The Best Label Makers for 2026

The Best Label Makers We've Tested for 2026 | PCMag

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p~*:not(#readMore,#trust-badge,#commerce-group)]:!hidden" x-data="{ readMore: false }" :class="{ '[&>p:first-of-type~*:not(#readMore)]:!block': readMore }"> Label makers—a.k.a. label printers, labeling systems, barcode printers, or whatever each manufacturer calls its wares—come in a bunch of varieties. They range from inexpensive models for labeling photos, containers, and other household items, to mission-critical office and industrial printers used for shipping labels, warnings ("Stop!" and "Caution!" stickers), barcodes, product labels, and more. PCMag has been testing printers of all kinds for decades. For label printers, we test and evaluate output speed, usability, value, design, and more. We present here a guide to our picks for specific applications, based on our extensive experience and rigorous hands-on testing, followed by a rundown of how to navigate the label-printer market. Our top picks overall are the Brother QL-800 for printing paper labels and the Epson LW-PX800 for industrial-style plastic labels. But depending on what you are printing and your budget, any of these label makers could be the right fit.

Our Top Tested Picks

div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:hidden" :class="{ '[&>div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:!flex': showMore }"> Best General-Use Paper Label Printer for Offices Brother QL-800 $124.97 at Staples $124.99 Save $0.02 See It Bottom Line Editors' Choice 4.0 Excellent this.$refs.template.innerHTML, onCreate: (instance) => this.tippyInstance = instance, onShow: (instance) => { this.escapeHandler = (e) => { if (e.key === 'Escape') instance.hide(); }; window.addEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); }, onHide: (instance) => { if (this.escapeHandler) { window.removeEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); this.escapeHandler = null; } }, onMount: (instance) => { const closeBtn = instance.popper.querySelector('[data-tooltip-close]'); if (closeBtn) closeBtn.addEventListener('click', () => instance.hide()); }, }; }, }">   What Our Ratings Mean 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies. The Brother QL-800 prints several sizes of high-quality label types from your PC, Mac, or Android mobile device via USB, making it an excellent value for its relatively low price. Jump To See More Details product_name }} Review" x-track-ga-click>Brother QL-800 Review Pros li]:leading-normal"> Fast output. Good print quality. Excellent label design, print software, and mobile apps. Prints two-color, black/red labels.