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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 by1,410
Print Technology
Software Compatibility

Most important from
158 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 by1,410
Print Technology
Software Compatibility

Most important from
158 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

Bodno Magicard 600 Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Complete Supplies Package ID Software - Gold Edition

Rating
9.8
Print Resolution
Connectivity Options
Software Compatibility

Most important from
59 reviews

Print Resolution
Prints are consistently sharp and clear, producing badges and cards that meet professional standards.
Connectivity Options
The printer bundle comes complete with everything needed to start printing right away, including blank cards, toner ribbon, Wi-Fi dongle, and USB cable.
Software Compatibility
The included software covers most basic ID and membership card printing needs with ease and convenience.

The Bodno Magicard 600 is a solid choice for anyone needing reliable, professional-grade ID card printing. It uses thermal printing technology with a good print resolution of 300x300 dpi for color cards, which is sharp enough for clear images and text. The printer supports dual-sided printing automatically, letting you create cards with information on both sides conveniently. It handles standard card sizes up to 2x3.5 inches and has a decent input capacity, making it suitable for small to medium batches.

Connectivity options are versatile, offering Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, so you can easily integrate it into most office setups without hassle. The included Bodno Gold Edition software enhances usability with useful features like 2D barcode printing and automatic face cropping, plus it works with popular databases like MS Access and SQLite, which is great for managing card details efficiently.

A notable feature is the option for a custom HoloKote watermark to boost card security, though this comes at an extra cost. The 3-year warranty and lifetime software support add peace of mind. This package effectively covers most needs for straightforward, network-ready ID card printing with solid software and decent print quality. It’s particularly good for offices and organizations that want an all-in-one solution without complicated setups, while users requiring advanced security or encoding may need to consider additional options.

Rating
9.8
Print Resolution
Connectivity Options
Software Compatibility

Most important from
59 reviews

Print Resolution
Prints are consistently sharp and clear, producing badges and cards that meet professional standards.
Connectivity Options
The printer bundle comes complete with everything needed to start printing right away, including blank cards, toner ribbon, Wi-Fi dongle, and USB cable.
Software Compatibility
The included software covers most basic ID and membership card printing needs with ease and convenience.
#3

Magicard 300 Dual Sided ID Card Printer & Supplies Bundle Badge Maker Machine (3300-0021)

Rating
9.7
Print Resolution
Software Compatibility

Most important from
45 reviews

Print Resolution
Produces very nice and clear colors and prints, much better than using a laminating machine.
Software Compatibility
Works seamlessly with existing programs, eliminating the need for additional software.

The Magicard 300 Dual Sided ID Card Printer is a solid choice for those needing to create high-quality ID cards, badges, and similar items. Its dye sublimation printing technology allows for clear and vibrant images at a resolution of 300 DPI, making it suitable for detailed graphics, logos, and text. The included supplies, such as a color ribbon and PVC cards, along with card design software, make it user-friendly, especially for beginners or smaller organizations that may not have existing resources.

In terms of performance, the printer can handle dual-sided printing, which is a significant advantage for producing professional-looking cards. It has a maximum print speed of 3 pages per minute for color and 12 pages per minute for black and white, which is acceptable for small to medium-scale operations. However, users requiring faster output might find this a bit slow for larger batches.

The LCD display is a thoughtful feature, providing easy-to-understand messages that help users navigate the printing process. Plus, with three years of warranty and free tech support, customers can feel assured of receiving assistance when needed. The connectivity options are limited to USB, which may not be ideal for users looking for wireless capabilities or more versatile connectivity. The weight of 16.37 pounds also means it’s not the most portable option if you need to move the printer around frequently. The Magicard 300 is a reliable ID card printer with good print quality and user support, making it a great fit for offices, schools, or any organizations that need to produce cards without the need for high-volume output or advanced connectivity options.

Rating
9.7
Print Resolution
Software Compatibility

Most important from
45 reviews

Print Resolution
Produces very nice and clear colors and prints, much better than using a laminating machine.
Software Compatibility
Works seamlessly with existing programs, eliminating the need for additional software.

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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