The 10 Best Fingerprint Readers
Editor's Notes
January 14, 2021:
It was a fairly uneventful round of updates. Besides removing the K-Byte Biometric due to availability issues, the only two substantive changes we made were adding the Arcanite AKFSD-07 — which offers 360-degree detection and a 1/20-second login time; and the Aluratek ATLSAF — a biometric padlock that we thought was worth including at the bottom of our list, for users who might be served just as well with a means to protect the entire main compartment of their latop bag.
Note that, while this category is full of serviceable selections for Windows users, fewer options are available for fans of Mac and Linux. So, before finalizing your purchase decision, take a moment to make sure that the choice in question is compatible with your operating system of choice.
March 10, 2019:
Biometric scanners have been used in government facilities and in many other high-security applications for decades. Over the last few years though, the technology for these devices has become efficient and affordable enough for the home user and small business use. After scouring the market, we have complied a list of the best options for both commercial and consumer use. If you are looking for an easier and more secure way to login to your personal laptop and various other password-protected applications, take a look at the Benss CA-101, Kensington VeriMark, and PQI Mini. All three of these are essentially nano-USB sized, so you can leave them plugged in all the time, even if you constantly take your laptop on the go. Those who need a device for their desktop have a slightly larger pool of options to choose from, since size won't be such a determining factor. While all three of the models we just mentioned would work perfectly for desktops too, we urge you to also consider the industry-leading Verifi P2000, which has a highly-advanced sensor that rarely ever requires a second reading and is capable of recognizing fingerprints on scarred or otherwise damaged skin. The Verifi P2000 is also well-suited to commercial applications, as are the Digital Persona U.are.U 4500, Blucoil Secugen Hamster Pro 20, Futronic FS88H, and Bio-key SideSwipe.