Head-to-head · Best Label Makers

Brother P-Touch PT-H103W Handheld Label Maker vs Nelko P21 Portable 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

Brother P-Touch PT-H103W Handheld Label Maker and Nelko P21 Portable Label Maker 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 #3 in Best Label Makers

Nelko P21 Portable Label Maker

4.5

3 sourcesall derived$28as of Sep 27

The Nelko P21 Portable Label Maker from TechWalls is praised for its compact, pocket-friendly design and wireless Bluetooth connectivity that enables effortless printing without cables. Reviewers highlight its BPA-free direct thermal technology as cost-effective and environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for expensive ink or toner. The device's rechargeable battery and app integration with over 90 fonts, 10 languages, and 400 frames offer significant customization options. While the label sizes are limited to specific dimensions, the device's portability and ease of use make it ideal for home organizers and businesses seeking mobile labeling solutions.

Strengths

— Compact and portable design that fits in your pocket
— Wireless Bluetooth connectivity eliminates tangled cords
— BPA-free direct thermal technology eliminates need for ink or toner

Watch-outs

— Limited label sizes available (15x30mm, 15x40mm, 15x50mm, or longer)
— Requires app for full customization features

$28 · Buy at nelko.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.

Nelko P21 Portable Label Maker

The Nelko P21 Label Maker is more portable and wireless than the Brother P-Touch PT-H103W, offering Bluetooth connectivity and app integration, but it lacks the adjustable character width and multiple tape colors that the Brother model provides. Compared to the DYMO LetraTag 100H, it offers app-based customization and QR code support, though the DYMO provides more symbol options and doesn't require an app.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Brother P-Touch PT-H103W Handheld Label Maker	Nelko P21 Portable Label Maker
Printing Method	Thermal	Direct Thermal
Tape Width	12 mm	—
Power Source	Batteries	Rechargeable
Included Tapes	2 sample cartridges	1 × Label Roll (14 × 40 mm)
Weight	0.9 lb	—
Material	Plastic	—
Connectivity	—	Bluetooth
Print Resolution	—	203 dpi
Print Speed	—	20 mm/s

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