Head-to-head · Best Label Makers

Brother P-Touch PT-H103W Handheld Label Maker vs Epson LW-PX800

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

Brother P-Touch PT-H103W Handheld Label Maker and Epson LW-PX800 score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #4 in Best Label Makers

Brother P-Touch PT-H103W Handheld Label Maker

4.5

3 sourcesall derived

The Brother P-Touch PT-H103W is a handheld label maker that utilizes thermal printing without ink, relying on tape cartridges for color. It offers adjustable print size and character width settings for personalization. Reviewers noted it requires batteries for operation and lacks a power cord in the box, while its maximum tape width is limited to 12mm. This device is suited for users seeking a portable labeling solution with customizable options.

Strengths

— Uses thermal printing technology that doesn't require ink
— Supports multiple tape colors including clear, green, and white
— Print size options include large, medium, and small

Watch-outs

— Does not include power cord in the box
— Limited to 12mm tape width maximum

Buy at brother-usa.com Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Label Makers

Epson LW-PX800

4.5

4 sources1 derived$399as of Sep 27

The Epson LabelWorks LW-PX800 is designed for users needing versatile labeling capabilities on tapes up to 1.5 inches wide. PCMag's review highlighted its built-in automatic full cutter and half cut option, along with support for multiple connection methods including USB, Wi-Fi, and wired LAN. While it offers solid performance for general labeling tasks, the LW-PX800 trails the LW-Z5000PX in print speed and resolution, and lacks the optional tape rewinder feature that some industrial users may require.

Strengths

— Prints on Epson PX tapes up to 1.5 inches wide
— Built-in automatic full cutter with half cut option
— Prints at up to 35 mm per second

Watch-outs

— No optional tape rewinder feature
— Automatic power off after 8 hours of inactivity

$399 · Buy at labelworks.epson.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 P-Touch PT-H103W Handheld Label Maker

The Brother P-Touch PT-H103W stands out from the Brother QL-800 for its portability and lack of need for computer connection, but unlike the Nelko P21, it doesn't offer wireless Bluetooth connectivity or app integration. Compared to the DYMO LetraTag 100H, it provides more tape width options and doesn't require a power cord, though it lacks the symbol insertion feature and mobile app support.

Epson LW-PX800

The Epson LW-PX800 offers superior connectivity with Wi-Fi and LAN support compared to the Brother QL-800, but it lacks the optional tape rewinder feature that some industrial users may require. It also trails the Nelko P21 in terms of portability and app integration, though it provides faster print speeds and a built-in cutter.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Brother P-Touch PT-H103W Handheld Label Maker	Epson LW-PX800
Printing Method	Thermal	Thermal Transfer
Tape Width	12 mm	1.5 in
Power Source	Batteries	AC Adapter
Included Tapes	2 sample cartridges	212BWPX TAPE
Weight	0.9 lb	2.38 lbs.
Material	Plastic	—
Print Resolution	—	360 DPI
Connectivity	—	USB, Wi-Fi, LAN
Print Speed	—	35 mm per second

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