New DYMO 550 LabelWriter Series: Everything You Need To Know

On October 1, DYMO brand announced the newest generation of their popular LabelWriter desktop direct thermal label printers. With the new series comes a few important changes that you should be aware of - particularly if you have purchased replacement Dymo labels in the past.

What Are The Differences Between DYMO 550 and 450 LabelWriter Printers?

The biggest difference between the DYMO 550 Series vs. the 450 Series is that the 550 Series are "locked down" printers. This means that there is proprietary technology, enabled by using RFID chips known as DRM (digital rights management), in the DYMO 550 Series Printers that prevents everything except for DYMO brand authentic labels to work with the software/printer.

However, DYMO continues to manufacture one printer from the 450 Series lineup - the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL Label Printer. With the 4XL, you can print labels up to 4" wide, and the software and printer are not limited by the DRM that is found in the 550 series printers. This enables the user to continue using custom labels or labels from other manufacturers

Another difference is that the software will automatically detect the label roll being used. It will change the template to the label size in the printer, and it will also count the number of labels that are remaining on the roll. DYMO refers to this as Automatic Label Recognition™. 

Finally, the 550 Series is up to 20% faster than the 450 Series printers. Beyond these changes and a slight design update that includes Power, Label Forward, and Label Backward buttons, there are not any other major differences from the 450 Series.

Do DYMO 450 Labels work with the 550 Series?

At this time, no, only DYMO Authentic Labels can be used in the DYMO 550 Series Printers. DYMO has integrated proprietary technology in the 550 series printers that will not allow for the use of compatible labels at this time. However, there is a way that you can purchase a new DYMO printer and continue to use the same Dymo 450 label pritner labels you've always used. If you purchase a Dymo 4XL LabelWriter, you can continue to print Dymo 450 labels in a new printer

What Do I Do If DYMO Doesn't Offer My Label Type/Size/Material?

If you have a label size that is regarded as "custom" by DYMO, the best alternative is to purchase a Dymo LabelWriter 4XL. At this time this printer is not being discontinued by DYMO. The 4XL is "unlocked" and can print on custom sizes, colors, shapes, and pre-printed Dymo labels from 1.2" up to 4". "Custom" sizes, materials, colors, and adhesives are any label type that is not manufactured by DYMO. The full list of DYMO manufactured labels can be found here. Non-DYMO Authentic labels will not work with the 550 Series due to the new technology that detects the type of label that is inserted into the machine. If you currently order a size, shape, color, adhesive, or custom printed label for your DYMO LabelWriter 450, you will not be able to continue using the same labels with a 550 series printer at this time. Instead, consider the 4XL.

Towards the end of 2022, the Wireless LabelWriter should be available again as well, offering a lower priced alternative with the same functionality as the 450 series printers.

What Are Alternative Options To The DYMO 550 Series?

While DYMO LabelWriter printers are a popular label making machine due to their ease of use, low price point, and versatility, since there are now limited label options available that will work in the printer, you may need to consider an alternative.

Here is a selection of recommended Direct Thermal printer alternatives that LabelValue manufactures compatible direct thermal labels for, saving you potentially much more money over the life of your printer than having to buy expensive printer-brand labels.

LabelValue Labels LabelWriter 4XL Printer

Seiko SLP620

Rollo Printer Zebra Shipping Label Printer TSC TDP-225 Printer
Printer Model

Dymo LabelWriter 4XL   RECOMMENDED

Seiko SLP 620 Rollo Shipping Label Printer Zebra ZD220 TSC 

Minimum Print Width

0.5" 0.5" 1.57" 1" N/A

Maximum Print Width

4" 2.25" 4.1"

4.09"

2"

Print Speed

78 mm/sec 68 mm/sec 150 mm/sec 102 mm/sec 177 mm/sec

Print From Excel & Word

Yes Yes With Additional Software Purchase

Yes

With Additional Software Purchase

Software Included

Yes - Dymo Connect Yes Yes Yes Yes - Bartender

Core Size(s)

1" 1" N/A - No Built-In Label Holder 0.5", 1", 1.5" 1" or 1.5"

Label Holder

Internal Internal External Add-On Only Internal - 5" Max OD Internal - 5" Max OD

Connectivity

USB USB USB  USB USB/Serial

Price

$322.95 $89.99 $179 $339.95 $349.97

 

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