The NIIMBOT M2 ($99.99) and B21 Pro ($69.99) are NIIMBOT's two best-selling printers, and they look alike on paper: both are 300 dpi, print labels 20–50 mm wide, run 4 hours on a 1.5-hour charge and work with the NIIMBOT app and a PC. The real difference is how they print: the M2 uses thermal transfer ribbons for durable, colored labels, while the B21 Pro prints without ink or ribbon on thermal labels and adds photo-label bundles. Details are from NIIMBOT's product pages as of October 2026.
Comparison table
| Product | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|
1 NIIMBOT M2 Thermal Transfer Label MakerBest for Durable Labels |
Product labels that must last and look premium | $99.99 |
2 NIIMBOT B21 Pro 300dpi Label PrinterBest Inkless Value |
Everyday labels and photo stickers with no ribbon to buy | From $69.99 |
Best for Durable Labels
#1 · Best for Durable Labels
NIIMBOT M2 Thermal Transfer Label Maker
Thermal transfer with ribbons (7 colors, per NIIMBOT) on white, metallic, holographic or clear labels; NIIMBOT says labels last 8–10 years and resist water, oil, heat, cold and sun. Includes a black ribbon and one roll. 4.9/5 from 343 store reviews.
Best for: Product labels that must last and look premium
Pros
- Most durable labels
- Colors and special finishes
- 343 store reviews
Cons
- $30 more
- Ribbons add running cost
- Printing
- Thermal transfer (ribbon)
- Label life
- 8–10 years (per NIIMBOT)
- Store rating
- 4.9/5 (343)
Best Inkless Value
#2 · Best Inkless Value
NIIMBOT B21 Pro 300dpi Label Printer
Direct thermal (no ink, toner or ribbon), 60 mm/s, auto label detection, waterproof and tear-resistant labels per NIIMBOT, and photo-label bundles from $83.99. White or black. 4.9/5 from 88 store reviews.
Best for: Everyday labels and photo stickers with no ribbon to buy
Pros
- $30 cheaper
- No ribbons to buy
- Photo label bundles
Cons
- Thermal labels can fade with heat and sun
- Monochrome on white or colored stock
- Printing
- Direct thermal
- Speed
- 60 mm/s
- Store rating
- 4.9/5 (88)
FromFrom $69.99
Check Price on NIIMBOTQuick verdict
- Selling products, or need labels that survive water, oil and sun? Get the M2 ($99.99) for thermal transfer durability and colored or metallic labels.
- Organizing, everyday labels or fun photo stickers? Get the B21 Pro ($69.99): same 300 dpi, no ribbons to buy, and photo-label bundles.
We don't have a NIIMBOT coupon code at the time of writing.
Side-by-side comparison
| M2 | B21 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | From $69.99 |
| Print technology | Thermal transfer (ribbon) | Direct thermal (no ribbon) |
| Resolution | 300 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Label width | 20–50 mm | 20–50 mm |
| Colors | 7 ribbon colors, many finishes | Black on white or colored stock |
| Label durability | 8–10 years (per NIIMBOT) | Waterproof, tear-resistant (per NIIMBOT) |
| Speed | Not listed | 60 mm/s |
| Battery | 4 h after 1.5 h charge | 4 h after 1.5 h charge |
| Photo labels | No | Yes (bundles) |
| Consumables | Labels + ribbons | Labels only |
| Store rating | 4.9/5 (343) | 4.9/5 (88) |
How they print
The B21 Pro prints with heat directly on heat-sensitive labels. It's simple and cheap to run, but thermal labels can fade over time with heat and sunlight, which matters for products stored in windows or warm places.
The M2 heats a ribbon that transfers ink onto the label. That gives more durable, smudge-resistant labels and lets you print in different colors and finishes (gold, silver, holographic and more), at the cost of buying ribbons.
Who each one suits
- M2: small brands labeling candles, cosmetics, coffee bags, jars and bottles; cables and equipment; anything that needs to look premium or last outdoors.
- B21 Pro: home and office organization, price labels, gift and planner stickers, and small photo prints.
Before you buy either
- Both need NIIMBOT label rolls (and the M2 needs ribbons).
- Orders can't be cancelled, and returns within 30 days are at your cost, so pick carefully.
- Defects after use within 30 days are refunded as store credit; no warranty period is stated.
The bottom line
Choose the M2 if label durability and color matter. Choose the B21 Pro if you want the same sharp 300 dpi output without ribbons, plus photo stickers, for $30 less. Compare them with the rest of the range in our best NIIMBOT label makers guide, read the NIIMBOT M2 review and our full NIIMBOT review.