYMO RhinoPRO 5200 Industrial Label Printer (1755749) permits you to print barcodes, texts, and other tags that boost your business or organization’s products. It has a large memory that can store 100 recently used labels and fonts.In the symbol library, you can find more than pre-programmed symbols.

The rubber bumpers prevent it from the damage of falling. People are impressed by its performance and often seen recommending it to others.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Industrial-strength labels
  • Pre-programmed symbols and recently used fonts
Cons
  • Some letters not very clear
  • ABC keyboard

DYMO LetraTag Personal Label Maker 11944

DYMO LetraTag Personal Label Maker 11944

Features

  • ABC keyboard
  • Direct thermal print technology
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150

DYMO LetraTag Personal Label Maker 11944 built with a direct thermal print technology that signifies that this doesn’t need any toner, cartridges, ink, and ribbons. It has an ABC keypad and a wide collection of symbols.

You can preview the text and edit it as it also proffers a 6 character LCD. It can be used on kids clothing, tool-box, folders, files, food containers, circuit breakers, light switches, toys, shelves, CD’s, photo albums, and storage boxes.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Industrial-strength labels
Cons
  • The “S” and the “5” are almost identical

Under $200

Epson LabelWorks LW-300 Label Maker

Epson LabelWorks LW-300 Label Maker

Features

  • 14 fonts 30 styles, 300+ symbols
  • Small margins
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $200

Epson LabelWorks LW-300 Label Maker is an awesome machine that makes stylish labels. Good labels can present the product in a better way that attracts the masses towards it. It proffers 75 different frames, more than 300 inbuilt symbols, 10 styles, and 14 fonts.

You can store around 30 labels in the built-in memory of this label maker. It performs the operation quietly; you can now make as many labels as you want. It supports seven different languages, so now you can choose the one you are comfortable with.

Pros
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Easy to use
  • Split back printing
Cons
  • Poor print quality for curved lines

*All prices mentioned above are at the time of publishing.

Lea Kuscer Avatar
Written by
Lea Kuscer
Lea Kuscer is a nature admirer, ecological cosmetics and jewelry maker, avid traveler, language professor by trade, but above all, a marketing maniac who's enthusiastic about testing new products. Her mission is to share her passion with gadget lovers and those who would like to make their life more comfortable with the best products on the market. Let's get on an exploring adventure together!