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Head-to-head · Label Design Software

BarTender vs DYMO Label Software

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score BarTender #2 in Label Design Software 9.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit BarTender
DYMO Label Software #5 in Label Design Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit DYMO

BarTender leads on 0 checks, DYMO Label Software on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBarTender · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly DYMO Label Software
  • Free trialonly BarTender
  • Most featuresDYMO Label Software · 4 of 5

BarTender scores higher on our rubric for label design software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

DYMO Label Software offers free plan; BarTender doesn't.

BarTender is the better fit for enterprise barcode, RFID, and print automation. DYMO Label Software is the better fit for free desktop label printing with data automation.

  • BarTender fits best

    Enterprise barcode, RFID, and print automation

  • DYMO Label Software fits best

    Free desktop label printing with data automation

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature BarTender 9.2/10 Visit ↗ DYMO Label Software 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #2 in Label Design Software #5 in Label Design Software
Best for Enterprise barcode, RFID, and print automation Free desktop label printing with data automation
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price $199/yr Free plan
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows Windows, macOS
Integrations 10 integrations 8 integrations
Features BarTender 1/5 · DYMO Label Software 4/5
Barcode support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Shipping labels Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Compliance labels Not checked yet Not checked yet
Variable data printing ✓ ✓
Print automation Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Supported printers Not checked yet LabelWriter 450 series, LabelWriter 4XL, LabelWriter Wireless, and current LabelManager series
Deployment model Not checked yet Desktop
Our review
Pros
  • Supports barcode and RFID labels across 100+ symbologies
  • Automates printing through REST API, File Drop, and no-code integrations
  • Adds permissions, audit trails, and centralized document management
  • Free software with custom layouts, barcodes, images, and variable data
  • Imports Excel, Access, CSV, text, and UDL files for bulk printing
  • Windows and macOS support with QuickPrint and application add-ins
Cons
  • No free plan is available
  • Annual pricing starts at $199 for the Starter plan
  • Enterprise features require contacting sales for a quote
  • Designed for DYMO LabelWriter and LabelManager printers
  • Maintained as legacy software for older DYMO devices
  • Desktop deployment does not provide browser or mobile access
Our verdict

BarTender is labeling software for organizations that design, manage, automate, and print product, warehouse, manufacturing, retail, and logistics labels. It supports barcode and RFID label design, dynamic data-driven templates, database…

Read the review →

DYMO Label Software is free desktop software for designing and printing labels with compatible DYMO LabelWriter and LabelManager printers. It suits individuals and teams that need custom labels, shipping labels, addresses, barcodes, QR…

Read the review →
  1. BarTenderLabel Design Software 9.230-day trial
  2. DYMO Label SoftwareLabel Design Software 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • BarTender — where it wins

    • Supports barcode and RFID labels across 100+ symbologies
    • Automates printing through REST API, File Drop, and no-code integrations
    • Adds permissions, audit trails, and centralized document management

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Annual pricing starts at $199 for the Starter plan
    • Enterprise features require contacting sales for a quote

  • DYMO Label Software — where it wins

    • Free software with custom layouts, barcodes, images, and variable data
    • Imports Excel, Access, CSV, text, and UDL files for bulk printing
    • Windows and macOS support with QuickPrint and application add-ins

    Where it doesn't

    • Designed for DYMO LabelWriter and LabelManager printers
    • Maintained as legacy software for older DYMO devices
    • Desktop deployment does not provide browser or mobile access
  • BarTender9.2/10 · 30-day trial

    A broad labeling platform for organizations that need automation, control, and data-driven printing.

    Visit BarTenderFull verdict →
  • DYMO Label Software8.8/10 · Free plan

    A free desktop choice for automated, data-driven label printing with DYMO devices.

    Visit DYMOFull verdict →

More comparisons

All label design software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update