DYMO LabelWriter 5XL vs Brother QL-1110NWB: Two Brand-Label Printers Compared
Both lock you into their maker's labels, so choose on connectivity. The Brother QL-1110NWB adds Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPrint and an auto cutter; the DYMO 5XL is smaller and lighter with USB and Ethernet only.
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| Model | DYMO LabelWriter 5XL Situational Check price on AmazonReview | Brother QL-1110NWB Situational Check price on AmazonReview |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Offices already using DYMO software and willing to buy DYMO-branded labels | Mixed-device offices that want an auto cutter and accept Brother DK label rolls |
| Key caveat | DYMO states the 550 series and 5XL require DYMO-branded labels; generic 4x6 labels are not an option. | Uses Brother DK cartridges; generic fanfold 4x6 labels do not fit. |
| Windows | ConfirmedWindows 10 or later with DYMO Connect for Desktop. | ConfirmedBrother lists Windows drivers; the product page lists older versions—check Brother support for Windows 11. |
| macOS | ConfirmedmacOS 14 or later with DYMO Connect for Desktop. | ConfirmedBrother lists macOS support; the product page names older versions—check Brother support for current macOS. |
| ChromeOS | UnknownNot listed by DYMO. | UnknownNot listed on the product page. |
| iPhone / iPad | UnknownNot listed for the 5XL. | ConfirmedBrother iPrint&Label app; Brother also references AirPrint. |
| Android | UnknownNot listed for the 5XL. | ConfirmedBrother iPrint&Label app. |
| App / driver requirement | DYMO Connect for Desktop software and drivers | Brother drivers and P-touch Editor; Brother iPrint&Label app |
| Connectivity | USB: USB 2.0 Type B; Bluetooth: No; Wi-Fi: No; Ethernet: Yes (RJ45); AirPrint: No | USB: USB and USB host; Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n; Ethernet: Yes; AirPrint: Referenced by Brother |
| Label restrictions | Authentic DYMO LW labels only (DYMO user guide and product page) | Brother DK rolls (e.g., DK-1241 4×6 in, DK-1247 4.07×6.4 in) |
| Generic labels | Not supportedDYMO: “Use only Authentic DYMO labels”; 550-series and 5XL printers are calibrated for DYMO-branded labels. | Not supportedTakes Brother DK rolls; third-party DK-format refills exist but generic 4x6 fanfold stacks do not fit the DK system. |
| Resolution | 300 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Max media width | Up to 4.53 in (115 mm) | Up to 4.09 in (Brother DK rolls) |
| Where labels sit | Internal DYMO roll spool | Internal DK cartridge |
| Included supplies | Printer, power adapter and cord, USB cable, user guide (some bundles add labels) | Software, USB cable, AC adapter, DK-1247 and DK-2205 starter rolls |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 2-year limited |
| Sources checked | 3 source(s), last verified September 27, 2026 | 3 source(s), last verified September 27, 2026 |
The differences that matter
- Labels: DYMO requires authentic DYMO LW labels (1744907 for 4 × 6 in). Brother uses DK cartridges (DK-1241 for 4 × 6 in, DK-1247 for 4.07 × 6.4 in).
- Connectivity: Brother lists USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth; DYMO lists USB and Ethernet.
- Phones: Brother supports iPrint&Label on iOS/Android and references AirPrint. DYMO doesn't list phone printing for the 5XL.
- OS versions: DYMO requires Windows 10+ or macOS 14+. Brother's product page lists older versions; check Brother support for current drivers.
- Size: DYMO 7.09 × 5.35 × 7.36 in, 1.95 lb; Brother 6.7 × 8.7 × 5.9 in, 3.9 lb.
Who should choose which
Choose the DYMO LabelWriter 5XL if…
- Your office already runs DYMO Connect.
- You want a compact 4-inch printer on Ethernet.
Choose the Brother QL-1110NWB if…
- Phones need to print.
- You want an auto cutter for address and file labels too.
Bottom line
If you're choosing between them, the Brother QL-1110NWB is more flexible. If label cost and choice matter most, look at generic-label printers such as the Rollo Wireless.
Sources
- DYMO LabelWriter 5XL product page (DYMO, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026)
- User Guide: LabelWriter 550, 550 Turbo, 5XL (PDF) (DYMO, manufacturer manual; checked September 27, 2026)
- DYMO LabelWriter Extra Large Shipping Labels (1744907) (DYMO, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026)
- Brother QL-1110NWB product page (Brother USA, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026) — Page lists older OS versions; current drivers are on Brother support.
- Brother DK-1241 product page (Brother USA, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026)
- Brother DK-1247 product page (Brother USA, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026)
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