Running a small business in New Zealand comes with its share of responsibilities. One essential tool that often gets overlooked is a reliable label printer. Whether you’re printing shipping labels, product tags, price stickers, or barcodes, having the right label printer can save time, reduce mistakes, and help you look more professional.
In this guide, we’ve compared some of the best label printers available in New Zealand in 2025. These top picks are easy to use, budget-friendly, and perfect for small businesses. Whether you’re running a retail store, a café, an online shop, or a small warehouse, there's a printer here to meet your needs.
For many Kiwi small business owners, labels are part of daily operations. A clear, well-printed label not only helps keep things organised but also makes your business look more polished. Handwritten labels may be okay for very small setups, but they often lack the clarity and consistency that printed labels provide.
A good label printer should:
Be easy to set up and use
Print clearly and consistently
Support the label sizes you need
Connect easily with your computer or system
Be reliable and durable for everyday use
Best for: Fast, professional label printing
The Brother QL-800 is a popular choice among small businesses. It’s quick, affordable, and prints high-quality labels in both black and red. This makes it perfect for printing price tags, barcodes, and even promotional labels that need to stand out.
Highlights:
Prints up to 93 labels per minute
Connects via USB
Ideal for shipping, barcoding, and office use
Compatible with a range of label sizes
If you’re after a fuss-free label printer that gets the job done without complicated setup, this is a strong option.
Best for: Easy-to-use desktop label printing
DYMO is a well-known name when it comes to labelling. The LabelWriter 550 is designed for simplicity and speed. It uses thermal printing, so you won’t need to worry about buying ink. Great for offices, retailers, and online sellers who need to print labels frequently.
Highlights:
Prints up to 62 labels per minute
Uses direct thermal technology (no ink needed)
Automatically recognises label size
USB connection for plug-and-play use
It’s a compact label printer that fits nicely on any counter or desk, without taking up too much space.
Best for: Small warehouses and retail backrooms
Zebra is trusted worldwide for reliable and efficient printing. The ZD220 is a no-frills printer that offers professional-grade results at a reasonable price. It’s well-suited for small businesses with regular labelling tasks, especially in stockrooms or fulfilment areas.
Highlights:
Durable and reliable
Prints up to 4 inches wide
Simple design with easy setup
USB connectivity
If you need a printer for barcodes, shelf labels, or product tagging, the Zebra ZD220 could be your perfect match.
Best for: Compact, high-quality label printing
This printer is a solid choice for businesses that need reliable printing in a small space. It’s ideal for shelf tags, product labels, and barcode printing. While it’s compact, it offers excellent quality and speed.
Highlights:
Direct thermal printing (no ink or ribbon needed)
Space-saving design
Clear, crisp print quality
USB and serial connectivity options
The TSC TDP-225 is especially useful in retail stores where counter space is limited.
Best for: Budget-conscious businesses
Looking for a low-cost option that doesn’t compromise on quality? The Godex DT2x is a great budget label printer that’s surprisingly powerful for its price. It’s great for small stores or businesses that are just starting out and want something affordable and efficient.
Highlights:
Budget-friendly
Prints up to 7 inches per second
Compact and lightweight
USB connection
It’s a simple machine that delivers reliable results, ideal for small-scale labelling jobs.
Before buying, think about how you’ll use your label printer. Here are a few questions to help you choose the right one:
Are you printing shipping labels, price tags, or product labels? Different printers support different sizes and types of labels.
If you print labels every day, go for a faster, more durable printer. If it’s only now and then, a basic model might do.
Some printers connect via USB, while others offer wireless options. Choose what fits best with your setup.
Most label printers print in black, but some, like the Brother QL-800, offer red and black printing for extra impact.
Use quality labels that are designed for your printer model.
Clean the printer regularly to avoid smudging and poor print quality.
Store label rolls properly to prevent curling or damage.
Label what matters – not everything needs a label, but using them smartly helps keep your business organised.
A reliable label printer can make a big difference for small businesses across New Zealand. Whether you're running a shop, sending out online orders, or keeping your stockroom in order, having the right tool for the job is essential.
The best printer for you depends on your business size, how often you print labels, and what kinds of labels you need. Luckily, there are plenty of great options in 2025 to suit every budget and business type.