When choosing direct thermal labels for your business, especially in eCommerce, logistics, or warehousing, knowing the differences between Dymo, Brother, and Zebra die-cut label sizes can make a major impact on your printing workflow, compatibility, and cost-efficiency.
In this article, we compare the die-cut label size offerings of the three major brands from four perspectives: size range, common use cases, printer compatibility, and material support. Whether you’re labeling packages, managing inventory, or printing name badges, this guide will help you choose the right brand and label type.
Dymo Die-Cut Label Sizes: Narrow, Standardized, and Office-Focused
Dymo labels are widely used in office settings, small eCommerce operations, and light warehouse tasks. Most of their die-cut labels are narrow-format, designed for compact label printers with limited width support.
Key Characteristics:
- Best for small packages, address labels, and filing systems
- Width generally ranges from 1″ to 2.25″
- Mostly white paper, compatible with direct thermal printing
- Supplied in rolls, with forward-feed only (no fanfold option)
Popular Dymo Die-Cut Sizes (in inches):
Size (W x H) Common Use 1″ x 2-1/8″ Address labels 2-5/16″ x 4″ Shipping labels for eCommerce 1-1/8″ x 3-1/2″ File folder labels 3/4″ x 2-1/2″ Name tags, barcode stickers 1.4″ x 3-1/2″ Identification tags
Limitations:
- Cannot print 4×6 shipping labels used by USPS, UPS, or FedEx
- Limited to standardized die-cut options
- No support for folded labels or industrial-grade materials
Brother Die-Cut Label Sizes: Flexible, Wider, but Fewer Choices
Brother labels, often sold under the “DK” series, are designed for flexible use in retail, office, and mid-scale logistics. While the number of available die-cut sizes is less than Dymo or Zebra, Brother stands out by supporting wider formats.
Key Characteristics:
- Compatible with a wide range of Brother QL printers
- Supports up to 4-inch-wide direct thermal labels
- Excellent for general-purpose and shipping label printing
- Offers wireless and app-based printing options
Representative Brother Die-Cut Labels:
Model Size (W x H) Typical Use DK-1201 1.1″ x 3.5″ General labeling DK-1202 2.4″ x 3.9″ Address & small parcel shipping DK-1241 4″ x 6″ Logistics and carrier labels DK-11209 1.1″ x 2.4″ Name tags, access labels
Advantages:
- Can print 4×6-inch labels (suitable for UPS/FedEx)
- Compatible with wireless and mobile devices
- High compatibility with third-party direct thermal labels
Drawbacks:
- Fewer die-cut options than Zebra
- Some models require proprietary label cartridges
Zebra Die-Cut Label Sizes: Industrial Powerhouse with Maximum Versatility
Zebra leads the market in industrial labeling, with the broadest range of die-cut label sizes, materials, and configurations. Their labels are used across eCommerce, healthcare, cold-chain logistics, retail, and manufacturing.
Key Characteristics:
- Die-cut labels ranging from 1″ to 8+” wide
- Supports rolls and fanfold configurations
- Offers gap sensing, black mark, and notch detection
- Compatible with hundreds of printer models and external feeders
Typical Zebra Die-Cut Label Sizes (in inches):
Size Common Use Case 4″ x 6″ Courier shipping (FedEx, UPS, USPS) 2″ x 1″ Inventory and barcoding 2.25″ x 1.25″ Laboratory and patient ID labeling 4″ x 2″ Product and warehouse labels 1.25″ x 0.5″ Jewelry, electronics, small items
Zebra Advantages:
- Unmatched size variety and material types
- Industrial-grade support for synthetic, waterproof, and cryogenic labels
- Flexible supply options: rolls, fanfold, core size, liner type
Limitations:
- Industrial printers can be more expensive and complex
- Label compatibility depends on exact model and sensor type
Comparative Table: Dymo vs. Brother vs. Zebra Die-Cut Labels
Feature Dymo Brother Zebra Max Label Width 2.25″ 4″ 8+” Number of Sizes Limited Moderate Extensive Fan-Fold Support No No Yes Material Options Paper only Paper, some film Paper, film, synth Ideal for Office/eCommerce Retail/Mid-logistics Industrial/Medical
Which Label Brand Should You Choose?
- For Small eCommerce Shippers: Dymo’s 2-5/16″ x 4″ label is popular and cost-effective.
- For Official Courier Labels: Brother DK-1241 and Zebra 4″ x 6″ die-cut labels are the industry standards.
- For Specialized Needs (cold chain, jewelry, medical): Zebra offers unmatched versatility and performance.
Your final choice should depend on your printing volume, application specificity, and budget. For businesses that may grow or require unique label formats, Zebra or Brother could be the better investment.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use Dymo labels in Brother or Zebra printers?
Dymo labels are Compatible with part of Zebra printers, but not compatible with Brother printers.
Q2: Why does Zebra have more die-cut label sizes than Dymo or Brother?
Zebra is designed for industrial use across many sectors, leading them to offer a wider range of sizes and materials to meet diverse industry needs.
Q3: Do all three brands support waterproof die-cut labels?
No, they don’t, please go to reliable third party suppliers for water resistant or waterproof labels.
Betckey: Your One-Stop Label Supplier
Choosing the right label size and brand can be overwhelming, especially when your business depends on precision and speed. That’s why professionals choose Betckey.
At Betckey, we specialize in high-quality direct thermal labels that are fully compatible with Dymo, Brother, and Zebra printers. From cost-effective daily-use labels to high-durability industrial options, our label solutions are trusted by thousands of businesses.taba squishy
Whether you’re printing address labels or handling high-volume shipping, Betckey helps you stay efficient and professional—one label at a time.