Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations or editorial integrity. Learn more

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Label Makers (Moving)

Box #47 of 200, contents unknown. That's moving without labels. A label maker turns unpacking from archaeology into efficiency. We compared label makers from basic tape printers to smart organization systems.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Brother

P-touch PT-D210 Label Maker

4.6 (34,567 reviews)

The classic label maker everyone should own. Type what you need, print a label. Simple, effective, professional results. Perfect for box labeling and ongoing home organization.

Keyboard

QWERTY

Print Width

Up to 12mm

Tape Types

TZe

Power

AAA batteries/AC

Pros

✓ QWERTY keyboard
✓ Multiple fonts and sizes
✓ Templates included

Cons

✗ Tape cartridges cost adds up
✗ Basic display
✗ No connectivity

$30

View on Amazon

Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
P-touch PT-D210 Label Maker Best Brother	4.6	$30	View
LabelManager 160 Portable Label Maker Value DYMO	4.4	$25	View
D30 Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer Phomemo	4.5	$35	View
P-touch Cube Smartphone Label Maker Brother	4.5	$60	View
D11 Portable Label Maker NIIMBOT	4.3	$20	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Brother

P-touch PT-D210 Label Maker

4.6 (34,567 reviews)

The classic label maker everyone should own. Type what you need, print a label. Simple, effective, professional results. Perfect for box labeling and ongoing home organization.

Keyboard

QWERTY

Print Width

Up to 12mm

Tape Types

TZe

Power

AAA batteries/AC

Pros

✓ QWERTY keyboard
✓ Multiple fonts and sizes
✓ Templates included

Cons

✗ Tape cartridges cost adds up
✗ Basic display
✗ No connectivity

$30

View on Amazon

Best Value

DYMO

LabelManager 160 Portable Label Maker

4.4 (45,678 reviews)

Compact and affordable. The ABCD keyboard takes getting used to, but it's fine for occasional labeling. Great entry point for first-time label maker users.

Keyboard

ABCD layout

Print Width

Up to 12mm

Tape Types

Power

6 AAA batteries

Pros

✓ Compact and light
✓ One-touch buttons
✓ Underscore and box options

Cons

✗ Small keys
✗ Limited fonts
✗ D1 tapes only

$25

View on Amazon

Premium Pick

Phomemo

D30 Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

Modern label making from your phone. Design labels in the app, print wirelessly. Thermal labels don't need ink but can fade in sun/heat over time.

Connection

Bluetooth

Print Type

Thermal

Label Width

15mm max

Battery

Rechargeable

Pros

✓ Bluetooth to phone
✓ No ink needed
✓ Cute small labels

Cons

✗ Small labels only
✗ Thermal fades over time
✗ Needs charged

$35

View on Amazon

Brother

P-touch Cube Smartphone Label Maker

4.5 (12,345 reviews)

The best of both worlds: smartphone convenience with durable Brother laminated tape. Labels survive water, scratches, and time. Worth it for long-term organization.

Connection

Bluetooth

Print Type

Laminated

Tape Widths

3.5-24mm

Power

Battery/USB

Pros

✓ Smartphone controlled
✓ Multiple tape widths
✓ Durable laminated labels

Cons

✗ No physical keyboard
✗ App required
✗ Expensive for occasional use

$60

View on Amazon

Budget Pick

NIIMBOT

D11 Portable Label Maker

4.3 (15,678 reviews)

Budget smartphone label making. Gets the job done for a move without investment. Thermal labels aren't permanent but fine for box marking.

Connection

Bluetooth

Print Type

Thermal

Label Width

12-15mm

Battery

Rechargeable

Pros

✓ Very affordable
✓ Phone app
✓ Compact

Cons

✗ Thermal (may fade)
✗ Basic print quality
✗ App has ads

$20

View on Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose Label Makers (Moving)

How to Choose a Label Maker for Moving

"Box 47" means nothing. "Kitchen
Glasses - Fragile - Open First" means everything. Labels transform moving from archaeology to efficiency.

Types of Label Makers

Handheld with Keyboard:
Traditional approach. Type directly, print immediately. No phone needed. Brother and DYMO dominate this space.

Smartphone Connected:
Design labels on your phone, print wirelessly. More fonts, graphics, templates. Requires charged phone and app.

### Tape Types

Laminated (TZe/TZ):
Clear laminate over print. Waterproof, scratch-resistant, lasts years. Best for permanent organization.

D1 Tape:
DYMO's standard. Good durability but not as tough as laminated.

Thermal:
No ink—heat creates image. Cheap but fades over time, especially in heat/sunlight. Fine for temporary moving labels.

### What to Label

On every box:
- Room destination (Kitchen, Master Bedroom)
- Contents summary (Dishes, Books, Clothes)
- Handling instructions (Fragile, This Side Up, Heavy)
- Priority (Open First, Last to Pack)

Label TWO sides minimum—top and one side. You'll thank yourself when boxes are stacked.

### The "Open First" System

Pack and label an "Open First" box for each room:
- Bathroom: Toilet paper, soap, towels
- Kitchen: Coffee maker, paper plates, snacks
- Bedroom: Sheets, phone chargers, PJs

These get unloaded first and opened immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Label Makers (Moving)

Is a label maker worth it for just one move?

Even for one move, yes. The organization payoff during unpacking is significant. Plus, label makers are endlessly useful afterward—pantry, filing, kids' stuff, storage.

Laminated vs thermal labels?

Thermal is cheaper but fades over months. For a move where you'll unpack soon, thermal is fine. For long-term storage or permanent organization, laminated lasts years.

Can I just use a marker?

You can, but markers bleed on cardboard, handwriting is often illegible under stress, and you can't fix mistakes. Labels are cleaner, clearer, and faster once you're rolling.

What info should every box label have?

Room destination, general contents, and handling notes. "Kitchen - Glasses - FRAGILE" beats "Kitchen stuff" every time.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

We analyze thousands of real customer reviews, compare product specifications, and curate recommendations so you can make an informed decision without the research hassle.

Curated Recommendations

Real Customer Reviews

Specs Compared

No Paid Placements

Learn more about our methodology →