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Brother vs DYMO: which label maker system to buy into

A Brother label printer such as the PT-D220 runs on laminated TZe tape that lasts; buy DYMO for the lowest starting cost and simple keyboards. Either way, the tape system you choose stays with you.

Price-check the Brother P-touch PT-D220 on AmazonSee the machines

Updated 11-01-2026 by Imogen Pratt

Questions this page answers

How much does the tape cost, and am I locked in?

Most label makers only take their own brand's cartridges, so the tape decides your long-term cost. Brother TZe is laminated and costs more per foot; DYMO LetraTag paper costs less and lasts less.

Source: maker cassette specs.

Our pick for this: Brother P-touch PT-D220Fix: Brother TZe-231 tape, 12 mm black on white

Will labels survive water and freezers, or the dishwasher?

Laminated tape like Brother TZe holds up to spills and handling. Thermal paper labels fade with heat and light over time.

Source: maker tape descriptions.

Our pick for this: Brother P-touch PT-D220Fix: Brother TZe-S231 extra-strength tape

Is small text sharp enough?

Laminated and thermal label makers print crisp text at small sizes. Embossers do not.

Source: maker resolution specs.

Our pick for this: Brother P-touch PT-D220Fix: Brother TZe-231 tape, 12 mm black on white

Machines for this

3D render of the Brother P-touch PT-D220, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Brother P-touch PT-D220

Best overall for home and office

Brother's keyboard pick: laminated TZe.

Cost per label: About 14¢ to 21¢ per 2.5-inch label on genuine 12 mm TZe tape.

Price-check on Amazon

Read the full review

3D render of the DYMO LetraTag 100H, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

DYMO LetraTag 100H

Lowest cost to start

DYMO's cheapest keyboard machine.

Cost per label: About 8¢ to 17¢ per label on paper LT tape, 13¢ to 21¢ on plastic.

Price-check on Amazon

Read the full review

3D render of the DYMO LabelManager 160, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

DYMO LabelManager 160

Best QWERTY handheld for a workshop

DYMO's QWERTY handheld on D1 tape.

Cost per label: About 14¢ to 21¢ per label on 12 mm D1 tape.

Price-check on Amazon

Read the full review

3D render of the Brother P-touch CUBE Plus PT-P710BT, drawn for this site3D render, not a photo

Brother P-touch CUBE Plus PT-P710BT

Most versatile app label maker

Brother's app pick for 24 mm labels.

Cost per label: About 14¢ to 21¢ per label on 12 mm TZe and 21¢ to 31¢ on 24 mm.

Price-check on Amazon

Read the full review

Before you pick one

The tape is the system

A Brother P-touch uses TZe tape (or Btag on the newest personal models); DYMO handhelds use D1 or LetraTag tape. Cassettes do not cross between brands.

Durability

TZe tape is laminated, which is why Brother labels survive kitchens and garages. DYMO D1 is plastic and durable too; LetraTag paper is the budget option.

Starting cost

DYMO's LetraTag is among the cheapest ways to start. Brother's PT-D220 costs more but runs on tougher tape.

Quick questions

  1. Is Brother better than DYMO?

    For durable laminated labels, usually; DYMO is cheaper to start.

  2. Is DYMO cheaper?

    To start, yes. Tape costs depend on the cassette you buy.

  3. Can I use DYMO tape in a Brother label maker?

    No, the cassettes are different shapes.

  4. Which has better apps?

    Both have apps; check current reviews of the app for your phone.

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