Last Updated on 10th January 2024
In the fast-evolving world of security and identification, the right ID card printer can make all the difference. At ID Card Centre, our deep expertise and extensive experience in this field guide our detailed reviews of the best ID card printers for 2024.
Our expert team rigorously evaluates each printer for key factors like ease of use, print quality, affordability, and speed. We're not just listing top printers; we're sharing insights gained from years of hands-on experience to help you make an informed choice for your specific needs.
Dive into our guide for a clear, practical overview of the top ID card printers, and make your decision with confidence.
4.7 / 5
The Evolis Primacy 2 is one of the top ID card printers for 2024. A perfect printer for any organisation with a medium budget wanting to produce high-quality ID cards in large volumes, this printer is capable of single and dual-sided printing, creating full-colour cards, dye-sublimation for monochrome cards, and rewriting onto cards.
Top Features:
- Dye-Sublimation Technology
- Single and Double Sided Printing
- USB, Ethernet and WiFi Capabilities (Optional)
- Double overlay layer effect for an extra layer of protection
| Pros ✔ |
Cons ❌ |
| Print up to 280 cards per hour in full colour |
Compatible only with CR80 cards |
| Optional laminate feature to improve life span |
Higher cost for low print volumes |
| Built to withstand wear and tear |
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"As a newer model from the Evolis range, this printer offers a range of high-end features that are ideal for printing ID cards. With print speeds of up to 280 full colour cards per hour, the Evolis Primacy 2 is a high-quality printer for organisations with high print volume requirements."
Andrew Glenn, Printer Specialist
ID Card Centre LTD
If you would like more information and specifications on the Evolis Primacy 2, click here.
4.9 / 5
This is the Magicard 600 dye sublimation ID card printer. We believe this is one of the best moderate-budget printers for your business, as it offers two options: single sided and dual-sided printing. The single sided option is suitable for printing ID cards with information on one side, while the dual-sided option allows for printing on both sides of the card, allowing more complex designs and additional information.
Additionally, the Magicard 600 also has a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use functions, making it suitable for beginners. Genuine Magicard ID card printer ribbons are best compatible with this printer, allowing you to enjoy vibrant and durable prints. Digital shredding is also an additional feature that fragments data, making sure it is not recoverable after it has been printed.
Top Features:
- HoloKote® Technology - Adds a watermark to your cards, stopping anyone from copying or forging your designs.
- Digital Shredding - Destroys any sensitive information from the printers memory after each print. Used to stop thieves from gaining access to confidential data.
- Threat Benchmarked - Security scans against Nessus Pro (Vulnerability assessment tool), ensuring that the printer software and system are at the highest levels.
| Pros ✔ |
Cons ❌ |
| CR79 and CR80 Compatible |
Extra cost for double sided printing |
| Ideal for complex logo printing |
Not budget friendly for smaller businesses |
| 600dpi printing resolution |
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"If you’re looking to meet your requirements on a budget, the Magicard 600 is the ideal printer. With features like the choice between single- and double-sided printing, fast print speeds, and HoloKote® security features, this printer produces crystal clear ID cards for any type of organisation."
Andrew Glenn, Printer Specialist
ID Card Centre LTD
If you would like more information and specifications on the Magicard 600, click here.
4.8 / 5
The Zebra ZC350 is an excellent printer that brings your designs to life. Perfect for medium-sized businesses that want to improve their card printing production, this is one of the best high-quality, cost-effective printers on the market due to the features it offers.
An ideal solution for users that want to print single or dual-sided up to 300dpi onto their CR80 cards. Having the option to print on both sides of your cards allows you to further customise and design them to your requirements, ultimately saving you money in the long term!
Designed to work straight out of the box, all you have to do is plug it in and you are good to go. No need to worry about card sizes because the new card feeder adjusts to the size of your cards! (Card thickness 10-40mil)
Top Features:
- Card flipper for dual-sided printing
- Lockable enclosure
| Pros ✔ |
Cons ❌ |
| Medium budget printer |
Extra cost for double sided printing |
| 1000 Monochrome cards an hour |
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| Offers top of the range encoding options |
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"The Zebra ZC350 is a cost-effective printer that doesn’t compromise on quality. Offering high-quality 300dpi printing alongside a range of encoding options, you can print consistently professional ID cards whilst adding security to your organisation."
Andrew Glenn, Printer Specialist
ID Card Centre LTD
If you would like more information and specifications on the Zebra ZC350, click here.
4.7 / 5
Another one of the best printers is the IDP Smart 51S. This printer offers a moderate price point for medium-sized businesses wanting to print a high-volume of ID cards. Although this printer is only single sided as standard, you can also buy a dual-sided version that offers enhanced efficiency and reliable performance, making it a suitable choice for many organisations.
The IDP Smart 51S has advanced printing features such as edge-to-edge printing, which allows for the card surface to be covered without any white borders. It also supports magnetic stripe encoding and smart card encoding options, allowing you to customise your cards unique to your requirements. This printer is very durable, withstanding general wear and tear and allowing for a longer life span.
Top Features:
- The printer can store 100-200 cards
- Can print 720 monochrome cards per hour
- Offers high-resolution of up to 300 dpi
- Ability to print sharp text and vibrant graphics
| Pros ✔ |
Cons ❌ |
| Capable of printing 212 full-colour cards per hour |
Compatible only with CR80 cards |
| Ideal for bulk card printing |
Software compatible only with Windows |
| User-friendly interface |
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"If you only need to print single-sided cards, the IDP Smart 51S is ideal. This budget-friendly printer can produce up to 212 full-colour cards per hour, and offers a range of security features, as well as an additional lamination module for better protection from forgery and wear-and-tear."
Andrew Glenn, Printer Specialist
ID Card Centre LTD
If you would like more information and specifications on the IDP Smart 51S, click here.
4.7 / 5
The Datacard Sigma DS2 is an ideal solution for businesses that require a printer with precision and reliability. With its ability to produce high-quality professional customisations, it also comes with a user-friendly design, simplifying efficiency and ease of use.
This ID card printer is designed to support single or dual-sided printing, allowing you to print on both sides of your cards with your unique customisations. Expect consistent prints every time up to 300dpi with the dye-sublimation technology, the perfect choice for medium-sized businesses wanting to improve their production line.
| Pros ✔ |
Cons ❌ |
| Capable of printing medium to high volume |
Most options such as Encoding and WiFi are an extra cost |
| Print from anywehre with a mobile device (iOS, Android, Windows) |
Additional cost for double sided |
"Entrust, formerly known as Datacard, is a well-known ID card printer manufacturer recognised for reliability. The Sigma DS2 is no different, offering professionally customised ID card printing and a high level of efficiency. This printer has a 125-card capacity holder, making it ideal for medium-sized businesses who want to improve their ID card production."
Andrew Glenn, Printer Specialist
ID Card Centre LTD
If you would like more information and specifications on the Entrust Sigma DS2, click here.
As we head into 2024, the importance of solid, robust security solutions remains high. If you require reliable ID card printing, our list narrows down the choices, focusing on speed, features and accuracy.
Choosing the right ID card printer is an investment in both security and efficiency. ID Card Centre is committed to providing state-of-the-art security solutions, evolving with technology to support businesses and institutions throughout 2024 and beyond.
