Here’s an overview of the Best Id Card that we’ll explore today:
ID card printers are a cornerstone of modern security and organizational workflow, enabling on-demand, branded credentials for employees, students, visitors, and members. This category has evolved from basic plastic card printers to capable, software-driven solutions that integrate with templates, databases, and access-control ecosystems. In this review, I compare five widely available models across a price spectrum from $599 to $879.90, covering two Badgy models from Evolis, a compact IDP kit, and a feature-rich entry from Cardholdir ID. My methodology combines hands-on assessment of setup, print quality, color fidelity, speed, and software ecosystem, with an eye toward total cost of ownership, reliability, and use-case fit. I test each device’s color and monochrome output, duplex capabilities (where applicable), media handling, and software workflow to determine which printer best serves different user scenarios.
1. Badgy100 Plastic Card Printer with Badge Studio – ID Design Software for Full Color
- Brand: Badgy
- Manufacturer: Badgy
The Badgy100 is an entry-level, single-user color card printer designed for on-demand badge creation. It leverages dye-sublimation printing, USB connectivity, and a compact form factor, offering a color-first workflow with access to online design templates via Badge Studio. At $599, it positions itself as a budget-friendly option for small teams or individuals needing quick, visually appealing badges without outsourcing. Notably, it supports full-color output and provides a practical path to tamper-resistant-looking badges through customizable templates, albeit with manual duplex capability and modest speed in color mode.
In practice, the Badgy100 shines for fast, on-site badge production where design needs are straightforward and print volumes are low. The 300 x 300 dpi resolution is adequate for most standard ID visuals, and the manual duplex means you’ll need to flip cards yourself for two-sided badges, which is acceptable for occasional use but becomes tedious at higher throughput. The instant-on experience and the app-based control improve day-to-day usability, while the 25-card input capacity and 60W power envelope keep desktop footprints reasonable. However, the printer’s color speed (1.3 ppm) and monochrome speed (1.5 ppm) are modest, which can become a bottleneck if a department scales badge printing or you require frequent updates to a growing roster.
Pros
- Affordable entry point for color ID printing
- Includes Badge Studio templates for quick design
- Compact and desktop-friendly footprint
- USB 2.0 connectivity with straightforward setup
- Color print requires no outsourcing for small batches
Cons
- Manual duplexing adds workflow friction for two-sided badges
- Relatively slow color print speeds at low volumes
- Limited to 300 x 300 dpi color resolution
2. Badgy200 Plastic Card Printer with Badge Studio+ ID design software for full color
- Brand: Badgy
- Manufacturer: Badgy
The Badgy200 expands on the basic Badgy lineup by offering automatic duplex printing, a slightly faster color speed, and a more capable software package with Badge Studio+. This model includes 100-card starter kit, a 1-year warranty, and a higher perceived security profile through its full-color, tamper-friendly output. At $759, it sits in the mid-range helping teams that need a bit more throughput and a more robust software experience while maintaining a compact desk footprint.
Performance-wise, Badgy200 delivers color output at up to 1.6 ppm and monochrome at up to 5.45 ppm, with automatic duplexing eliminating manual card flipping. The 24 bpp color depth and 300 dpi output maintain solid fidelity for typical organizational IDs, employee badges, and student IDs. The two-card tray setup, 25-card input capacity, and the included 100-color ribbon support quicker batch work relative to the Badgy100. The Auto Document Feeder feature adds convenience for batch processing, and the 10.86 x 7.87 x 5.78-inch form factor remains suitable for a small office or classroom environment.
Pros
- Automatic duplex printing improves efficiency
- Badge Studio+ with database import simplifies design workflows
- Faster color and color depth suitable for most IDs
- 1-year warranty with option to extend
- Two-card tray and 100-card starter kit reduce upfront costs
Cons
- Still relatively compact—not ideal for high-volume needs
- USB 2.0 only, no Ethernet/Wi-Fi
- Color print speed may still be limiting for large batches
3. IDP SMART-21S ID Card Simplex Printer Kit with PC Only Software
- Brand: IDP IDP
- Manufacturer: IDP IDP
The IDP SMART-21S kit targets small offices needing a compact, single-sided printer with simple software and a straightforward workflow. It includes YMCKO color ribbon, 100 PVC cards, and a PC-only design suite (IDesigner). The kit emphasizes a desktop-friendly footprint and a quick-start approach, making it attractive for users who prioritize a ready-to-run package with clear printing paths for both color and monochrome. The device is positioned as a budget-friendly yet capable option for basic ID printing with room to expand software capabilities.
From a performance perspective, the SMART-21S prints at up to 1 ppm in color and 1,200 dpi in monochrome, with a compact 6.6 x 10 x 7-inch chassis. While it supports up to 100 cards in a run, the absence of duplex capability (simplex) means two-sided badges require alternate workflows or a second pass. The device targets Windows environments and emphasizes ease of use, though the lack of Mac compatibility and absence of USB-C or modern connectivity may complicate newer workstation configurations. For organizations prioritizing a small footprint and cost efficiency, it remains a sensible starter kit.
Pros
- Compact, desktop-friendly form factor
- Includes YMCKO color ribbon and 100 cards
- Low initial cost for entry-level color printing
- PC-focused software with straightforward workflow
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- No duplex printing; two-sided cards require manual workarounds
- PC-only software limits cross-platform use (no Mac compatibility)
- Lower throughput in color (1 ppm)
4. Easy Badges Solid 210 ID Badge Printer | with Beginner Software
- Brand: Cardholdir ID
- Manufacturer: Cardholdir ID
The Cardholdir ID Solid 210 is a single-sided, hand-fed ID badge printer designed for groups that prefer an all-in-one solution with bundled software and a generous included supply. At $879.90, it slots as the premium among the five reviewed options, offering a complete starter package: 200 PVC cards, 250 full-color ribbons, and Cardholdir ID software with templates. Its compact dimensions and straightforward single-sided color printing make it suitable for classrooms, small teams, and dedicated campus environments where two-sided badges are not required.
Performance-wise, Solid 210 prints at up to 300 x 300 dpi and 300 color resolution, with manual feed and a claimed 300 full-color cards per hour. The inclusion of beginner software reduces the barrier to entry for non-designers, while compatibility with PC and Mac broadens adoption. The kit-based approach provides predictable upfront costs but lacks duplex capability and high-volume throughput. Its slim profile and light weight (about 12.87 pounds) make it ideal for desk-side use, though institutions with growing badge needs may eventually outgrow it.
Pros
- Comprehensive starter kit with 200 cards and 250 color ribbons
- Beginner-friendly Cardholdir ID software
- Compact form factor suitable for desk use
- PC & Mac compatibility
- Reliable single-sided color printing at 300 dpi
Cons
- No duplex printing; limited to single-sided cards
- Not designed for high-volume throughput
- Price premium relative to other entry options
5. Badgy100 Color Plastic Card Printer
- Brand: Badgy
- Manufacturer: Badgy
The Badgy100 Color Plastic Card Printer is a direct competitor to the Badgy100 reviewed first, focusing on color-on-demand for small teams and individuals. It touts near-edge printing, a fast 45-second color badge workflow, and Mac/PC compatibility with Badgy design software. At $599, it represents a compelling value proposition for basic color badge needs, especially when only occasional reissuing or small batches are required. The device emphasizes a straightforward user experience while maintaining a compact footprint.
In practice, the Badgy100 claims high usability with an advertised 9 color/cmyk print speed and 21 monochrome pages per minute, alongside 1.35mm print margins, which translates to efficient single-issue runs. The 300 dpi color resolution yields crisp text and logos at standard badge sizes, and the 50-card input capacity provides quick start capabilities. The inclusion of two-card operations, however, requires manual handling for double-sided designs, and the 60–72W power envelope is higher than some ultra-compact devices, potentially contributing to heat and energy usage during longer sessions.
Pros
- Low entry price with color-on-demand capabilities
- Near-edge printing with generous print area
- Mac and PC compatibility with simple software
- Fast color badge turnaround (claim 45 seconds per badge)
- Reasonable print quality at 300 dpi
Cons
- No automatic duplex; two-sided badges require manual work
- Modest input capacity may slow batch workflows
- Higher power consumption compared to ultra-efficient models
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about id cards to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Final thoughts here.