Brady BMP71 Bulk Label Printer versus Epson LW-Z5010PX Bulk Label Printer

The 2-inch bulk label printer market is heating up now that the Epson LW-Z5010PX has arrived. The Epson LW-Z5010PX competes with the Brady BMP71. Both are two-inch thermal transfer label printers intended for high volume applications. Here’s how the Epson LW-Z5010PX compares to the Brady BMP71.

Epson LW-Z5010PX vs Brady BMP71 2-inch Label Printer

Pricing often makes the first impression. The Epson LW-Z5010PX at $978.75 (CAD), though newer and better equipped, actually costs about $100 less than the Brady BMP71 which costs $1070 (CAD).

Another cost advantage the Epson LW-Z5010PX has over the Brady BMP71 is in its supply costs. For example, Epson compared bulk tape costs based on the MSRPs of Brady B-439 1.9-inch tape and BMP71 R6000 ribbon (prorated to 500 feet) versus Epson B250VTBWPX 147-feet bulk roll and found the typical bulk tape cost per foot for the Brady BMP71 was $2.92 (USD) versus just $.92 (USD) for the Epson LW-Z5010PX.

In addition, while the Brady BMP71 requires the purchase of a separate ribbon, the Epson LW-Z5010PX’s tape cartridges contain a ribbon, so there’s no secondary ribbon purchase necessary. Meanwhile, the size difference of the bulk label rolls is substantial. The Brady BMP71’s bulk label roll length is up to 75 feet while the Epson LW-Z5010PX’s bulk label roll length is up to 147 feet — nearly twice as long.

The Epson LW-Z5010PX label printer works with the entire family of Epson PX tapes, making it extremely versatile. On the other hand, the Brady BMP71 has a limited selection.

Both printers include an integrated keyboard, AC adapter / charger, rechargeable battery, and colour display. The Epson LW-Z5010PX’s colour display is a touchscreen whereas you must use navigation buttons on the Brady BMP71. The Brady BMP71 only has two included barcode formats while the Epson LW-Z5010PX has 9 barcode formats.

Both printers are fast, but the Epson LW-Z5010PX is faster at up to 50mm per second versus just 36mm per second on the Brady BMP71. The Epson LW-Z5010PX has an automatic cutter whereas the Brady BMP71 has a manual cutter. Moreover, the Epson LW-Z5010PX can cut full and half cuts.

The Brady BMP71 comes with a trial version of label design software, which will cost several hundred dollars once the trial license expires. The Epson LW-Z5010PX includes Epson Label Editor software for free with unlimited licenses and downloads.

As far as the warranty goes, the Brady BMP71’s 2-year warranty simply cannot compare with the Epson LW-Z5010PX’s lifetime warranty.

Both of these 2-inch bulk label printers get the job done, but the Epson LW-Z5010PX is the clear winner in this comparison. Check out the video below to learn more.

Compare Epson LW-Z5010PX vs Brady BMP71 Tape Label Printer

Checkout the Epson LW-Z5010PX tape printer