A practical comparison
PT-H300 or PT-H500LI: keypad portability or a wider USB workflow?
The Brother PT-H300 and PT-H500LI are both handheld P-touch machines with a QWERTY keyboard, backlit screen and TZe cassette system. Their similar form hides a practical split: the H300 stops at 18 mm and is typed and cut at the device, while the H500LI reaches 24 mm, connects to P-touch Editor over USB and has an automatic cutter. Start with the labels and design route you actually need, then distinguish the H300 and H300LI power packages.
When the PT-H300 is enough
Choose the PT-H300 if you want to compose labels right where you work and standard TZe through 18 mm is sufficient. The base product page lists a starter 18 mm by 4 m laminated black-on-white cassette and six AA cells, so it can be set up without an adapter purchase. Its QWERTY keys and shortcut controls support short household, storeroom or workshop labels without software. It can also make barcodes from the handheld interface. The tape cutter is manual; Chain margin reduces gaps between labels, but the user still makes a finishing cut.
The manual index for PT-H300 says “Model discontinued,” while Brother's exact US product page still presents a purchase offer. That conflict means the H300 is treated as an earlier model here; include earlier products when using the finder and check current stock or package details yourself. The sources also disagree about screen rows, saved files and maximum print lines: the shared H300/H300LI manual allows up to five lines on 18 mm tape, while the newer web specification says a two-line maximum. Do not rely on a particular many-line design without a real test print. If any of those disputed details would be essential, choose by verified width, power and input route instead.
What PT-H300LI changes—and what it does not
The PT-H300LI is a separate exact package, not a wider or app-connected printer. Brother lists the same 18 mm TZe limit and the same shared H300/H300LI manual, but the H300LI package includes a BA-E001 rechargeable Li-ion battery and AD-E001 adapter instead of the base model's six AA cells. The base H300 can support those power options, but they are optional there. Buy by suffix: an “H300” base offer should not be assumed to contain the rechargeable kit, while the H300LI name alone does not add a computer route or automatic cutting.
When the PT-H500LI justifies its larger workflow
Step up to PT-H500LI when you need 24 mm TZe, not merely when “more features” sounds appealing. Its manual supports up to 18 mm print height and up to seven lines at 24 mm, with fewer lines on narrower cassettes. A wider strip provides more room for identifiers, secondary text or a barcode, but it remains a monochrome thermal-transfer tape labeler. The PT-H500LI package includes a 24 mm by 4 m sample cassette, BA-E001 Li-ion pack, AD-E001 AC adapter, USB cable and P-touch Editor software/drivers (Windows CD and Mac download, per Brother's page).
Computer design is the H500LI's distinctive second path: a person can use P-touch Editor on a connected PC or Mac, then unplug and continue on its keypad. It is not a phone app or Wi-Fi printer. Brother's page marks database printing and downloading cloud templates as Windows-only. The manual and software are from an older generation, so confirm current support for your operating system. The H500LI's automatic cutter helps when printing labels in sequence, but margins and feed leaders still use tape. It also allows no-cut and chain settings, so an automatic cutter does not mean every piece should be separated the same way.
Power, storage and surface limits
Both devices are substantial handhelds rather than pocket labelers. Brother lists H300 around 5.2 by 8.4 by 2.6 inches. H500LI is about 4.8 inches wide and nearly 10 inches deep; the exact product page and old guide differ slightly on its depth and height, so leave clearance for the tape path and cable. The H500LI package includes both rechargeable and adapter power. Its manual also lists six AA alkaline or Ni-MH cells as supported, but Brother does not list them in the H500LI box contents. Check exact accessories if AA power is important.
TZe is a cassette family, not just a width. Neither machine should be assumed to accept Btag, Brother CZ/ZINK color rolls, HSe tubing or a third-party cassette because it looks similar. For surface suitability, follow the exact TZe cassette instructions; adhesion depends on material, preparation, temperature, moisture, curve and handling. Test a sample on the actual object, especially before labeling a large batch or anything exposed to heat or cleaning.
Decision shortcut
Pick PT-H300 for a less connected, AA-ready keypad routine that uses up to 18 mm TZe and accepts manual cutting, after opting into earlier models. Pick the PT-H300LI only when that same width and entry method should come with the rechargeable battery and adapter. Choose PT-H500LI for 24 mm labels, USB computer composition and automatic cutting in one handheld. If computer editing matters but the keyboard does not, compare PT-P710BT or PT-D610BT; if you mainly type on the unit and only need 12 mm media, a smaller PT-H110 or PT-H111 may be easier to store.
Read the PT-H300 review for the base-versus-H300LI kit distinction and the PT-H500LI review for its USB/software and 24 mm tradeoffs. Check the exact package suffix and current operating-system support before relying on any old software or accessory listing.