Head-to-head · Best Label Makers

Brother QL-800 vs NIIMBOT B1 Label Maker

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

NIIMBOT B1 Label Maker comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 3.7). The gap is mostly about personal organization tasks requiring smartphone control — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Label Makers

Brother QL-800

3.7

3 sources2 derived$125as of Sep 27

The Brother QL-800 is a professional label printer designed for home and office use, featuring black and red printing capabilities that enhance label visibility. PCMag reviewers noted its compact design and included starter label rolls, though they criticized the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and the requirement for a computer connection to operate. The device does not support mobile app functionality, limiting its convenience for users seeking wireless options. This printer is best suited for users who prefer traditional wired operation and don't require wireless connectivity.

Strengths

— Prints in black and red for enhanced label visibility
— Includes two starter label rolls (DK size)
— Compact design suitable for home or office use

Watch-outs

— Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, per PCMag
— Requires computer connection for operation
— Does not support mobile app functionality

$125 · Buy at brother-usa.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Label Makers

NIIMBOT B1 Label Maker

4.7

3 sourcesall derived$36as of Sep 27

The NIIMBOT B1 Label Maker offers a compact, portable solution for everyday labeling needs. Reviewers praised its auto label detection feature, which simplifies label selection and alignment, and its rechargeable battery that provides long-lasting performance. The device's Bluetooth connectivity and mobile app integration make it convenient for users who prefer smartphone control. However, the requirement for proprietary RFID-chipped label rolls limits flexibility for cost-conscious users. The device is well-suited for personal organization tasks rather than industrial applications requiring large label volumes.

Strengths

— Inkless thermal printing technology
— Rechargeable 1500 mAh battery with long-lasting performance
— Auto label detection feature eliminates manual label selection

Watch-outs

— Proprietary RFID-chipped label rolls required (cannot use generic labels), per Hagensieker.com
— Start-up sound cannot be disabled

$36 · Buy at niimbotlabel.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Brother QL-800

The Brother QL-800 is more limited than the Epson LW-PX800 in terms of connectivity options, lacking Wi-Fi and LAN support, while the Epson offers faster print speeds and a built-in cutter. Unlike the Nelko P21, it doesn't feature wireless Bluetooth, but it does provide a more traditional wired operation that some users prefer over mobile apps.

NIIMBOT B1 Label Maker

Compared to the Nelko P21, it provides auto label detection and a rechargeable battery, though it lacks the app's extensive font and icon library and doesn't support QR codes.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Brother QL-800	NIIMBOT B1 Label Maker
Printing Method	Direct Thermal	Inkless Thermal
Print Resolution	up to 300 x 600 dpi	203 DPI
Tape Width	2.4 inches	10-15mm
Connectivity	USB	Bluetooth
Included Tapes	2 x DK size	1 roll of 50x30mm labels
Print Speed	up to 93 labels per minute	60mm per second
Weight	1.15 kg	0.7 lbs
Power Source	120V AC	Rechargeable
Material	—	ABS

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