Whether you simply enjoy having everything labeled and in its proper place or conduct business that requires precise and accurate labels being printed at a moment’s notice, a label printer would probably be a wise investment.
Ready to start labeling like a pro? With the DYMO LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo Label Printer at your disposal, you can print as many labels as you desire for all of your personal and business needs.
What to know before you buy a label printer
Thermal transfer or direct thermal transfer label printer?
For those who are unfamiliar with label printers, there are two main methods by which you can create them, namely thermal transfer or direct transfer. In the case of thermal transfer label printers, the paper transfer occurs through the use of an ink ribbon and a heated element and is named as such. Direct transfer label printers do not require the use of an ink ribbon and instead make contact with the printhead directly in order to burn the label into specially made, heat-sensitive label paper.
Another thing to consider when purchasing a label printer is the relative durability of labels printed by both thermal transfer and direct transfer methods. To clarify, when it comes to labels that can hold up to exposure from direct light without fading or which need to last for a number of years, thermal transfer is the superior method. In addition, direct transfer label printers do not work well with labels made from vinyl and other atypical materials, so keep this in mind when finalizing your purchase.
Types of ink ribbons on label printers
When using a thermal transfer label printer, one important thing to remember is that the quality of your ink ribbon will play a significant role in how well your labels can hold up to the elements. There are three main types of ink ribbons for thermal transfer label printers, namely wax, wax/resin and premium resin ribbon, with each being better quality than the one before.
As the most widely used and least expensive form of ink ribbon, wax ribbons are meant to create labels for your run-of-the-mill small business or retail location but can’t be exposed to harsh elements. Wax/resin ribbons are ideal for printing labels on atypical materials such as vinyl and are commonly used to make labels that need to be resistant against solvents, chemicals and general abrasions. The king of the heap and most expensive of them all, premium resin ribbons hold up incredibly well in extremely hot and cold temperatures, but will likely not be needed by the average consumer and label maker.
Label printer features
Portability of label printers
Let’s face it, being well organized and having things clearly labeled can be crucial to your endeavors like labeling folders in your office or crawling through an attic while performing an inspection of the wiring. Before you decide on a particular label printer, you should check that it is suitable for the environment where you intend to use it the most.
Capable of handling several different types of label printing
Depending on your reasons for purchasing a label printer, you might have to print shipping and return labels, inventory stickers, barcode labels, name badges and much more. Some models of label printers will allow the user to select between dozens of layouts and styles simply by reviewing the loadout screen for the device itself. Rather than having to individually verify that addresses are correct before being shipped out, you can use the onboard software to automatically verify each address without any extra effort involved.
Methods of connecting to a PC and printing labels
As with virtually every piece of technology being manufactured these days, you will have to buy a label printer that works best with your given operating system, be it Windows, Linux or MacOS. It’s also worth noting that while some label printers are capable of producing labels without being connected to your computer, the chances are good that you will have to ensure a reliable connection has been established.
Label printer cost
Depending on the size of your label printer and any desired features, a label printer will cost between $50-$210, and sometimes more.
Label printer FAQ
How can I print alcohol barcodes with my label printer?
A. In order to create your own retail labels for your alcohol, navigate over to the GS1 US website and create a paid account. Your barcode will need to be registered with GS1 In order to be properly utilized.
How is a corner radius defined?
A. As the amount of curve that each corner of your label has.
Which best label printer should I get?
Best of the best label printer
DYMO LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo Label Printer: available at Amazon
Our take: An excellent unit for both personal and business use.
What we like: Can print up to 71 labels per minute, uses LW labels and D1 cassette labels and works well with both Windows and MacOS.
What we dislike: The unit must be connected to your PC for the software to work correctly, and the unit sometimes arrives with missing parts.
Best bang for your buck label printer
Phomemo Portable Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer: available at Amazon
Our take: A very affordable label printer for home crafters and lovers of DIY.
What we like: Offers one-click printing within 33 feet of the device when used with the Phomemo app, and it can fit in your pocket for easy transport.
What we dislike: Some users have complained that the photo quality is poor.
Honorable mention label printer
Jiose Thermal Label Printer for Labels: available at Amazon
Our take: An excellent label printer oriented towards retail and online businesses.
What we like: Compatible with many major commercial labels for Amazon, UPS and other companies with free lifetime tech support.
What we dislike: Users have reported issues with power failures and issues printing labels of consistent quality.
Daniel Martin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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