The 9 Best Button Machines
Special Honors
Sticker Mule Custom If you're really only looking to make buttons once, perhaps for a special occasion or promotion, you can skip the work and try Sticker Mule Custom, instead. These full-color buttons come in several shapes and sizes, including round and oval, and can be ordered in bulk as well as in smaller quantities. stickermule.com
Badge-A-Minit Automatic For professional designers and business owners, the Badge-A-Minit Automatic will get the job done. You can count on its fully-automated operation for fast turnaround times, and to save you from repeated squeezing and handle-pulling. badgeaminit.com
American Button Machines Rectangle It's quite an investment, but the American Button Machines Rectangle allows you to offer something a little different from the standard round buttons. Built for the long haul, this machine has an all-metal construction for stability and durability, but it's relatively compact, so it won't hog all the room in your workspace. americanbuttonmachines.com
Editor's Notes
November 20, 2020:
Models from American Button Machines remain an excellent value, which is why we've kept the American Button Machines Set in the top spot, despite a price that may render it unappealing to casual users. For those running a business, however, it's a useful option, one that's made in the USA and guaranteed for life. Plus, this particular bundle comes with a 1-year membership to their Build-a-Button design center, so if you're having trouble with the creative side of things, this might help.
Worthy alternatives to the former include the Neil Enterprises 2-1/4 Inch and the ChiButtons Press. When paired with a high-quality home printer, they'll have you turning out buttons in no time. We especially like that these models are packaged with a rotary cutter, since you most likely don't want to cut out endless circles by hand.
For choices that are a little lighter on the wallet, we kept the Mophorn 1-Inch and the Yescom Punch, and added the Vevor Rotate. Unlike the Mophorn and Yescom, the Vevor has a rotating base that, for some users, makes the dies easier to exchange. You might also consider the Badge-A-Minit Deluxe for occasional or casual use. Just note that despite the name "deluxe," it comes with very few supplies.
October 24, 2018:
Added choices from the most popular companies, including American Button Machines and Neil. Investigated claims about the usefulness and durability of the Badge-A-Minit machine, ultimately deciding to add it thanks to its budget friendly pricing.