Brother QL-820NWB
The QL-820NWB is the QL-800 made wireless: same 2.4 in DK labels and 300 dpi print, plus Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPrint and an optional battery. It's the compact label printer to get if phones are part of your workflow.
Wireless compact QL model with LCD.
Buy if / skip if
Buy it if
- You want to print address or product labels from an iPhone or Android phone.
- You want red-and-black labels.
- A battery option is useful for moving the printer around.
Skip it if
- You need 4x6 shipping labels.
- You only print from one computer (the QL-800 is simpler).
Pros and cons
What stands out
- AirPrint plus iPrint&Label
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth
- Optional Li-ion battery
- 300 dpi, auto cutter
Drawbacks
- 2.3 in max print width
- DK rolls only
- Brother's OS list on the page is dated
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 | 300 dpi |
| Max print width | 2.3 in |
| Media width | Brother DK rolls up to 2.4 in |
| Speed (manufacturer claim) | Up to 110 labels/min — manufacturer claim |
| USB | USB 2.0 and USB host |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.1+EDR |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| AirPrint | Yes |
| Printing software / protocols | Brother drivers; iPrint&Label; AirPrint |
| Label sensing | Brother DK roll system |
| Label formats | DK die-cut and continuous; 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 | Software, USB cable, AC adapter, DK-1201 starter roll (100), DK-2251 tape (16.4 ft) |
| Dimensions | 5.0 × 9.2 × 5.7 in |
| Weight | 2.5 lb |
| Power | AC adapter; optional Li-ion battery PA-BU-001 |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
| Maintenance notes | Auto cutter; monochrome LCD for standalone use. |
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. |
|---|---|
| macOS | ConfirmedBrother lists Mac compatibility. |
| ChromeOS | UnknownNot listed. |
| iPhone / iPad | ConfirmedAirPrint and iPrint&Label. |
| Android | ConfirmediPrint&Label. |
| Generic / third-party labels | Not supportedBrother DK rolls. |
Compatibility notes and common mistakes
AirPrint requires the printer on the same network.
- Buying it for postage labels.
- Forgetting the optional battery is sold separately.
Alternatives
Final recommendation
The best-connected compact label printer in our catalog.
Sources
Read and checked on September 27, 2026. We cite manufacturer documents first; third-party hosts are labeled.
- Brother QL-820NWB 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)