10 Best Handheld Label Maker 2025 in the United States

The Brother PTE300 is a handheld label maker designed mainly for personal and light industrial use, making it a solid choice if you need clear, durable labels up to 18mm wide. It uses thermal printing technology with a maximum print resolution of 300 dpi in black and white, which means the labels are crisp and easy to read. Color printing is available but limited in quality at 180 dpi. The device is portable, powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and comes with a convenient carrying case, which is great for taking it on the go or moving between workspaces.

Connectivity is via USB, so you can connect it to a computer or compatible device like an iPhone for easier label creation through an app. The built-in memory of 64 MB lets you store label templates, saving time if you print the same labels repeatedly. The print speed is about 1 label per second, so it might not be the best option for printing large volumes quickly.

The keyboard is compact, suitable for quick label creation without much complexity. The label output is monochrome, but the printer can handle color settings to some extent, mainly for enhanced label design options. The maximum media size is limited to 18mm label width, which may be too narrow for some industrial needs requiring wider labels. The printer lacks dual-sided printing and has a relatively low print speed, which could be frustrating in a fast-paced environment. For those needing a reliable, easy-to-use label maker for personal or small-scale office labeling tasks where portability matters, the Brother PTE300 is a good choice, though it is not the fastest or most versatile in terms of label size and color output.

The Brother P-Touch PTD220 is a highly versatile handheld label maker, perfect for home and small office use. It supports TZe label tapes up to 1/2 inch (12mm) wide, making it suitable for various labeling needs. The print resolution stands at 180 dpi, which is adequate for clear text and simple graphics. Its print speed is about 20mm/second, which is decent for everyday labeling tasks.

The PTD220 features a QWERTY keyboard, familiar to most users, which simplifies the label creation process. The built-in memory allows you to save up to 30 frequently used labels, enhancing efficiency by letting you reprint labels quickly without having to recreate them from scratch. Power can be supplied either via 6 AAA batteries or an optional AC adapter, offering flexibility depending on your setting.

The included templates and a wide range of fonts and symbols allow for significant personalization, making it a handy tool for keeping spaces organized. At 1.1 pounds, it is lightweight and compact, easy to carry around. Considering its balance of features and ease of use, the Brother P-Touch PTD220 is an excellent choice for users looking to maintain a tidy and well-labeled environment.

The Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine is a portable and compact device ideal for those needing a handy label-making solution for home, office, or small business use. Weighing only 160 grams, this lightweight label maker is half the size of traditional models, making it easy to carry around. It's designed to work with smartphones via Bluetooth, making it convenient for on-the-go labeling. The built-in rechargeable battery supports extended use, which is a plus for continuous tasks without frequent recharging interruptions. One of the standout features is its thermal printing technology, which allows for inkless printing. This means you won't need to worry about buying ink, toner, or ribbons, ultimately saving you money.

The print resolution stands at 203 dots per inch, providing clear and readable labels, though it only supports monochrome printing. The Phomemo D30 offers a variety of creative options through its app, including over 1,000 symbols, 60+ frames, and various fonts. You can also print labels with barcodes, QR codes, images, and more. However, it should be noted that it prints only black text unless using color-patterned label tapes. The maximum label width compatible with this device is 0.59 inches, which may be limiting for some users needing larger labels.

Additionally, the printing speed of 60 pages per minute for monochrome is quite fast for a handheld device, but the speed drops significantly for color prints. While it lacks dual-sided printing and has a single tray with a one-sheet capacity, the Phomemo D30 shines in its ease of use and portability. It is particularly well-suited for organizing home supplies, school items, cable identification, and creating small business labels like price tags and jewelry tags.