Best ID Card Printers for Small Businesses
For most small businesses, the best ID card printers balance ease of use, print quality and cost. Our top picks are: Evolis Zenius 2, Magicard 300, IDP Smart 31S, IDP Smart 21S (entry-level) and Zebra ZC100.
No jargon needed - this guide walks you through the key decisions in plain English. The comparison table and FAQs below will help you choose the right printer for your business, even if you’ve never bought one before.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for you if:
- You’ve been told “we need ID cards” and don’t know where to start.
- You run a small business, school, gym, charity or club and want cards that look professional.
- You don’t have time (or desire) to learn printer jargon.
If that sounds familiar, you’re in exactly the right place.
We’ll start with the top models (quickly), then show you how they compare, and finally answer the questions small businesses ask us most often.
You can also skip straight to a recommendation by taking our 2-minute printer quiz. But if you’d like to understand the options, the comparison table is the best place to start.
Best small-business ID card printers - at a glance
Green = great starter pick · Blue = faster / more features
| Printer Model | Evolis Zenius 2 | Magicard 300 | IDP Smart 31S | IDP Smart 21S | Zebra ZC100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | New users printing weekly | Regular photo ID runs | Small teams, tight budgets | Entry-level start-ups | Reception desks & one-offs |
| Ease of use | Compact, quiet, simple ribbons | Plug-and-play + Digital Shredding™ | Very user-friendly | Super simple set-up & lowest cost | Very simple, slim footprint for desks/counters |
| Speed | ≈120 cards/hr | ≈160 cards/hr | ≈130 cards/hr | ≈100 cards/hr | ≈150 cards/hr |
| Print quality | 300 dpi | 300 dpi vivid colour | 300 dpi | 300 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Encoding options | Magstripe, contactless | Magstripe, contactless | Optional Magstripe | None (basic ID) | — (ask if you need encoding) |
| Price tier | Entry-level | Mid-range | Mid-range | Entry-level | Entry-level |
Price tiers are a general guide only. For current pricing, see individual product pages.
How to read this table (without overthinking it)
If you just want something that works and doesn’t need constant attention, focus on the first and last rows of the table:
- Pick a printer whose “Best for” description sounds most like your business.
- Check the “Price tier” row so you know whether it’s entry-level or mid-range.
The other rows simply fine-tune your choice based on how fast you’ll print, and whether you’ll need extras like encoding.
What to think about first (quick checklist)
- How many cards will you print? Occasional one offs vs regular batches makes a difference to the type of printer you’ll find easiest to live with.
- Front only or both sides? If you often need information on the back (like barcodes or emergency details), a dual-sided printer may be worth the extra cost.
- Smart cards for doors or EPOS? If your cards will open doors, manage membership or work with access systems, look for encoding options.
- Card types: Most printers work with standard PVC cards; many also support eco and recycled card options.
If you’re not sure about any of the above yet, don’t worry, the blurbs below will make everything clearer and help you decide.
Which printer should I choose?
Evolis Zenius 2 - neat all-rounder for regular use
The Zenius 2 suits reception desks, small offices and schools that print a steady trickle of cards. It’s compact, quiet and easy to live with. If you want something that looks and feels professional without overcomplicating things, this is a very safe starting point.
Magicard 300 - great for photo ID and security
The Magicard 300 is ideal if you’ll print a lot of staff or student photos and care about colour accuracy. It’s a bit faster than Zenius and includes Magicard’s security features, such as Digital Shredding™. A good fit for organisations that want a slightly more robust, security-conscious printer.
IDP Smart 31S - budget-conscious but capable
The IDP Smart 31S sits in a sweet spot: more features than the Smart 21S, but still very affordable. It’s a strong choice for small teams that want a reliable workhorse without jumping into the top-end price bracket.
IDP Smart 21S - entry-level for occasional printing
The Smart 21S is best if you only print cards occasionally - for example, new starters, visitor badges or a small membership list. It’s entry-level on price, small on footprint and straightforward to set up. Perfect for “we just need something simple that works”.
Zebra ZC100 - tidy reception-desk printer for low volume
The Zebra ZC100 is a great pick for front desks, counters and small offices that need professional cards without a bulky machine. It’s designed for low volume use (up to around 1,000 cards per year), has a 100-card hopper, and is ideal when you’ll print one-offs or small batches as needed.
Printer terms made simple
- Ribbon - the “ink” for card printers. Colour ribbons include a clear top coat to protect the print on the card.
- Dual-sided - the printer prints on the front and back of the card automatically. Single-sided models can still print both sides; you just flip the card yourself.
- Smart card - a card with a chip or antenna for doors, membership or cashless systems.
- Eco cards - recycled PVC, paperboard or other materials designed to reduce environmental impact.
Want to understand the technology in more depth? You might find these helpful:
Still unsure which model fits you? You can:
- Take our quick printer quiz for a personalised recommendation, or
- Chat with our team for a no-pressure, human conversation.
FAQs: choosing an ID card printer for a small business
Quick answers to the questions we hear every day - plus links to the right collections if you want to go deeper.
Choosing the right printer
Which ID card printer is best for small businesses?
For most small teams, the Evolis Zenius 2 or IDP Smart 31S are ideal: easy to run, compact and affordable. If you want a tidy, reception-desk-friendly printer for one-offs and small batches, the Zebra ZC100 is a great choice. For regular photo ID runs, the Magicard 300 adds speed and extra security features.
What features should I look for in an ID card printer?
Focus on: how often you’ll print, whether you need to print on one side of the card or both, ease of use and what types of cards you'll be printing (regular vs chip cards). Also consider whether USB connection is fine or you need the printer to be accessible on your network.
Which printers are easiest to use if I’ve never bought one before?
If you’re completely new to ID card printers, the Magicard 300, Evolis Zenius 2 and IDP Smart 21 are very beginner-friendly. Ribbons are simple to change, software is straightforward, and you don’t need any technical knowledge to start printing professional-looking cards.
Specs, brands and running costs
The practical stuff that affects day-to-day use and budgets.
Which ID card printer brands are reliable in the UK?
Evolis, Magicard, IDP Smart and Zebra are popular and trusted brands for small businesses in the UK. They offer good print quality, solid warranties and ongoing availability of ribbons and spare parts. Magicard is the only brand that is Made in Britain.
Are ID card printers expensive to run?
Running costs mainly come from ribbons and blank cards. As a rough guide, full-colour cards usually cost 8–20p each in consumables, while simple black-only prints cost just a few pence. Buying ribbons and cards in sensible quantities helps keep costs predictable.
What’s the best budget-friendly printer for small businesses?
For tight budgets or very light use, the IDP Smart 21S is a great entry-level printer. It’s compact, straightforward and ideal if you only print cards occasionally. If you can stretch a little further and don't want to hand feed in the cards, the Magicard Pronto 100 adds extra flexibility while staying affordable.
Printing workflow
How you’ll actually create, import and print cards day-to-day.
Do I need a dual-sided printer?
You only need a dual-sided printer if you regularly print on the back of your cards, for example with barcodes, terms, department names or emergency contact details. For occasional back printing, a single-sided printer is fine - you can simply flip the card and print the reverse.
What else do I need besides the printer?
You’ll need blank cards, a suitable ribbon and ID card software. Many people also add lanyards and card holders so cards can be worn or displayed easily.
Can I print from an Excel list?
Yes. Most mid-range ID card software lets you import an Excel or CSV file and map each column to a field on the card (e.g. name, job title, department). This makes batch printing student, staff or member cards much faster and less error-prone.
Where can I find reviews of ID card printers for small businesses?
The best places to look are specialist ID card suppliers, manufacturer sites and trusted technology resellers. Our own product pages for printers like the Zenius 2, Magicard 300 and Zebra ZC100 include detailed specs and guidance based on what real customers use them for.
