Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Automatic Duplex Printing and 1.8” Color Display | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1) (MFC-J1360DW) (Uses LC501 Series Inks) vs Nelko Label Maker Machine with Tape, P21 Bluetooth Label Printer, Wireless Mini Label Makers with Multiple Templates for School Office Home, White

Price Comparison: Brother Work Smart 1360 vs. Nelko P21

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is significantly more expensive than the Nelko P21, priced at $109.98 compared to $23.26, making it about 373% more costly. This price difference reflects a fundamental divergence in purpose and functionality between the two devices. The Brother printer is designed as a full-featured all-in-one solution for home offices, while the Nelko label maker is a compact, specialized tool focused solely on printing labels. For users seeking a low-cost labeling option, the Nelko P21 offers a fraction of the cost—just over 20% of the Brother’s price—making it an accessible choice for those who need only basic label creation.

Primary Use Case: All-in-One Printing vs. Label Creation

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is built for multifunction tasks including printing, copying, and scanning documents, making it ideal for home office environments where versatility is key. It supports automatic duplex printing and includes a 20-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), enabling efficient handling of multi-page documents. In contrast, the Nelko P21 is strictly a label printer with no scanning or copying capabilities. Its entire function revolves around creating small, portable labels using Bluetooth connectivity and a mobile app. While the Brother handles diverse document workflows, the Nelko excels only in producing labeled stickers for organization, school projects, or household use.

Connectivity and Mobile Integration

Both devices support wireless connectivity, but their approaches differ significantly. The Brother Work Smart 1360 connects via Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint®, Mopria® compatibility, and cloud services like Google Drive and OneDrive through its 1.8” color display. It also integrates with the Brother Mobile Connect app for remote printing and ink monitoring. The Nelko P21 uses Bluetooth to connect exclusively to iOS and Android smartphones via its dedicated app, which includes over 3,600 icons, 750+ templates, and support for QR codes and barcodes. However, it does not work with computers and lacks cloud integration. The Brother offers broader network flexibility and advanced mobile management features, while the Nelko focuses on simplicity and portability through direct phone pairing.

Print Quality and Output Capabilities

The Brother Work Smart 1360 produces vibrant color prints and rich black text using LC501 series ink cartridges, capable of up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 ppm in color. It supports various paper sizes and has a 150-sheet tray, suitable for regular office use. The Nelko P21, by contrast, uses BPA-Free Direct Thermal Technology to print monochrome (black-only) labels without ink or toner. It delivers high-definition output at 203 DPI and prints fixed-length labels such as 14×40mm and 14×50mm. While the Brother produces full-color documents with professional-grade results, the Nelko is limited to black text and relies on colored tape for visual variety. The Brother’s output quality is far more versatile and suitable for business or creative projects.

Portability and Physical Design

The Nelko P21 is explicitly designed for portability, described as half the size and weight of traditional label makers, allowing it to fit in a pocket. Its compact form factor makes it ideal for on-the-go labeling needs. The Brother Work Smart 1360, while compact for a multifunction printer, is substantially larger and heavier, intended for stationary placement on a desk. It requires a stable surface and dedicated space due to its paper tray and scanner lid. The Nelko’s ultra-portable design gives it a clear advantage for users who prioritize mobility and convenience over functionality.

Feature Set and Functionality

The Brother Work Smart 1360 includes a suite of productivity-focused features: automatic duplex printing, a 20-sheet ADF, flatbed scanning, and fast print speeds. It also offers Page Gauge for real-time ink monitoring via its mobile app. The Nelko P21 provides creative tools through its app, including templates, icons, borders, and barcode/QR code generation, but lacks any document handling features. It cannot scan, copy, or print from a computer. The Brother’s feature set is comprehensive and tailored for daily office use, whereas the Nelko’s functions are narrowly focused on label customization and design.

Which should you buy?

If your primary need is to print, copy, and scan documents—especially in color—with reliable performance and cloud integration, the Brother Work Smart 1360 is the clear choice despite its higher price of $109.98. It offers a complete workflow solution ideal for home offices. However, if you only need to create small, portable labels quickly and affordably, the Nelko P21 at $23.26 is the better value. Its lightweight, Bluetooth-connected design and extensive template library make it perfect for organizing school supplies, cables, or household items. Given the vast difference in function and price, the decision hinges entirely on whether you need a full printer or just a label maker.