Best ID Card Printers for 2026

The right ID card printer depends on how many cards you issue, whether you print on both sides and the software or encoding your organisation needs. Our pick for everyday dual-sided printing is the Matica MC110. For single-sided retransfer printing, we recommend the Swiftpro K30. Compare it with the other models below, and check individual product pages for current configurations and prices.

Contents

1. Matica MC110
2. Swiftpro K30
3. IDP Smart 21s
4. Evolis Primacy 2 Bundle
5. Magicard Pronto 100
6. Magicard 600
7. Fargo HDP5000
8. Smart 51 GDPR
9. Magicard 300
10. Zebra ZC300
11. Smart 31

Matica MC110 — our pick for everyday dual-sided ID cards

We recommend the MC110 for small businesses, membership organisations and teams printing low to medium volumes of ID cards. This configuration prints both sides, so you can keep the photograph and name on the front and use the reverse for contact details, instructions or a barcode.

• Dual-sided direct-to-card printing with 300 dpi resolution.
• Automatic card feeding for batch printing.
• Free Windows card-design software with the Lesar printer offer.

Ribbons and blank cards are purchased separately. Contactless encoding is optional and is not included in this configuration. Check driver support for your operating system; the included Windows software does not run on a Mac.

View the Matica MC110, current price and full specifications, or ask us about your card-printing requirements.

Swiftpro K30 — our pick for retransfer printing

For organisations choosing a retransfer printer, we recommend the Swiftpro K30. Its retransfer process suits detailed photographs and branding on compatible cards, including supported smart cards with embedded chips.

• Single-sided retransfer printing for staff IDs, membership cards and access credentials.
• Automatic card feeding for batch printing.
• USB and Ethernet connections for your printing setup.
• Electronic locking and a data erase function.

This offer is for the single-sided configuration. Ribbons, retransfer film and blank cards are purchased separately. Encoding upgrades are optional; confirm your card technology and software requirements with Lesar before ordering.

View the Swiftpro K30 and its current price, or ask us to help choose your setup.

Smart 21s (£525.00)

Key Features:

• Compact and lightweight at just 2.7kg.
• Speed: Full-colour card in 24 seconds; monochrome in 6 seconds.
• High-quality prints: 300dpi (colour), 1200dpi (monochrome).
• Ideal for small businesses and tight spaces.

The IDP Smart-21s is one of the most affordable and efficient ID card printers available. Its small size (179mm x 169mm x 259mm) makes it perfect for organisations with limited space. Despite its compact design, it delivers exceptional print quality with edge-to-edge capabilities and reliable hand-fed operation to eliminate misfeeds. For businesses looking for speed, quality, and value, the Smart-21s is an excellent choice. For more information, click here.

Primacy 2 bundle (£1370.00)

Key Features:

• Double-sided printing with card rewrite technology.
• Includes consumables: Ribbon to print 300 cards, 100 Blank White Cards, 100 Student Lanyards, 100 Card Holders, Standard Design Software, 12 months of CardCare Extra.
• Advanced security: Digital erasing and UV clone-proofing.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

The Primacy 2 bundle is a comprehensive solution for organisations handling medium to large volumes of card printing. The ability to reuse cards with rewrite technology significantly reduces consumable costs. Its high-speed printing and large card hopper make it ideal for busy environments, while its optional UV printing ensures secure, tamper-proof cards. Learn more about current Primacy 2 bundle options.

Pronto 100 (£699.00)

Key Features:

• Eco-friendly design with 75% recyclable materials.
• Prints a card in as little as 20 seconds.
• Ideal for schools, universities, and custom design needs.

The Pronto 100 is an envi­ron­men­tally conscious choice for quick ID card issuance. Its speed and ability to print custom designs make it well-suited for educational institutions and organisations prioritising susta­ina­bility. To learn more, click here.

Magicard 600 (£1299.00)

Key Features:

• High resolution: 600dpi for sharp monochrome prints.
• Easy setup with Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Advanced security: Built-in Holokote and digital shredding.

With its vibrant colour output and 600dpi resolution, the Magicard 600 excels at professional-grade ID card printing. Its security features, including digital shredding and Holokote, make it a trusted option for businesses requiring sensitive data protection. For more information, click here.

Fargo HDP5000 (£1750.00)

Key Features:

• Industrial-grade printer with 200-card hopper.
• Advanced security: Holographic overlays and UV ink printing.
• Highly customisable for text, graphics, and barcodes.

The Fargo HDP5000 stands out for its robust design and suitability for high-volume printing. Its customisation options and security features make it a reliable choice for employee IDs, membership cards, and more.

Smart 51 GDPR (£975.00)

Key Features:

• Prints 225 cards per hour (single-sided).
• Dual-sided printing with a laminator.
• Anti-theft lock and magnetic stripe encoding.

The Smart 51 GDPR combines security and efficiency with features like anti-theft locks and dual-sided laminating. Its ability to handle various card types, including transparent ones, makes it a versatile addition to any office. Click here to learn more!

Magicard 300 (£999.00)

Key Features:

• High-quality 300dpi printing for vibrant, professional cards.
• Durable design with a compact footprint.
• User-friendly and highly customisable.

The Magicard 300 is a compact and reliable ID card printer, perfect for producing professional-grade cards. It ensures sharp text and vibrant colours with its durable build and compact size, ideal for tight office spaces. Easy to operate and highly customisable, the Magicard 300 is perfect for businesses seeking quality and efficiency. To learn more, click here.

Zebra ZC300 (£799.00)

Key Features:

• Versatile printing: Single or dual-sided in colour or monochrome.
• Compact, sleek design ideal for small workspaces.
• Enhanced security with optional locks and encryption.

The Zebra ZC300 is a sleek, versatile ID card printer that provides high-quality prints in both colour and monochrome. Its compact design is perfect for workspaces with limited room. The printer also offers excellent security features, including locks and encryption for sensitive data protection.click here.

Smart 31s (£725.00)

Key Features:

• Print Speed: Up to 156 full-color cards per hour (23 seconds per card)

• Print Resolution: 300 dpi (color), with options for 600 and 1200 dpi in monochrome

• Security Features:­ SmartMark customizable watermark and UV printing to deter coun­ter­fe­iting

The Smart 31s is perfect for producing a variety of cards,­ including staff IDs,­ membership cards,­ loyalty cards,­ and student passes.­ Its compact design and straigh­tforward setup process make it an excellent choice for organizations looking to streamline their ID card printing operations. For more information,­ click here.

Need more advice and support? Contact us on our freephone at 0333 7000 123. We're happy to help! :) Alternatively - visit our id card printer page to find our full range of id card printers.

Please note - these prices are accurate as of 21/12/2026, and are starting from prices, not including vat or addons.