Brother QL-700 Label Printer: features, specs and who it suits

The Brother QL-700 is a desktop label printer for offices, home businesses and anyone who regularly labels parcels, envelopes and folders. It prints on drop-in rolls, so it needs no ink or toner, and an automatic cutter trims each label as it comes out.

How it prints

The QL-700 is a monochrome printer that needs no ink or toner. Printers like this are typically direct thermal: a heated print head darkens specially coated paper. The upside is no cartridges to replace. The trade-off is that thermal labels are generally best kept away from heat and strong sunlight. Brother lists a resolution of up to 300 x 600 dpi for crisp text and graphics.

Speed and the auto cutter

Brother rates the QL-700 at up to 93 labels per minute, which matters when you are working through a batch of address labels. The auto cutter separates one or several labels at a time and gives a clean edge, so you do not waste label stock.

Label types and sizes

The printer takes drop-in rolls. Brother says it prints pre-sized, easy-peel labels with rounded corners, for packages, envelopes, file folders and discs. It also prints on continuous-length paper and film tape, which allows banners and signs up to three feet long. The cutter lets you make almost any length within the roll's width. Starter rolls come in the box: DK-1201 die-cut standard address labels (100 labels) and DK-2205 continuous paper tape, 2.4 inches wide and 26.2 ft long.

Software and connection

It connects to a computer by the included USB cable. Brother's Plug & Label feature lets you print basic labels without installing software. For more advanced jobs, such as bar code labels, the included P-touch Editor software is used. Brother also says the printer works with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, and offers a downloadable Label Collection of pre-designed labels. The listing also mentions printing postage through a cloud-based service; availability of such services depends on your region and carrier, so check what applies to you.

Size and weight

It measures about 10.3 x 7.2 x 9.4 inches (26 x 18 x 24 cm) and weighs 2.5 lb (about 1.1 kg), small enough for a corner of a desk.

Who it suits

It fits small shops, online sellers, offices and home users who print shipping, address or filing labels often and want to avoid ink. Someone who prints only a few labels a year might not need a dedicated printer.

What to check before you buy

• Computer compatibility: confirm your operating system works with the driver and software.
• Label rolls: it uses Brother DK rolls, so check the sizes you need, such as address, shipping or continuous tape.
• Ongoing supplies: labels are the consumable, so look at how quickly you will use rolls.
• Print life: thermal prints may fade with heat or light, so consider where the labels will end up.
• Colour: it is monochrome only.
• Space: make sure there is a free USB port and room for the roll and the cutter.

The short version

• A desktop monochrome label printer using thermal printing, with no ink or toner.
• Up to 93 labels per minute, up to 300 x 600 dpi.
• Auto cutter; prints die-cut labels and continuous tape for banners up to three feet.
• USB connection, Plug & Label and P-touch Editor software.
• Starter rolls, USB cable, power cord and setup guide in the box.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.