Brother QL-800
For return-address, product and file labels, the QL-800 is a compact, fast, 300 dpi printer with an auto cutter and optional red printing. It's not a shipping-label printer—pair it with a 4x6 printer if you need both.
USB model; the QL-810W and QL-820NWB add wireless.
Buy if / skip if
Buy it if
- You print return-address or product labels in batches.
- You want red-and-black labels (DK-2251).
- You print from one computer.
Skip it if
- You need 4x6 shipping labels from the same printer.
- You print from phones.
Pros and cons
What stands out
- 300 dpi and auto cutter
- Black and red printing with DK-2251
- Compact 4.9 in wide body
- 2-year warranty
Drawbacks
- 2.3 in max print width
- USB only
- DK rolls only
Specifications
From the sources listed at the end of this review. Speeds are manufacturer claims; “not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it in the documents we read.
| Print method | Direct thermal |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 300 × 600 dpi |
| Max print width | 2.3 in |
| Media width | Brother DK rolls up to 2.4 in (62 mm) |
| Speed (manufacturer claim) | Up to 93 standard address labels/min at 300 dpi, text only — manufacturer claim |
| USB | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Ethernet | No |
| AirPrint | No |
| Printing software / protocols | Brother drivers; P-touch Editor; “Plug & Label” mode |
| Label sensing | Brother DK roll system |
| Label formats | DK die-cut and continuous rolls; black/red DK-2251 |
| Where labels sit | Internal DK cartridge |
| Core size | Brother DK format |
| Max roll diameter | Brother DK format |
| Label restrictions | Brother DK rolls up to 2.4 in |
| Included | USB cable, power cord, DK-1201 starter roll (100 labels), DK-2251 tape (16.4 ft), P-touch software |
| Dimensions | 4.9 × 8.4 × 5.6 in |
| Weight | 2.5 lb |
| Power | AC (cord included) |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
| Maintenance notes | Auto cutter. |
Compatibility
Statuses reflect the manufacturer documents listed below. Unknown means not documented—not “probably works.” Printing a downloaded PDF and native app support are separate questions.
| Windows | ConfirmedBrother lists Windows (page shows older versions). |
|---|---|
| macOS | ConfirmedBrother lists macOS (page shows 10.10–10.13; check support for current). |
| ChromeOS | UnknownNot listed. |
| iPhone / iPad | Not supportedUSB only. |
| Android | UnknownBrother mentions a mobile app, but no method is documented for this USB model on the page we read. |
| Generic / third-party labels | Not supportedBrother DK rolls. |
Analysis
Where it fits on a packing desk
Most home shippers need two label types: 4x6 postage labels and small labels (return address, SKU, “fragile”). The QL-800 handles the second job; DK-1201 address labels are 1.1 × 3.5 in, 400 per roll.
Compatibility notes and common mistakes
Check Brother support for current OS drivers.
- Buying it for 4x6 shipping labels.
- Buying DK-1241/1247 rolls—those are for the wide QL-1100 series.
Alternatives
Brother QL-820NWB
Same label width plus Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth and AirPrint.
Brother QL-800 vs DYMO LabelWriter 550: Address-Label Printers Compared · Compare these side by side
Final recommendation
An easy recommendation for address and product labels from a single computer.
Sources
Read and checked on September 27, 2026. We cite manufacturer documents first; third-party hosts are labeled.
- Brother QL-800 product page (Brother USA, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026)
- Brother DK-1201 product page (Brother USA, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026)