It goes without saying that the best Dymo label makers count among the best on the market. Dymo is one of the most renowned brands when it comes to manufacturing label makers, and for good reason. Combining durability, convenient features, and high quality; Dymo label makers tend to customers’ every need. They’re suitable for home and work use, and they come at a wide range of prices to accommodate all budgets.
We’ve put together five of the best offerings: the top Dymo label makers across a range of budgets and specialist needs. Whether you are looking for a business-quality label solution or a simple tool for home use, we’ve collated the best options!
- Best Dymo Label Maker
DYMO LabelManager 280
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Dot Matrix
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Barcode Printing: No
- Best Professional Dymo Label Maker
DYMO LabelWriter 550
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Thermal
- Connectivity Technology: Ethernet
- Barcode Printing: Yes
- Best Dymo Desktop Label Maker
DYMO LabelManager 500TS
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Thermal
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Barcode Printing: Yes
- Best Budget Dymo Label Maker
DYMO LabelManager 160
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Thermal
- Connectivity Technology: N/A
- Barcode Printing: No
- Best Bluetooth Dymo Label Maker
DYMO LetraTag 200B
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Thermal
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Barcode Printing: No
How We Picked the Best Dymo Label Maker
While choosing the best Dymo label makers out there, we tried to diversify our choices as much as possible. We included both handheld and desktop label makers to ensure convenience and portability for all folks. On top of that, we added Bluetooth-only and standard models to guarantee versatile connectivity options.
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Finally, we prioritized easy operation and smooth performance by choosing models with high printing speeds, pre-designed templates, decent resolutions, and long-lasting batteries (or rechargeable ones).
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Dot Matrix
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Barcode Printing: No
A great standalone unit with the option to customize as much as you need, the LabelManager 280 is ideal for businesses of any shape or size.
- Versatile – pick from a diverse array of fonts and lettering, and connect to a computer for further label configuration.
- Rechargeable – rather than single use batteries, the LabelManager 280 can be recharged.
- Poor interface – the LabelManager 280 can be difficult to grow accustomed to.
Boasting a gamut of premium features and consistently high quality, the Dymo LabelManager 280 is a terrific handheld label maker.
The label maker features a small monochromatic display and a QWERTY keyboard with direction and application buttons. While it’s designed to be used as a stand-alone device, you can connect it to a Mac or Windows operating system to customize your labels. Better yet, it has built-in memory so that you can save up to 15 labels for frequent and quick use. Choose from 3 fonts, 6 type sizes, 7 styles, and 221 symbols to make a design that is unique to you. You also avoid the hassle of replacing the batteries as this unit comes with a pack of rechargeable batteries that should help keep energy high!
The LabelManager 280 is a little bit difficult to get the hang of, so this may not be ideal as a first-time purchase. But veteran label makers should find a lot to love, and it’s easily Dymo’s best label maker!
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Thermal
- Connectivity Technology: Ethernet
- Barcode Printing: Yes
Fast and highly functional, this wireless Dymo label maker is ideal for professional-style labels.
- Wireless connectivity – able to be used by multiple devices on the same network, the LabelWriter 550 is highly versatile.
- Automated features – with label recognition and run-out detection, you’ll know when something needs replacing.
- Premium price – you pay over-the-odds for the LabelWriter 550.
The Dymo LabelWriter 550 is a powerhouse that proves to be ideal for extensive and professional use. It’s an advanced desktop device that can print up to 90 labels per minute. More importantly, it supports LAN connectivity, which means multiple devices on the same network can use it.
The label maker’s standout feature is automatic label recognition, which makes it easier for you to view the number, type, and size of the leftover labels inside it. This way, you guarantee that your tape doesn’t run out unexpectedly amidst your organizing session.The LabelWriter 550 Turbo utilizes ink-free thermal printing technology. It doesn’t require ink or toner, reducing your running costs in the long run. You can use it on a laptop or computer and design the font you have in mind.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a keyboard or a screen, so you’ll need to connect it to another device for printing, making it best suited for offices – especially considering that all of these features come at a high price that might not be suitable for home use. It’s still a viable option, however, and serves as the best professional Dymo label maker!
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Thermal
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Barcode Printing: Yes
With a color touchscreen and maximum compatibility with other devices, it’s never been easier to create custom labels than with the LabelManager 500TS.
- Internal memory – store hundreds of label presets for easily-accessed printing.
- Automatic cutting – the LabelManager 500TS is able to automatically chop your labels to size.
- Not suitable for home business – though desktop-size and highly functional, this model of label maker may be beyond smaller businesses.
The Dymo LabelManager 500TS leaves little to be desired when it comes to desktop label makers. It features a large QWERTY keyboard and a full-color touchscreen where you can navigate your options with ease. While you can use it as a stand-alone device, it’s compatible with Windows and Mac systems to give you more freedom of design and customization.
The label maker features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts a long time on a full charge, making for more portability and less expensive running costs. It has an internal memory that can take 500 saved labels for quick and easy reprinting. To accommodate various needs, it can print labels from 6 mm to 24 mm in size. It works best with original Dymo tapes, but you can use other brands if you want. For flawless results, the 500TS features automatic cutting: all you have to do is click on the Scissors button, and you’ll get a perfectly-sized label, ready for use.
Although it’s challenging to name a drawback for this Dymo label maker, it is slightly too pricey for home use, and even some small businesses may struggle to justify the cost. It does pay for itself in the long run, however, and we highly value the 500TS as a top desktop label maker!
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Thermal
- Connectivity Technology: N/A
- Barcode Printing: No
Consider the LabelManager 160 a discounted version of the LabelManager 280: at a lower price whilst still packing functionality, this is a great option for small businesses.
- Computer connectivity – easily tweak your label designs from a device of your choosing.
- Affordable – retailing below $60 makes this a highly affordable investment.
- Battery-operated – using non-rechargeable batteries, the LabelManager 160 guzzles power.
From easy and quick labeling to excellent portability and compact design, the Dymo LabelManager 160 has enough convenient features to win it a top place on our list. A standalone device optionally capable of connecting to Windows or MacOS, this label maker is ideal for customizing as much or as little of the label as you like!
The label maker features a small monochromatic display and a QWERTY keyboard with direction and application buttons. While it’s designed to be used as a stand-alone device, you can connect it to a Mac or Windows operating system to customize your labels. Better yet, you can save up to 15 labels for frequent and quick use. If you’re big on design, you’ll be glad to know that the LabelManager 160 comes with more than 20 readymade fonts and 200 symbols.
The only real setback in the LabelManager 160 is the use of non-rechargeable batteries. It operates on six AAA batteries that you’ll need to replace once dead. These batteries increase running costs and aren’t the most convenient out there. Still, with a lower upfront cost and strong value for money, this is still a worthwhile Dymo label maker!
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Thermal
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Barcode Printing: No
For a wireless alternative in a compact frame, the LetraTag 200B allows for full-fledged customization with ease.
- Design templates – if you want to spend less time designing and more time printing, the LetraTag 200B comes with an array of presets.
- Bluetooth only – for those who prefer working from a computer rather than a cumbersome handheld, you do all your inputs on a seperate device of your choice.
- Print quality varies – the typeface on this label maker can be difficult to read at times.
If you always use a smartphone or PC for label-making, you’ll love what the Dymo LetraTag 200B has to offer. It’s a Bluetooth-only label maker that can’t be used as a stand-alone device, and it’s compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems. You can connect it to your device and start writing labels after downloading its intuitive companion app.
The LetraTag 200B uses thermal technology for printing, and it breeds the best quality when used with original Dymo LetraTag labels. If you use other labels, you risk poor quality. To make your life easier, it comes with pre-designed label templates that you can use if you don’t have a specific aesthetic in mind. The label maker comes with three authentic Dymo label tapes, one white paper, one white plastic, and one clear plastic. This way, you don’t have to worry about running costs for the first while of using it. Best of all, the maker comes at an affordable price that’s suitable for both home and office use.
That said, the print quality can vary from print-to-print, perhaps due to the thermal printing mechanism being so small. It’s rare enough to not be a deal-breaker, and we still consider this a top Dymo Label Maker!
Features and Considerations
If you’re looking for the best Dymo label maker that didn’t make the cut today, here are some things to consider before buying:
Design
There are two common designs for label makers, handheld and desktop. Handheld label makers are designed to be used in your hands, while desktop makers should be mounted on a desk, like a laptop. While both designs work the same way, it’s important to choose wisely because a label maker’s design dictates its portability. Handheld makers are much easier to carry around, making them the better option for on-the-go label-making. Meanwhile, desktop makers are better for places where multiple people want to make labels since they all can use them without moving them.
Type
Label makers are either traditional or Bluetooth-only, and your choice between the two can make all the difference. Bluetooth-only makers can’t be used as stand-alone devices since they don’t have built-in displays or keyboards. Instead, you need to connect them to a laptop or smartphone and use a companion app for writing and designing labels. On the other side, traditional label makers feature keyboards and displays for quick and easy printing. You don’t have to connect them to any device, making them more portable and convenient. They limit your design freedom, though, as you have to stick to the readymade fonts they come with.
User-Friendliness
Label makers are generally straightforward devices with no learning curve, but some models are more advanced than others and require design software for use. If you don’t need to bother with design software or companion apps, you should look for a simple standalone label maker with a large screen and keyboard. This way, you can make your labels without too much of a hassle.
Label Size
Each industry has its own label size needs. For instance, labeling folders in an office calls for small tapes, while labeling shipments requires large and wide labels. The average label maker can print sizes from 6 mm to 12 mm in width, but there are some exceptions that can print up to 24 mm or more. Depending on your needs or personal preference, you should choose a label maker that’ll give you the tape size you need.
FAQs
Do Dymo label makers come with batteries?
No: If you buy a Dymo label maker that operates on non-rechargeable batteries, you’ll have to buy them separately. Only rechargeable batteries are included in Dymo packages.
Where can I buy Dymo label paper?
There are a few places to buy Dymo’s label paper refills: Amazon is the best place to start, or Dymo’s own website. Otherwise, it depends on where you live.
Verdict
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Printer Type: Dot Matrix
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Barcode Printing: No
It’s not the most user-friendly label maker in the world, but the LabelManager 280 is our pick for the best Dymo label maker! Packing all the best features at an affordable price point, this label maker is ideal for homes, business or offices!
If you’re looking to compare the top label makers across different brands, why not check our guide on the best Brother label makers as well?