Bulk Label Printer Comparison: Brady BMP71 versus Epson LW-Z5010PX

When it comes to 2-inch bulk label printing, the Brady BMP71 has been a popular choice among working professionals needing a cost-efficient, compact label maker. However, there’s a new kid on the block, the Epson LW-Z5010PX, and it’s impressive. Let’s take a look at how these two bulk label printers compare.

Brady BMP71 2-inch Bulk Label Printer

The Brady BMP71 is a portable, 2-inch label printer that runs off both AC and battery power. It comes with an AC adapter/charger and rechargeable battery. Intended for demanding, high volume applications, the Brady BMP71 accepts bulk label rolls up to 75 feet long. With bulk label tapes, there’s less user intervention required as the label rolls last longer than standard ones, and the cost per foot is less. For a typical Brady bulk tape, the cost per foot averages out to $2.92 (see video for cost comparison basis).

The Brady BMP71 is fairly fast, too, with a maximum print speed of 36mm per second. It includes two standalone barcode formats and a manual cutter. The Brady BMP71 is a thermal transfer printer which requires the use of both the tape and a separate ribbon.

A variety of Brady supplies are available for the Brady BMP71, but note that it is not compatible with all Brady supplies, so make sure to check for compatibility. The Brady BMP71 comes with a two-year limited warranty and has a MSRP of $895 (USD).

The Brady BMP71 comes with a free trial of Brady WorkStation Basic Design Suite. After the trial expires, you will need to purchase a license key (from $249).

Epson LW-Z5010PX Industrial Printer

The Epson LW-Z5010PX is the newest member of Epson’s LabelWorks family. It costs less than the Brady BMP71 — just $850 compared to $895 — and beats it in every category.

Like the Brady BMP71, the Epson LW-Z5010PX runs off AC or battery power and includes both an AC adapter/charger and a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. The Epson LW-Z5010PX is a 2-inch bulk label printer that accepts label rolls twice as large as those of the Brady BMP71 — up to 147 feet. And, the typical bulk tape cost per foot is much lower at $0.92 per foot.

If you were impressed by the Brady BMP71’s 33mm/second print speed, you’re going to love how fast the Epson LW-Z5010PX prints — up to 50mm per second. Where the Brady BMP71 only has a manual cutter, the Epson LW-Z5010PX has an auto cutter that can cut full and half cuts. The Epson LW-Z5010PX includes 7 more standalone barcodes than the Brady BMP71 for a total of 9 barcodes.

The Epson LW-Z5010PX is a thermal transfer printer just like the Brady BMP71. However, the Epson LW-Z5010PX uses all-in-one tape cartridges, so there’s no need to buy a separate ribbon as required by the Brady BMP71.

Not only is there a large selection of bulk Epson PX label rolls available for the Epson LW-Z5010PX label printer, ALL Epson PX tapes work with this printer.

The Epson LW-Z5010PX comes with Epson Label Editor software, a comprehensive application with unlimited free downloads and unlimited software licenses.

Both the Brady BMP71 and the Epson LW-Z5010PX do an admirable job of printing 2-inch labels. However, the clear winner in this matchup is the Epson LW-Z5010PX. It costs less upfront; its supplies cost less, it’s faster, and it does more. Plus, the Epson LW-Z5010PX comes with a lifetime no-questions-asked warranty.

Check out the video below to learn more.

Compare Brady BMP71 vs Epson LW-Z501PX Industrial Label Printer

Checkout the Epson LW-Z5000PX Industrial Tape Printer