The DYMO LabelWriter 4XL prints 4x6 shipping labels and the LabelWriter 450 does not. DYMO lists a 4.16-inch maximum print width for the 4XL and 2.25 inches for the 450, so the 450 is limited to address, file folder and other small labels. Apart from width they are the same generation of printer: 300 dpi direct thermal, USB 2.0 only, a 2-year limited warranty, and close speeds (53 address labels a minute for the 4XL, 51 for the 450). DYMO’s newer LabelWriter 5XL and 550 cover the same two widths, so for a new purchase compare those or the alternatives below.
This comparison is desk research from DYMO’s user guides, not hands-on testing.
Specs side by side
| DYMO LabelWriter 4XL | DYMO LabelWriter 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Print method | Direct thermal | Direct thermal |
| Resolution | 300 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Max print width | 4.16 in | 2.25 in |
| Max media width | 4.53 in | 2.44 in |
| 4x6 shipping labels | Yes | No |
| Speed (DYMO’s address-label figure) | 53 labels per minute | 51 labels per minute (71 on the 450 Turbo) |
| Interface | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 2-year limited |
The 4XL also takes narrower DYMO labels; its guide tells you to align any label width against the left edge of the feed slot. So if you need both shipping and address labels from one printer, the 4XL covers both, while the 450 covers only the small ones.
Labels: what the guides say
Both guides tell you to use DYMO-branded labels and say the warranty does not cover malfunction or damage caused by other labels, because the thermal coatings may not be compatible. DYMO also gives an 18-month shelf life for LabelWriter labels in their original packaging and says sunlight, heat and plasticizers fade them.
If you replace either printer with a newer DYMO model, budget for DYMO labels only. DYMO’s guide for the LabelWriter 550, 550 Turbo and 5XL says those printers “work only with Authentic DYMO LW labels” and that other labels “will not be recognized.” The LabelWriter 5XL review covers what that means for running costs.
Which to buy
- You ship parcels with 4x6 labels: the 4XL side of this comparison. For a new printer, the DYMO option is the 5XL (300 dpi, USB and wired LAN, DYMO labels only). If you would rather buy labels from any supplier, the Rollo X1040 takes any direct thermal label from 1.57 to 4.1 inches wide at 203 dpi, with Wi-Fi, AirPrint and USB.
- You print address, file and small product labels only: the 450 side. The newer DYMO option is the LabelWriter 550 (2.25-inch print width, 300 dpi). A non-DYMO alternative is the Brother QL-800 : 300 dpi, USB, labels up to 2.4 inches wide, a built-in cutter, and black and red printing on Brother’s DK-2251 tape.
- You do both: one 4-inch printer is simpler than two. See DYMO vs Brother for the 4-inch DYMO and Brother models, or 2-inch vs 4-inch label printers to decide which width you need.
Sources
- DYMO LabelWriter 450 series and 4XL user guide (PDF) : 450 and 4XL print method, 300 dpi, print and media widths, address-label speeds, USB 2.0, 2-year warranty, DYMO-branded labels only.
- DYMO LabelWriter 4XL user guide (PDF) : 4XL specifications, 1,000 shipping labels per hour rated duty cycle, label alignment for any width, 18-month label shelf life, warranty limited to DYMO-branded labels.
- DYMO LabelWriter 550 / 550 Turbo / 5XL user guide (PDF) : newer 550, 550 Turbo and 5XL models, authentic DYMO LW labels only, Automatic Label Recognition, LAN on the 550 Turbo and 5XL, print widths.
- Rollo Wireless Printer product page : 203 dpi, any direct thermal label 1.57 to 4.1 in, Wi-Fi, AirPrint and USB (rollo.com blocks our command-line requests; read through a web fetch tool).
- Brother QL-800 product page : 300 dpi, USB, 2.4 in maximum label width, auto cutter, black and red printing with DK-2251.
FAQ
Can the DYMO LabelWriter 450 print 4x6 shipping labels?
No. DYMO lists a 2.25 inch maximum print width and 2.44 inch maximum media width for the LabelWriter 450, so a 4-inch-wide shipping label does not fit. The 4XL prints up to 4.16 inches wide on media up to 4.53 inches.
Do the 4XL and LabelWriter 450 need DYMO labels?
DYMO’s guides for both tell you to use DYMO-branded labels and say the warranty does not cover damage caused by other labels. Their newer equivalents are stricter: DYMO says the 550 series and 5XL work only with authentic DYMO LW labels and will not recognize others.
What are the newer DYMO equivalents of the 4XL and LabelWriter 450?
The LabelWriter 5XL is DYMO’s newer 4-inch model and the LabelWriter 550 and 550 Turbo are its newer narrow models, all covered by DYMO’s 550-series user guide. They keep 300 dpi, add Automatic Label Recognition, and the 5XL and 550 Turbo add a wired LAN port.
Do the 4XL and LabelWriter 450 use ink or toner?
No. Both are direct thermal printers that print on heat-sensitive labels, so labels are the only supply.
Related guides
- DYMO LabelWriter 5XL Review: Genuine Labels, USB and Ethernet
Spec-based DYMO LabelWriter 5XL review: 300 dpi, 4.16-inch print width, USB and Ethernet, the authentic-label requirement, DYMO Connect setup and a label cost worksheet. - Rollo Wireless X1040 Review: AirPrint Helps Only After File Fit
A researched Rollo Wireless X1040 review covering AirPrint, Wi-Fi and USB, 203 dpi, label widths, rear-feed desk space, setup, file scaling, and buyer fit. - Zebra ZD421d Review: Buy the Configuration, Not Just the Family Name
A researched Zebra ZD421d review covering direct thermal identity, 203 versus 300 dpi, USB/Ethernet/Wi-Fi configurations, media, calibration, ZPL, maintenance, and fit. - Zebra ZD421 vs Rollo Wireless X1040: Which 4x6 Printer?
Zebra ZD421 vs Rollo Wireless X1040: same 203 dpi and roughly the same speed. Rollo wins on Wi-Fi and AirPrint out of the box; Zebra on Ethernet, ZPL, 300 dpi and thermal transfer options. - Rollo Wireless X1040 vs MUNBYN 941AP: Specs and Which to Buy
Rollo X1040 vs MUNBYN 941AP: both 203 dpi AirPrint Wi-Fi printers at 150 mm/s. MUNBYN is cheaper with a 2-year warranty; Rollo adds Linux, a 30-day return window and Rollo Ship.