The Best 7 Label Printers for Small Business (2025)

Whether you’re selling shampoo, clothing, or soap, a good label printer can quickly produce quality labels for retail 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 consider before buying a label printer for your business.

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

Our top label printer picks for 2025

Seven best label printers for small businesses

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

1. Rollo Label Printer

Top benefit: Flexible with various label sizes

Type: Thermal transfer

Battery: No (AC power)

DPI: 203

Printing speed: 150 mm per second

Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, USB 

Price: $199.99 (USB model) | $279.99 (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 is a great label maker for small businesses because it works with almost any thermal direct label paper, so you don’t need to buy expensive proprietary rolls. While it’s ideal for printing 4-inch by 6-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. 

Two models are available:

• USB model: Desktop unit that connects to macOS or Windows
• Wireless model: Prints from phones, tablets, or Chromebooks via the Rollo app

Both versions output at the same speed and resolution. The choice comes down to whether cable-free printing is worth the premium. 

Pros

• Ink-free direct-thermal printing
• High 150 mm-s print speed
• Works with most third-party label rolls
• Wide label-width range
• Intelligent auto-calibration
• USB model is plug-and-play; wireless model prints from any device

Cons

• Rollo app mandatory for Wi-Fi printing
• No built-in battery
• Bulky plastic catch tray
• Occasional reports of alignment drift at very long print runs

2. Brother QL Wi-Fi label printer

Top benefit: 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’s QL-1110NWB slips a full-width, 4-inch print engine into a compact matte black shell. The unit’s multiple ports—USB for desktops, Ethernet for hardwired networks, Wi-Fi for cable-free offices, and Bluetooth for smartphones—let teams print from almost any device without adapters. It’s also compatible with Shopify and is available in the POS Hardware Store.

A built-in auto-cutter and automatic crop mode transform letter-size or A4 label templates into perfectly trimmed product or barcode stickers. Direct thermal technology keeps consumable costs low (no ink, toner, or ribbons), and the 300 dpi head produces sharp text and dense barcodes suitable for postal and retail compliance.

Using Brother’s free P-touch Editor or iPrint&Label app, you can design labels, pull data from Microsoft Word, Excel, or Outlook, and push jobs wirelessly. At 110 millimeters per second, the printer churns through high-volume batches, yet remains quiet enough for front-of-house counters.

Pros

• Four connectivity methods cover PCs, tablets, and phones
• 300 dpi resolution for crisp graphics and barcodes
• Auto-crop and auto-cut streamline multi-label sheets
• Accepts die-cut or continuous rolls up to 4.1 inches wide
• No ink, toner, or ribbon replacements
• Integrates directly with MS Office apps

Cons

• Premium price bracket for a desktop unit
• Auto-crop available only on Windows versions of P-touch Editor
• Lacks built-in battery for true portability

3. Zebra USB Label Printer

Top benefit: 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: $88.88 (2-inch model) | $99.99 (4-inch model)

The sleek Zebra USB (ZSB) wireless label printer is all business. This printer doesn’t need ink or toner subscriptions. It comes in both a 2-inch and a 4-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 per minute. 

Setup is intuitive and straightforward. Power the unit on, scan the auto-printed QR code, and follow the ZSB mobile walkthrough. The app handles firmware updates, remote design editing, and live supply monitoring, flagging remaining labels and cartridge size in real time. 

From a browser or phone, you can build layouts from scratch or tweak Zebra’s template library, then push jobs to any ZSB printer on the account.

Eco-friendly, compostable label cartridges are the marquee feature. Each snap-in cassette is made of plant-based material and drops cleanly into household compost or industrial recycling, eliminating the microplastic peel-back common to conventional rolls.

The main downside, particularly for the 4-inch model, is the larger size of the unit, but it’s compatible with most major shipping and ecommerce platforms, MS Office, and Google Contacts.

Pros

• Quick, app-guided setup
• 300 dpi output for fine text and barcodes
• Compostable, drop-in label cartridges
• No ink or toner replacements necessary
• Template library plus custom cloud designer
• Integrates with top shipping and ecommerce platforms

Cons

• 4-inch model has a larger footprint than rivals
• Requires Zebra ZSB app and proprietary cartridges
• Wi-Fi connection only
• No built-in battery for mobile popups

4. Jadens thermal label printer

Top benefit: Budget-conscious with basic features

Type: Thermal transfer

Battery: Rechargeable

DPI: 203

Printing speed: 150 mm per second

Connectivity options: Bluetooth, USB

Price: $89.99

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 lower price tag fool you—it’s a strong choice with a handful of great features. For example, it includes: 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
• More affordable than other options
• Color label printer model available

Cons

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

5. DYMO 5XL Shipping Label Printer

Top benefit: Best for high-volume shipping needs

Type: Thermal transfer

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 4-inch by 6-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. Plus, it has less smudging than laser and inkjet printers. 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. 

With DYMO’s 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 other 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 operates 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

6. Brother P-touch CUBE

Top benefit: 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 cloud storage and text recognition to insert text automatically. Plus, it lets you translate into multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and German.

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

7. Phomemo M110 mini label printer

Top benefit: Rechargeable portable option

Type: Thermal

Battery: Rechargeable

DPI: 203 

Printing speed: 20 mm per second

Connectivity options: USB-C, Bluetooth 

Price: $51.99

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. It can also instantly convert text into editable or ready-to-print labels in seconds.

With a rechargeable battery providing three to four hours of continuous printing (about 13 rolls), and a print speed of up to 18 millimeters 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 key aspects to review when comparing your options.

Direct thermal versus thermal transfer

One of the first decisions you’ll make is the type of printing method a printer uses. 

There are two common methods used by label printers:

• Direct thermal, which applies heat directly to specially-treated labels. The result is clear, ink-free images that work well for labeling packages or shipping frequently. However, the ink can fade over time when exposed to heat, sunlight, or friction.
• Thermal transfer, which uses a heated ribbon to transfer ink onto labels. The prints are durable and fade-resistant. If you need labels to stay readable over time, like for product tags or inventory barcodes, thermal transfer is the go-to option. These printers cost more upfront and require slightly higher maintenance.

Overall, choose direct thermal for simple, short-term labeling tasks. Opt for thermal transfer when longevity and durability are your main priorities. 

📚 Read: The 7 Best Thermal Label Printers

Print quality (DPI) and speed (LPM)

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 to no smudging after printing.

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 your needs, you can choose a printer with USB, wireless, or a combination of USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. 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.

Label size and variety 

Ensure the label printer accommodates your label dimensions. 

Most standard shipping labels are 4 by 6 inches, which many label printers support. But some printers support 8or 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. 

Total cost of ownership 

The cheapest printer on day one might not stay that way over time. Factor in running costs like label stock, ink, toner ribbons, and maintenance. 

Here is a quick cost comparison:

• Printer A (Direct thermal): $200 up front, no ink required, label cost averages 3 cents each.
• Printer B (Thermal transfer): $150 up front, requires ink ribbons ($20 per 500-label roll, or 4 cents per label), plus labels averaging 2 cents each.

If you print 1,000 labels per month, here is what your first year costs look like:

Printer A:

• Up front: $200
• Labels: 1,000 labels/month × 12 months × $0.03 = $360
• Year 1 Total: $560

Printer B:

• Up front: $150
• Labels: 1,000 labels/month × 12 months × $0.02 = $240
• Ink ribbons: 1,000 labels/month × 12 months × $0.04 = $480
• Year 1 Total: $870

Even though Printer B is cheaper up front, the ongoing costs make it more expensive by year end. Calculate annual running costs for each printer on your shortlist and choose one that balances costs with benefits based on your expected print volume. 

Staying current with 2025 shipping rate changes

You might think: What does the cost of shipping have to do with label printing? The truth is, being proactive about shipping costs helps you budget for the right printer and protect your profit margins.

Every price adjustment affects how you absorb costs and price your products, and lately shipping is getting more expensive: FedEx and UPS implemented a 5.9% general rate increase (GRI) in December 2024. Other carriers like USPS bumped up prices across the board in January and mid-July 2025, adding between 3% and 9% more for various services. 

Ocean freight rates are extremely volatile at the moment while companies navigate the new US tariffs. Rates are expected to increase during the holiday shopping season as well. Audit your current shipping costs, then add a 5% to 10% uplift to see where margins squeeze.

Streamline your shipping operations with label printers

The best label printer for retail 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 of these top label printers is the best one for your business. Test different label makers and printers before committing to a decision.