What's the Difference Between a Label Maker and a Label Printer?
3rd May 2025
IJT Admin
What's the Difference Between a Label Maker and a Label Printer?
Trying to find the best labeling solutions for you? Don’t despair!
In this post, I’ll break down label makers vs label printers in plain English, with insights from my own experiences. I know they sound similar, but trust me when I say you want to get this right!
I’ll cover what each one is, their key differences, and how to decide which is right for your home or small business.
What Exactly Is a Label Maker?
A label maker is a small, usually handheld device designed for quick and easy label printing without needing a computer. Think of those nifty gadgets with a built-in keyboard and little screen – you’ve probably seen one in an office or even your friend’s super-organised garage.
With a label maker, you just type your text, hit print, and out comes a neat little sticker or strip you can slap on a folder, jar, cable, or whatever needs labeling. It’s self-contained: no separate printer or PC needed.
Most label makers use thermal transfer technology (no ink cartridges required!) to print on special label tape cartridges. The tapes are often around 6mm to 24mm wide, perfect for one or two lines of text.
For example, I use my Dymo LabelManager 150 handheld label maker at home to mark up spice jars and kids’ school supplies – it’s quick and the labels come out dry and smudge-free.
These devices prioritise convenience and simplicity. They’re typically portable, can run on batteries, and are built to churn out durable labels on the fly.
However, because of their compact size, they’re somewhat limited in how fancy they can get: you’re mostly printing text (maybe with a few icons or symbols) in relatively small sizes.
In short: a label maker is your go-to gadget for on-the-spot labels and basic organizational tasks. It’s incredibly handy for home use or small offices where you might need to label files, storage boxes, or equipment without the hassle of powering up a computer.
I love recommending a good label maker to folks who value ease-of-use above all – it’s literally as easy as “type and print.” And speaking of recommendations, I have a soft spot for Dymo label makers.
They’re reliable and user-friendly, which is why we sell them at IJT Direct - and why they often end up being my top pick for everyday labeling needs.
What Is a Label Printer, Then?
A label printer, on the other hand, is a more robust device that connects to your PC or network to print labels – often at higher volumes and with more complex designs.
In essence, it’s a specialized printer solely for labels (address labels, shipping labels, name badges, you name it). Unlike label makers, label printers usually don’t have a keyboard or screen on the unit – you control them through software on your computer (or sometimes a smartphone app).
This means you can input more detailed designs: think multiple lines of text, different fonts, barcodes, even logos or images.
Label printers are a staple in many small businesses for tasks like printing postage/shipping labels or product labels, and they’re increasingly popular with home users running online shops (printing all those Etsy order labels, for example).
Most modern label printers use thermal printing technology – either direct thermal (uses special heat-sensitive label rolls, no ink needed) or thermal transfer (uses a ribbon to transfer print onto the label).
The great part is no ink or toner cartridges to replace in either case – a big win for keeping running costs down. Do keep in mind though, if it’s a thermal transfer model, you’ll have the extra cost of ribbons, whereas direct thermal models only need the label rolls
If you need more of an explainer, check out my blog discussing What is the Best Printer for Making Labels?
Key capabilities of label printers
- They can handle wider labels and tags than handheld makers. For instance, my Brother QL-1100 printer spits out 4-inch wide shipping labels with barcodes and logos – something no little handheld maker could do.
- They also tend to be faster. Dedicated label printers can print a stack of labels incredibly quickly. (I was amazed the first time I tried a Brother QL series: it fired out an address label nearly every second – about 93 labels per minute at top speed! This makes them ideal if you have to print dozens or hundreds of labels in one go.
- On the flip side, label printers are less portable and usually live on your desk hooked up to a computer. They’re built for productivity and flexibility, but you sacrifice the grab-and-go convenience of a tiny label maker.
Label Maker vs Label Printer: Key Differences
Now that we’ve defined each, let’s talk differences. Both label makers and label printers ultimately produce labels (obviously!), but the way they do it and the scenarios they shine in are quite different. Here’s a quick rundown of how they compare:
Label makers are more portable
A label maker is an all-in-one unit – no computer or extra equipment required. You operate it directly on the device (using its keypad or touchscreen).
A label printer requires a computer or mobile device to design and send the print job. It’s essentially a peripheral, like a regular printer, just dedicated to labels
- My recommendation: If you prefer designing labels on a big screen with advanced software tools, a label printer wins. If you just want to stand in the garage and punch out a label right where you’re working, the label maker is your friend.
Label printers have more design versatility
Label printers generally handle more complex layouts and graphics. You can include multiple lines of text, different fonts, barcodes, QR codes, even small images or company logos. They’re great for things like shipping labels with addresses, barcodes and logos all in one.
Label printer software (on your PC) tends to be more feature-rich. You can pick from lots of fonts, import graphics, adjust layouts precisely, and even import data (like an Excel list of addresses to print a bunch of labels in one go).
Label makers are more basic – typically one or two lines of text (due to the narrow tape width) and limited graphics (maybe a few built-in symbols). They excel at simple text labels (like “File A-Z” or “Kitchen Spices”) but won’t print a mini logo or detailed barcode with the same ease.
Label makers also have more limited on-device settings – usually a few font sizes and styles pre-programmed, maybe some clip-art symbols. That said, higher-end label makers are getting more advanced (for example, the Dymo 500TS has a touchscreen and lets you choose from many fonts and stores templates in memory).
- My recommendation: If you need labels with anything other than letters or simple symbols in the design, go straight for a label printer.
Label printers accommodate more sizes
Label makers use cassette tapes that produce narrow labels (commonly 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, up to ~24mm tall). These are fantastic for small tags, cable flags, folder tabs, etc.
Label printers can print on much wider label rolls. For example, many standard label printers handle 50-62mm wide address labels, and some (like the Brother QL-1100 I mentioned) go up to 4 inches (roughly 101mm) width for big shipping labels.
Also, label maker tapes often come in continuous rolls you cut to length (with an auto-cutter or manually), whereas label printers can use pre-cut label stickers in various sizes or continuous rolls.
- My recommendation: If you need larger labels (like postage, warehouse bin labels, or large name badges), a label printer is the way to go.
Label printers are way faster
This is a big one. Label printers are generally built for speed and volume, which is why offices love them. They can zip out dozens of labels per minute. For instance, the Brother QL-700 I tested prints up to ~93 address labels in a minute – insanely quick!
By contrast, label makers are slower, usually printing one label at a time at a modest pace (perfectly fine for occasional use, but you wouldn’t want to print 100 mailing labels on a handheld maker).
In my experience, if I’m sending out a batch of parcels, a label printer saves me loads of time. If I’m just labeling some file folders, the speed difference isn’t a big deal.
- My recommendation: If you need to print labels quickly or in batches of more than 10, go for a label printer - it’ll save you heaps of time.
Label makers usually run off batteries and have an easier setup
A label maker is often battery-powered (for true portability) or sometimes AC-powered for desktop models. There’s no external connectivity, except some newer models might connect via Bluetooth to a phone app (blurring the lines a bit).
A label printer usually connects via USB to a computer; some models offer Wi-Fi/Ethernet for network sharing. Basically, label printers assume you’ll be hooking them up like any other printer (some even work with your phone or tablet over Wi-Fi these days).
- My recommendation: If you’re tech-savvy and want to integrate label printing into your computer workflow, a label printer offers that connectivity. If you don’t want to bother with any of that, a label maker is plug-and-play (literally, just turn it on and start labeling).
Label makers are more durable
Surprisingly, both can produce very durable labels, but the tech differs.
Many handheld label makers (like Brother P-touch series) use laminated tapes – the labels can be extremely sturdy (waterproof, fade-resistant).
Label printers using direct thermal paper produce labels that are clear and crisp, but if exposed to heat or sunlight over time, they can fade (not ideal for long-term labels). If longevity is crucial, some label printers use thermal transfer (with ribbon) or you can buy longer-lasting label rolls.
- My recommendation: If you need labels that won’t fade in the sun. go for a label maker or find a label printer with direct thermal transfer.
Label makers are cheaper initially, but can cost more long-term
Here’s where my cost-saving obsession kicks in. Label makers are usually cheaper upfront – you can get a decent one at a pretty low price point (and we often have great deals on them).
Label printers (especially high-end ones) cost a bit more initially. However, consider the supplies: those little tape cassettes for label makers can be a bit pricey per label, especially if you buy branded ones.
Label printers often use larger rolls of labels that can be more economical per label. For example, a roll of 500 address labels for a label printer might cost less than a single 8m tape cartridge that yields a fraction of that number of labels.
Also, label printers (direct thermal types) don’t require ink or toner – just the labels themselves – which can mean big savings long-term if you print a lot. With a label maker, you’re not buying ink either (yay!), but you’ll keep buying those tape cartridges.
- My recommendation: For low-volume printing, go for a label maker because they have a lower initial cost. For high-volume label printing, a label printer will generally have lower ongoing costs (and save you a ton of time, which is priceless when you’re running a business).
Which One Should You Choose?
I like to frame it this way – imagine what you need labels for.
If you’re a home user or a crafter: labeling homemade jam jars, school supplies, photo albums, or your myriad of cables behind the TV – a label maker is perfect. It’s immediate and straightforward.
If you run a small business (like an online seller, an office manager, or a warehouse supervisor): printing shipping labels, address labels, product price stickers, or inventory barcodes – a label printer is likely worth it for the efficiency and professional output.
Can I just use a normal printer to print labels?
Yes, a normal printer can print labels, but it’s not always ideal. For low volume, it’s fine. But if you find yourself doing this often, a dedicated label printer is so much easier and more efficient (and you won’t tie up your main printer for tiny label jobs).
Plus, label printers are built to handle continuous label rolls without jams, something standard printers can struggle with. I’ve tested all sorts of printers, and I consistently find that for lots of small labels, the specialised machine wins in both sanity and cost.
As always, it comes down to scale: use what you have for very occasional tasks, but consider upgrading if labels become a regular part of your life or business.
To Sum It Up
Choosing between a label maker and a label printer really comes down to how and where you’ll use it. They’re different tools for different jobs, each with their own strengths,
I hope this breakdown helped clear up the confusion! If you’re still on the fence, feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to share my first-hand experience and nerd out about the latest models.
At the end of the day, both label makers and label printers are about making life easier and more organised, and I’m all for that. Happy labeling!