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Head-to-head · Barcode Printing Software

ZebraDesigner vs Brother P-touch Editor

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score ZebraDesigner #1 in Barcode Printing Software 9.3/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit ZebraDesigner
Brother P-touch Editor #5 in Barcode Printing Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Brother

ZebraDesigner leads on 0 checks, Brother P-touch Editor on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreZebraDesigner · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly ZebraDesigner

ZebraDesigner scores higher on our rubric for barcode printing software: 9.3 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.

ZebraDesigner is the better fit for established Zebra-centric label operations. Brother P-touch Editor is the better fit for free Brother label-maker users.

  • ZebraDesigner fits best

    Established Zebra-centric label operations

  • Brother P-touch Editor fits best

    Free Brother label-maker users

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 ZebraDesigner 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Brother P-touch Editor 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.4
Ranking #1 in Barcode Printing Software #5 in Barcode Printing Software
Best for Established Zebra-centric label operations Free Brother label-maker users
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS
Integrations 9 integrations 3 integrations
Features ZebraDesigner 1/3 · Brother P-touch Editor 1/3
Batch printing ✓ ✓
Data import Not checked yet Not checked yet
Label designer Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Barcode formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Printer types Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free Essentials edition covers basic label and tag design and printing.
  • Professional adds database connectivity, RFID encoding, and VB scripting.
  • Creates ZPL templates for third-party application integration.
  • Creates barcodes, QR codes, sequential numbers, and variable fields
  • Supports batch printing and database-driven labels from Excel
  • Offers templates, image imports, Unicode, and print preview
Cons
  • Windows only; it is desktop software rather than cloud deployed.
  • RFID, database connections, and VB scripting require Professional.
  • Designed for Zebra printers, so it may not suit mixed-printer workflows.
  • Requires a compatible Brother label printer or label maker
  • Desktop-only software for Windows and macOS
  • Functionality is centered on Brother's printer ecosystem
Our verdict

ZebraDesigner is Windows software for designing and printing barcode labels, tags, and receipts, aimed at organizations running Zebra printer workflows. Essentials provides basic design and printing with fixed or variable data, while…

Read the review →

Brother P-touch Editor is free desktop software for designing and printing custom labels with compatible Brother P-touch and QL printers. It fits home, office, retail, education, government, and IT labeling tasks, including asset tags,…

Read the review →
  1. ZebraDesignerBarcode Printing Software 9.3Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. Brother P-touch EditorBarcode Printing Software 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ZebraDesigner — where it wins

    • Free Essentials edition covers basic label and tag design and printing.
    • Professional adds database connectivity, RFID encoding, and VB scripting.
    • Creates ZPL templates for third-party application integration.

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows only; it is desktop software rather than cloud deployed.
    • RFID, database connections, and VB scripting require Professional.
    • Designed for Zebra printers, so it may not suit mixed-printer workflows.

  • Brother P-touch Editor — where it wins

    • Creates barcodes, QR codes, sequential numbers, and variable fields
    • Supports batch printing and database-driven labels from Excel
    • Offers templates, image imports, Unicode, and print preview

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires a compatible Brother label printer or label maker
    • Desktop-only software for Windows and macOS
    • Functionality is centered on Brother's printer ecosystem
  • ZebraDesigner9.3/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A Windows label designer with free basics and advanced Zebra-focused printing features.

    Visit ZebraDesignerFull verdict →
  • Brother P-touch Editor8.4/10 · Free plan

    A capable free editor for Brother users needing barcodes, batches, and database-driven labels.

    Visit BrotherFull verdict →

More comparisons

All barcode printing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update