Label printer review

DYMO LabelWriter 550

The LabelWriter 550 is a small, 300 dpi address-label printer with DYMO's label-recognition feature. It only works with DYMO labels, so it suits offices already buying DYMO supplies rather than cost-focused home shippers.

USB model; the 550 Turbo adds Ethernet and higher speed.

Buy if / skip if

Buy it if

  • You already use DYMO address labels and software.
  • You want the printer to report remaining labels.
  • Desk space is very tight (5 in wide).

Pros and cons

What stands out

  • 300 dpi
  • Very compact and light (1.41 lb)
  • 2-year warranty
  • Label type/count recognition

Drawbacks

  • DYMO labels only
  • USB only
  • No published labels-per-minute figure

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.

DYMO LabelWriter 550 specifications
Print methodDirect thermal
Resolution300 dpi
Max print width2.25 in (56 mm)
Media widthUp to 2.44 in (62 mm)
Speed (manufacturer claim)DYMO: up to 20% faster than the LabelWriter 450 for 4-line address labels over USB
USBUSB 2.0 Type B
BluetoothNo
Wi-FiNo
EthernetNo (550 Turbo has Ethernet)
AirPrintNo
Printing software / protocolsDYMO Connect for Desktop
Label sensingAutomatic Label Recognition (authentic DYMO labels)
Label formatsDYMO LabelWriter rolls
Where labels sitInternal DYMO spool
Core sizeDYMO LW format
Max roll diameterDYMO LW format
Label restrictionsAuthentic DYMO LW labels only
IncludedNot itemized on DYMO's page
Dimensions5 × 5.35 × 7.36 in
Weight1.41 lb
Power24 V, 1.75 A, 42 W adapter
Warranty2-year limited
Maintenance notesThird-party label damage not covered by warranty (DYMO).

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.

WindowsConfirmedDYMO Connect for Desktop; DYMO lists Windows 8.1 or later (guide) and current versions for Windows 10/11.
macOSConfirmedDYMO Connect for Desktop; guide lists macOS 10.14+, current download for macOS 13+.
ChromeOSUnknownNot listed.
iPhone / iPadNot supportedUSB-only model.
AndroidUnknownNot listed.
Generic / third-party labelsNot supported“LabelWriter 550 printers are carefully calibrated to only work with DYMO-branded labels.”

See label fit for every printer · Try the printer finder

Compatibility notes and common mistakes

Install DYMO Connect before connecting.

  • Buying third-party DYMO-size labels.
  • Expecting 4x6 output.

Alternatives

Brother QL-800

Brother DK labels with an auto cutter and red printing.

DYMO LabelWriter 5XL

DYMO's 4-inch model for shipping labels.

Brother QL-800 vs DYMO LabelWriter 550: Address-Label Printers Compared · Compare these side by side

Final recommendation

Fine for DYMO-standardized offices; otherwise the Brother QL-800 offers more for address labels.

Sources

Read and checked on September 27, 2026. We cite manufacturer documents first; third-party hosts are labeled.

  1. DYMO LabelWriter 550 product page (DYMO, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026)
  2. User Guide: LabelWriter 550, 550 Turbo, 5XL (PDF) (DYMO, manufacturer manual; checked September 27, 2026)
  3. DYMO LabelWriter Mailing Address Labels (DYMO, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026)