ConsFirst / Label makers
Label makers: the downsides, first
Wasted tape and fussy Bluetooth each come up for five of the eight label makers we compared, and cheap thermal printers' labels came out faint and failed Wirecutter's dishwasher test while Brother tapes survived. Here are the most popular label makers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared12 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 label makers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Brother
$$$KeyboardYes: prints from the same Brother phone app as the PT-N25BT over Bluetooth, and also has its own keyboard and backlit screenScore 3.9/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 404 ratings.Wirecutter's small-business pick: the same durable Brother labels as its top pick, plus wider tapes, up to five lines of text, a backlit screen, 70 saved templates and a two-year warranty. But it costs about $90, refills run up to $17-22, it weighs 27 ounces, and it has the same cramped keyboard and manual Bluetooth pairing.
Top complaints
- Pricey machine and refillsVery common
Wirecutter says it costs $90, more than any model it recommends, and replacement labels run up to $17 for white tape or $22 for colored tape.
- Fussy BluetoothMentioned often
Wirecutter says it needs manual pairing each time it's turned on. Amazon's summary says some owners report Bluetooth issues.
- Heavy, cramped keyboard, and it wastes tapeMentioned often
Wirecutter says at 27.2 ounces it's too heavy to hold comfortably for long, its QWERTY keyboard is cramped, it wastes tape on continuous rolls, and it needs six AA batteries or an adapter. Amazon owners are mixed on the display, with some finding it too small.
What owners love
- Big design library and multi-line labels
Wirecutter counts 16 fonts, 140 frames and 800 symbols, up to five rows of text and 70 saved templates (vs. 10 on the PT-N25BT). Amazon owners praise its versatility and labeling options.
- Same durable labels, backlit screen
Wirecutter says it prints the same crisp, durable labels as its top pick, and its backlit screen shows two lines of 20 characters, so it's easier to see in low light.
- Two-year warranty and reliable use
Wirecutter says it is the only model it recommends with a two-year warranty. Amazon owners call it one of the best label makers they've bought, with reliable functionality.
Skip it if…- You want a light, handheld unit
- You want cheap refills
- You only label things around the house
Good for- Small-business labels (addresses, inventory, shelves)
- Multi-line labels on wider tape
- The longest warranty among Wirecutter's picks
Scores (tap for why)
- Print quality & durability of labels4.5
Why 4.5?
Same crisp, durable labels as Wirecutter's dishwasher-proof top pick. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Feature-rich, but heavy, with a cramped keyboard and manual Bluetooth pairing (Wirecutter). - Tape cost & choice3.0
Why 3.0?
Takes wider tapes for multi-line labels, but refills cost up to $17-22 and it wastes tape (Wirecutter). - App/keyboard4.5
Why 4.5?
Keyboard, backlit screen and phone app, with the biggest built-in design library of Wirecutter's keyboard picks. - Reliability4.0
Why 4.0?
Two-year warranty (Wirecutter); Amazon owners report reliable functionality, with some Bluetooth issues.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for small-business owners (updated 2026-10-01). The flaws it lists are the price, the weight and the same cramped keyboard, Bluetooth and tape waste as its top pick.
#2
Brother
$$Bluetooth appRequired: it has no keyboard or screen, so you design and print every label in Brother's iOS or Android app over BluetoothScore 3.8/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)6,270 ratings. The listing is titled 'P-Touch Cube' and the same rating count appears on another color listing (B071RSC7ZH), so colors are likely pooled.Wirecutter's pick for on-the-go printing: a 9-ounce, phone-only label maker that prints the same durable laminated Brother labels and has the most design options of its picks, for about $55. But refills cost about $14 a roll, every label starts with about an inch of blank tape, and the Bluetooth link has to be redone each time.
Top complaints
- Wastes tape on every labelVery common
Wirecutter says it adds about 2.5 cm of blank tape at the start of each label, which margins can't remove, so labels can look off-center. Amazon's summary also notes concerns about excessive tape waste.
- Expensive refillsMentioned often
Wirecutter says replacement tape starts at $14 a roll, twice the PT-N25BT's $7 refills. Amazon owners disagree on value, and some find it overpriced.
- Finicky Bluetooth, especially on iPhoneMentioned often
Wirecutter says it must be manually reconnected to Bluetooth with each use. Amazon's summary says Bluetooth works well with Android phones, but iOS users report mixed experiences.
What owners love
- Durable, crisp labels
Wirecutter found its laminated labels crisp and smudge-free, and they survived several dishwasher cycles and stuck to smooth and textured surfaces. Amazon owners say the labels meet their needs.
- Most design freedom
Wirecutter says it offers 61 templates, 146 frames, more than 1,000 symbols, most Apple and Google fonts, and storage for 100 labels. Amazon owners praise the app's user-friendly interface.
- Small and light
Wirecutter says it is about half the size of an iPad Mini and weighs 9 ounces, so it's easy to hold up to a high shelf or carry in a bag.
Skip it if…- You hate wasted tape
- You want cheap refills
- You want a keyboard or a rechargeable battery
Good for- Designing labels on your phone instead of a tiny keyboard
- Carrying in a bag
- Creative labels (1,000+ symbols and phone fonts)
Scores (tap for why)
- Print quality & durability of labels4.5
Why 4.5?
Crisp, smudge-free laminated labels that survived multiple dishwasher cycles (Wirecutter). - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Typing on a phone keyboard makes it easier to use overall (Wirecutter); Amazon owners call it easy to use. - Tape cost & choice2.5
Why 2.5?
$14 refills and about an inch of wasted tape per label (Wirecutter); Amazon owners mention tape waste. - App/keyboard4.5
Why 4.5?
The most templates, frames and symbols of Wirecutter's picks; Amazon owners like the app, though iOS Bluetooth is mixed. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Only 6% 1-2 star ratings, but Bluetooth must be reconnected each use (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for on-the-go printing (updated 2026-10-01). The flaws it lists are tape waste, finicky Bluetooth and no rechargeable battery.
#3
Brother
$$KeyboardNo: no app or BluetoothScore 3.8/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)5,561 ratings.The Spruce's best overall label maker after more than six months of testing: a desktop-friendly keyboard model with 14 fonts, 600+ symbols and water-resistant tapes, listed around $45. Its screen is hard to read when the unit lies flat, it has no app, and Amazon owners say the power adapter isn't included.
Top complaints
- Screen is hard to readVery common
The Spruce says the screen is difficult to read when the unit lies flat on a table, and it previews text only in a standard font. Amazon's summary says multiple owners find the display hard to see, especially in low light.
- No power adapter in the boxMentioned often
Amazon's summary says the power supply is a problem because the label maker doesn't come with a power adapter.
- Value is debatedOccasional
Amazon's summary says opinions on value are mixed, with some owners calling it a waste of money.
What owners love
- Lots of fonts, frames and symbols
The Spruce counts more than 600 symbols, 99 frames, 14 fonts and 25 templates, plus vertical printing. Amazon owners say it offers many features and options.
- Easy setup and tape changes
The Spruce says setup is easy and swapping tape is 'super smooth'. Amazon owners highly recommend it for ease of use, for example for storage bins and pantry items.
- Water-resistant labels that last
The Spruce says the label tapes are waterproof, so labels won't blur when wet. Its tester had used it for more than six months and enjoyed it more than any other label maker she'd tried.
Skip it if…- You want to design labels on your phone
- You need labels wider than 1/2 inch
- You'll use it in dim light (screen is hard to read)
Good for- A simple keyboard label maker with no phone needed
- Pantry and storage-bin labels
- Lots of fonts, frames and symbols
Scores (tap for why)
- Print quality & durability of labels4.0
Why 4.0?
Waterproof tapes and good long-term results in The Spruce's six-month test. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Easy setup and tape changes (The Spruce); Amazon owners praise ease of use, but the screen is hard to read. - App/keyboard3.0
Why 3.0?
Keyboard only with no app; many fonts and symbols, but a screen that's hard to read flat or in low light. - Reliability4.0
Why 4.0?
Still in use after more than six months of testing (The Spruce); 7% 1-2 star ratings on Amazon.
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best overall (updated 2026-07-31). Its only listed con is a screen that's hard to read when lying flat.
#4
Brother
$$KeyboardYes: prints from iOS and Android over Bluetooth with Brother's app, and also works on its own with the built-in keyboard and screenScore 3.8/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 922 ratings.Wirecutter's top pick and PCMag's best budget pick: about $40, with a keyboard plus a phone app, and laminated labels that survived repeated dishwasher runs. The catches: it only takes one 12mm tape type, it needs six AAA batteries (not included), and its Bluetooth has to be reconnected every time.
Top complaints
- Bluetooth must be reconnected every timeVery common
Wirecutter says it has to be manually connected to the app each time you turn it on, and the connection takes a couple of minutes. Amazon's summary says Bluetooth connectivity gets mixed feedback, with several owners reporting poor connectivity.
- Batteries and adapter not included, and batteries run downVery common
It needs six AAA batteries or an AC adapter, and neither comes in the box (Wirecutter, PCMag). PCMag lists the adapter at $23.49. Amazon owners say the batteries run out quickly.
- Wastes tape, and only one tape widthMentioned often
Wirecutter says it wastes up to 2.5 cm of tape per label unless you use chain printing, and its long-term tester calls it 'a lot of plastic waste'. PCMag's main con is that it supports only one width and type of tape (12mm), and the included starter tape is about half length.
What owners love
- Very durable labels
Wirecutter says Brother labels are the most durable it has tested: the PT-N25BT's labels didn't fade, smudge or tear after several dishwasher cycles. Amazon owners praise the label quality.
- Cheap refills
PCMag says all of its 17 tapes cost $6.99 for about 13 feet, or about 4.4 cents per inch. Wirecutter says other Brother models charge $15 to $25 for slightly wider rolls.
- Keyboard plus an easy app
PCMag says both standalone printing and the Design&Print 2 app are easy to use, and it found the app's templates even easier than the keyboard. Amazon owners like the app and how easy cartridges are to swap.
Skip it if…- You need wider tapes or specialty tapes
- You want a rechargeable battery
- You have large hands (the keyboard is cramped)
Good for- Home organizing on a budget with durable labels
- People who want both a keyboard and a phone app
- Cheap refills (about $7 per 13-ft tape)
Scores (tap for why)
- Print quality & durability of labels4.5
Why 4.5?
Survived multiple dishwasher cycles (Wirecutter); highly readable labels (PCMag). - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Simple setup and an easy app (PCMag, Amazon owners), but the Bluetooth link must be redone each time (Wirecutter). - Tape cost & choice3.5
Why 3.5?
Some of the cheapest tape Wirecutter found ($7), but only one 12mm width and type (PCMag), and it wastes tape per label. - App/keyboard4.0
Why 4.0?
Has both a QWERTY keyboard and a phone app; the keyboard is cramped and the LCD isn't backlit (Wirecutter, PCMag). - Reliability3.0
Why 3.0?
Mixed Bluetooth reliability per Amazon owners and Wirecutter; 13% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-10-01). The flaws it lists are a small keyboard, tape waste, Bluetooth that must be reconnected and no rechargeable battery.
- PCMag: 3.5, best budget label printer for industrial-style labels. The cons are no LCD backlight, one tape width and type, and batteries and adapter sold separately.
#5
Brother
$$$KeyboardYes: prints from a phone over Bluetooth, and The Spruce notes it also connects to a PC or MacScore 3.6/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,195 ratings.The Spruce's best desktop label maker and a Wirecutter 'also consider': a $115 desktop unit with an auto-cutter, a color backlit screen, Bluetooth and PC connectivity, and tapes up to 1 inch wide that survived Wirecutter's dishwasher test. But Wirecutter found its menus tiresome and its keys stiff, it weighs 34 ounces, and it still wastes tape.
Top complaints
- Frustrating menus and stiff keyboardMentioned often
Wirecutter says the interface is frustrating because the menu is tiresome to rotate through, keys needed some force to register, and one-touch formatting keys are scattered around the keyboard.
- Bluetooth problems for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's summary says connectivity gets mixed feedback: Bluetooth works smoothly for some, while others report serious issues.
- Big, heavy, pricey, and it wastes tapeMentioned often
Wirecutter says it costs $115, weighs 34 ounces and wastes tape with the auto-cut feature. Amazon owners are mixed on size, with some finding it larger than expected. The Spruce notes no hard case is included.
What owners love
- Auto-cutter and durable labels
Wirecutter says it consistently produced sharp, smudge-free labels that survived the dishwasher, and the auto-cutter made uniform labels a breeze. Amazon owners like the label quality and say it performs better than other models.
- Color screen, Bluetooth and computer connection
The Spruce likes its Bluetooth from a computer or phone, color screen and range of label sizes up to 1 inch. Amazon owners say the app makes things very easy.
- Worth the money for heavy users
Amazon owners consider it well worth the money, and The Spruce says its print quality and design options outweigh the cost of a separate case.
Skip it if…- You want something portable
- You want a simple, fast menu
- You're on a budget
Good for- Batch-printing uniform labels with an auto-cutter
- Office or shop use with tapes up to 1 inch
- Designing labels on a PC or phone
Scores (tap for why)
- Print quality & durability of labels4.5
Why 4.5?
Sharp, smudge-free labels that survived the dishwasher (Wirecutter). - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
Auto-cutter helps, and Amazon owners find the app easy, but Wirecutter found the onboard menus frustrating. - Tape cost & choice3.0
Why 3.0?
Tapes up to 1 inch wide (The Spruce), but it wastes tape with auto-cut (Wirecutter). - App/keyboard4.0
Why 4.0?
Color backlit screen plus phone and computer printing (The Spruce, Wirecutter), but a stiff keyboard and tiresome menus. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
6% 1-2 star ratings, but some Amazon owners report serious Bluetooth issues.
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best desktop (updated 2026-07-31). Its only listed con is that no hard-shell case is included.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Other label maker worth considering for small businesses that want an auto-cutter. It criticizes the menus, the keyboard, the weight and the $115 price.
#6
Nelko
$Thermal appRequired: labels are designed and printed from Nelko's phone app over BluetoothScore 3.1/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)24,648 ratings. The same count appears on other color listings (B0CHJR142G, B0CHJQRRVX), so colors are likely pooled.One of Amazon's most popular label makers (24,000+ ratings, 9% 1-2 star) and The Spruce's best portable pick at about $21: a slim, rechargeable phone-app printer that owners find very easy to use. But Wirecutter found it felt cheap and printed faint labels that didn't survive a single dishwasher cycle.
Top complaints
- Faint labels that don't survive washingMentioned often
Wirecutter says the Nelko P21 produced faint, faded labels, and they didn't survive the dishwasher, despite claims of being laminated.
- Feels cheapOccasional
Wirecutter says the Nelko P21 felt cheap.
- App is a bit clunkyOccasional
The Spruce says the app interface is a bit clunky, though still user-friendly overall, and it can't print in color.
What owners love
- Very easy to set up and use
Amazon owners say it works right out of the box and connects seamlessly to their phones, with one calling it the easiest label maker they've used. The Spruce had no connectivity issues and printed within seconds.
- Lots of designs, barcodes and pictures
The Spruce counts 90+ fonts, 14 languages, borders, QR codes, icons and images. Amazon owners like the many icons and templates.
- Slim, rechargeable and portable
The Spruce likes its ultra-slim body, wrist strap and rechargeable battery. Amazon owners say it's easy to carry in a bag and well worth the price.
Skip it if…- Labels must survive water, heat or dishwashing
- You don't want to use a phone app
- You want a sturdy-feeling device
Good for- Cheap, quick labels from your phone
- Pantry, school and craft labels that stay dry
- Carrying in a bag
Scores (tap for why)
- Print quality & durability of labels2.0
Why 2.0?
Faint, faded labels that failed Wirecutter's dishwasher test. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Easy pairing and quick printing (The Spruce); Amazon owners say it works out of the box. - App/keyboard3.5
Why 3.5?
Many fonts, icons and barcodes, but The Spruce calls the app a bit clunky. - Reliability3.0
Why 3.0?
Still in use after six months at The Spruce, and only 9% 1-2 star ratings, but Wirecutter says it felt cheap.
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best portable (updated 2026-07-31). The cons are no color printing and a slightly clunky app.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: it felt cheap and printed faint, faded labels that didn't survive the dishwasher.
#7
Niimbot
$$Thermal appRequired: labels are made in Niimbot's phone app over BluetoothScore 3.1/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,047 ratings (blue listing). Other B1 listings have separate counts.The Spruce's 'best features' pick at about $35: a rechargeable phone-app printer with labels up to 2 inches wide, lots of templates and very fast printing. But unlocking every design element needs a $4.99/month subscription, Amazon owners say you must use Niimbot's own labels, and print clarity and Bluetooth stability are mixed.
Subscription: Optional: $4.99 a month or $35 a year unlocks all design elements in the app (The Spruce)
Top complaints
- Subscription needed for all featuresMentioned often
The Spruce says a subscription is needed to access all elements, at $4.99 a month or $35 a year, and calls this its only downside.
- Must use Niimbot labels; print clarity is mixedMentioned often
Amazon's summary says label and print quality get mixed feedback: some say prints are crisp, while others mention having to use Niimbot labels and print that isn't the clearest.
- Bluetooth disconnectsMentioned often
Amazon's summary says Bluetooth connectivity is mixed, with seamless connection to Android phones for some but frequent disconnections reported.
What owners love
- Wider labels and many templates
The Spruce likes its labels up to 50mm (2 inches) wide, 13 element types and customizable templates, and suggests it for business owners' branded stickers.
- Very fast and easy
Amazon owners call it easy to use and compact, with 'unbelievably fast' printing in a second or two. The Spruce calls it very user-friendly.
- No ink or cartridges, rechargeable
The Spruce notes no ink is required and it's rechargeable. An Amazon owner highlighted not having to buy printer cartridges.
Skip it if…- You don't want an app subscription
- You want to use any brand of labels
- You need crisp, durable laminated labels
Good for- Wider labels for small-business stickers or bins
- Fast printing from your phone
- Lots of templates
Scores (tap for why)
- Print quality & durability of labels3.0
Why 3.0?
Some Amazon owners find prints crisp, others not the clearest; no durability test from an expert. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Very user-friendly (The Spruce) and very fast printing (Amazon owners). - Tape cost & choice2.5
Why 2.5?
Labels up to 2 inches wide (The Spruce), but owners say you must use Niimbot's own labels. - App/keyboard3.0
Why 3.0?
Many templates and element types, but full access needs a paid subscription (The Spruce). - Reliability3.0
Why 3.0?
12% 1-2 star ratings, and owners report frequent Bluetooth disconnections.
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best features (updated 2026-07-31). Its only listed con is the subscription needed to access all features.
#8
Phomemo
$Thermal appRequired: you design and print labels in Phomemo's phone app over BluetoothScore 2.8/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)28,158 ratings.An Amazon best seller (28,000+ ratings) and one of the cheapest options, listed around $28. Owners like how easy the app makes it, but 12% of ratings are 1-2 stars: owners report blank prints and wasted labels, and Wirecutter found it felt cheap and printed faint labels that didn't survive the dishwasher.
Top complaints
- Blank prints, wasted labels and inconsistent qualityVery common
Amazon's summary says print quality and label functionality get mixed reviews, with some owners reporting blank prints and wasted labels.
- Faint labels that fail the dishwasherMentioned often
Wirecutter says the Phomemo D30 produced faint, faded labels that 'all but disappeared' after its dishwasher test, despite claims of being laminated.
- Feels cheap, and some call it a waste of moneyMentioned often
Wirecutter says it felt cheap. Amazon's summary says value gets mixed feedback, with some owners calling it a waste of time and money.
What owners love
- Handy and easy via Bluetooth
Amazon's summary says owners find it handy and easy to use over Bluetooth.
- App makes images and text simple
Amazon owners say the app makes it simple to add images and text to labels.
- Good for the price for many owners
Amazon's summary says some owners find it good for the price, and some report excellent results.
Skip it if…- Labels must last through water or washing
- You want consistent print quality
- You'd rather use a keyboard
Good for- Very cheap phone-printed labels
- Quick, casual labels for dry places
- Adding images or icons to labels
Scores (tap for why)
- Print quality & durability of labels2.0
Why 2.0?
Faint labels that failed the dishwasher (Wirecutter); Amazon owners report blank prints. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners call it handy and easy to use over Bluetooth. - Tape cost & choice2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon owners report wasted labels and mixed label quality. - App/keyboard3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners say the app makes adding images and text simple. - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
12% 1-2 star ratings, and Wirecutter says it felt cheap.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: it felt cheap and printed faint, faded labels that didn't survive the dishwasher.
- PCMag: Not reviewed. It appears only in PCMag's deals box, with a $28 list price.