Brother P-touch CUBE Plus Review: Strong but Flawed
The surprising finding from user reports is that while the Brother P-touch CUBE Plus Bluetooth Label Maker (PT-P710BT) earns high praise for hardware design and versatility, its software and connectivity quirks frustrate many loyal Brother fans. Based on aggregated feedback across platforms, the verdict stands at 7.8/10 — strong for creative and organizational tasks, but held back by tape wastage and app limitations.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — ideal for craft enthusiasts, small-business owners, and home organizers who value portability and customization. Caution for heavy-volume users sensitive to tape waste or repetitive Bluetooth reconnections.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact, stylish design fits home and office environments | Mandatory manual Bluetooth reconnection after power-off |
| Built-in rechargeable battery — no AA batteries needed | Wastes ~1 inch (25 mm) of tape per print job |
| Works with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android via apps | Mobile app UI feels outdated and unintuitive |
| Automatic cutter produces clean label edges | Provided micro-USB cable incompatible with some modern laptops |
| Wide variety of tape types, colors, and widths | Print quality at 180 dpi can appear pixelated on small fonts |
| Saves label designs in app for repeat projects | No PDF or cloud printing support |
| Durable laminated tapes resist water, chemicals, and temperature extremes | Glitter gold starter tape seen as “gaudy” for professional use |
Claims vs Reality
Brother markets the P-touch CUBE Plus as a “sleek, stylish label maker” with Bluetooth connectivity, automatic cutting, and compatibility with both mobile devices and desktop software. The promise is that users can “print labels your way” from simple text to intricate designs.
Digging deeper into user reports, the Bluetooth connection works well initially but requires manual re-pairing every time the device powers on. Quora contributor Tara M. Stewart noted: “Before the label starts to print, approximately one inch of label tape is spit out… tape isn’t cheap and this drives me nuts!” This contradicts the impression of efficiency implied in marketing materials.
Brother also highlights high customization with templates and symbols. While many enjoy this, a ShopSavvy review cautions that the mobile app “could benefit from improvements and feels outdated,” making complex label creation cumbersome. Trustpilot feedback adds that “the app will crash if you add numerous text boxes or symbols,” particularly on iOS, undermining the claim of intuitive design.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Quora, and Trustpilot, the compact size and hardware build quality receive consistent applause. Reddit user feedback describes it as “compact, powered by battery… perfect for labeling jars in the kitchen or shelves in an office.” For craft makers, the ability to print on satin ribbons and patterned tapes is a standout — Twitter posts showcase uses for weddings, gift wrapping, and garden labeling.
The automatic cutter is another favorite. ShopSavvy’s TLDR review calls it “excellent hardware with a great automatic cutting feature,” while a Trustpilot reviewer described it as “thoroughly impressed… clean, tech look… sturdy.” Small businesses benefit from its PC/Mac software integration, allowing logos, barcodes, and Excel database printing.
Battery life is a boon for mobile professionals. Quora’s Tara M. Stewart emphasized the “rechargeable battery with a very long life” and the freedom from outlet dependency, a game-changer for event planners and on-site organizers.
Common Complaints
Connectivity quirks dominate grievances. A recurring frustration is the need to manually reconnect Bluetooth on each use, slowing down workflows for high-volume labeling. ShopSavvy notes this is “cumbersome and slow for repetitive tasks,” and several Trustpilot reviews echo initial pairing confusion.
Tape waste is a universal sore point. Users report losing about 25 mm per print job due to mechanical feed requirements. This hits cost-conscious users hardest — especially those printing single labels — and is seen as unavoidable per Brother’s own explanation.
Software issues also wear down goodwill. The mobile apps feel “clunky” and “unintuitive” according to ShopSavvy, with Trustpilot noting iOS crashes under complex templates. Lack of PDF or cloud printing further limits integration into modern digital workflows.
Divisive Features
Print quality sparks debate. While the official spec lists 180 dpi and optional 180x360 dpi, Trustpilot’s verified buyer criticized that “the smaller your font, the worse it gets,” leading them to switch to a higher-res Brother model. Others, however, find the output “crisp” for general use, especially on larger fonts.
The included premium glitter gold tape divides opinion — loved by craft users, disliked in professional contexts. One Trustpilot reviewer admitted: “The only thing I didn’t love was the gold label… looks gaudy and unprofessional.”
Trust & Reliability
No widespread scam concerns emerged, but app stability issues on iOS dent trust in software reliability. The Trustpilot account of repeated crashes when using multiple text boxes suggests that while hardware is dependable, the ecosystem isn’t fully polished.
Durability reports are strong. Reddit users highlight laminated tapes surviving “extreme temperatures and abrasion” and Quora posts confirm long-term performance. The built-in battery also maintains charge well over months, reducing upkeep compared to AA-powered models.
Alternatives
Within Brother’s lineup, some migrate to the PT-D600 for better resolution (180x360 dpi) and full desktop app compatibility. Trustpilot’s dissatisfied buyer made this switch after struggling with print quality. Another comparable option is the P-touch Embellish Elite (similar hardware), which eBay listings show at slightly lower prices.
For users needing cloud or PDF printing, competitors in the commercial label space may be preferable, though these often cost more and lose the craft-friendly tape variety.
Price & Value
As of current eBay listings, new units range from $74.99 to $107.79, with used models around $85. Resale value remains solid thanks to durable build and broad tape compatibility. Walmart and Amazon deals occasionally dip below $85, but community tips advise factoring in ongoing tape costs — especially given the unavoidable feed waste.
FAQ
Q: Does the Brother P-touch CUBE Plus work with both PC and smartphones?
A: Yes, it connects via USB to PC/Mac and via Bluetooth to smartphones/tablets. Users note mobile pairing is quick initially but must be repeated after each power cycle.
Q: How much tape does it waste per label?
A: About 1 inch (25 mm) per print job. This is due to the internal feed mechanism and cannot be disabled, according to Brother.
Q: Can it print high-resolution labels?
A: Officially it supports up to 180x360 dpi, but many report the default 180 dpi looks pixelated on small fonts. Larger text prints cleanly.
Q: Is it good for professional office use?
A: Yes for general organization, barcodes, and logos via PC software, but some starter tapes (like glitter gold) may appear unprofessional.
Q: What tape sizes and types are supported?
A: TZe tapes from 3.5 mm to 24 mm, including laminated, extra strength adhesive, flexible ID, satin ribbon, and specialty patterns.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a craft maker, home organizer, or small-business owner who values portability, a clean cut, and creative tape options. Avoid if your workflow demands rapid, repeated prints with minimal waste or cloud-based printing. Pro tip from the community: batch your labels in one print job to reduce wasted tape and frustration.
