This is an excellent guide to buying an ID card printer. A professional ID card printer may be dual sided or better for design or speed for printing.
If you are looking to buy an ID card printer you need to know the speed, accessibility, and ease of use. Deciding and buying an ID card printer is confusing especially if you don’t know what is important
There are numerous ID card printers that offer speed for variable types of cards, ease of use, and extra features for security and printing detail.
What ID card printer is best for what you want? Learn more about the different types of ID card printers that can offer everything from dual sided printing, fast printing for color cards, and security with watermarked cards.
Our Top 10 Picks: ID Card Printers Highlights
- Best Overall ID Card Printer: Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer “You can do everything with the efficiency to print for a small office with speed and versatility to print all at one time. “
- Best Compact ID Card Printer: IDP Smart 31 ID Card Printer “Compact in design and easy to use; this printer offers premium software along with high resolution and quick printing speeds.”
- Best for Speed ID Card Printer: Fargo DTC1250e ID Card Printer “Incredible lightning fast speed for professional quality output; expect as well 300 top-quality PVC cards!”
- Best for Convenience ID Card Printer: Badgy100 Color Plastic ID Card Printer “All around intuitive printer with easy software to use, internal database storage for reprinting jobs also available. “
- Best for Accessibility ID Card Printer: Evolis Primacy Dual Sided ID Card Printer “Windows and Mac accessible and easily used with ethernet capacity to be used by multiple users in different locations; easy to use and fast. “
- Best for Efficiency ID Card Printer: Zebra’s ZXP Series 3 Card Printer “The most efficient printer on the market; increased savings in printing coupled with faster printing time.”
- Best for Software ID Card Printer: Magicard Enduro 3e Dual Sided ID Card printer “Easy and accessible ID card printer with intuitive card imaging software to design and edit as you like. “
- Best Economical ID Card Printer: AlphaCard Pilot ID card Printer “A reasonably priced hand-held operated printer; fast printing times along with integrated watermark system. “
- Best Intuitive ID Card Printer: Evolis Zenius Single Sided ID Card Printer “Compact design makes this Evolis model attractive; intuitive interface for easy design and utilization of smart card technologies for full accessibility.”
- Best for Security ID Card Printer: ID Maker Edge Professional ID Card Printer “Professional Level Security With ID Card Pros; this is a one of a kind ID printer with full graphic control and speed. “
Top 10 Best ID Card Printers
Best Overall ID Card Printer
You can do everything with the Magicard Pronto ID card printer and you can do it quickly as well. This ID card printer is known for efficiency in printing for a small office with speed and versatility. Expect low volume printing needs with premium quality graphics.
The Pronto offers super high end capabilities, so you will get top notch features and quality. This printer is ideal for printing on standard CR80 card stock or CR79. These are recommended for ID cards especially in terms of using adhesive labels.
Moreover, you have the ability to print on rewritable cards quickly so the Magicard is better for a variety of functions. The question is how does the Magicard Pronto work?
The Pronto is a single feed printer that works with ID badges. Therefore, you have the capacity to feed one card at a time to do all of your printing and work. Moreover, the Magicard connects and is accessible with Windows and even Mac OSX.
Overall, the appeal of this ID printer is that you are able to do everything at one time from start to finish. The complete ID card printing and customization is done easily one card at a time. You get full color duplex card printing along with magnetic stripe and smart card encoding.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Complete process for printing full color duplex cards
- Support for magnetic stripe and smart card encoding
- Fast printing time with a turnaround time for a complete card in under 1 minute
You need to pay attention to It:
- Not as affordable as other ID card Printers so expect to pay
- Resolution and graphics quality has been criticized in some Amazon reviews
Best Compact ID Card Printer
The IDP Smart 31 printer is compact in design and easy to use. The appeal lies in the fact that it is small and handy. Also, this printer offers premium software along with high resolution and quick printing speeds.
This is a single sided card printer with software that allows you to create membership, cards, and of course ID cards. You are able to do various types of designs, graphics easily.
There are some easy and nice features like the ID card camera that is built-in. As well, you get over 75 card templates for creating better designed cards. You can even print 1D barcodes if you are interested.
In conclusion, the main selling point is the design. Why? The IDP Smart 31 printer is fairly stylish in any environment as well the portability means you can travel with this anywhere. In addition, the other benefits include fast printing with a turnaround time for a complete card in under 1 minute.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Compact design means you can take this printer anywhere
- Variable and high performing printing from 10 to 25 seconds depending on whether it is black and white or color
- Ability to print 1D Barcodes for extra security
You need to pay attention to It:
- Installation issues when setting up especially with some computer configurations
- Print quality issue complaints in terms of detail and clarity
Best for Speed ID Card Printer
The Fargo DTC1250e offers incredible lightning fast speed for a printer. Expect professional quality output included as well 300 top-quality PVC cards. All in all, this is a well rounded printer that is fast and gets the job done.
First and foremost, the speed of the Fargo DTC1250e is what is most appealing. Why? You can get prints as fast as 6 seconds per card for black and white and just 24 seconds for color ID cards.
In terms of specifics, the Fargo ID printer has drivers for Windows and Mac along with capacity
with EZ and ECO ribbons. You also have color changing display buttons for extra editing and design purposes.
The quality of the ID cards is high performing because the Fargo supports up to 16.7 million colors or around 256 shades every pixel. Moreover, the printer can carry up to 100 cards so if you want a bigger turnaround you will have a lot of potential with this printer.
Overall, this is a perfect printer for anyone looking to print ID cards quickly and effectively.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Fast printing varies from 6 to 24 seconds depending on whether it is black and white or color
- Includes 300 top quality PVC cards
- High optical resolution displays up to 16.7 million colors / 256 shades per pixel
You need to pay attention to It:
- Printing issues have been reported like jamming according to some reviews
- Expensive price point considering the average ID card printer prices
Best for Convenience ID Card Printer
Badgy makes one of the better all around intuitive printers. Why? Simply, this ID card printer with easy software to use, internal database storage for reprinting jobs also available.
This is the ideal ID card printer for anyone wanting top quality reprints and mass printing. The Badgy100 is designed for reprinting because it utilizes an internal database storage when it recalls older formats or designs.
You are able to manage all aspects of printing an ID card because you can use a plastic ID feature for enabling various options. First, there is the possibility to design, encode, and print various cards with very little if any fuss.
All in all, creating an ID with a photo or any kind of card is not difficult. BAsically, all you need to do is take a photo, which can be done with the included webcam and pretty quickly you can start designing and printing your ID cards. In around 45 seconds, you have a fully printed color card.
In general, this is a great option for someone looking for an ID card printer with ready to go programs and printing. The software is easy to learn and intuitive for creating the type of ID cards you want.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Intuitive software for reprinting with included database storage
- Mac and Windows Accessible for easy accessibility
- Free updates included with software for increasing efficiency and quality
You need to pay attention to It:
- Expensive on the whole, so expect to a high price tag if you are on a budget
- Some configuration issues with printing have been reported
Best for Accessibility ID Card Printer
This is the best ID card printer for accessibility and connectivity bar none. The Evolis is unique in that it offers integrated ethernet connectivity along with access from various locations from even different users. All in all, this is an intuitive printer that is easy to use.
Moreover, the Evolis is even easy to use. Without ever using an ID card printer you can easily start making ID cards with ease and little confusion.
When you use the printer you can utilize pre-made templates as well as drag and drop images that are used. Furthermore, you can edit text boxes and other design elements with ease and get professional results.
Expect as well quick batch production and printing of over 200 single sided cards in an hour. So, if you want to try and get a bigger printing job then the Evolis is more than capable. Specifically, you can print a card in 19 seconds in full color or black with edge to edge printing.
Overall, the accessibility is the prime selling point with Mac and Window capability in terms of drivers. As well, cards can be printed single or double sided and quickly, so using this model is easy and intuitive. And, better than any other ID printer, you have a 3 year warranty with the Evolis.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Ease of use is the main appeal with intuitive editing and operational printing
- Windows and Mac Compatible
- Three year warranty for buyers gives anyone a sense of comfort
- Ethernet integration for use by multiple users in different locations
You need to pay attention to It:
- Very expensive considering some image quality issues with printing
- Some troubleshooting issues with some configurations
Best for Efficiency ID Card Printer
The most efficient printer on the market is made by Zebra in particular the ZXP Series 3 model. This printer will give you increased savings in printing coupled with faster printing time.
Expect an increased print speed that will give you 33 percent faster savings in time. How? The cartridge of the Zebra is calibrated to the host based image processing technology that is included. The processing technology takes the pressure of your computer to do the hard work and even save you money.
While printing, you get cards automatically flipped for single or double sided printing. Also, Speeds will be around 20 seconds for a single sided in full color. In general, this is a very easy to use and set up ID printer.
All in all, the Zebra model line is streamlined for efficient printing, processing, and savings. Expect fast and high quality prints of ID cards because of the functionality and edge to edge printing for detailed designs.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Efficient coordinated modeling with faster speed and cost cutting functionality
- Advanced image processing technology saves on your printer and driver to save money and time
- Incredible edge to edge printing for getting the fine details of your card design
You need to pay attention to It:
- Customer service complaints in regard to software and installation
- Expensive price point for some budget minded consumers
Best for Software ID Card Printer
Easy and accessible ID card printer with intuitive card imaging software to design and edit as you like.
Kodak makes an easy one touch navigation scanner. This is ideal to do scanning from anywhere easily with a convenient menu and overall design. The Kodak gives you the ability to do enhancement with varied old media, and wide compatibility for conversion.
There are interchangeable adapters that come along with this scanner that make it easier. For example, you easily use for maximum compatibility for a wide range of commonly used slide and film formats and media.
You can start using this quickly, no installation needed or additional software required. There is even the possibility to improve your images and quality as well. Slide scanner has a built in image interpolation mechanism that greatly enhances old photos. Thus, photos can be converted to 22 megapixels.
Moreover, you have automatic exposure and color balance adjustment with your conversions. The image preview on the Kodak is attractive because of the design There is a 2.4” digital LCD display for preview; as well the capacity to save images to SD memory card.
Kodak is popular for a variety of reasons and brand appeal is one, but the scanner isn efficient and high performing scanner for premium conversion.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Attractive design and portability; Kodak is popular for its brand appeal
- Built in image interpolation system guarantees better quality photos of 22 Megapixels
- Easy to use navigation and requires no installation or setup
You need to pay attention to It:
- Scanner requires frequent cleaning for efficient usage and conversion
- Price tag is over $100 and may be a bit much for some users
Best Economical ID Card Printer
Alphacard makes a reasonably priced hand-held operated printer that is not as expensive as the competition. However, please note finding a reasonably priced ID card printer can be hard. Hot, overall expect fast printing times along with an integrated watermark system.
Some of the key features of the AlphaCard Pilot printer include fast color printing as well innovative printing technology. Outside of being a reasonably priced printer, the Alphacard is able to fully print full color cards in 35 seconds.
Moreover, the Alphacard comes with software that gives you basic level card design. The Alphacard Pilot printer is best for low volume ID card production. Don’t expect high level or advanced options with this printer.
The Alphacard is more economical because it offers a basic range of features for printing ID cards quickly for a short or small printing job or project.
Overall, the printer has fast printing speed along with AlphaGuard technology that gives the users a chance to print more than adequate ID cards. Furthermore, you have a built-in watermark system for added security and protection.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Economical price compared to most other ID card printers
- Simple hand held operation makes for an easy to use ID card printer
- Fast printing with times of around 35 seconds for full color printing
You need to pay attention to It:
- Limited features especially in terms of software and customization
- Design and editing range is narrow for printing customized ID cards
Best Intuitive ID Card Printer
The Evolis model is the most accessible and best for connectivity. As well, it is a compact design that is appealing and highly functional. As well, the Evolis model features are geared for easy design and utilization of smart card technologies.
You are able to operate this ID card printer with variable channels unlike the competing ID card printers. How? You can create cards with magnetic stripe and smart technology or even with a standard network with USB; which is included in the Evolis printer.
The driver is intuitive because the interface and connectivity is what makes the Evolis Zenius stand out. There is automatic detection of variable parts of the printer from the ribbon and more so you are able to customize and start printing as soon as possible.
Moreover, you have the option to get edge to edge printing for full detail. Also, you have full printing in black and white along with color with variable formats and templates.
In conclusion, this is a quick and easy printer with a highly intuitive interface for accessibility and convenience. As well, expect over 75 templates with the software along with drivers for Mac and Windows.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- HIghly intuitive driver and interface that is able to detect changes in every part of the printer
- Accessibility is a plus; expect to print with a standard network and USB connection
- Over 75 templates are included along with the software
You need to pay attention to It:
- Expensive price point compared to similar models
- Software and interface may be confusing to some new users
Best for Security ID Card Printer
This is one of the most professional sevel security models you can get with an ID card printer. Moreover, this is a one of a kind ID printer with full graphic control and speed.
In this day and age of security concerns, this printer delivers state of the art software for creating the best ID card. The print quality is high and specialized; you are able to get a sharper detail for maximum quality and security for your ID card needs.
The best features are the 3 holographic overlays that provide the detail and guarantee for security. The ID Make Edge printer is ideal for high resolution printing and professional quality.
The graphics quality is high with the ID maker Edge printer, expect a picture quality of 300 x 300 PDI for greatly detailed and professional photos. Also, set up is quick as you can get the printer in 15 minutes ready for printing for hassle free and convenient ID card prints.
In conclusion, you will not find a better printer for security and detail. Professional quality pictures coupled with fast and an intuitive interface make this printer quite appealing overall.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!
Why We Recommend It:
- Best for security and with a guarantee to make it difficult for counterfeiting
- 3 Holographic Overlays offer detailed graphics and and high resolution printing
- Easy and convenient setup will only take 15 minutes for printer setup and operation
You need to pay attention to It:
- Less popular than other brands so some buyers may be less willing to try this brand
- HIgher price point than the majority of similar ID card printers
ID Card Printer Benefits
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Convenience
Basic features of an ID printer are easy to use.
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Versatility
You can edit, design, and print any way you want for your ID card.
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Control
Operating and purchasing your very own printer gives you the ultimate power to make the best ID card.
ID Card Printer Buying Guide
These are the most important factors for anyone seeking the right ID card printer.
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Compatibility
The platform you use, whether it is windows or Mac, determines a lot of what you can do. So, the accessibility issue for printing and your computer can affect your resolution, DPI, detail, and more.
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Speed
Some printers claim ID cards can be fully printed in 7 seconds while others considerably longer, so be conscious of how many ID cards you need printed.
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Ease of Use
Some of the more advanced ID printers are difficult to use while other printers are operated by hand, so determine what best suits you.
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Cost and Budget
Top of the line ID card printers are well over $1000 USD, therefore you need to know what features and quality are most crucial for your needs.
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Security
Some printers will not have the capacity to print watermarks or barcodes for security, so make sure to seek this out if it is important.
