10 Best Laminators 2026 in the United States

The GBC Ultima 65 Thermal Roll Laminator is designed with a wide 27-inch laminating width, making it ideal for schools that need to laminate various sizes of documents and teaching aids. It features a 10-minute warm-up time, which is fairly standard and acceptable for larger laminators. The AutoSpeed feature ensures optimal lamination by automatically adjusting the speed, contributing to consistently high-quality results. This is particularly useful in a busy educational environment where ease of use and efficiency are paramount.

The laminator supports up to 3 mil thick films and includes EZ Load compatibility with color-coded caps for simplified film loading, which helps in avoiding errors and reducing downtime. The pivoting table and AutoGrip shafts further ease the process of loading and unloading films. The built-in trimmer and alignment guides help maintain precise lamination and document cutting. Additionally, the laminator includes safety features like a protective shield and auto shut-off, which activate after periods of inactivity, providing peace of mind.

However, at 116 pounds, the laminator is quite heavy and not very portable, which could be a downside if you need to move it frequently. It is more suited for a stationary setup in a school’s copy room or an office. The device’s jam prevention features, including slow forward and reverse functions, are beneficial, though some users might find the machine somewhat bulky given its size.

This laminator offers a good balance of features suited for home, office, school, or personal DIY projects. It supports documents up to 13 inches wide, which covers common sizes like A3 and A4, allowing you to laminate a variety of paper sizes with ease. The warm-up time is fairly quick, indicated by a ready light, so you won’t have to wait long before starting. It handles 3 to 5 mil thick pouches, which is standard for most laminating jobs, and it supports both hot and cold lamination, making it versatile for heat-sensitive items.

Temperature control is improved with an intelligent system and mica heating sheets, which provide steady heat and reduce bubbling problems. The dual roller design helps ensure smooth, quiet lamination at a decent speed of about 250 mm per minute. There’s also a one-touch jam prevention feature that ejects stuck paper, reducing the risk of damage or frustration. Additional thoughtful tools include a built-in paper cutter with multiple cutting options and a corner rounder for safer, professional-looking edges.

The laminator is somewhat heavy at around 6.65 pounds and not ultra-compact, but it remains manageable for moving between locations if needed. The product comes with a 2-year warranty, adding some peace of mind. If you need a reliable, versatile laminator that handles various pouch types and sizes, this model represents a solid choice, especially if you appreciate built-in extras like cutting tools and jam prevention. For those prioritizing portability and ultra-lightweight design, lighter models may be available.

The Fellowes Amaris 125 laminator is a versatile machine suitable for both school and office use. It handles laminating projects up to 12.5 inches wide, which is ample for most standard office documents. Its rapid laminating speed of 31 inches per minute is impressive, allowing you to complete projects quickly. The InstaHeat Technology ensures a swift warm-up time of just 60 seconds, so you won't have to wait long to get started.

This laminator can handle hot and cold pouches up to 7 mil thick, giving you flexibility based on your needs. A standout feature is the integrated pouch tracking system that detects mis-feeds, minimizing the risk of jams. If a mistake does occur, the reverse mode makes it easy to re-center or remove the pouch, saving you time and frustration. The Clean Alert feature is a thoughtful addition, letting you know when it's time to clean the rollers to maintain the machine's longevity and performance.

The Fellowes Amaris 125 is also relatively lightweight at 4.2 pounds and has compact dimensions (18.69 x 6 x 4 inches), making it a portable option if you need to move it between rooms or locations. However, some users might find the pouch thickness limit of 7 mil restrictive for more heavy-duty laminating tasks. Additionally, the initial 10 jam-free laminating sheets included are helpful, but you may need to purchase more depending on the volume of your projects. The Fellowes Amaris 125 laminator is an efficient and user-friendly choice for everyday laminating needs, particularly suitable for educational and professional settings.