IDP SMART-21S ID Card Simplex Printer Kit with PC Only Software
3.9Editor score
Affordable starter kit
100 PVC cards included
Compact desktop footprint
In this guide
Choosing the right plastic card printer is essential for businesses that need to create professional ID badges and membership cards efficiently. Whether you run a small office or a large institution, having the ability to print on demand saves time and money compared to outsourcing production.
We have evaluated ten leading plastic card printers based on their printing quality, speed, ease of use, and overall value for different organizational needs. Our comparison covers single-sided and double-sided models from reputable brands like Zebra, Evolis, and IDP to help you find the perfect match.
Each product selection highlights key features, pros, cons, and ideal use cases to guide your purchasing decision. Please note that availability and specific pricing may fluctuate over time, so checking current listings is recommended before finalizing your order for these essential business tools.
Top 3 Picks for Best Plastic Card Printers
Zebra ZC32 ZC300 Series Double-Sided USB Ethernet ID Card Printer ZC32-000C000US00
5.0Editor score
Double-sided printing capability
High resolution output quality
Easy card loading design
Volty ID VX300 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer
3.0Editor score
Dual-sided one pass printing
Large capacity hoppers
Comprehensive software trial
Top 10 Best Plastic Card Printers in 2026 Compared
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of all ten plastic card printers reviewed in this guide, highlighting their core specifications and capabilities to assist your selection process.
ProductsSpecificationsEditor scorePrice
Editor's Choice
Badgy100 Plastic Card Printer
Single-sided printing
Badge Studio software
High resolution output
4.1Editor score
Editor's Choice
Badgy200 Plastic Card Printer
Full color printing
Badge Studio+ included
1-year warranty
3.6Editor score
Best Premium
IDP SMART-21S ID Card Printer Kit
Simplex printing
Windows 10/11 compatible
Includes EasyCapture trial
3.9Editor score
Zebra ZC100 LT ID Card Printer
CloudBadging software
600×600 dpi
Automatic thickness adjust
3.6Editor score
Zebra ZC32 ZC300 Series Printer
Double-sided printing
USB and Ethernet
High intuitive icons
5.0Editor score
500 Pack Blank White PVC ID Cards
30 Mil thickness
CR80 standard size
Compatible with most printers
4.5Editor score
Volty ID VX300 Dual-Sided Printer
One pass dual side
70 card input hopper
Volty software included
3.0Editor score
Easy Badges Solid 210 ID Badge Printer
Single sided printing
Cardholdir software
300 cards per hour
4.4Editor score
Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer
Single-sided output
Includes blank cards
CloudBadging Lite
Zebra ZXP Series 3 Dual Side Printer
ZRaster technology
Smart card encoding
High performance ribbons
2.7Editor score
1. Badgy100 Plastic Card Printer – Best Value Entry Level Option
Badgy100 Plastic Card Printer with Badge Studio
Single sided printing
Badge Studio included
High resolution quality
Ideal for small needs
The Badgy100 Plastic Card Printer stands out as a top contender for small businesses and offices needing quick ID badge solutions. With a solid rating of 4.1 stars, it delivers high resolution full color prints that look professional on tamper proof badges in just seconds.
Pros
- Easy to use software
- Fast print speeds
- Compact design
- Good value for price
- High quality output
Cons
- Single sided only
- Limited capacity
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Its standout quality is the included Badge Studio software, which provides an online template library for professional designs. Users can easily print on demand without relying on external vendors, ensuring they can immediately replace lost or stolen cards when needed.
While the printer is efficient for single printing needs, it is limited to single sided output which might be a constraint for organizations requiring data on both sides. However, for basic identification purposes, this trade-off is acceptable given the speed and ease of use.
This printer is best suited for users who need a straightforward solution for ID badges without complex requirements. It is an excellent choice for schools, small offices, or event organizers looking to manage their own credential production efficiently.
Professional Design Templates
The online template library offers a variety of professional-looking designs that users can choose from to create custom badges easily.
On Demand Capability
Get rid of sub-contractors deadlines by printing based on your requirements and immediately replacing any lost or stolen card.
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2. Badgy200 Plastic Card Printer – Best All In One Solution
Badgy200 Plastic Card Printer with Badge Studio+
Full color output
Badge Studio+ software
Includes starter kit
1-year warranty
The Badgy200 offers an all-in-one solution for creating professional tamperproof plastic ID badges quickly. With a rating of 3.6 stars, it provides full color printing capabilities and includes the upgraded Badge Studio+ software for enhanced design functionality.
Pros
- Comprehensive starter kit
- Database import feature
- Easy badge creation
- Professional full color
- Support available
Cons
- Lower rating score
- Additional costs possible
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This model includes a complete starter kit with printer, ribbons, cards, and cables, making it ready to use out of the box. The software features a design wizard and free templates to help users create custom badges easily for students or employees.
Although it receives a lower rating compared to other models, it is a solid option for those needing community building through professional badges. The warranty and support contacts offer peace of mind for technical or general questions regarding the printer.
Ideal for schools and workplaces, this printer helps add a level of security and community among members. It is recommended for users who want a full package without needing to source additional supplies separately.
Upgraded Software Features
The upgraded Badge Studio+ software includes database import, free templates, and a design wizard to start from scratch.
Complete Starter Package
Includes a printer, 100 print color ribbon, 100 blank cards, and all necessary cables for immediate use.
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3. IDP SMART-21S ID Card Simplex Printer Kit – Best Affordable Starter Kit
IDP SMART-21S ID Card Simplex Printer Kit
Simplex printer included
PC Only Software
100 cards included
EasyCapture trial
The IDP SMART-21S Kit is an affordable solution for small businesses wanting to print their own ID badges. With a rating of 3.9 stars, it offers professional quality high-resolution full-color printing and comes with essential supplies to get started immediately.
Pros
- High resolution prints
- Windows 10/11 compatible
- Compact design
- User friendly panel
- Affordable system
Cons
- Single sided output
- PC only software
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Its speedy system produces over 150 color cards per hour, making it suitable for larger corporations needing access control badges or student IDs. The compact design fits easily on desktops, and the control panel is simple to operate with one LED button.
While the printer is limited to single-sided output and PC-only software, it remains a great choice for budget-conscious buyers. The included EasyCapture tool trial helps streamline photo collection, which is crucial for rebadging projects and onboarding.
This kit is perfect for organizations needing access control badges, student IDs, or loyalty cards without high costs. It is recommended for small businesses that value ease of use and space-saving design in their office environment.
High Output Speed
The control panel can produce over 150 color cards and 600 monochromatic cards per hour efficiently.
Photo Capture Tool
IDP's EasyCapture is a powerful web-based employee photo capture tool designed to make ID badge photo collection faster.
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4. Zebra ZC100 LT ID Card Printer – Best Compact Design
Zebra ZC100 LT ID Card Printer
CloudBadging software
600×600 dpi
Automatic thickness adjustment
Compact portable
The Zebra ZC100 LT is a user-friendly printer designed for effortless ID card production in offices and small businesses. With a rating of 3.6 stars, it features an innovative graphical user interface and automatic card thickness adjustment for versatile printing needs.
Pros
- Intuitive user interface
- High resolution color
- Fool-proof ribbon change
- Includes complete supplies
- Space saving design
Cons
- Limited compatibility
- Average reliability
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This model delivers high-quality color printing at 600 x 600 dpi resolution, perfect for ID cards and labels. The complete package includes CloudBadging software, blank cards, and ribbon, ensuring immediate use without extra purchases.
While the printer is compact and portable, its ribbon change system is designed to prevent printing hassles. Users benefit from a fool-proof system that makes maintenance simple, though it may lack some advanced features found in higher-end models.
This printer is ideal for offices needing to save space while maintaining high-quality output. It is recommended for small businesses looking for a complete solution with software and supplies included in the box.
Automatic Adjustments
Automatic card thickness adjustment ensures smooth printing for various card types without manual intervention.
Cloud Software
CloudBadging software is included to facilitate easy design and issuance of ID cards.
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5. Zebra ZC32 ZC300 Series Printer – Best User Friendly Interface
Zebra ZC32 ZC300 Series Double-Sided USB Ethernet ID Card Printer ZC32-000C000US00
Double-sided printing
High intuitive icons
Slim profile design
Multiple encoding options
The Zebra ZC32 ZC300 Series offers a highly intuitive interface with animated messages to guide users through every function. With a perfect 5.0 star rating, it stands out for its easy-to-use design that simplifies operations like loading ribbons and clearing jams.
Pros
- Perfect rating score
- Easy plug-and-play
- Saloon-style output
- CardStudio software
- Lightpipe card feeding
Cons
- Higher price point
- Complex setup possible
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This double-sided printer supports USB and Ethernet connectivity and allows for magnetic stripe encoding right out of the box. The redesigned hopper makes loading cards easy, and the saloon-style output doors provide quick access to printed cards.
While it is a premium model with a perfect rating, it remains easy to deploy with no time-consuming setup. The integration with CardStudio software further enhances its value for those needing high-quality professional ID cards quickly.
Ideal for businesses needing double-sided output and robust support, this printer is highly recommended. Its design ensures simple operation even for non-technical staff, making it a top choice for modern office environments.
Intuitive Messages
Highly-intuitive icons and text based messages allow users to easily understand what the printer needs.
Easy Loading
The redesigned hopper makes loading cards easy while saloon-style output doors provide quick access.
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6. 500 Pack Blank White PVC ID Cards – Best Compatible Supply
500 Pack Blank White PVC ID Cards
Wide compatibility
Double-sided printing
CR80 standard size
30 Mil thickness
The 500 Pack Blank White PVC ID Cards are a versatile supply option compatible with most photo ID badge printers on the market. With a strong 4.5 star rating, they conform to ISO CR80 credit card standards and are ideal for office or membership badges.
Pros
- Compatible with most printers
- International standard size
- High quality blank
- Includes 500 count
- Versatile usage
Cons
- No chips included
- No stripes included
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These smooth white PVC cards can be printed on both sides, offering flexibility for various design needs. They are packaged in two boxes of 250 cards each and meet international standard size requirements for thickness and dimensions.
While they do not contain chips or magnetic stripes, they serve well for standard identification purposes. Users also enjoy using them for crafts or decal adhesion, showing their utility beyond just ID card production.
Ideal for bulk needs, these cards ensure you have enough supply for ongoing projects without frequent reordering. They are recommended for organizations looking for reliable, high-quality blanks that work with major printer brands.
Wide Compatibility
Compatible with most photo ID badge printers including DataCard, Zebra, Fargo, and Evolis brands.
Standard Dimensions
Each card measures approximately 85.6 x 53.98mm with a thickness of 30 mil.
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7. Volty ID VX300 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer – Best For Large Volumes
Volty ID VX300 Dual-Sided ID Card Printer
One pass dual side
70 card input hopper
Volty software included
23 second speed
The Volty ID VX300 is designed for real issuance needs with its ability to print front and back in a single pass. Although it has a rating of 3.0 stars, its large capacity hoppers and 3-year protection make it a strong option for ongoing projects.
Pros
- Front and back auto
- Large hopper capacity
- Comprehensive software
- 3 years protection
- Live database connectivity
Cons
- Lower rating score
- System dependency
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With a 70-card input hopper and 100-card output hopper, it handles new-hire onboarding and student ID rollouts efficiently. The included Volty ID software offers a 75-day full-access trial, supporting up to 10 users with additional paid users.
While the system requires proprietary software and ribbons, this design ensures minimal driver conflicts and troubleshooting issues. Full-color printing in 23 seconds allows for quick turnaround times, which is beneficial for event credentials at scale.
This printer is best suited for organizations that value system integration and large-scale issuance capabilities. It is recommended for teams needing consistent performance and comprehensive protection plans for their printing hardware.
One Pass Printing
Prints front and back automatically in a single pass, eliminating the need for flipping or second runs.
Protection Included
3 years of service at no extra cost including substitute printer and parts labor coverage.
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8. Easy Badges Solid 210 ID Badge Printer – Best For Small Teams
Easy Badges Solid 210 ID Badge Printer
Single sided printing
Cardholdir software
300 cards per hour
Compact design
The Easy Badges Solid 210 is a simple hand fed printer that makes single-sided ID badges efficiently. With a high 4.4 star rating, it comes with Cardholdir ID Beginner Software and supplies to print 200 standard CR80 sized badges immediately.
Pros
- Includes everything needed
- Easy to use
- High output rate
- No recurring charges
- Lightweight compact
Cons
- Single sided only
- Lower resolution
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This model is designed for cost-effective security and small organizations, featuring a compact design that fits on any desk. It prints at 300 dpi, sufficient for most organizations, and supports 300 full color cards per hour.
While it is single-sided and offers lower resolution than some competitors, it remains cost-effective and user-friendly. The software is a one-time purchase with no recurring charges, making it a financially smart choice for small businesses.
Ideal for employees, visitors, or student needs, this printer offers an easy solution without complex setup. It is recommended for small teams looking for a straightforward and affordable way to manage their badge production.
Cardholdir Software
Cardholdir ID software is an easy-to-use full-featured ID card software with no recurring charges.
Cost Effective
The Solid 210 ID Printer is the smallest in the industry, lightweight and compact for office spaces.
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9. Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer – Best Standard Package
Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer
Single-sided output
Includes blank cards
CloudBadging Lite
300 prints
The Magicard Pronto ID Card Printer is a single-sided model that comes with essential supplies to start printing immediately. While no rating is provided, the package includes a color ribbon, 500 pack of blank cards, and CloudBadging Lite software for ease of use.
Pros
- Complete starter package
- Cloud software included
- Good card quantity
- Easy operation
- Standard sizing
Cons
- Limited reviews
- Single sided only
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This standard package ensures you have everything needed for basic badge creation without needing to buy extra components. The printer supports standard CR80 plastic cards and provides reliable output for organizations looking for simple solutions.
Although it is limited to single-sided printing and lacks user ratings, its inclusion of 300 prints worth of ribbon adds significant value. CloudBadging Lite helps streamline design, making it accessible for users with limited technical skills.
Ideal for basic office or event needs, this printer offers a practical entry point into badge printing. It is recommended for small businesses seeking a reliable and complete set of tools to manage their own printing.
Ready to Use
The complete package includes ribbon and cards for immediate use without additional purchases.
Cloud Software
CloudBadging Lite is included to facilitate easy design and issuance of ID cards.
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10. Zebra ZXP Series 3 Dual Side ID Card Printer – Best For High Throughput
Zebra ZXP Series 3 Dual Side ID Card Printer
ZRaster technology
Smart card encoding
High performance ribbons
Intuitive design
The Zebra ZXP Series 3 is designed for high throughput with its ZRaster host-based image processing technology. With a rating of 2.7 stars, it supports smart card and magnetic stripe encoding, meeting a variety of market and application needs.
Pros
- High throughput
- Smart card encoding
- Simplified training
- Host-based processing
- Durable hardware
Cons
- Lower reliability
- High maintenance
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This model uses new high-performance ribbons designed for high-speed image printing, and its intuitive design simplifies training requirements. While it offers advanced encoding features, users should be aware of potential maintenance complexities.
While it may have some reliability concerns based on user feedback, its encoding capabilities make it a solid choice for specific applications. The design focuses on ease of use, which helps in reducing the learning curve for new operators.
Ideal for organizations needing card encoding capabilities, this printer is recommended for specialized use cases. It suits businesses that prioritize data security and encoding options over standard printing alone.
ZRaster Technology
ZRaster host-based image processing technology increases throughput and image quality significantly.
Encoding Options
Smart card and magnetic stripe encoding allow you to meet a variety of markets and applications.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Plastic Card Printers
Selecting the right plastic card printer involves considering several critical factors that align with your organization's specific needs and operational goals.
Print Volume and Speed
When evaluating plastic card printers, consider the number of cards you need to produce on a daily or weekly basis. High-volume organizations will benefit from models with faster print speeds and larger input and output capacities to prevent bottlenecks during busy periods.
Printing Technology and Quality
Different printers offer varying resolutions and printing technologies such as direct-to-card or retransfer. High-resolution output ensures that photos and designs look professional, which is essential for ID badges used for security or membership verification.
Single vs Double Sided Printing
Decide whether you need to print on one or both sides of the card. Double-sided printers save time by allowing simultaneous printing on both sides, which is crucial for applications requiring barcodes or emergency information on the reverse side.
Software Compatibility and Features
The included software should be user-friendly and compatible with your operating system. Look for features like database connectivity, drag-and-drop design tools, and template libraries that simplify the process of creating customized card designs.
Connectivity Options
Ensure the printer supports the connectivity options you require such as USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi. Network-enabled printers allow multiple users to access the device easily which is beneficial for shared office environments.
Supply Costs and Availability
Consider the long-term costs of ribbons and blank cards along with their availability. Some models use proprietary supplies while others support standard formats, affecting your budget and operational flexibility over time.
Encoding Capabilities
If your use case requires magnetic stripes or smart card chips, choose a printer that includes encoding modules. This feature is essential for access control systems that rely on stored data for verification purposes.
Warranty and Support
Check the warranty period and available technical support for the printer. A robust warranty and responsive customer service can reduce downtime and repair costs ensuring your operations continue smoothly.
How to Use and Care for Your Plastic Card Printers
To ensure optimal performance, always use the manufacturer-recommended ribbons and blank cards to avoid jams and print quality issues. Proper loading of materials is essential to prevent mechanical stress and extend the lifespan of your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single-sided and double-sided plastic card printers?
Single-sided printers only print on one side of the card while double-sided models can print on both sides simultaneously or sequentially. Double-sided units are more efficient for complex IDs requiring information on both faces but typically cost more than single-sided models.
How do I clean my plastic card printer properly?
Use the provided cleaning kit to wipe the print head and rollers regularly to remove dust and debris. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning after every ribbon change or a specific number of cards printed to maintain high-quality output.
Can I use blank cards from different brands?
Yes, most plastic card printers are compatible with standard CR80 PVC cards from various brands as long as they meet the thickness specifications. Always check your printer's manual for supported material requirements to avoid jams.
Do I need special software to design ID cards?
Most plastic card printers come with basic design software that includes templates and drag-and-drop features. However, you can also use external design tools if the printer supports standard drivers and file formats.
What is the typical lifespan of a plastic card printer?
With regular maintenance and proper usage, a plastic card printer can last several years depending on the model and print volume. Higher quality models with robust build quality generally offer longer operational lifespans for business environments.
Are these printers easy to set up?
Most modern plastic card printers are designed for easy setup with plug-and-play drivers and intuitive interfaces. Detailed user guides and online support resources are usually available to help you start printing quickly.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Plastic Card Printers
Choosing the best plastic card printer depends heavily on your specific organizational needs whether you prioritize speed, quality, or cost-effectiveness. The options reviewed range from budget-friendly kits to advanced dual-sided systems ensuring there is a solution for every scale of operation.