As you may have guessed from our name, we’re your top choice for all types of lanyards. But we also recognize that lanyards may not be the best choice for your needs. That’s why we offer a number of excellent lanyard alternatives.

Looking for lanyard alternatives for teachers, event promoters, medical personnel, or others? You’ll find them at Custom Lanyard. We’ve got custom wristbands, custom ID cards, custom badge reels, and more. 

Whether you need 25 lanyard alternatives or 25,000, we have what you’re looking for. We’ve worked with major corporations like Nike and Google, but also provide custom items to school clubs and town events. Call us today if you’re looking for alternatives to lanyards OR decide you want to stick with lanyards! Either way, we’ll set you up with the best products for your needs.

The Case For Lanyards

Lanyards are a simple but effective tool for displaying credentials, identification, site passes, and other essential information. So while we’ll talk about lanyard alternatives below, we want to be clear in saying these STILL have their place. Here are some of the biggest lanyard benefits. 

Visibility and Branding Space

Lanyards put ID badges or other items at eye level. They make it easy to spot a new employee’s name, to verify site authorization, or to distinguish between staff and guests. Promoters and security staff use lanyards for safety and smooth entry and exit procedures. 

Custom lanyards also build brand awareness. You can decorate your lanyard with your logo, your event name, your sponsors -- the choices are as broad as your imagination!

Convenience and Accessibility

There’s no fumbling around when you have your badge on a lanyard. You always know where your ID is, and so do others who need to check your credentials.  

Lanyards are also good for users with mobility issues. Employees who have trouble reaching into their pockets or carrying items in their hand can enter and exit just by showing their lanyard.

Where Lanyards Work Best

Lanyards provide convenient, quick identification access at festivals, trade shows, conferences and large events. Attendees, staff, and security all appreciate smooth, easy entry and exit processes. 

Corporations, large institutions, schools, and hospitals frequently use lanyards to identify personnel. A lanyard badge introduces new and visiting employees by name, and helps identify people by rank and access area. 

Why You May Want Alternatives to Wearing Lanyards

While lanyards have many strengths, you may choose alternatives to lanyards for reasons of comfort, safety, durability, or professional aesthetics. Here are some things to consider if you’re looking for alternatives to wearing lanyards.

Situations Where Lanyards Can Fall Short

Lanyards are not recommended for people working on industrial or construction sites. They can get caught in equipment and become a serious safety hazard. Choose a safer lanyard alternative instead.  

Lanyards may not be the best choice for VIP events, C-level corporate meetings, or high-end stores. A swinging lanyard can detract from a polished professional image. A tasteful magnetic badge holder or ID clip may be a wiser choice. 

Practical Limitations of Lanyards

Some people find lanyards uncomfortable. They complain that the nagging discomfort leads to neck strain, irritation, or headaches. Many schools have begun researching lanyard alternatives for teachers due to these concerns.

Even the best lanyard material can fray and break. And a lanyard’s open design can expose badges or ID cards to loss, damage, or theft. So, you ask, what can I use instead of a lanyard? Read on to find out! 

What Can I Use Instead of a Lanyard? The 6 Best Lanyard Alternatives for Your Event or Organization

Here are six of the best alternatives to wearing lanyards. They offer many of the same functions and may be better suited for your needs. If you’re wondering, what can I use instead of a lanyard, consider these options. 

Badge Reels

Badge reels feature a clip you attach to clothing or belt loops and a retractable cord. When you need to swipe or present your ID, you simply pull on the cord. When you release the tension, the cord returns to its previous position. 

When comparing a lanyard vs badge reel, the badge reel is more discreet. You can hold the badge at your waist or on your purse. We offer custom logo badge reels that let you add your corporate or team logo for branding and marketing purposes.  

ID Clips and Strap Clips

ID clips feature a spring-loaded jaw that holds your ID against pockets, waistbands, or shirt plackets. They display your badge while eliminating the potential for snagging or discomfort associated with neckwear. 

Strap clips typically consist of a clear vinyl or plastic strap with a snap closure on one end and a metal clip on the other. You attach the ID with the snap and fasten the clip to your clothing. Both ID clips and strap clips are cost-effective, durable, and highly versatile.

Wristbands

Many people choose a wristband vs lanyard for event access and identification in high-volume settings. Wristbands are difficult to transfer or tamper with, making them an excellent choice for controlling entry and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

We offer many types of wristbands. You can choose custom printed wristbands, custom debossed wristbands, or durable and tamper-proof custom Tyvek wristbands. Wristbands are one of the best alternatives to lanyards for single-day or multi-day events. 

Magnetic Badge Holders

Magnetic badge holders use strong magnets to fasten your badge to clothing, so there’s no risk of your clothing getting damaged by pins or clips. They are sleek, discreet alternatives to wearing lanyards.

If you’re working in high-end retail or corporate space, you wear expensive clothing to work. A magnetic custom badge holder keeps your badge securely in place without leaving holes or marks. 

Belt Clips and Armbands

Belt clips attach ID badges or keys to a belt, pant waist, or pocket edge. They are popular alternatives to wearing lanyards with warehouse staff, outdoor workers, and other employees who need unrestricted movement without risk of snagging or entanglement.

Armbands provide a secure way to show identification or keep small devices directly on the arm. They’re popular with security guards, fitness buffs, or individuals who need constant access to their credentials. 

Mobile Credentialing and Digital IDs

Some choose mobile credentialing, digital IDs, and smartphone technology as alternatives to lanyards. You can store identification, access permissions, and verify your idea with a simple tap or scan. 

Mobile credentialing offers security through encryption and multi-factor authentication. Digital IDs are an efficient, scalable, environmentally friendly, and secure alternative to traditional identification methods.

Why Work With CustomLanyard.net For Your Lanyard Alternatives?

Now you no longer have to ask, what can I use instead of a lanyard. And if you’re wondering where you can find a lanyard alternative, look no further than Custom Lanyard. 

We don’t build secure smartphone apps, but we have you covered for just about every other kind of lanyard alternatives.  Our customer service team makes customization simple and ordering stress-free. And whatever you order, you can count on budget-friendly prices. 

Over 1 million satisfied customers count on Custom Lanyard for their custom lanyards and lanyard alternatives. They rely on us to deliver the best quality materials at the best price. 

If you need an alternative to wearing lanyards, we have you covered. Trust Custom Lanyard for all your lanyard alternative needs.

Final Thoughts on the Best Alternatives to Lanyards

If you need alternatives to lanyards, you have many choices. When you choose Custom Lanyard, you get friendly customer service that will walk you through your options and help you choose the product that best suits your needs. 

Whether you need badge reels, wristbands, or magnetic badge holders, we can give you custom products that speed up your sign-in process and provide great brand identification. Call us today for lanyards, lanyard alternatives, and more!