Our customizable lanyards vs standard lanyards comparison is going to help clear up a choice many teams make quickly, and often regret later. Standard lanyards work fine for holding keys or badges when branding doesn’t matter. They’re simple, pre-made, and cost-effective. 

On the other hand, customizable lanyards carry your logo, colors, and message every time someone wears one. That makes a real difference at events, offices, schools, and conferences. They’re worth the investment when you want people to recognize staff, spot access levels, or remember your brand after the event ends.

You can learn more about the different types of lanyards below. Or, you can just get started creating custom lanyards in a few clicks today. CustomLanyard.net is the #1 choice for personalized lanyards online with the highest quality, the lowest prices, and the best support!

Key Takeaways

  • Standard lanyards work for basic badge or key carrying when branding and visibility aren’t important.
  • Customizable lanyards add logos, colors, and text for easier identification and organization. They’re functional, but you benefit from branding, too.
  • Custom is almost always the way to go when lanyards are worn publicly or used more than once.
  • CustomLanyard.net makes it easy to design custom lanyards with no minimums, fast turnarounds, and the lowest prices online.

Common Use Cases for Standard Lanyards

These basic, ready-made lanyards are usually crafted from polyester or nylon. They come in solid colors with zero printing or branding. They’re pre-produced, so they’re super easy to order fast. They’ll work just fine for practical purposes, such as:

  • Holding keys for staff or maintenance teams
  • Temporary badge use for short internal meetings
  • Visitor passes in low-traffic office settings
  • Back-of-house access where branding isn’t needed
  • Situations where lanyards won’t be worn publicly

They serve their purpose really well - carrying an ID or keycard without adding complexity. They’re cheap, too. But there are several situations where they’ll fall short. The biggest limitations are visibility and professionalism.

Standard lanyards fail to communicate who someone is, what organization they represent, or what access they should have. They’re not a good fit for events or shared spaces. Plus, they miss out on one of the biggest benefits lanyards have to offer: branding potential. 

That’s where customizable lanyards come in. 

When Do You Need Customizable Lanyards?

Custom lanyards are the obvious choice when you want people to notice, recognize, and remember who’s who. They turn a basic accessory into something that actually helps your event or workplace run smoother. They’re worth the investment for: 

  • Clear brand visibility at conferences, trade shows, or public events
  • Staff, volunteers, and vendors to stand out instantly
  • Different access levels shown through colors, text, or designs
  • A congruent look for offices, schools, or organizations
  • Lanyards that match uniforms, signage, or event materials
  • Something attendees will keep after an event instead of tossing away
  • A professional first impression when guests walk in

You can customize everything from the colors to the actual text on the lanyards. Even the attachments are tailored to your exact needs. They’re more work to prepare, and they will cost more upfront. But it pays off if the lanyards are going to be worn in public, seen in photos, or used across multiple days. 

Customizable Lanyards vs Standard Lanyards Comparison

A quick customizable lanyards vs standard lanyards comparison makes it clear just how different they are, although the materials and purpose is more or less the same. How they’re actually used and the benefits they bring is where the differences show up most. 

Visual Impact and Brand Recognition

Standard lanyards blend in. Solid colors look fine, but they don’t draw attention or communicate anything beyond basic function. They’re not supposed to, though. They’re totally utilitarian. 

In contrast, customizable logos carry your logo, colors, or messaging front and center. They’re visible from a distance and show up clearly in photos, videos, and crowded spaces. This is the obvious fit when branding is part of what you’re using lanyards for in the first place. 

Professional Appearance at Events or in the Workplace

Standard lanyards tend to look (and feel) temporary. They’re usually picked because they’re available fast, not because they elevate anything. 

Custom lanyards sit on the total opposite end of the spectrum. Matching colors, printed text, and consistent designs can be all it takes to make your team look more organized and intentional. That matters for conferences, offices, schools, or public-facing events.

Use for Identification vs Simple Carrying

The customizable lanyards vs standard lanyards comparison is really this simple - one is used for identification and branding, while the other is designed simply to carry stuff.

Standard lanyards get the job done if the only goal is to hold keys or an ID card. They’re basically just a strap. But custom lanyards are more than a utensil for carrying belongings. They can have a lasting impact on your brand.

Flexibility for Different Roles or Access Levels

Standard lanyards offer little flexibility. Everyone wears the same thing so you can’t necessarily distinguish between staff, volunteers, vendors, or guests at a glance.

On the other hand, customizable lanyards support color coding, role labels, or unique designs for different groups. That visual separation helps staff make faster decisions and keeps events running smoother without repeated badge checks.

One-Time vs Ongoing Use

Think about how long you need (or want) the lanyard to last. That’s another important distinction in our customizable lanyards vs standard lanyards comparison.

Most standard lanyards work best for short-term or internal use where appearance doesn’t matter much. But custom lanyards can provide benefits for years to come when they’re designed right. You can be posed as “souvenirs” after an event, and those who wear them are like walking billboards for your brand.

Cost Differences to Consider

It’s no secret that standard lanyards are more affordable upfront. You’re literally just paying for raw materials. With custom lanyards, you’ll have to account for the extra work that goes into design and production. 

We think it’s well worth the price. Only you can decide, though, based on your specific use. 

Create Custom Lanyards in Just a Few Clicks Today!

From custom dye sublimation lanyards to customized woven lanyards, we’re your trusted provider of custom lanyards online. We’ve earned the trust of over a million customers so far, ranging from massive businesses to small non-profits.

The process is built so you can move from idea to finished product without second-guessing every step. You choose your lanyard style, pick your colors, upload your logo or text, and see exactly how everything looks before placing your order.

You gain access to multiple materials, printing options, and attachment styles so your lanyards fit how they’ll actually be used - be it for conferences, schools, offices, or large events. You’ll also get the lowest prices online, guaranteed. With world-class support from A to Z, what more could you ask for? 

We specialize in alternatives to lanyards, like lanyards and ID badges, as well. This is your one-stop shop for custom goods online. Take the first step today!

Wrapping Up Our Customizable Lanyards vs Standard Lanyards Comparison

We hope this customizable lanyards vs standard lanyards comparison has left you clear on which is right for your operation! Most of the time, though, it’s an easy decision. Custom lanyards cost marginally more, but they earn it by providing immense value.

Our blog has more resources on what to put on a lanyard, including how to make teacher lanyards and common lanyard materials. But whether you’re looking for custom polyester lanyards or custom nylon lanyards, we can help you take the next step today.

Create custom lanyards built to stand out for years to come!