The 9 Best ID Card Printers
Special Honors
Entrust SD460 When you have the Entrust SD460, you can encode, print, and laminate, and quickly, with a dual-sided, laminated card taking only 24 seconds to produce. A dye-sublimation model, it is on the pricey side, but the robust security features it offers, including a tactile impresser, and the time it saves make it more than worth it for busy organizations. entrust.com
Evolis Avansia If you have high-security needs, the Evolis Avansia is a versatile machine that can deliver. It is compatible with all types of cards, from ABS to PET; provides multiple encoding options, including contactless smart cards; and can be locked by removing the RFID electronic key when it's not in use, for your ongoing peace of mind. us.evolis.com
Editor's Notes
October 05, 2020:
ID card printers run the gamut from fully-featured, expensive machines that offer a host of security features, to simpler, less pricey models with single-sided printing for casual needs. You can rely on the former for ID cards that grant access to restricted areas, while the latter produce relatively simple photo IDs, loyalty cards, and similar.
For those who need a heavy-duty choice, we still think that the Evolis Primacy can fit the bill. Offering everything from edge-to-edge printing to a 100-card input hopper, it can be upgraded with various encoding kits, offered for separate purchase; this provides versatility and makes it perfect for many applications, including creating membership cards, motel keys, and more. The Magicard Enduro3E is also quite feature-heavy, as well as fast, producing full-color cards in 25 seconds and monochrome versions in less than 10.
Simpler machines still include the Badgy 100 and the Magicard Pronto, although neither is without small drawbacks. The Pronto, for instance, can't match the image quality offered by some other choices, while the Badgy isn't capable of edge-to-edge printing. Nevertheless, they are more affordable than many, so if you need cards only occasionally, they'll get the job done and leave room in your budget for all the other supplies your office needs, whether that's a Bluetooth printer or desk chair. We added the Zebra ZC100 LT as a simple, user-friendly model, as well. With it, you'll get a 30-day subscription to CloudBadging; this trial is free, but if you wish to continue, you'll need to invest in a paid subscription.
October 30, 2018:
Added Evolis Primacy due to its integrated Ethernet functionality, ease of customization, and extended warranty. Also included the Magicard Enduro3E because of its integrated watermark security functionality. Added Nisca PR-C101 for its intuitive interface and rotatable LCD. Included the environmentally-friendly Datacard SD260, as it is built with biodegradable and recyclable components.