Compare two USB-only direct-thermal label printers: 300 dpi Brother DK stock with an automatic cutter against a 203 dpi Rollo. The Rollo accepts compatible generic labels.
The decision in brief
How the options differ
Both are USB-only direct-thermal printers with no built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The QL-1100C prints at 300 dpi on Brother DK die-cut and continuous rolls and has an automatic cutter; the Rollo USB prints at 203 dpi on compatible direct-thermal stock from 40 to 104 mm wide, with no cutter specification established. Brother documents power and USB cables plus DK starter rolls in the box; the Rollo packing list remains unverified.
By CompareFoundry · Published · Editorial review · Manufacturer documentation, not hands-on testing.
The buying guide
Package and specification details
Decide which label stock you want to buy
The QL-1100C uses Brother DK die-cut and continuous-length roll formats, so check that the intended shipping template exists as a DK label. The Rollo USB accepts compatible direct-thermal stock without a Rollo-brand-only requirement, with a documented label width of 40–104 mm. Print width and roll width are distinct on both.
Compare resolution, cutter and speed claims on their own terms
Brother specifies 300 dpi and an automatic cutter; its speed claim of up to 69 standard address labels per minute is not a four-by-six throughput. Rollo specifies 203 dpi and up to 150 mm/s, which is a feed-speed claim rather than a tested software-to-label time, and no automatic cutter was established. Neither figure is a measured shipping-label workflow.
Both need a computer over USB: P-touch Editor on supported Windows or Mac hosts for Brother, whose crop workflow is Windows-specific, and a Windows or Mac driver for Rollo. Brother describes Android through a separately obtained USB OTG connection; a direct phone workflow for the Rollo USB was not established. Brother documents a power cable, USB cable and DK starter rolls; confirm the Rollo cable and power accessories before ordering.
These manufacturer specifications do not establish measured performance, noise, long-term reliability or running cost. We have not independently tested these products. Check current prices, stock and operating-space instructions with the seller and manufacturer.
A computer-based USB workflow is the reviewed starting point.
Full current packing list requires confirmation; no bundled postage or subscription is implied.
Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Where to buy
QL-1100C (US standard package)
Select: QL-1100C standard US unit, retaining the C suffix.
The link may open several packages. Check current price and availability with the seller. Opens in a new tab.
External rating
QL-1100C (US standard package)Not checked yet
USB Label Printer (US standard package)
4.92 out of 5from 95 ratings · Rollo US store ↗ · Checked October 23, 2026.
Printing method
The documented process for this printer.
Direct-thermal printers use compatible heat-sensitive labels, not ordinary uncoated paper; no ink cartridge does not mean no consumables.
QL-1100C (US standard package)Direct thermal.Source · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)Direct thermal.Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Nominal resolution
The base resolution documented for ordinary printing.
Resolution alone does not establish barcode readability or measured quality. Artwork, scaling, media and settings also matter.
QL-1100C (US standard package)300 dpiSource · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)203 dpiSource · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Label format and width
The supported shipping-label format, with print width distinguished from media width.
A four-inch print area and a maximum roll width are not the same dimension. Verify the particular label template.
QL-1100C (US standard package)Four-inch-class printing for shipping labels and supported DK formats.Print width and roll/media width are distinct; select the correct DK label and template.Source · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)Documented label width 40–104 mm; four-by-six shipping labels supported.Label width is not an independently measured printable width.Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Connection paths
The documented connections for the exact model.
A wired USB port is not a wireless connection. Additional cables, host adapters or network setup can be required.
QL-1100C (US standard package)USB host connection; no built-in wireless or Ethernet in the documented interface list.Source · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)USB-only host connection.Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Wi-Fi documented
Whether built-in Wi-Fi is established for this model.
A known USB-only model does not pass this filter. Missing wireless evidence remains unknown.
QL-1100C (US standard package)NoSource · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)NoSource · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Ethernet documented
Whether a wired network connection is established.
Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB sharing through another computer are distinct arrangements.
QL-1100C (US standard package)NoSource · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)NoSource · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Automatic cutter documented
Whether an automatic label cutter is documented.
Label detection does not imply automatic cutting. A tear-off arrangement is a different workflow.
QL-1100C (US standard package)YesSource · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)Not verified
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
No automatic-cutter specification was established in the reviewed product text.Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Compatible label stock
The reviewed media-family or recognition restrictions.
Do not assume every direct-thermal roll fits every printer. Match the sensor, width, roll and manufacturer requirements.
QL-1100C (US standard package)Brother DK die-cut and continuous-length roll formats.Source · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)Compatible direct-thermal stock; no Rollo-brand-only requirement stated.Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Advertised speed and basis
The manufacturer speed statement and its relevant conditions.
Do not convert unlike label sizes or modes into a ranking of shipping-label throughput.
QL-1100C (US standard package)Up to 69 standard address labels/min at 300 dpi.This is a small address-label claim, not a verified rate for four-by-six shipping labels.Source · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)Up to 150 mm/s advertised.Do not interpret a feed-speed claim as tested software-to-label completion time.Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Computer software and requirements
The documented desktop printing route.
Check the current driver for the exact host and operating-system version before ordering. Listing a platform is not an installed compatibility test.
QL-1100C (US standard package)P-touch Editor on supported Windows/Mac hosts.The crop workflow is Windows-specific; recheck current drivers rather than relying on the legacy OS list.Source · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)Windows or Mac computer over USB; check the current driver for the exact OS.Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Phone and tablet workflow
The documented mobile printing path and conditions.
A mobile app, AirPrint and a USB OTG connection have different requirements. Supported third-party platforms can change.
QL-1100C (US standard package)Android via separately obtained USB OTG connection is described.Mobile-app listings do not expand the documented hardware connections.Source · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)Not verified
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
A supported direct phone/tablet workflow was not established for the USB-only model.Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Included equipment
The reviewed printer package contents and remaining limits.
Transient free-label promotions are not permanent standard equipment. Do not assume a wall adapter or cable from a connector alone.
QL-1100C (US standard package)Power cable, USB cable and DK starter rolls documented.Starter stock is not a continuing supply; optional adapters and replacement labels remain separate.Source · 2026-10-10Brother: QL-1100C US model, cutter and USB workflowChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)Not verified
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
The full current standard-package packing list was not verified; confirm cable and power accessories before ordering.Source · 2026-10-10Rollo: Rollo USB US printer specificationsChecked 2026-10-10. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Questions to check before buying
QL-1100C (US standard package)
Retain the exact C-suffix model; do not silently use an earlier QL generation.
Current OS/app setup and shipping-label output were not physically tested.
USB Label Printer (US standard package)
Current OS-specific driver installation and full packing list remain to be checked.
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