Digital Product Analysis & Reviews

Best ID Card Printers 2023

by Remington May

Every work place, every educational institution, and even small businesses require its employees to have identification cards on them at all times. It is not only professional but is also a very key tool to separate the imposters from the actual people at work. If you think about it, buying a "Genius" shirt isn't too difficult.

Thus, to ensure security for your work place, ID cards are increasingly becoming more and more important. Having an ID card printer at your disposal could be beneficial if your institution takes in a lot of people, especially in the case of schools and colleges.

But how do you differentiate between the best ID card printers? Stick to this article to find out the secrets.

List Of Top ID Card Printers

1.Magical Pronto ID Card Printer

2.Fargo DTC1250e Dual Sided ID Card Printer

3.Fargo DTC1250e ID Card Printer

4.Magicard Enduro 3e Dual Sided ID Card Printer

5.Badgy100 Color Plastic Card

6.Magicard Enduro 3e Single-sided ID Card Printer

7.Fargo DTC1250e Single Sided ID Card Printer

8.Evolis Primacy Dual Sided ID Card Printer

9.IDP Smart 31 ID Card Printer

10.Datacard SD260 Single Sided ID Card Printer

Comparison Chart For ID Card Printers:

Image

Name

Features

Price

Magical Pronto ID Card Printer
  • Printer Type: Color/Monochrome
  • Printing Speed: 35 secs per card
  • Weight: 11.73 lbs.
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Fargo DTC1250e Dual Sided ID Card Printer
  • Printer Type: Color
  • Printing Speed: 16 secs per card
  • Weight: 20.5 lbs.
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Fargo DTC1250e ID Card Printer
  • Printer Type: Color
  • Printing Speed: 16 secs per card
  • Weight: 17.11 lbs.
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Magicard Enduro 3e Dual Sided ID Card Printer
  • Printer Type: Color/Monochrome
  • Printing Speed: 35 secs per card
  • Weight: 18.01 lbs.
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Badgy100 Color Plastic Card
  • Printer Type: Color
  • Printing Speed: 45 secs per card
  • Weight: 3.74 lbs.
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Magicard Enduro 3e Single-sided ID Card Printer
  • Printer Type: Color
  • Printing Speed: 25 secs per card (color)
  • Weight: 12 lbs.
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Fargo DTC1250e Single Sided ID Card Printer
  • Printer Type: Color/Monochrome
  • Printing Speed: 16 secs per card (color)
  • Weight: 11 lbs.
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Evolis Primacy Dual Sided ID Card Printer
  • Printer Type: Color
  • Printing Speed: 19 secs per card (color)
  • Weight: 16.8 lbs.
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IDP Smart 31 ID Card Printer
  • Printer Type: Color
  • Printing Speed: 23 secs per card (color)
  • Weight: 7.5 lbs.
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Datacard SD260 Single Sided ID Card Printer
  • Printer Type: Color
  • Printing Speed: -
  • Weight: 0.01 ounces
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Top 5 Best ID Card Printers Reviews

 Best ID Card Printers Reviews
Best ID Card Printers Reviews

1.Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer | Best PVC Card Printer

The Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer is quite the performer for its petite size. It packs a punch with its high-end capabilities like printing out full color print badges in just 35 seconds per card. You can feed it a single card at a time to get vivid color prints on plastic sheets of thickness ranging from 20-40 millimeters.

The Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer comes with a complete kit that is perfect for starters. This not only cuts down on costs but also allows you to have total freedom over the supply of identification cards whenever you want, ready at your disposal.

The kit includes 100 PVC cards provided by Bodno. You can issue ID cards whenever you need, even on a weekly basis if you have to. This is especially helpfulto make membership cards for gyms or libraries where you have to hand out new ID cards on the daily as per new members coming in.

It comes with Bodno Bronze Edition software that is easy to learn and has all that you need for designing your own identification cards - templates, fonts, design elements - it has it all. Moreover, the printer has a security feature known as the Holo-Kote which is like a watermark added to each card for that added safety.

HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 All-in-One Wireless Printer - Includes 8 Months of Ink, HP Instant Ink, Works with Alexa - Basalt (5LJ23A)
HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 All-in-One Wireless Printer - Includes 8 Months of Ink, HP Instant Ink, Works with Alexa - Basalt (5LJ23A)

Highlighted Features:

  • It is compatible with most operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  • It can print from edge to edge, ensuring full use of each card to be issued.
  • It prints on only one side, producing about 500 cards annually at a low cost.
  • It can print on rewritable cards so that you can make visitor cards on the spot.

2. Fargo DTC1250e Dual-Sided ID Card Printer | Best ID Badge Maker

This has, by far, the fastest printing speeds compared to it bigger counterparts. At 16 seconds per card, this printer is able to spit out brilliantly colorful identification cards quickly and that too with prints on both sides of the card.

It has an advanced WiFi capability that allows you to "upgrade" to a wireless network if you haven't initially purchased the enablable option. This breaks the barrier to area limited printing and increases productivity due to a boost in mobility.

Moreover, it has fantastic encoding techniques that allow you to create technologically foolproof ID cards for activities like secured building access.

This version of the Fargo DTC1250e Dual-Sided ID Card Printer comes with a Bodno Bronze Edition software and starter kit which includes 250 PVC cards.

It also has Fargo 45000 - 250 color ribbon which allows you to print in color and monochrome as well, a photo ID camera that allows you to quickly snap images, and drivers for both Windows and Mac computers.

If you are looking for a more technologically advanced software built in your ID cards, consider going for the version that includes the Bodno Silver Edition. This package is essentially the same with key differences like ability to convert data from Excel files, CSV, TXT, XLSX, and XLS, create QR codes and create password-protected ID cards. It also offers 50 more blank PVC cards

Fargo DTC1250e Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bronze Edition Bodno Software
Fargo DTC1250e Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bronze Edition Bodno Software

Highlighted Features:

  • It has automatic dual-sided printing and the card is printed in 2 passes.
  • The printer can create ID cards in both vivid colors and striking BnW format.
  • The printer has the ability to automatically flip the card for dual-sided printing.
  • It has a photo ID camera in the package that allows you to take images.

3. Fargo DTC1250e ID Card Printer | Best ID Printer

The Fargo DTC1250e ID Card Printer is essentially the same as the previous model reviewed but with certain "lightweight" features. This, too, comes with the Bodno Bronze Edition software along with 250 PVC cards, a photo ID camera, and drivers for Windows and Mac computers but is slightly less expensive than the former.

For starters, it is literally lighter than the previous model. At about 17 pounds, this is a great fit for small office spaces, especially in administration offices where you need to utilize maximum desk space. Moreover, this printer does not have dual-sided printing features.

If you are not looking for particularly advanced features in the badges you are going to make, you are better off investing in the Fargo DTC1250e ID Card Printer. This is still the same feisty printer with more budget-friendly features. You can save a couple of bucks and even invest in buying more PVC cards if you have to issue cards on a daily to weekly basis.

The Fargo DTC1250e ID Card Printer has a 100-card input capacity and a 30-card output capacity tray. This is exactly the same as the previous model, with the same printing speeds and printer type but catered for single side prints. To be honest, the former and this model has only a couple of hundred bucks setting them apart.

Fargo DTC1250e Single Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bronze Edition Bodno Software
Fargo DTC1250e Single Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bronze Edition Bodno Software

Highlighted Features:

  • It can print images to fill in cards from edge to edge.
  • It can easily fit into small work stations and utilize space.
  • This is a single pass, single-sided ID card printer.
  • This can print in both color and monochrome.

4. Magicard Enduro 3e Dual-Sided ID Card Printer | Best Badge Printer

The Magicard Enduro 3e Printer is capable of doing far more than what meets the eye. If you are seeing a picture online, it might seem a little too bulky but it's quite the contrary. At about 18 pounds, this printer has quickly become a popular pick among userswhen it comes to space saving.

Perhaps the most appreciable feature of this printer is the fact that it allows you the flexibility to switch from single-sided printing to dual-sided printing. If you think you need dual-sided benefits associated with ID cards, you can simply upgrade as per the instructions given.

The printer is cost-effective and is versatile in more than two ways. Although it comes with the Bodno starter pack of 300 PVC cards, you'll likely need more if you are planning for commercial usage of the printer.

Thus, it is compatible with CR79 and CR80 card stocks which are cheaper and also feature adhesive backs, that are protected by a film. You can even print over the adhesive backs without worrying about the image not setting well. This is truly a revolutionary step-up when it comes to ID card printing.

Magicard Enduro 3e Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bodno ID Software
Magicard Enduro 3e Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bodno ID Software

Highlighted Features:

  • It can print ID cards at a rate of 35 seconds per card.
  • It has the capability to be upgraded to a dual-sided printer.
  • It works with cheaper cards and even those that are specially made.
  • Encoding a card is extremely easy when using this printer.

5. Badgy100 Color Plastic Card Printer | Best Card Printer

The Badgy100 Color Plastic Card Printer is just the petite ID card printer that small business owners need to cut down on costs of printing employee badges or loyalty cards. It is about 4 pounds and comes in a complete starter kit which includes 50 PVC cards, a handy software to edit and design your cards, color ribbon, and power supply.

The software, known as the Badgy Studio ID allows you to choose from hundreds of free templates from their pre-installed library or even choose your own design if you wish. There are convenient images, fonts, and basically everything you would need in an editing and design tool.

Logo making is even easier, thanks to their enriched library that is installed in the software found in the kit. You can even create watermarks to ensure that your cards have authentication.

It is a bummer that it does not include more than 50 PVC cards but that is something expected from a "starter printer kit". This is only if you do not want to pursue commercial use but rather utilize it for personal benefits or as a cost-effective tool for your business.

Badgy100 Color Plastic Card Printer
Badgy100 Color Plastic Card Printer

Highlighted Features:

  • This printer is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
  • You can purchase more PVC cards from them which are highly available.
  • The ribbon in the cassette gets installed easily and the results are stunning.
  • The Badgy Studio ID is a handy editing and designing software.

ID Card Printers Buying Guide

Plain Vs Digital

While most organizations make use of ID cards in general, some organizations are better benefitted from digital ID cards as opposed to plain old plastic ID cards.

Digital ID cards make sense if you have a mammoth system where you want to track all the people working with you, for example, HR administration database or student identification system.

However, if you do not need to keep track of any sort of data, or use it for controlled access, for example, to the work premises, you are better off with plastic ID cards and save a few bucks.

Dual Sided

There are convenient ID card printers that can print on both sides of the card in one go. This is especially beneficial for those who need dual-sided printing on their identification cards. You might have some handy information that are a "must include" and running the card through the printer over and over again may hike up costs.

Before you even consider buying a dual-sided printer (although they make the best printers for ID cards) think about the design of the card. Do you want it to have some information on the back like "return to X if found" or something similar?

Lamination

If you want your ID cards to last long, lamination could extend the life of your cards by a significant period of time. If you have a specially encrypted ID card with a unique identifier that allows access to certain security-filled areas, lamination can help your cards remain tamper-proof and scratch-resistant.

Besides the obvious safety factors of lamination, lamination ensures that your cards are safe from weather damages like rain which can wash out your ID cards. Ultimately, this would increase your cost when you have to re-print them. Consider these even if you don't want fancy security for the badges you issue.

Buy on eBay, Walmart, Etsy (limited quantity)

Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer & Super Supplies Package with Bodno ID Software, Camera, - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Badgy100 ID Card Printer with Complete Supplies Package with Bodno ID Software - Bronze - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Fargo DTC1250e Single Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bronze - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Magicard Enduro 3e Single Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bodno ID - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Badgy200 Color Plastic ID Card Printer with Complete Supplies Package with Bodno ID - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Fargo HDP5000 Dual Side High Definition ID Card Printer & Supplies Bundle with Card - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Evolis Primacy Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Supplies Bundle Badge Machine (PM1H0000RD) - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

ID Maker Card Printer Machine & Supply Kit for Badge Printing - Print Professional - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Fargo DTC4250e Single-side ID Card Printer & Supplies Package 52000 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Datacard ID Card Printer System with AlphaCard ID Suite Light Card Software (SD160) - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

ID Maker Card Edge 2 Sided Printer Machine & Supply Kit for Badge Printing - Print - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Zebra ZXP Series 3 Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bodno - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Fargo DTC4250e Dual-Side ID Card Printer & Supplies Package with Card Imaging Software - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Badgy100 Color Plastic ID Card Printer with Complete Supplies Package with Bodno ID - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bodno ID Software - - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Badgy100 Color Plastic ID Card Printer with Complete Supplies Package with Photo ID - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Magicard Enduro 3e Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bodno ID - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Evolis Primacy Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bodno Silver - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Evolis Zenius Single Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bodno Bronze - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Fargo DTC1250e Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package with Bronze Edition - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

1.Magical Pronto ID Card Printer - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

2.Fargo DTC1250e Dual Sided ID Card Printer - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

3.Fargo DTC1250e ID Card Printer - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

4.Magicard Enduro 3e Dual Sided ID Card Printer - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

5.Badgy100 Color Plastic Card - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

6.Magicard Enduro 3e Single-sided ID Card Printer - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

7.Fargo DTC1250e Single Sided ID Card Printer - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

8.Evolis Primacy Dual Sided ID Card Printer - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

9.IDP Smart 31 ID Card Printer - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

10.Datacard SD260 Single Sided ID Card Printer - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Conclusion

If you think of doing a commercial business for printing identification cards, you should consider investing in the absolute best ID card printers. Operations should be smooth-sailing and non-stop so that you can grow your business through efficiency and low making charges.

Now that you are equipped with the know-how on ID card printers, this article should give you more confidence to invest on an ID card printer and reap the benefits of reducing costs, especially if you regularly issue badges.

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About Remington May

Remington May is a digital product blogger who loves to write about the latest and greatest in the tech world. She's always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to make her life easier, and she loves to share her findings with her readers. When she's not blogging or spending time with her family, Remington enjoys hiking and exploring new places.

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