Top 12 Label Printing Machine for Small Business
Are you looking for the best label printing machine for your small business in the UK? Whether you operate an eCommerce store, a retail shop, or a home-based business, a reliable label printer is essential for streamlining operations, improving branding, and ensuring efficient shipping.
With numerous options available, choosing the right printer can be overwhelming. Some businesses require thermal label printers for shipping, while others need inkjet or colour label printers for product branding.
To help you find the right solution, we have compiled a list of the top 12 label printing machines for small businesses. This guide will cover their features, advantages, and best-use scenarios.
Label Printing Machine for Small Business – Top 12
1. Brother QL-700 – Best Overall Label Printer
Key Features:
- Technology: Thermal
- Best for: General small business use
- Price: £113.99 (Inc. VAT)
- Printing Speed: Up to 93 labels per minute
- Maximum Label Width: 62mm
Why Choose the Brother QL-700?:
The Brother QL-700 is an excellent plug-and-play label printer ideal for small businesses looking for a fast and efficient solution.
It does not require software installation and works seamlessly with PC and Mac. With its integrated cutter, businesses can print labels in custom sizes up to one metre in length.
2. Zebra GK420d – High-Speed Label Printer
Key Features:
- Technology: Direct Thermal
- Best for: Bulk label printing
- Price: Discontinued (Support available until 2025)
- Printing Speed: Up to 127mm/sec
- Maximum Label Width: 104mm
Why Choose the Zebra GK420d?: The Zebra GK420d is a high-speed thermal label printer that is widely used for shipping labels, barcodes, and warehouse management. Although discontinued, it remains a top choice due to its durability and reliability.
3. Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo – Best for Shipping Labels
Key Features:
- Technology: Direct Thermal
- Best for: E-commerce and shipping labels
- Price: Varies based on retailer
- Printing Speed: Up to 90 labels per minute
- Maximum Label Width: 58mm
Why Choose the Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo?: Designed for mailing and shipping, this printer offers Automatic Label Recognition, so you always know the size, type, and number of labels remaining.
It eliminates the need for ink or toner, making it a cost-effective choice for eCommerce businesses.
4. Phomemo M110 – Budget-Friendly Portable Label Printer
Key Features:
- Technology: Thermal
- Best for: Small businesses on a budget
- Price: €49.99
- Printing Speed: 18mm/sec
- Maximum Label Width: 50mm
Why Choose the Phomemo M110?: Weighing only 222g, the Phomemo M110 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth label printer that can be connected to smartphones and tablets.
Its inkless thermal printing technology makes it a great budget-friendly option for businesses needing quick labels.
5. Rollo Label Printer – Affordable and Fast Printing
Key Features:
- Technology: Direct Thermal
- Best for: Shipping labels
- Price: Varies based on retailer
- Printing Speed: 150mm/sec
- Maximum Label Width: 108mm
Why Choose the Rollo Label Printer?: This compact and affordable printer is perfect for shipping labels and works with eCommerce platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and eBay.
Unlike many competitors, it does not require proprietary labels, giving businesses more flexibility.
6. Munbyn Thermal Label Printer – Best for Startups
Key Features:
- Technology: Thermal
- Best for: Startups and small businesses
- Price: £89.99
- Printing Speed: 150mm/sec
- Maximum Label Width: 110mm
Why Choose the Munbyn Thermal Label Printer?: Designed for eCommerce and small retail businesses, the Munbyn Thermal Label Printer supports platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify.
It features Bluetooth connectivity, making it an excellent choice for businesses needing a wireless solution.
7. Epson ColorWorks C3500 – Best for Colour Labels
Key Features:
- Technology: Inkjet
- Best for: Colour product labels
- Price: £1,463.39
- Printing Speed: 103mm/sec
- Maximum Label Width: 112mm
Why Choose the Epson ColorWorks C3500?: For businesses needing high-quality colour labels, the Epson ColorWorks C3500 is an excellent choice. It uses pigment ink for smudge-free, waterproof labels, making it ideal for product packaging.
8. Primera LX500 – High-Resolution Colour Label Printer
Key Features:
- Technology: Inkjet
- Best for: Premium product labels
- Price: $1,549.00
- Printing Speed: 2.5 inches per second
- Maximum Label Width: 108mm
Why Choose the Primera LX500?: With a print resolution of 1200 x 4800 dpi, the Primera LX500 delivers exceptional print quality. It is perfect for businesses that require detailed product branding.
9. Afinia L301 – Professional-Grade Label Printer
Key Features:
- Technology: Inkjet
- Best for: Businesses needing custom branding labels
- Price: £1,295.00
- Printing Speed: Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Maximum Label Width: 152mm
Why Choose the Afinia L301?: Designed for high-quality branding, the Afinia L301 uses HP thermal inkjet technology and supports gloss, matte, and vinyl labels.
10. Brother P-Touch PT-D600 – Best for Office Labeling
Key Features:
- Technology: Thermal
- Best for: Office and warehouse labels
- Price: £142.80
- Printing Speed: 30mm/sec
- Maximum Label Width: 24mm
Why Choose the Brother P-Touch PT-D600?: This compact and efficient label printer is ideal for office and warehouse labelling, supporting a variety of label sizes.
11. Dymo MobileLabeler – Best for Mobile Printing
Key Features:
- Technology: Thermal
- Best for: Wireless label printing
- Price: Varies based on retailer
- Printing Speed: 1ppm
- Maximum Label Width: 24mm
Why Choose the Dymo MobileLabeler?: The Dymo MobileLabeler is a Bluetooth-enabled printer that allows businesses to print labels from smartphones and tablets.
12. Zebra ZD420 – Best Wireless Label Printer
Key Features:
- Technology: Thermal
- Best for: High-volume businesses
- Price: Varies based on retailer
- Printing Speed: 102mm/sec
- Maximum Label Width: 118mm
Why Choose the Zebra ZD420?: For businesses requiring a high-speed, wireless printer, the Zebra ZD420 offers fast printing speeds and multiple connectivity options.
How to Choose the Best Label Printing Machine for Small Business?
Selecting the right label printing machine for your small business depends on various factors, including budget, printing volume, and the type of labels you need.
Below are the key considerations when choosing the best label printer:
Printing Technology
There are three main types of label printers:
- Thermal Label Printers: Use heat to print, eliminating the need for ink or toner. Best for shipping labels.
- Inkjet Label Printers: Ideal for printing high-quality colour labels for product branding.
- Laser Label Printers: Fast and durable but often more expensive.
Print Speed & Quality
- If you print hundreds of labels per day, go for a high-speed printer like the Zebra GK420d.
- For high-resolution colour labels, an inkjet printer such as the Epson ColorWorks C3500 is the best option.
Compatibility with Software & Devices
- Some label printers work with specific software, while others are compatible with Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.
- Wireless models allow you to print from smartphones and tablets, offering greater convenience.
Cost & Maintenance
- Thermal printers have lower running costs as they do not require ink or toner.
- Inkjet and laser printers require regular ink or toner replacements, increasing long-term costs.
Size & Portability
- Compact models like the Dymo MobileLabeler are great for small businesses with limited space.
- If you need a heavy-duty printer, consider the Zebra ZD420, which offers high-speed wireless printing.
Conclusion
Choosing the best label printing machine for your small business depends on your specific needs. Thermal label printers are ideal for shipping and barcode labels, while inkjet printers provide high-quality, custom product labels.
For small businesses needing affordable solutions, the Brother QL-700 and Munbyn Thermal Printer are excellent choices. If you require high-resolution colour printing, the Epson ColorWorks C3500 or Afinia L301 will serve you well.
Investing in the right label printer will improve your business efficiency, branding, and workflow. Pick the one that best suits your requirements and start streamlining your business operations today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best label printer for a small business in the UK?
The Brother QL-700 is a great all-round option, while the Zebra GK420d is ideal for bulk label printing.
Which is better: thermal or inkjet label printing?
Thermal printers are cost-effective and ideal for shipping labels, whereas inkjet printers produce high-quality colour labels for branding.
Can I print shipping labels with these machines?
Yes, models like the Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo and Rollo Label Printer are specifically designed for shipping labels.
Are wireless label printers worth it?
If you need flexibility and mobile printing, wireless label printers like the Zebra ZD420 and Dymo MobileLabeler are excellent options.
How much do label printers cost for small businesses?
Prices range from £50 to £1,500, depending on the features, print technology, and print quality required.
What software do I need to use a label printer?
Most printers come with built-in software, but others require compatible third-party applications for label design and printing.
Can I use regular paper instead of label rolls?
No, label printers require special label rolls designed for the machine to ensure proper printing and durability.
