Badge reels are an essential way for keeping your identification cards conveniently. This tool can also be used by small institutions or large businesses to help employees and visitors to display their identification cards effortlessly and securely. Also, the best id badge reel will protect identification cards from potential damage when stored in wallets or purses.
Choosing the best ID badge reel for your organization may seem straightforward until you realize the range of shapes, sizes, and colors available in the market. As a result, it can be overwhelming to figure out the badge reels that best meet your business needs. Nevertheless, when purchasing ID budge reels to fit your needs effectively, there are factors to look out for, including design, durability, cost, clips, and end fittings.
Given that we recognize the troubles you are likely to encounter while selecting an ID badge reel, we have compiled a list of the top seven ID badges that can fit your needs. This article highlights their key features, specs, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Our Favorite Best ID Badge Reel
How to Choose the Best ID Badge Reel
1. 2 Pack Heavy Duty Retractable Badge Holder Reel
If you want a badge holder that can serve you for a long time, you should consider the 2-pack heavy-duty retractable badge holder B07GWQF47D. The badge holders are made from a metallic zinc alloy and a steel wire cord that makes them strong.
Additionally, these badges are reliable since they come with a screw-fastened clip. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the badge falling off. Also, you may clip the badge anywhere, including your belt, backpack, pockets, or purse straps.
Nevertheless, this badge has its downside. After using it for some time, it may start squeaking loudly. Also, the retractable badge reels may refuse to retract fully.
Specs
- Item weight: 4.2 ounces
- Product dimensions: 3.98 x 2.56 x 0.75 inches
- Size: 1.57 inches
- Color: Glossy black
Pros
- Durable
- Strong
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- The size of the reel may pull your collar
2. Self-Retractable ID Badge Holder
Are you looking for an ID badge holder? You should consider the self-retractable ID badge holder Key Reel B0839Q8M6X. This tool can hold all your keys in one place, easily accessible. As a result, it is the best holder for an office environment.
One feature worth noting about this product is its versatility. This tool has a hook design for attaching other small tools like pocket knives and flashlights. Additionally, it has a heavy-duty carabiner that can accommodate heavy objects.
The spring latch may break easily despite the product being made from heavy-duty material. Also, the snap batch used to hold the ID may easily break when you try to open it.
Specs
- Color: Black
- Item weight: 1.76 ounces
- Product dimension: 2.01 x 2.01 x 0.98 inches
- Material type: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Pros
- Durable
- Good quality
- Strong
- Good length
Cons
- The carabiner is not ideal for clipping to a scrub top or a shirt
3. Self-Retractable ID Badge Holder
The self-retractable ID badge holder B07WPRJY9K is a decent choice if you want a badge holder for office and school use. This item is made from a strong material, enabling it to last long.
Furthermore, it comes with a rotating clip. This clip rotates at 360 degrees which helps in reducing the friction when you pull it downwards or sideways. It also allows you to clip this product in many places, including your pocket, waistline, and neckline.
Despite these great features, this product has its downsides. The holder is cheaply constructed, and the clips can fall off at any time, even with a light pull.
Specs
- Item weight: 0.81 ounces
- Product dimensions: 4 x 1.5 x 0.6 inches
- Color: Black
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Pros
- Versatile
- Good length
- Retracts easily
- Quite affordable
Cons
- Vey light
4. 10 Pieces Badge Reel with Motivational Quotes
Are you looking for a stylish ID badge reel? You should consider the badge reel with motivational quotes. This package includes 10 retractable ornamental badge reels in various designs. These badges have transparent surfaces that beautifully display the beauty inside. Therefore, you can change it according to your outfit and mood. You can also use these motivational quotes to project your personality.
Furthermore, you can share the badges with your family members.
This badge reel comes with a metal clip that ensures durability. However, it can only hold multiple lightweight cards. If you overload it with heavy cards, it will not serve you for a long time.
Specs
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
- Item weight: 6.4 ounces
- Package dimensions: 5.31 x 4.06 x 1.34 inches
Pros
- Versatile
- Attractive
- Strong clips
- Quite affordable
Cons
- Sometimes you may find it difficult to clip to your pocket or belt loop
5. Self-Retractable ID Badge Holder
If you are looking for something to help you stay organized at your job, you need to consider the self-retractable ID badge holder B0834QJ92F. This tool can help you hold various items while at work, like a flashlight, screwdriver, pocket knife, and measuring tape. When you need to use these items, you can access them easily.
One thing worth noting about this tool is its strong carabiner with a keyring attachment. Use this attachment on your backpack to hang your water bottle or a neck pillow.
Although the item seems durable, its inside is cheaply constructed. Therefore, it may fall apart easily.
Specs
- Material: Metal
- Color: Gun metal
- Item dimension: 3.5 x 2.72 x 1.3 inches
- Product weight: 4.6 ounces
Pros
- Impact-resistant
- Weatherproof
- Smooth cord pull
- Secure clip
Cons
- Bulky clip
6. 50 pieces Retractable Badge Reel
Are you looking for a versatile ID badge reel? You should consider the 50 pieces retractable badge reel B0732Z7T8W. This pack comes with 50 pieces that you can use for various applications in different environments, including schools, hospitals, or a manual worker. These pieces are packed separately to avoid the unnecessary damage during transportation.
These badges have strong clips that you can attach anywhere, including your pocket, belt, purse straps, and collar. Additionally, they come with a retractable keychain suitable for holding your business cards in the office.
Unfortunately, the plastic face of this badge pops off easily. Therefore, you may receive your order with some broken items. Also, its string wears out quickly.
Specs
- Item weight: 1.01 pounds
- Product dimensions: 7.36 x 5.08 x 2,83 inches
- Color: Black
- Material: Plastic
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Good quantity
- Individually packed
- Versatile
Cons
- The metal tag is loose, and it keeps coming off
7. 6 Piece Retractable Badge Holder with Two Clips
If you want a badge reel holder with impeccable holding power, you should consider the 6-piece retractable badge holder with two clips.
This badge holder comes with strong and reliable clips that allow you to carry up to seven keys regardless of the weight. Additionally, it is made from a high-quality metal alloy, a 21-inch pull cord that can carry any weight without snapping. As a result, this badge is the strongest in the market.
Besides the strength of this badge, it is also stylish. Therefore, you can use it as a fashion accessory.
Despite these great features, the retractors can be a bit difficult to pull when you start using the badge holder. However, you will get used to it with time.
Specs
- Color: Black, silver
- Material: Plastic, metal
- Item weight: 2.89 ounces
- Product dimensions: 5.67 x 5.08 x 0.87 inches
Pros
- Strong
- Durable
- It retracts easily
- Weatherproof
Cons
- The snap clip on the plastic part of the badge is not durable
Best ID Badge Reel Buying Guide

ID badge reels are becoming a popular method for displaying identification cards due to their simple yet efficient promotional abilities. However, you need to consider factors when buying the ID badge reels to fit your needs. The following points provide detailed information on the considerations to help you select the best ID badge holder for your business.
Durability
Durability is an important consideration when buying ID badge reels for your business, as it saves you future replacement costs. The overall durability of the ID bade reel varies depending on the material used to make them.
Typically, ID badge reels are made of plastic, vinyl, or metal. Consider settling for metal and vinyl ID badge holders as they are more durable compared to plastic ID badge holders. Moreover, since some badges have pointed corners and sharp edges, it is important to settle for sturdy materials like metal to prevent potential injuries.
Design Attributes
ID badge reels come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Therefore, choosing the design attributes that match your business’s identity is essential. For instance, settle for badge reel colors that match the colors on your company’s logo.
Moreover, consider choosing an ID badge reel that sets you apart from the rest. While round badge reels are popular among most companies, you can distinguish your business by settling for a square or heart-shaped badge.
Clips
ID badge reel clips are available in various styles, from hook clips to swivel clips and carabiner clips. The type of clips you select depends on the ease of use and how safe and accessible they ought to be. ID Badge reels that are simple to clip are well recommended over overly tight ones. Although it may be daunting to determine the ease of use of an ID badge reel, you can get insightful tips by reading user feedback.
Workplace Environment
Before purchasing ID badge reels for your organization, it is important to consider the workplace environment. You should select an ID badge reel that best fits the nature of your working environment and its intended use. For example, if you need ID badge reels to display visual identification cards at all times, it is essential to choose a no-twist ID badge reel to prevent the ID badge from flipping.
How to Fix ID Badge Reel
ID badge reels are important in displaying crucial cards and documents in organizations, boosting security, and conveying special messages. However, ID badge reels may face various damages or malfunctions. The typical problems that badge reels may experience include clip falling off the cord, snapping off the badge clips, or the retractable cord not retraction. Below is the procedure for fixing the badge holder clip:
- Remove the badge from the badge clip.
- Using pliers, gently twist its arms to open the seam and gently grab one side of the metal ring where it fits into the plastic piece.
- Pull one end of the metal ring to remove it from the plastic piece. Repeat the same on the other end to separate the clip and the ring.
- Hold the replacement badge clip, and with your dominant hand, grasp the ring with the pliers besides its seam.
- Carefully twist the arms of your pliers to open the ring’s seam. Insert one end of the ring into the hole on the plastic piece. Repeat the same on the other end of the ring, then squeeze the arms of your pliers to secure the ring.
- Attach the badge to the new clip.
Frequently Asked Questions About ID Badge Reel
How Much Weight Can a Badge Reel Hold?
Different badge reels hold a different amount of weight depending on the strength and quality of the construction material. Some badges can hold a maximum weight of 4.5oz/120g, while others can only hold up to 3oz/85g. T
What Are Badge Holders Called?
Badge holders are also called identification holders. They are typically used to display identification cards, tickets, or badges for identification in institutions or companies where security is required.
What Professions Use Badge Reels?
Initially, only health professionals commonly used badge reels. However, the reels have become popular in all fields, including education, business, banking, construction, and security. As a result, badge reels are now used by a range of professionals, including teachers, technicians, contractors, bankers, librarians, among others.
Do Doctors Use Badge Reels?
Yes, they do. Most health professionals are required to always use badge reels while at work, and doctors are not an exception. In fact, badge reels are part of doctors’ uniforms, ideal for identification. Therefore, finding a reliable, stylish badge reel for a doctor is a great fit.
What Are Badge Buddies?
Badge buddies are role-identification cards displaying personnel titles in a large font. Badge buddies come in various bright colors to help recognize and tell apart key organization personnel. The badge buddies are typically used in hospitals, helping patients quickly and easily know who is serving them.
What Is a Badge Backer?
A badge backer is a that hang behind the badge or identification card. Since special job titles, credentials, or messages may be difficult to see on small badges, badge backers offer an effective solution. They allow easy visibility of useful information on personnel via popping out bold messages behind the badge or identification card. Badge backers are available in various sizes, colors, and designs, depending on the need.
Conclusion
Whether you are a small business owner or run a large organization, finding the best ID badge reel is important to spruce identification or special recognition. Nevertheless, choosing the badge reels that best fit your company can be difficult due to the several products available in the market. However, now that you are better informed about factors to consider when looking for ID badge reels, finding the ultimate solution for your business is important. If your organization is ready to make a purchase, but you still cannot settle on the ide ID badge reels for your needs, contact us for help.