The Best 7 Label Printers for Small Business (2025)

Whether you’re selling shampoo, clothing, or soap, a good label printer can quickly produce labels for facing,inventory management, and shipping. 

But with a bewildering variety of label printer brands on the market, picking the right one can be challenging. From the initial price to features, print quality, speeds, and running costs, there’s so much to think about before buying a label printer.

Not sure what you’re after? Discover nine of the best label printers for small businesses, including their features and a handy guide to finding the right one. 

9 best label printers for small business

1. DYMO 5XL shipping printer
2. Brother QL Wi-Fi label printer
3. Zebra USB label printer
4. Zebra ZSB wireless label printer
5. Rollo label printer
6. DYMO LabelWriter® 4XL
7. Jadens thermal label printer
8. Brother P-touch CUBE
9. Phomemo M110 Mini Label Printer

1. DYMO 5XL Shipping Label Printer

Best for high-volume shipping needs

Type: Thermal

Battery: No (requires AC adapter)

DPI: 300

Printing speed: Up to 53 labels per minute

Connectivity options: USB, LAN 

Price: $209

The DYMO 5XL is designed for retailers who need to print four-inch by six-inch shipping labels directly from major online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and for shipping platforms like DHL, UPS, and FedEx.

It’s compact, not too large to sit on a desk, and produces crisp, clear, and precise labels, so you won’t have to wrestle with sheet labels. 

The printer’s economic thermal printing technology eliminates the need for costly ink cartridges or toner and has less smudging than laser and ink-jet printers. And, like other thermal printers, the DYMO 5XL offers fast printing speed and high dots-per-inch (dpi) resolution, making it an excellent choice for high-volume printing tasks.

Installation and setup are easy, though you’ll need to download the DYMO Connect software and connect a computer via USB or Ethernet connectivity. Then, you can add text or images, edit them to the desired size, send them to print, and get your label in seconds. 

And with its Automatic Label Recognition feature, it’s easy to know the size, color, and label types loaded into the printer and how many are remaining—no more running out of labels mid-job.

Many label printers come with built-in batteries, so you can print even when there’s no outlet to use for power. However, the DYMO 5XL is designed to operate while plugged into an electrical outlet and does not have built-in batteries. If that’s not a dealbreaker and you primarily want a label printer you can press into service as a quasi-portable with AC power only, this printer will serve you well. But if portability is a priority, you’ll want to explore other options. 

Pros

• Easy installation 
• Quick setup
• Fast printing
• High-quality prints 
• Doesn’t need ink or toner
• Reduces label waste

Cons

• Restricted to use of approved label stock
• No built-in battery for portable use
• No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
• Requires DYMO software download

2. Brother QL Wi-Fi label printer

Multiple connectivity options

Type: Direct thermal

Battery: No (AC power only)

DPI: 300

Printing speed: 110 mm per second

Connectivity options: Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 

Price: $339

Brother is an established, premier provider of home office and business products and solutions, including point-of-sale (POS) hardware, scanners, and printers. The printer is engineered with flexible ethernet, and wireless interfaces, and Bluetooth wireless technology, so you can create and print adhesive labels from a phone or tablet. A USB host interface is available, which you can use with a peripheral, such as a scanner.

Its QL Wi-Fi label printer boasts a compact and sleek design and high-speed printing. It can create up to four-inch paper labels for postage, envelopes, packages, and more. One of its nifty features is the automatic crop function, which allows you to print product and barcode labels from letter-size or A4 label sheet templates. 

Like many modern label printers, the Brother QL delivers fast printing for crisp text and graphics and up to 69 standard labels per minute. Simply connect the printer to your computer or mobile device to design and print customized labels.

Pros

• Easy to connect and set up
• Doesn’t take up much space
• Can print various sizes and shapes
• Multiple connectivity options
• No ink, toner, or ribbons to replace
• Integrates with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Cons

• Expensive compared to other label printers 
• Automatic crop only works with Windows
• No built-in battery

3. Zebra USB label printer

Durable basic printer

Type: Direct thermal

Battery: No (AC power)

DPI: 203

Printing speed: 102 mm per second

Connectivity options: USB

Price: $269

The Zebra USB label printer is the most basic, stripped-down model in the ZD series, but it delivers reliable printing at an affordable price. 

The printer has a clamshell design, dual-wall construction, and an all-metal printhead for added durability, even in harsh environments. This makes it ideal for printing a variety of labels, tags, passes, and receipts in light manufacturing, transportation and logistics, retail, and health care applications.

The print quality meets the industry standard for resolution, which is perfect for text and barcodes. This ensures clear and readable four-inch labels are produced quickly and effectively for most applications. And with the printer’s increased memory, you can store fonts and graphics, while its Print DNA Basic technologies let you print labels more cost-effectively. 

It’s simple to install, so you can get printing right out of the box. For easy operation, the printer comes with USB connectivity for universal interoperability and a single feed/pause button interface with one LED light to indicate printer status. 

The ZD220 is primarily designed for basic stationary use and does not include wireless options, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Plus, the printer lacks rechargeable batteries, making it unsuitable for on-the-go use.

Pros

• Durable build
• Easy to store
• Cost-effective 
• No ink or toner needed
• Increased memory for storing more fonts and graphics
• Worldwide service and support

Cons

• Can’t hold large rolls of media
• Not ideal for mid-range or high-quality printing applications
• Minimalistic interface complicates setup and setting adjustments
• Limited resolution can’t support very small imagery

4. Zebra ZSB wireless label printer

Eco-conscious with compostable cartridges

Type: Direct thermal

Battery: No (AC power)

DPI: 300

Printing speed: 102 mm per second 

Connectivity options: Wi-Fi

Price: $169 (2-inch model), $299 (4-inch model)

The Zebra ZSB wireless label printer is all business and looks the part too: sleek and relatively compact. 

The printer doesn’t need ink or toner subscriptions and comes in both a two-inch and a four-inch cloud connected model. Print quality is crisp and clear, making it ideal for applications requiring precision and clarity, such as small text, fine barcodes, logos, and more intricate designs. Plus, you can print up to 73 labels a minute. 

Setup is simple and intuitive, thanks in part to the ZSB Series app and the guided mobile setup process.

When you first power on the printer, it automatically prints a label with a QR code. Zebra ingeniously worked this into the printer so you can scan with your mobile device’s camera and download the ZSB Series App. Then, follow the setup guide to get connected and view and manage your label designs on the ZSB Series mobile workspace.

You can create labels from scratch on a computer using the ZSB printer’s label designer or use a pre-made template for printing on a mobile device. The ZSB app will show how many labels you have left and which label cartridge size is currently in use.

One of the ZSB Series printers’ major selling points is the eco-friendly compostable label cartridges. These cartridges reduce the release of harmful substances during printing and disposal, contributing to a healthier environment. 

The main downside, particularly for the four-inch model, is the size of the unit, but it’s compatible with most major shipping and ecommerce platforms, MS Office, and Google Contacts.

Pros

• Easy installation and setup
• High-quality prints
• Eco-friendly printing
• Variety of label formats
• No ink or toner needed
• Compatible with major shipping and ecommerce platforms

Cons

• 4-inch model is bulky
• Requires Zebra mobile app and labels
• No USB connectivity
• No built-in battery

5. Rollo label printer

Flexible with various label sizes

Type: Thermal

Battery: No (AC power)

DPI: 203

Printing speed: 150 mm per second

Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, USB 

Price: $180 (USB model), $260 (wireless model)

The Rollo label printer is made of shiny white plastic with a top cover release latch, rear label feed slots, and purple highlights on the front for a sleek, modern design. 

Once you feed the paper labels into the rear slot, the Rollo printer’s mechanism moves back and forth to determine label size and find gaps between labels. Then, it positions the leading edge to print the first label.

Rollo works with almost any thermal direct label paper, so you don’t need to buy expensive proprietary rolls. While it’s ideal for printing four-inch by six-inch barcode and address labels, there are no length restrictions. You can also print labels with different widths, like name tags and barcodes, more quickly and easily. 

The printer comes in a USB and wireless model, both of which offer high-speed printing and compatibility with all marketplaces. However, the USB model only works with computers, while the wireless model offers intelligent label detection, ships with a free pack of four-inch by six-inch eco-friendly labels, and works with various devices and operating systems. You will need to download the Rollo app to print via Wi-Fi, though.

Pros

• Ink-free printing
• Fast printing speed
• Wireless convenience
• Works with almost any thermal label paper
• Variety of label sizes for various shipping needs
• Intelligent label detection
• Integrates with all marketplaces

Cons

• Wireless model requires Rollo app
• No built-in battery 
• Cumbersome and clunky plastic tray
• Some users complain of poor print quality and precision issues

6. DYMO LabelWriter 4XL

Standard shipping label workhorse

Type: Thermal

Battery: No (AC power)

DPI: 300

Printing speed: Up to 53 labels per minute

Connectivity options: USB 

Price: $307

Although the DYMO 5XL is faster, has better connectivity, and automatic label recognition, among other upgrades, the DYMO 4XL is still a good option. Its specialized design for wide-format printing and reliable paper handling system make it particularly well-suited for high-volume shipping labels and other large-format applications.

The printer is compatible with desktop computers and supports printing both barcode and extra-large four-inch by six-inch shipping labels for major shipping platforms directly from popular ecommerce sites. 

Like the 5XL model, this printer comes with the free DYMO Connect software, which lets you customize your labels with more than 60 templates and customizable texts and graphics. Printing is fast and easy at 300 dpi resolution and up to 53 crystal clear standard labels per minute. 

Pros

• Easy setup and installation
• Fast printing
• Durable 
• Can use custom or third-party labels

Cons

• Expensive
• No automatic label recognition
• No Bluetooth or Ethernet connectivity

7. Jadens thermal label printer

Budget-conscious with basic features

Type: Thermal

Battery: Rechargeable

DPI: 203

Printing speed: 150 mm per second

Connectivity options: Bluetooth, USB

Price: $120

You don’t have to splash out for a high-end label printer. There are plenty of budget picks, like the Jadens Bluetooth label printer. 

Don’t let the price tag fool you—it’s a strong choice with a handful of great features, like automatic label alignment, high-speed printing, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a label holder, and compatibility with all major marketplaces and shipping platforms.

The printer works with rolls and fanfold thermal direct label paper, cranking out 72 clear and waterproof labels per minute. 

Pros

• Easy to install and use
• Ink-free printing
• Wireless convenience
• Small, compact, and portable
• Affordable than other options
• Color label printer model available

Cons

• Basic features
• Requires Jadens app to use
• Potential label wastage
• Some users complain about dropping the Bluetooth connection

8. Brother P-touch CUBE

A compact option with a mobile app integration

Type: Thermal

Battery: AAA batteries

DPI: 180 

Printing speed: 30 mm per second

Connectivity options: Bluetooth, USB 

Price: $60

The P-touch CUBE is a lightweight, portable label maker that lets you create custom labels from your mobile device. 

It works with a variety of label tapes and offers dozens of stylish label templates, fonts, frames, and colors for creating labels that match your brand. A built-in automatic cutter is included, so you can easily create perfectly sized labels with the simple push of a button.

The corresponding free Design&Print2 app is intuitive and well-organized. The app offers features like text recognition to insert text automatically, translation to multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and German, and cloud storage.

Pros

• Easy to carry and use on the go
• Built-in cutter makes clean, precise cuts 
• Comes with free phone support for the life of the product
• Can print barcodes and vertical labels
• Works with or without battery
• Design&Print2 app offers various options for multiple label-making needs

Cons

• No Wi-Fi connectivity
• Prints only two lines per label
• Not compatible with desktop PCs
• Some users report a bit of wasted label with each print

9. Phomemo M110 mini label printer

Rechargeable portable option

Type: Thermal

Battery: Rechargeable

DPI: 203 

Printing speed: 20 mm per second

Connectivity options: USB-C, Bluetooth 

Price: $50

The Phomemo M110 is a compact label maker that prints quickly and easily from any device. It pairs with the Printer Master Smart app, offering over 100 free templates and a wide range of fonts, styles, and images to help you create custom labels. You can also preview your labels and make sure they are perfect before printing them, so you don’t waste tape.

While slightly bulkier than other label printers, the Phomemo M110 offers extra flexibility with label sizes, easy cutting, and durability. Its Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature makes scanning images easy and instantly converting text into editable or ready-to-print labels in seconds.

With a rechargeable battery providing 3-4 hours of continuous printing (about 13 rolls), and a print speed of up to 18 mm per second, the M110 is perfect for high-volume tasks without frequent recharging.

Pros

• Simple setup
• Fast and easy to operate
• Lots of label templates to choose from
• Works with computers and mobile devices
• Comes in five stylish colors

Cons

• Comes with small labels, which may be restrictive for certain labeling tasks 
• Limited battery life
• Doesn’t print in color
• Relies on the Phomemo app, so app issues may limit functionality

What to consider when choosing the best label printer for small business

Finding the best label printer can be a challenging quest. To help, we’ve put together a list of five key aspects to review when comparing your options.

Print quality

A label printer is only as good as the labels it prints, but output quality depends on the printer’s resolution, which is measured in dots per inch (dpi). 

The industry standard is 203 dpi, which prints clear and readable labels and meets the needs of most applications. But you’re better off with label printers offering at least 300 dpi resolution for crystal-clear labels and little or no smudging after printing. This will preserve the quality of your shipments and make the right impression on your customers.

Print speed

Time is money in business. You need a printer that can cope with the demands of your store, especially if you have a high volume of orders. For example, if you sell coffee online, a label printer with fast printing speeds can help maintain a smooth workflow during peak hours, ensuring you label each order without delay and reduce wait times.

Print speed is measured in labels per minute. For instance, the DYMO 5XL prints 53 labels per minute, while the Brother QL can print 69 labels per minute. 

The choice ultimately depends on your shipping needs. If you’re just starting out, a printer with a lower printing speed may be a good fit. As your business scales, you can upgrade to one with faster speeds and batch printing capabilities. 

Connectivity options

The best label printer for small businesses offers a variety of connectivity options. Most options connect to a phone or computer with a USB cable, but some (usually costlier) models offer Bluetooth, Ethernet, and wireless connectivity, so you can print labels from mobile and desktop devices.

Depending on how and where you want to use the printer, you can pick one with USB or wireless connectivity or a combination of USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. A label printer with wireless connectivity, for instance, is more versatile and ideal for use in multiple locations or on the go, while a USB-only printer works well in one location.

Consider label printers that offer both USB and wireless capabilities for seamless connectivity. 

Label size and variety 

Ensure the label printer accommodates your label dimensions. 

Most standard shipping labels are four by six inches, which many label printers support. But some printers support eight or 8.6 inches for large-format labels, which might rule out a few options you’re considering. 

To find the right printer, get samples and costs per print, and consider the label material (paper or synthetic), format (fanfold or roll), adhesives, and range of sizes supported. 

Cost

Just because one printer is more affordable than another doesn’t always mean it’s cost-effective.

The upfront cost of the printer is just one piece of your investment. Running costs, like ink cartridges, toner subscriptions, rolls, label tape, stickers, maintenance parts, and possible downtime, can quickly rack up the overall price tag. A competitively priced label printer with more affordable consumables might keep your long-term expenses low. 

Do the math to get a clearer picture of what your costs will look like in a year before buying a printer.

Streamline your shipping operations with label makers

The best label printer for small businesses offers all the features you need, produces quality output, and delivers quick, reliable performance when needed, without requiring much upkeep or tons of expensive ink. 

Ultimately, only you can decide which one is right for your business. Test different label makers and printers before committing to a decision.