Quick answer
What to buy for everyday labelling
Choose the Brother PT-H110 for most jobs around the home. Its keyboard lets you print at the shelf and it takes Brother TZe tapes up to 12 mm. Choose the DYMO LT-100H for simple paper labels, the Brother PT-P300BT to design on your phone, or the PT-P710BT if you need tape up to 24 mm.
Home label makers compared
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| Model | Good for | Tape | How you print | Amazon price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother PT-H110 | Everyday folders and boxes | 3.5–12 mm Brother TZe | Built-in QWERTY keyboard | Check price ↗ |
| DYMO LetraTag LT-100H | Paper labels and file tabs | 12 mm DYMO LetraTag | Built-in ABC keyboard | Check price ↗ |
| Brother PT-P300BT | Phone layouts on narrow tape | 3.5–12 mm Brother TZe | Mobile app over Bluetooth | Check price ↗ |
| Brother PT-P710BT | Wider labels and repeated batches | 3.5–24 mm Brother TZe | Mobile Bluetooth or computer USB | Check price ↗ |
How to choose the right tape width
Measure the flat part of whatever you’re labelling. A 12 mm strip may fit a folder spine but leave little room for a second line. The printable area is smaller than the tape itself, so look up the machine’s printable height if you need text of a particular size. On a large box, a wider strip makes sense if you need to read the label from across the room.
Start with one tape you can use in several places. Black on white is legible on most backgrounds. For narrow surfaces, buy a narrower cassette once you’ve measured the gap. If you’ll label items that are wiped or handled a lot, check the tape maker’s guidance for that specific surface and adhesive.
Use the tape width guide to measure your space and check printable height. If the job calls for larger text or more lines, compare the wide tape label makers.
Best for everyday labels
Brother P-touch PT-H110
A handheld pick for files, drawers and boxes. The built-in QWERTY keyboard lets you type and print wherever the job is, and the narrow tapes leave room on smaller surfaces.
Keep in mind. The 12 mm maximum is limiting if you want large lettering across a box lid. It uses six AAA batteries or a compatible optional mains adaptor.
- 3.5–12 mm TZe
- Built-in keyboard
- Manual cutter
Check the full cost of a refill
Compare the delivered price per metre within the right tape family. A cassette labelled 12 mm tells you the width, but the length determines how much tape you’re buying. Check whether the included cassette is a shorter starter roll. If you print a lot of short labels, read the manual’s margin and chain-printing instructions, since blank tape between labels can add up.
A Brother TZe cassette and a DYMO LetraTag cassette are different shapes and formats. The 12 mm versions fit their own machines. If you already have spare cassettes, check the exact printer and refill code before switching brands.
Best for simple paper labels
DYMO LetraTag LT-100H
A straightforward choice for file tabs and other dry indoor jobs, especially if you already keep LetraTag refills. The built-in screen shows the text before you print.
Keep in mind. It takes only 12 mm LetraTag media, so there’s no narrower cassette for a tight spine. The keyboard is alphabetical rather than QWERTY.
- 12 mm LetraTag
- ABC keyboard
- 4 AA batteries
Pick the controls you’ll actually use
A built-in keyboard is useful when you’re moving around the house making a label at a time. A phone app gives you more space to lay out text before printing a batch. Check the app’s current requirements and whether it can save your layouts. If several people will use the printer, consider whether they’ll all have a compatible phone to hand.
For a keyboard model, compare the Brother PT-H110 and DYMO LetraTag LT-100H. If you prefer typing on a phone, see the Bluetooth label maker guide.
Best for designing on a phone
Brother P-touch CUBE PT-P300BT
Set out labels for a run of drawers or jars in Brother’s mobile app. It takes the same width range as the PT-H110, so choose it for the way you want to design and type.
Keep in mind. There’s no keyboard on the machine. Check the app on your phone and budget for six AAA batteries or the compatible optional adaptor. If Amazon shows See All Buying Options, open it to compare current sellers.
- 3.5–12 mm TZe
- Bluetooth mobile app
- Manual cutter
The two CUBE models look similar, but solve different jobs. The PT-P300BT works with TZe tape up to 12 mm and is designed for phone or tablet use. The PT-P710BT adds wider tape, an automatic cutter and computer printing over USB. The smaller model is enough if the main thing you want is to type on your phone.
Best for wider labels
Brother P-touch CUBE Plus PT-P710BT
Up to 24 mm TZe tape gives you room for a larger heading on a storage box. Use a compatible phone or tablet over Bluetooth, or a supported computer over USB.
Keep in mind. It still needs an app or computer. If you only print short names for file spines, the extra width and automatic cutter may be more than you need.
- 3.5–24 mm TZe
- Mobile Bluetooth / computer USB
- Automatic cutter
Common questions
Can I use these for parcel postage?
For postage bought online, open the carrier’s label and check its print format first. These machines make narrow identification labels. If your carrier produces a full-size parcel label, start with our shipping label printer guide.
Can one tape work for drawers, cables and clothes?
A general-purpose tape can cover a lot of dry, flat surfaces. Cables and textiles have their own requirements. Check for a flexible cable tape or an iron-on tape in the exact machine’s supported range, then follow its application instructions.
Can I use a 24 mm cassette in the smaller CUBE?
The PT-P300BT takes tape up to 12 mm. For 24 mm TZe tape, choose the PT-P710BT or another Brother model that explicitly supports that width.
Can the Brother PT-H110 print two lines?
Yes, with compatible 9 or 12 mm TZe tape. Type the first line, press the Enter key and type the second. The PT-H110 supports one line on 3.5 or 6 mm tape. Preview a sample to check the smaller text remains readable on your item. Brother PT-H110 two-line instructions
Which refill should I buy for the DYMO LetraTag LT-100H?
Choose a 12 mm DYMO LetraTag LT cassette. Paper is useful for dry indoor filing and storage. Check the exact plastic or iron-on cassette for other uses. Match the LetraTag family on the refill pack before ordering. DYMO LetraTag refill specification