Compare Magicard by Brady ID Card Printers: Buyer’s Guide
Which Magicard ID Card Printer Is Right for You?
The Magicard line covers compact everyday badge printing, higher-detail direct-to-card printing and premium retransfer credentials. Start with how many cards you print, whether you need automatic two-sided printing, and whether security or encoding features matter.
Fast way to narrow it down
Compact and simple
Pronto100
For small offices, membership programs and lower-volume badge printing where automatic card handling matters but a larger production printer does not.
View Pronto100Everyday midrange
Magicard 300
For schools, offices and medium-volume programs that want a 100-card feeder, duplex options and optional card encoding.
View Magicard 300Premium direct-to-card
Magicard 600
For programs that want faster output, Wi-Fi, fine resin detail and expanded HoloKote security without moving to retransfer printing.
View Magicard 600Retransfer and security
Prima 8
For photo-quality over-the-edge credentials, technology cards and higher-security applications including FIPS 201 personalization.
View Prima 8Compare the four Magicard families
Pronto100
| Technology | Direct-to-card |
|---|---|
| Color speed | Up to 200 cards/hour |
| Card handling | 50 input / 50 output |
| Connectivity | USB, Ethernet |
| Two-sided | Single-sided |
Good fit when: space, simplicity and entry price matter most.
Magicard 300
| Technology | Direct-to-card |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 300 × 300 dpi |
| Color speed | Up to 160 cards/hour |
| Card handling | 100 input / 70 output |
| Configurations | Single/dual, magnetic stripe and smart-card options |
Good fit when: you need a flexible everyday workhorse with encoding choices.
Magicard 600
| Technology | Direct-to-card |
|---|---|
| Fine detail | Up to 600 × 300 dpi resin |
| Color speed | Up to 190 cards/hour |
| Connectivity | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Configurations | Single/dual, magnetic stripe and smart-card options |
Good fit when: security, fine text and stronger direct-to-card performance matter.
Prima 8
| Technology | Retransfer |
|---|---|
| Color speed | Up to 100 cards/hour |
| Card handling | 100 input / 100 output |
| Security | FIPS 201, optional UV and encoding |
| Configurations | Uno, Duo and Duo 600 dpi |
Good fit when: premium over-the-edge output or high-security credentialing is the priority.
Security features are a real differentiator
Magicard’s direct-to-card models include HoloKote watermarking and Digital Shredding features. The Magicard 600 expands the HoloKote options and adds higher-detail resin printing. Prima 8 moves into retransfer printing for technology cards and secure credential applications.
Ribbons and supplies
Each Magicard family uses specific consumables. We have grouped the correct current ribbons, films and cleaning products by printer so you do not have to decode part numbers on your own.
Common questions
Which Magicard is the entry-level choice?
The Pronto100 is the compact entry point in this group. It has automatic 50-card input and output hoppers and is intended for straightforward single-sided card production.
Which Magicard can print both sides automatically?
The Magicard 300 and Magicard 600 are available in dual-sided configurations. Prima 8 is available as a Duo model. The Pronto100 is single-sided.
Which model is best when small text and security detail matter?
The Magicard 600 offers up to 600 × 300 dpi resin detail and expanded HoloKote security while remaining a direct-to-card printer.
When should I choose the Prima 8?
Consider the Prima 8 when you need retransfer printing, over-the-edge card coverage, technology-card compatibility or higher-security credential features such as FIPS 201 personalization and optional UV printing.
Can I get magnetic stripe or smart-card encoding?
Yes. The Magicard 300 and 600 have configurations for magnetic stripe, smart-card, or combined encoding. Prima 8 also supports optional encoding configurations. Contact us if you need help matching the exact configuration to your card technology.