Choosing the right handheld label maker can be overwhelming with so many options available. This comprehensive review dives into the top 5 best handheld label makers on the market, comparing their features, performance, and suitability for various needs. Whether you're a home organizer needing simple labels, a professional requiring durable industrial-strength options, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you find the perfect fit. We've carefully examined ease of use, customization capabilities, print quality, and durability to provide you with an unbiased and informative comparison.This review covers a diverse range of models, from the user-friendly Dymo LabelManager 160 and the smartphone-integrated Brother P-touch Cube, to the heavy-duty industrial options like the Dymo Rhino 4200 and Brother PT-D600VP. We also analyze the Brady BMP21 Plus, a professional-grade option offering a balance between functionality and robustness. Each label maker is evaluated based on its strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements and budget. Read on to discover the best handheld label maker for your needs.
Pros And Cons
- Intuitive, computer-style keyboard for mistake-free labels
- One-touch button for easy reformatting
- Lightweight and compact, portable
- Customizable with over 20 options (text choices, clip art, symbols)
- Good print quality
- Long battery life
- Professional quality
- Simple labeling solution
- Keyboard with letters and numbers
- Multi-line printing support
- Custom label widths
- Six font sizes (6-40 points)
- Rugged exterior with rubber bumpers for industrial environments
- Industrial label maker with full QWERTY keyboard
- Many customization options (14+ fonts, 99 frames, 600+ symbols)
- 99 pre-formatted frames
- Allows 7 lines of text
- Creates professional and stylish labels
- Sleek design
- Smartphone input (Android and Apple compatible) via Bluetooth
- Good selection of pre-designed templates
- 60+ frames, 450 symbols, multiple font options
Read more: Top 10 Best Label Printers 2018: A Detailed Review
Dymo LabelManager 160: User-Friendly and Portable
The Dymo LabelManager 160 stands out for its intuitive design, mimicking the familiar ease of a computer keyboard. This makes creating accurate labels effortless, with a one-touch button for easy editing if needed. Its compact and lightweight nature ensures portability, perfect for on-the-go labeling.
Customization options are extensive, boasting over 20 choices including various text styles, clip art, and over 200 symbols. The print quality is consistently excellent, and the long battery life is ideal for extended use. This is a great option for those who need a versatile and easy-to-use label maker.
Brother P-touch Cube: Smartphone-Controlled Convenience
The Brother P-touch Cube boasts a modern, cube-like design and leverages smartphone technology for label creation. Instead of a physical keyboard, you use a dedicated app (compatible with Android and Apple devices) via Bluetooth. This offers exceptional convenience and portability.
It provides a selection of pre-designed templates, plus over 60 frames, 450 symbols, and multiple font options, simplifying the design process. The wireless connectivity and ease of use make it a compelling choice for users who prioritize convenience and a sleek design.
Brady BMP21 Plus: Professional Handheld Label Printer
The Brady BMP21 Plus is a professional-grade label maker ideal for simple, efficient labeling. It features a comprehensive keyboard, multi-line printing capabilities, customizable label widths, and six font sizes (6 to 40 points). Built for durability, its rugged construction with rubber bumpers protects it in demanding environments.
This handheld label printer is best suited for straightforward labeling tasks, making it excellent for items such as circuit boards, panels, and wires. Its robust design makes it a reliable choice for industrial or professional applications where durability is paramount.
Dymo Rhino 4200: Heavy-Duty Industrial Label Maker
The Dymo Rhino 4200 is designed for heavy-duty industrial use, offering high-quality, fast label printing. Its hotkeys and one-touch system significantly reduce label creation time, allowing for quick formatting and creation of labels for items such as flags, barcodes, and breakers.
This label maker excels at labeling large numbers of items quickly and efficiently. The focus is on speed and durability, making it a practical choice for industrial or professional applications requiring high-volume labeling.
Brother PT-D600VP: Top-of-the-Line Industrial Label Maker
The Brother PT-D600VP is a premium industrial label maker with a full QWERTY keyboard for intuitive operation. Unlike some other industrial models with less user-friendly layouts, this one offers exceptional customization with over 14 fonts, 99 frames, and over 600 symbols.
It supports up to 7 lines of text, surpassing the limitations of single-line label makers. This comprehensive feature set enables the creation of professional and stylish labels for various applications. Its versatility and quality make it a strong contender for those seeking a high-end solution.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Label Maker
The best label maker for you depends on your specific needs and budget. The Dymo LabelManager 160 is great for everyday use and portability, while the Brother P-touch Cube offers smartphone convenience. For professional or industrial applications, the Brady BMP21 Plus, Dymo Rhino 4200, and Brother PT-D600VP offer varying levels of durability and customization options.
Consider the volume of labels you need to create, the level of customization required, and the importance of portability and durability. Each label maker excels in different areas, offering a diverse range of options to suit various preferences and needs.