Labels and label tapes

This category brings together label printers and label tapes for offices, shops and warehouses that need to print address labels, shelf tags, file markings or cable labels. Leading names in our range include Brother, Dymo, Bixolon and Seiko. The category mixes machines with supplies, so check the product type before you order.

How to choose labels, label tapes and label printers

Printer or tape. Decide first whether you need a machine or consumables, because the category lists both. A label printer only works with matching tape or label rolls, so look at what each listing includes before you compare items.

Label width and length. Match the width to what you will label. Maximum label widths of 1.2 cm and 2.4 cm appear in our range: the narrower size suits cables and folder spines, the wider one gives room for two lines of text. Some products also list a maximum label length of 1 m, which helps with long cable wraps or signs.

Printing width. The printable area is not always the same as the label width. Our range includes printing widths of 2.4 cm and 3.6 cm, and the larger figure is the one to check if you print wider shipping or shelf labels.

Print resolution. A resolution of 180 x 180 DPI is usually enough for plain text and larger characters. A 360 x 360 DPI model, also found in our range, produces sharper small print and cleaner barcodes, which matters if the labels will be scanned.

Connectivity. Some models in our range connect by cable only, others offer wired and wireless connections. Where Ethernet LAN and Wi-Fi are listed, they are marked as not available, so look for network features in the product details if several people need to share one printer.

Tape compatibility. Tapes and label rolls are normally made for particular printer families. Match the tape type to your printer model, not to the width alone.

Brands we carry for labels and label printers

• Brother: known for its P-touch labellers and TZe laminated tapes, which are widely used in offices and workshops.
• Dymo: best known for desktop labellers and LabelWriter printers used for address and postage labels.
• Bixolon: a South Korean maker of barcode, label and receipt printers for retail and logistics.
• Seiko: its Seiko Instruments division is known for thermal label printers that print without ink or toner.
• Star Micronics: a Japanese manufacturer best known for receipt printers in shops, restaurants and hotels.
• Custom: an Italian company that makes printers for point of sale, ticketing and kiosks.

Also in our range: Labelmate.

Frequently asked questions about labels and label tapes

What is the difference between a label printer and a normal printer?

A label printer prints on narrow tape or label rolls rather than on sheets of paper. Most use thermal printing, so they need no ink or toner. They are faster and cheaper to run for address labels, barcodes and shelf tags.

What label width do I need?

It depends on what you are labelling. A 1.2 cm width suits cables, folders and small items, while 2.4 cm leaves room for larger text or two lines. Check the maximum label width of the printer before you buy tape.

Can I use label tape from one brand in another brand's printer?

Usually not. Tapes and label rolls are designed for specific printer families, with their own cassette or roll format. Check the compatibility notes in the product details, and match both the printer model and the tape width.

Do I need Wi-Fi or Ethernet on a label printer?

Only if several people will print from different computers. For one desk, a wired connection is enough. Some label printers in our range have no Ethernet or Wi-Fi, so check the connectivity listed for each model if you want to share it over a network.