Best Free Label Makers in 2026: An Honest Comparison
There is no single best label maker for every job. We reviewed the current product pages and tested the workflows that matter most: exact sheet or roll dimensions, spreadsheet batches, QR and barcode support, account requirements, local privacy, and print-ready output. This page names the tradeoffs instead of declaring every competing tool unusable.
Comparison Table: Free Label Makers at a Glance
| Tool | Cost | Account | Printer-aware sizes | Batch data | Machine codes | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| printshi | Free | Not required | Exact 5160, 5161, 5162, 5163, 5164, 5167; 4x6 and custom | CSV address import | QR and Code 128 | Private Avery and address workflows |
| Avery Design & Print | Free | Used for cloud saves | Broad official Avery catalog | Mail and data merge | QR, barcodes, sequential numbers | Official Avery products and templates |
| Canva | Free tier; Pro available | Required | Custom dimensions, not Avery sheet alignment | Bulk creation is plan-dependent | Barcode app available | Decorative product labels and visual assets |
| OpenLabelMaker | Free core; paid unlimited batch imports | Not required | 500+ roll and sheet sizes | Excel, CSV, and Sheets | QR and multiple barcode formats | Broad printer and barcode coverage |
printshi
printshi runs the editor, images, addresses, QR codes, and Code 128 barcodes in the browser. Its strongest workflow is exact printing for the supported Avery sheets, including partial-sheet starting positions and horizontal or vertical calibration. It also handles individual 4x6 thermal pages and custom dimensions. The tradeoffs are a smaller stock catalog and no cloud collaboration. Best for: Avery address batches, local privacy, and people who do not want an account.
Avery Design & Print
Avery's official tool is free and has the broadest catalog for Avery products. Its current online editor supports images, mail and data merge, QR codes, barcodes, sequential numbers, and cloud project saves. It is the safest choice when your exact Avery product is not in another tool. The tradeoffs are a cloud-centered workflow and a product catalog focused on Avery stock. Best for: official Avery templates and decorative designs from Avery's library.
Canva
Canva is the strongest visual-design option in this group. Its free tier includes a large template and asset library, custom dimensions, and standard image or PDF exports. Canva does not specialize in Avery sheet geometry, partial-sheet placement, or direct thermal stock presets, so the final print layout may need separate setup. Best for: polished product, wedding, bottle, or packaging artwork where visual variety matters more than printer-specific alignment.
OpenLabelMaker
OpenLabelMaker is a capable direct competitor, not a basic address-only tool. It advertises more than 500 printer and stock sizes, 150+ fonts, spreadsheet batches, QR codes, and seven barcode formats. Its core editor is free and does not require an account; unlimited batch imports are a paid plan. Best for: broad DYMO, Brother, Zebra, Rollo, Avery, and barcode coverage.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose printshi for supported Avery sheets, partial-sheet printing, calibration, local addresses, and a no-account workflow.
- Choose Avery Design & Print when you need an official Avery product template that printshi does not yet include.
- Choose Canva when decorative templates, stock graphics, and brand visuals are the priority.
- Choose OpenLabelMaker when you need a much broader printer catalog or barcode formats beyond Code 128.
The practical answer is to pick the tool that already understands your stock and output. A beautiful design that does not align with the die cuts is not useful, and an exact template with the wrong barcode format is not useful either.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which free label maker is best for Avery sheets?
- Avery Design & Print has the broadest official Avery catalog. printshi is useful when you want exact layouts for Avery 5160, 5161, 5162, 5163, 5164, or 5167 without an account, including partial-sheet starting positions and calibration.
- Can I make labels without creating an account?
- Yes. printshi and OpenLabelMaker both let you start designing without an account. Canva requires an account. Avery promotes accounts for saving projects, while its official tool remains free to use.
- Can I print labels offline without internet?
- printshi caches the editor after the first successful visit and stores designs on the device, so the core editor can reopen offline. Cloud-based template libraries and fonts may require an initial connection.
- Which tool is best for decorative product labels?
- Canva has the strongest decorative template and stock-asset library. printshi and OpenLabelMaker are more purpose-built for exact printer dimensions, batch data, QR codes, and barcodes.
- Is there a free alternative to Avery Design & Print?
- printshi includes exact sheet layouts for Avery 5160, 5161, 5162, 5163, 5164, and 5167, plus custom label sizes, with no account required.
- Can I import addresses from a spreadsheet into a free label maker?
- Yes. printshi accepts CSV files from Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet app. Import your data, map columns, and print — no mail merge needed.