ID cards are worn by students, employees, event organizing staff, and even event attendees. Choosing the right display tool is key to making these IDs stand out. 

This decision may seem insignificant, but it has many layers to it. Your ID card display not only makes the ID pop but also offers other benefits, such as long-term wear, accessibility, visibility, etc. Picking between a lanyard vs badge reel is not something you can take lightly.

However, you must know the key differences between lanyard vs badge reel to make the best decision - what they are, how you can use them, or even if you can make a combo of both to fit your needs better. 

Regardless of your choice, you can visit CustomLanyard.net to find the best personalized lanyards AND badge reels online. We are proud to be the #1 choice for ID card displays that fit your needs.

So, before jumping into the differences between lanyard vs badge reel, let’s figure out what they are.

What is a Lanyard?

First things first, what is a lanyard used for? It is the most common ID card display. You may not be familiar with the term, but must have seen those IDs hanging on eye-catching straps in funky colors, often with logos and names. Lanyards, cords, straps, or whatever you call them, are widely used to carry a lot of stuff, including ID cards.

Most offices, schools, healthcare facilities, trade shows, and other professional settings use lanyards for ID card display. They hang around the neck, shoulder, or even on the wrist, making it easy to carry multiple things or just for display. There are many variations of lanyard material types, such as nylon vs polyester lanyards.

In case you are wondering what to put on a lanyard, they can be used to carry a wide variety of different stuff beyond just ID cards, such as a badge, keys, a whistle, sanitizer, etc. The creative potential goes as far as you can imagine.

What is a Badge Reel?

Badge reels are the updated version of lanyards engineered for repeated cycles of extension and retraction, especially for quick and frequent access.

Basically, badge reels are a retractable device with a cord on which you can attach any small object that needs frequent or quick access. These can be clipped onto your bag, clothing, belt, or anywhere you can access easily.

Most badge reels are made with a sturdy plastic or metallic structure, enclosing a cord made of nylon or even steel. You can see a vinyl strap or keyring at the end of the cord where you can attach any item to carry such as keys, a whistle, sanitizer, etc. 

These are typically used in healthcare and IT facilities to swipe ID cards for access. Many healthcare workers also use badge reels to carry small items for easy access, like mini scissors, sanitizers, and access cards. 

Lanyard vs Badge Reel: What’s the Difference?

Both lanyard vs badge reel offer different benefits. However, the right choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. So, without further ado, let’s see how they differ from each other and how they affect daily use.

Display Style and Visibility

Comparing lanyard vs badge reel, lanyards clearly take the win for visibility, while badge reels offer discretion. Lanyards hang around your neck in vibrant colors so your ID always stays visible, which is important whenever easy identification is required. 

On the contrary, badge reels are often clipped lower on the pocket or belt, giving their discreet style without compromising accessibility.

Access Convenience

Talking about accessibility, most companies nowadays use digital identification to track staff attendance. ID cards are frequently used to swipe or tap on card readers, so accessibility is a major point in making a decision for the perfect ID card display.

The retractable feature in badge reels caters to this need perfectly, while lanyards may fall a bit short. You have to lift the entire strap or remove it from your neck. Definitely not the most convenient way, right? Especially if you work in fast-paced office environments, like healthcare.

Comfort and Safety Considerations

You really need to weigh lanyard vs badge reel before making your choice when it comes to safety and comfort. Both come with their own set of cons in this context. 

While lanyards lead to itchiness or irritation around your neck after extended use, badge reels can get stuck or snag depending on their placement. However, at CustomLanyard.net, we make custom ID card displays with premium materials, so all your discomfort concerns take a back seat, giving you safe and comfortable wear all day, every day. 

Professional Appearance and Customization

Both the lanyard vs badge reel have options to display your name, logo, or any kind of branding. However, the extent to which you can customize each varies.

Lanyards give you a lot of room to reinforce brand identity, which offers greater visual impact when combined with their visibility. They come with several customization options for custom ID card lanyards. You can write custom messages on the lanyard, display your logo, add icons, slogans, or anything to reinforce your branding. The customization options go as far as your imagination.

On the other hand, badge reels only have one placement for logos on the face of the reel. This gives a very subtle and minimalistic branding while maintaining a professional appearance.

Durability and Daily Wear

Looking for a durable card holder that can pass the test of time? The most desirable feature of badge reels is also one of their cons. The retractable cord degrades over time due to repeated use. However, it can be minimized by using a high-quality badge reel.

Lanyards, especially custom nylon lanyards or custom polyester lanyards, easily withstand rough environments and last much longer. At CustomLanyard.net, we use high quality materials that stand firm in the longevity test. 

Why You May Want a Lanyard WITH Badge Reel

Now, with the comparison between lanyard vs badge reel, you can see both options are good in some ways while lacking in other aspects. But who says you have to choose just one? Getting the best of both worlds is always the right choice.  Here’s how a combination could be the perfect option to display and access your ID.

Combining Visibility and Accessibility

Lanyards have high visibility, while badge reels offer easy access. So, combine both and you don’t have to take off your ID every time you check in or out.

Added Convenience for Active Environments

Many events and environments reinforce their branding with lanyards. They also help distinguish staff from other people, especially in crowded areas, such as conferences or corporate events. However, fast-paced work requires easy scanning. Combining a lanyard with badge reels solves this predicament in a snap.

Enhanced Customization and Brand Presence

Combining both lets you add multi-layer customization for even more branding. You can use a custom lanyard paired with a badge reel with a logo. Not only is it highly functional, but it also reinforces brand authority by creating a multi-layered branded look.

Reduces Card Damage or Loss

Your card is always attached to you when you use a lanyard to hold your ID and a retractable reel to check in and out. This reduces any chance of losing or damaging it. You don’t have to worry about dropping your card even in a crowded event.

Get the Best Lanyard Badge Reel Combo at CustomLanyard.net

Now, the burning question is, where can you find the best lanyard badge reel combo? CustomLanyard.net has exactly what you’re looking for. We proudly offer the best lanyards, badge reels, and ID solutions. A perfect place for all your ID display needs.

With a wide range of colors, premium material, and highly functional add-ons, we’ve got you covered in every way possible.

Why We’re the #1 Choice Online

CustomLanyard.net has earned the trust of over 1 million customers for several reasons. Here’s why we are the #1 choice for lanyards and badge reels:

  • Our quick, easy, and super-friendly customer support is available 24/7 for your assistance.
  • We have a very simple customization and order process.
  • No more complicated forms, just select what you like, and we will deliver it to you.
  • Get the best quality material guaranteed at the lowest price in the market.
  • We actively listen to YOUR feedback and consistently improve to give you even better services.
  • Fast and safe shopping experience with a commitment to secure your data.
  • Trusted by some of the biggest names in the industry, earning us a place among the top-ranked Inc. 500 companies.

Tips for Customizing Your Lanyards

Custom ID card lanyards are a perfect solution for ID display or to carry small objects that are used frequently. However, choosing the best lanyard needs some consideration. Here are a few tips to make your decision even better:

  • Choose material based on comfort and durability
  • Choose bold contrasts in text and lanyard color for better visibility
  • Choose attachment style based on your card, badge, or keys
  • Add safety features or additional upgrades for high-risk environments
  • Combine lanyards with badge reels and keychains for better functionality

Bringing Our Lanyard vs Badge Reel Comparison to a Close

Choosing between lanyard vs badge reel boils down to your preferences and needs. You have to consider a few aspects before making your decision. What’s your intended use? How frequently do you use your ID? And what’s your branding goal? These are some of the questions you must answer to choose the right one.

However, the best and most ideal solution is a combo of both. Why choose one when you can enjoy the best of both worlds? You can combine visibility, accessibility, and style, all in one design.

So, hurry up and visit CustomLanyards.net to explore and customize your options so it suits your needs perfectly!