DYMO LabelWriter 550 Series Label Printer with Dymo-Branded Label Compatibility Automatic Recognition Low Waste Optimized Direct Thermal Printing and Plastic-Free Packaging

I previously had a Dymo label writer that finally conked out, so I decided to upgrade to the Dymo LabelWriter 550. Before purchasing, I saw a lot of negative reviews about the software being difficult to install and the setup process being frustrating. Honestly, I was a bit concerned.That said, I’m generally not great at setting up devices, yet I found this to be an absolute breeze. I followed the instructions, making sure to install the software completely before connecting the printer, as emphasized in the manual. Perhaps this is where others ran into issues, but for me, the setup was simple and straightforward.The printer itself works perfectly—clean, sharp labels every time. Some may find it frustrating that it requires Dymo-branded labels, but I don’t see that as a major downside. I bought a pack of 700 labels for $21, which will likely last me a lifetime.Overall, I highly recommend the Dymo LabelWriter 550. If you follow the setup instructions carefully, you should have no problems, and you’ll end up with a fantastic label printer that works seamlessly.

This item has a lot of one-star reviews. I understand those feelings. I concur that the software is not easy. Getting it out of the box and set up went smoothly. Printing my first label is a different story. The label 'word processor' is a lot like being DEEP in the Tables or Insert Photo areas of MS Word. There are no instructions or helpful dialogue boxes to guide you. Help is available by going to a Dymo web page and hunting and pecking until you find a PDF file that is 120 pages. I chose to use trial and error. It took me about 30 minutes to get the gist of the switches and controls. Once I 'saw' how the Dymo software writer school of thought works, it was straightforward. On the plus side, the label creation screen is bright, clear and uncluttered.My larger problem occurred on the second day. The printer would not connect even though it worked fine on day one. It took me at least two hours to investigate my Device Manager and to go DEEP into my Printer Settings. I eventually found a helpful document on a Dymo help page that guided me through the process. The printer settings place I worked from had the same format as the Device Manger (small window with tabs and long lists of files). My PC/Win11 has a function to save power by turning off excess USB ports. That function had to be turned off.If you are not comfortable with quasi-IT work in windows, you will need some help from a human.Barring any other problems, the labels are very nice, and you can adjust them in any way you can imagine... font styles, font size, orientation, justification of the text box and justification of the text in the text box and probably more that I don't know about yet.02.12.2025 Update - I was unable to get the printer to function after success on day two. I spent three sessions at the PC (a couple hours or more each time) attempting to trouble shoot on my own and by using advice from search attempts. I played with Device Manager (printer and USB) to fix/find the problem; and a variety of Windows Settings / Troubleshooting. I called the Dymo help line three times and was put on hold for fifteen minutes each time. I ended the call each time. I downgraded my rating from four stars to one star. I dropped the return at UPS about ninety minutes ago.I like the labels that I made on the first day. I really wanted this to work.

I was able to print barcode labels with it. It took some fiddling to get it working at all. I ran a self test and a form feed, and then it started recognizing the labels were loaded. Print quality appears to be very good.

I bought this printer because my old Dymo LabelWriter stopped working. I figured I'd get the same brand since I still had lots of labels left over. Well, after struggling to install the new printer, I got it to work thanks to a call to support. At least they have human support, that earns them the one star review. That allowed me to test print a few labels that came with the printer. Then I decided to try a different Dymo brand label form my old stock. That's when things went south. The new printers won't recognize old Dymo brand labels because they have an RF ID tag that authenticates the labels but also keeps count of the labels you print. So all my old labels are garbage now. Also since the printer keeps count of the labels printed, when the count reaches zero no more labels will be printed from that roll.So I put the new Dymo labels back in the printer since all my other Dymo labels are incompatible. The printer now refused to recognize the labels that came with the printer. I turned the printer off and on, I disconnected it and reconnected it. I howled at the moon and made animal sacrifices. I even sold my soul to the devil. But alas, the printer refuses to recognize the labels it came with, the very same labels I first used to test it. I can only assume that the printer is offended that I dared to soil its pristine internal mechanism with my old, out of fashion, low tech labels.So I returned it. This is way too much trouble to print labels. I'll find another printer that doesn't force me to buy more expensive proprietary labels that are the functionally the same as generic ones. Or I'll even write them by hand because I rather spend the rest of my life writing labels by hand than try to troubleshoot this cursed piece of technology. Also I really resent being forced to buy proprietary labels. It's not like Dymo labels are specially made or better, they are just damn labels.Don't waste your money on this garbage.

The physical product is great. Could no longer live without it. Highly recommended. I love using it, in most ways. But it is, of course, a combined "hardware & software" product. The software sucks, bad. The manufacturer REALLY needs to overhaul the accompanying software and make it more intuitive, easier to figure out. We should not have to go online and watch Youtube videos (there aren't nearly enough of them) or dig through a thick online Manual, just to print a freakin label for an envelope. C'mon, Dymo!!!