Chat with Us
0161 376 5644
0161 376 5644
Evolis vs Other Brands: The 2026 UK ID Card Printer Comparison
In the UK’s competitive ID security market, Evolis has long been a staple. However, many consumers are still considering alternative brands than this market leader.
For UK schools, hospitals, and corporate offices, the choice often boils down to four main contenders: Evolis, Zebra, Magicard, and HID Fargo.
This guide breaks down how Evolis differs from other brands and emphasises core feature differences and costs.
1. The Direct Comparison: 2026's Top Models
| Feature |
|
Zebra ZC350
|
HID Fargo DTC1500
|
Magicard 600
|
| Best For | All-around versatility & education | Speed & high-volume retail | Security & data encryption | High-res graphics & UK manufacturing |
| Print Technology | Direct-to-Card (DTC) | Direct-to-Card (DTC) | Direct-to-Card (DTC) | Direct-to-Card (DTC) |
| Print Speed (Color) | ~280 cards/hour | ~225 cards/hour | ~225 cards/hour | ~200 cards/hour |
| Resolution | Up to 300 x 600 dpi | 300 dpi | 300 dpi | 600 x 300 dpi |
| Input Hopper | 100 cards (upgradable to 200) | 100 cards | 100 cards | 100 cards |
| Security Features | Digital erasing (Kineclipse®) | Kensington lock, AES encryption | Custom watermarks, Resin Scramble | HoloKote® (Visual security) |
| Modularity | High (Add lamination/encoders later) | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Typical Price (Est.) | £1,050 | £900 | £950 | £1,200 |
Looking for more cost savings? We're an Evolis Silver Partner, so can offer better discounts if you get in contact!
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) - Cost Comparison:
In the UK, the Evolis Primacy 2 often wins the Value for Money argument for medium-to-high volume users.
-
The Evolis Edge: Evolis ribbons typically offer higher yields (up to 300 colour prints), which reduces the "cost-per-card" over a 3-year period compared to entry-level budget models.
-
The Magicard Savings: As a UK-based manufacturer, Magicard offers exceptional local technical support and a "3-year Hub" warranty, which can significantly reduce downtime costs for UK organisations.
3. Unique Brand Differentiators
-
Security (GDPR Compliance): If data privacy is your priority, Evolis and Magicard lead the pack. Evolis uses Kineclipse® to mask sensitive data on discarded ribbons, while Magicard features Digital Shredding, which fragments data to make it unrecoverable.
-
Ease of Use: The Zebra ZC300 is widely considered the most intuitive for non-technical staff due to its visual LED interface and light-guided ribbon changes. If you're ever unsure about other brands, there are visual sources online such as videos or manuals with image guides.
FAQ - Common Questions:
Q: Can I use any brand of cards in an Evolis printer?
A: Yes. Most printers use standard CR80 PVC cards. However, for access control cards (like MIFARE®), we recommend a Retransfer printer like the Evolis Agilia to avoid damaging the internal chips.
Q: Is "over-the-edge" printing exclusive to expensive models?
A: No, but there is a difference. Direct-to-card (DTC) printers (like the Primacy 2) leave a tiny white border. For "True Over-the-Edge" (photo-finish), you need a Retransfer printer.
Q: How often should I clean my printer?
A: We suggest using a cleaning kit at every ribbon change. In the UK, dust is the #1 cause of £300+ printhead repair bills.
Why Buy from POS-Hardware?
In comparison to larger business, we treat all customers in the same way, whether they're large or small organisations, and try to help them as best as we can. We're an Evolis Silver Reseller, and can discount card printers more than the standard retail price shown on our website.
If you'd like to have a chat to our friendly team, just call or email.