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10 Best Card Printers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bodno Magicard 300 Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package ID Software - Gold Edition

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,440
Print Technology
Software Compatibility

Most important from
157 reviews

Print Technology
The product and print quality is really good.
Software Compatibility
Magicard 300 and Bodno software are amazing and completely hit the mark for badge printing needs.

The Bodno Magicard 300 Dual Sided ID Card Printer is an all-inclusive package that includes a 300-print ribbon and Bodno Gold Edition software, making it a comprehensive solution for ID card printing needs. It leverages thermal printing technology with a resolution of 300 x 300 dpi, ensuring sharp and professional-quality prints. The dual-sided printing capability adds to its versatility, allowing users to create more detailed and comprehensive card designs, which is ideal for businesses and educational environments.

The printer supports various card types and sizes, enhancing its adaptability for different use cases. Connectivity options include both USB and Ethernet, providing flexibility for different setups, whether for direct connection or network use. The Bodno Gold Edition software is a strong addition, featuring advanced functionalities like 2D barcode printing and automatic face cropping, and it integrates seamlessly with MS Access and SQLite databases, which is beneficial for data management.

Additionally, the printer comes with a three-year warranty and lifetime support, offering peace of mind to users. Despite some potential drawbacks, such as its weight of 10.9 pounds, it remains a solid choice for those who need a reliable, dual-sided ID card printer with advanced software support.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,440
Print Technology
Software Compatibility

Most important from
157 reviews

Print Technology
The product and print quality is really good.
Software Compatibility
Magicard 300 and Bodno software are amazing and completely hit the mark for badge printing needs.
#2

2ID Fargo HDP5000e Dual-Sided ID Card Printer 096640 | High-Definition and Versatile Badge Printer for Corporate and Student ID Badges

The 2ID Fargo HDP5000e Dual-Sided ID Card Printer is a versatile and high-definition printer well-suited for corporate and student ID badge production. Its high-definition print quality ensures that images and text are clear and vibrant, making it ideal for producing professional-looking ID cards. With faster print speeds (7% faster than its predecessor), it boosts productivity, although the color print speed is relatively slow at 2.06 ppm. Security is a significant strength, with AES-256 encryption safeguarding sensitive card data.

The printer is highly compatible with a variety of card types, including composite and polycarbonate, reducing waste and lowering costs. It also features a user-friendly OLED display for easy operation and status monitoring, enhancing usability. The included complimentary software offer is a nice bonus for beginners. On the connectivity side, the printer supports USB and Ethernet, making it adaptable to various setups. However, its weight (27.9 pounds) and size may be a drawback for smaller offices.

The printer is network-ready and offers auto-duplex printing, which streamlines double-sided card production. The product includes a four-year warranty, contributing to lower downtime and maintenance costs. This printer is best for organizations needing secure and high-quality ID cards, such as schools, corporations, and membership-based entities. While it excels in many areas, users should consider its slower color print speed and larger footprint when making a decision.

Buying Guide for the Best Card Printers

Choosing the right card printer can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find a model that perfectly fits your needs. Card printers are used for printing ID cards, membership cards, loyalty cards, and more. To make an informed decision, you need to consider several key specifications that will determine the printer's suitability for your specific requirements. Understanding these specs will help you navigate through the options and select the best card printer for your needs.
Print TechnologyPrint technology refers to the method the printer uses to transfer images and text onto the card. The two main types are direct-to-card (DTC) and retransfer (reverse transfer). DTC printers are generally more affordable and suitable for standard card printing needs, while retransfer printers offer higher print quality and edge-to-edge printing, making them ideal for high-quality or complex card designs. Choose DTC for basic needs and retransfer for premium quality.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines the clarity and detail of the printed image. Higher DPI values result in sharper and more detailed prints. Common resolutions are 300 DPI and 600 DPI. For most standard ID cards, 300 DPI is sufficient. However, if you need high-definition images or intricate designs, a 600 DPI printer would be more appropriate.
Print SpeedPrint speed indicates how quickly the printer can produce a card, usually measured in cards per hour (CPH). Faster print speeds are beneficial for high-volume printing environments. If you need to print a large number of cards quickly, look for a printer with a higher CPH. For smaller batches or occasional printing, a slower speed may be acceptable and more cost-effective.
Card Types and SizesCard printers can handle various types and sizes of cards, including PVC, composite, and magnetic stripe cards. It's important to ensure that the printer you choose is compatible with the type of cards you plan to use. Standard card size is CR80 (credit card size), but some printers can handle larger or smaller sizes. Consider your specific card requirements when selecting a printer.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how the printer connects to your computer or network. Common options include USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. USB is suitable for direct connections to a single computer, while Ethernet and Wi-Fi are ideal for networked environments where multiple users need access to the printer. Choose the connectivity option that best fits your setup and workflow.
Lamination and EncodingLamination adds a protective layer to the card, enhancing durability and security. Encoding options, such as magnetic stripe, smart card, and RFID encoding, allow you to add functionality to the cards, like access control or data storage. If your cards need to be durable or have additional features, look for a printer with lamination and encoding capabilities. For basic ID cards, these features may not be necessary.
Software CompatibilitySoftware compatibility refers to the printer's ability to work with various card design and printing software. Ensure that the printer is compatible with the software you plan to use, whether it's a proprietary program or a third-party application. Compatibility with popular software can make the design and printing process more seamless and efficient.

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