(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 refills
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 Bluetooth
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 tape
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.
- You want a light, handheld unit
- You want cheap refills
- You only label things around the house
- Small-business labels (addresses, inventory, shelves)
- Multi-line labels on wider tape
- The longest warranty among Wirecutter's picks
Scores (tap for why)
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.