In today’s fast-moving, security-focused world, choosing the right ID card printer is essential, especially if you’re a small business, school, or organization just starting with photo ID or employee badging.
Two of the leading entry-level options on the market come from IDP: the SMART-21 and the SMART-31. But how do you decide which one fits your needs? In this post, we’ll compare both models to help you make a smart, informed choice.
SMART-21: Compact. Affordable. Ideal for Small Jobs.
The SMART-21 offers the smallest footprint on the market—and it’s packed with features that make it perfect for small-scale printing needs:
Key Features:
- Ultra-compact size – fits on any desk or workspace
- Prints up to 144 cards per hour (single-sided)
- Edge-to-edge, full-color printing
- User-friendly interface and setup
- Advanced security options – SMARTMark, magnetic stripe, smart chip, RFID encoding
- Affordable entry-level pricing
Whether you’re printing employee badges, student IDs, or membership cards, the SMART-21 delivers professional-quality results at a budget-friendly price.
Best For:
- Small offices
- Schools or clubs
- First-time card printer users
- Low-volume printing needs
SMART-31: Smarter. Faster. Built for More.
When your printing needs go beyond the basics, the SMART-31 steps in with added speed, automation, and upgrade options.
Key Features:
- Faster print speeds – up to 180 single-sided cards/hour
- 300 DPI resolution for sharp graphics and text
- 80-card input hopper – batch printing made easy
- Optional dual-sided printing (SMART-31D)
- Multiple encoding options for RFID, magnetic stripe, and smart cards
- Durable design for long-term, high demand use
The SMART-31 is built to handle larger print jobs with less manual effort and more flexibility, making it a great investment for growing teams or higher-security environments.
Best For:
- Small businesses requiring high production output
- Government or healthcare agencies
- Universities and large offices
- Users needing dual-sided or batch printing
Why Upgrade to the SMART-31?
Still on the fence? Here’s why many teams choose to upgrade to the SMART-31:
- Faster workflow – saves time when printing hundreds of cards
- Batch printing – load once, print multiple cards
- Dual-sided printing – more space for data, logos, barcodes, and security elements
- Built for volume – less manual handling, more productivity
If you’re in a high-traffic environment—like a university, corporate office, or government facility, those small-time savings can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts: Which Printer Should You Choose?
- Choose the SMART-21 if you’re just starting out, have low-volume needs, and want something simple and affordable.
- Choose the SMART-31 if you need to print faster, in batches, or on both sides of the card—and want more room to grow.
