Handheld & Portable Label Makers

A handheld label printer is a compact, battery-powered labelling machine designed for mobility. Unlike desktop label printers, which typically sit in one place and connect to a computer, handheld models are lightweight, easy to carry and built for fast printing on the move. Think of them as the label maker equivalent of a mobile phone - small enough to fit in your hand, powerful and reliable enough to get the job done. They’re perfect for labelling files, clothing, cables, equipment and more in any setting - whether it’s the office, warehouse, classroom or home. For field electricians, contractors and datacom installers, specialised rugged handheld models like the PT-E560BTVP Label Maker are engineered for high-performance labelling in tough environments.

Portable label makers offer a range of features designed to save time and reduce errors, especially in fast-paced or field-based environments.

• True portability: Most models are battery-operated and fit easily into a bag or toolbelt
• Time-saving functionality: Print labels on the spot to avoid delays, whether you're at an event, in the stockroom or out on-site
• Wireless connectivity: Some models offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for seamless printing from your smartphone, tablet or laptop via the Brother Mobile Connect or iPrint&Label app

Name Tags and Personal Labels
Create clear, professional name tags for:
• School uniforms and student belongings
• Event badges and wristbands
• Office desks, lockers or mailboxes

Recommended Brother solutions: The Brother PT-D460BT is lightweight, easy to use, great for schools and events. 

Recommended TZe tapes:
• TZe-MQL35 (Pastel Purple on Clear, 12mm) - Fun for kids’ belongings while still durable and legible
• TZe-231 (Black on White Standard, 12mm) - Crisp, professional look for badges and temporary labels
• TZe-M931 (Black on Silver Metallic, 12mm) - Adds a premium, polished finish for events
• TZe-S231 (Black on White Extra Strength Adhesive, 12mm) - Stays put on toolboxes and other textured surfaces

Clothes and Fabric Labelling
Need labels that survive the washing machine? Brother handheld label makers help you print iron-on labels that stay put.

Perfect for:
• Parents labelling children’s clothing and lunch bags
• Aged care facilities managing laundry and resident belongings
• Small business owners tagging handmade clothing or crafts

Recommended Brother solutions: The Brother PT-D610BT prints iron-on fabric tapes for clothing and uniforms using TZe fabric tapes. These iron-on labels are purpose-built for garments and designed to withstand repeated commercial wash and dry cycles. They adhere securely to most common fabrics, including 100% cotton, 100% linen, 100% polyester and poly-cotton blends.

Recommended TZe Fabric Tapes:
• TZe-FA63 – Iron-on fabric tape, blue on yellow (12mm) 
• TZe-FA3 – Iron-on fabric tape, blue on white (12mm) 
• TZe-FA53 – Iron-on fabric tape, blue on blue (12mm) 
• TZe-FAE3 – Iron-on fabric tape, blue on pink (12mm) 

Barcode and Product Labels
Many Brother models print barcodes on durable laminated tape.
Common applications:

• Pop-up retail or trade show stalls
• Inventory and asset management
• Logistics and warehousing

Recommended Brother solutions: The Brother PT-P910BT offers Wi-Fi printing and barcode capability and prints up to 36mm wide labels.

Recommended TZe Tapes:

Standard Laminated Tapes:
• TZe-261 (Black on White, 36mm) - durable, smudge-resistant and ideal for barcode readability.
• TZe-661 (Black on Yellow, 36mm) - for enhanced visibility in warehouses or low-light areas.
• TZe-551 (Black on Blue, 24mm) - for colour-coded asset management
• TZe-461 (Black on Red, 36mm) - for alert or high-priority labelling
• TZe-161 (Black on Clear 36mm) - for transparent, discreet barcode applications

Strong Adhesive Laminated Tapes 
• TZe-S261 (Black on White 36mm) - ideal for plastic bins, metal racks and warehouse equipment
• TZe-S661 (Black on Yellow, 36mm) - ideal for logistics and safety-critical environments

Electrical, Datacom and Cable Labelling
The Brother PT-E Series is designed for electricians, cable installers and industrial technicians, with dedicated functions for printing heat shrink tubes, cable flags, wrap-around labels and more.

Applications include:
• Electrical panels and switchboards
• Network cabling and patch panels
• Data racks and fibre termination points
• General site safety and asset identification

Recommended Brother solutions: The Brother PT-E560BTVP Label Maker is Bluetooth-enabled, rugged and includes cable labelling templates. Pro tapes available including strong adhesive, flexible ID, heat shrink tubing and self-laminating tapes.

Custom Labels for Organisation and Creativity

Unleash your creativity and personalise everything from kitchen jars to planner tabs. Custom labelling helps:
• Declutter home or office storage
• Enhance brand packaging with a small business logo
• Add visual flair to gifts, crafts or planners

Recommended Brother solutions: 
• Brother PT-P910BT - design custom labels via computer or DesignNPrint2 app with icons, frames and templates.

Recommended TZe tapes:
• TZe-MQP35 (White on Pink Deco Tape) - soft pastel tone ideal for planners, crafts and home storage
• TZe-MQL35 (White on Grey Deco Tape) - minimalist and modern look for kitchen jars or office use
• TZe-MQ835 (White on Gold Deco Tape) - adds a touch of luxury to small business packaging or event stationery
• TZe-MPSL31 (Black on Silver Lace Deco Tape) - elegant pattern for gift tags, cards or decorative borders
• TZe-PR935 / TZe-PR955 (White on Silver Glitter Premium Tape) - premium metallic sheen for standout labelling or gift presentation
• TZe-RE34 (Gold on Pink Ribbon) or TZe-RN34 (Gold on Navy Ribbon) - perfect for non-adhesive ribbon projects like personalised gift wrapping or event décor

When comparing models, here are the key features to consider:
• Supported Tape Width – Check the maximum tape width the printer can handle. Some devices only support up to 12mm, while others can print 18mm, 24mm or even 36mm. This will directly impact your use cases and the flexibility of label sizes you can create.
• Print Quality & Resolution – Ensure crisp text, barcodes and symbols, especially when readability is critical
• Connectivity Options – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB, depending on how you want to print
• Size & Portability – Smaller models suit mobile tasks; rugged models like the PT-E series are built for job sites
• Label Versatility – From iron-on fabric labels to extra-strong adhesive tapes, Brother handhelds support a wide range of media
• Ease of Use – Look for intuitive displays, built-in templates and compatibility with Bluetooth, Brother’s apps and software

 

Yes. Select Brother P-touch models can be used as a fabric label maker or clothes label printer ideal for creating durable iron-on labels for garments, school uniforms or aged care residents’ belongings. Brother TZe iron-on labels such as the TZe-FA3 tape are designed to withstand repeated washing and wear.

 

Yes. Select Brother handheld and portable printers support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so you can print barcodes directly from your mobile device using the Brother iPrint&Label app.

The best handheld label maker depends on your specific needs but some standout options in the Brother range include:

• For home:
PT-H110 – compact, battery-powered and perfect for everyday personal labelling
• For clothing and fabric:
PT-D610BT – works with iron-on TZe tapes and connects via Bluetooth for smartphone control
• For electricians and tradies:
PT-E560BTVP – rugged, portable, and purpose-built for electrical, datacom and industrial labelling
• For advanced customisation:
PT-P910BT – connects to PC or mobile app for professional layouts, barcodes, ready-to-print templates and custom labels

Brother handheld label makers work by printing thermal transfer labels onto pre-loaded label tape cassettes - no ink or toner required. Here’s how it works step-by-step:

1. Load a Brother label tape cassette (like TZe or HSe tapes) into the device
2. Type your label using the keypad or design it on your smartphone if the device supports Bluetooth (like the PT-P910BT)
3. Select label options like font, size, symbols or frame (depending on model)
4. Print and cut the label using the built-in cutter - either automatic or manual
5. Apply your label to the surface. Some tapes are laminated for durability; others are iron-on or heat shrink for specific uses.