Whether you're navigating the bustling corridors of a conference, making that first impression in a business meeting, or ensuring your ID stays secure in active work environments, the ideal badge holder can make all the difference. It's about matching functionality with style and durability with design. 


With an array of options like vinyl, retractable reels, lanyards, and more, the quest for the perfect badge holder can be daunting. Fortunately, at CustomLanyard.net, we understand this challenge and offer a diverse collection of styles to suit every need and setting.


We’ll discuss the most common styles on the market and help you pick the right one for your unique needs. Then, we’ll offer tips on getting the best bang for your buck when sourcing your badge holders!

The Role of Your Badge Holder in Networking and Security

In a world where professional networking and security are paramount, the role of your badge holder extends beyond mere functionality. It's a crucial element that intertwines your personal branding with the necessity of secure access. Here’s why you can’t take this decision lightly…

Personal Branding and First Impressions

Your badge holder is a reflection of your personal brand. In networking scenarios, such as conferences and meetings, the type of badge holder you use can speak volumes before you even introduce yourself. 


A sleek, stylish badge holder indicates professionalism and attention to detail, while a more robust, secure design suggests practicality and reliability. The choice you make should align with the image you wish to project in these professional arenas.

Security Access and Compliance

In many industries, security access is a compliance requirement in the workplace. The right badge holder not only ensures that your ID is always accessible for security checkpoints but also that it's compatible with various access control systems. 


Whether it's a simple swipe or a more complex RFID system, your badge holder should facilitate quick and easy access. This aspect is particularly crucial in environments like hospitals, corporate offices, or government buildings, where security protocols are stringent

​​The Importance of Choosing the Right Style

Selecting the right style of badge holder is about finding the perfect balance between form and function. It should complement your professional attire, be comfortable to wear throughout the day, and suit the specific demands of your work environment.


For instance, a retractable badge reel is ideal for professionals who frequently need to show or swipe their ID cards without the hassle of removing them. 

On the other hand, a lanyard badge holder might be more suited for event attendees who need their identification to be visible and easily accessible at all times. 


Meanwhile, those in more physically active roles might prefer armband badge holders that keep the ID secure and out of the way. We’ll cover all this and more below as we dive deep into the different types of badge holders!

What are the Different Types of Badge Holders?

Understanding the different types available is key to selecting one that not only suits your specific needs but also aligns with your personal style and work environment. 


We’ll walk you through choosing the right one momentarily. First, let’s unveil the vast array of styles you have at your disposal.

Plastic Badge Holders

A clear plastic card holder is a staple in many industries due to their durability and versatility. These holders are typically made from a sturdy plastic material that protects your ID from wear and tear, moisture, and other environmental factors. 


They come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different ID dimensions and can be found in both vertical and horizontal orientations. 

Their transparent nature ensures your ID is visible at all times, making them a practical choice for everyday use in settings like offices, schools, and events.

Acrylic Badge Holders

The acrylic badge holder is a bit more luxurious and high-end than its plastic counterpart. These step up the style quotient with their sleek and modern design. 

Crafted from high-quality acrylic, these holders offer a crystal-clear view of the inserted card or badge, enhancing the visibility of your ID. 


The premium material ensures durability, making them a popular choice in corporate environments where both appearance and functionality are prioritized. 

Their elegant transparency also means they can blend seamlessly with any outfit or brand theme.

Custom Badge Holders

A custom badge holder is perfect for those who want to add a personal touch or brand identity to their badge holder. These holders can be tailored to specific designs, colors, and sizes, allowing for complete customization. As such, this is among the most popular types of badge holders.


Whether it's for a special event, promotional activity, or everyday corporate use, custom badge holders offer a unique opportunity to showcase your brand or personal style in a professional manner.


We’ll talk more about this later, but just know that CustomLanyard.net is the #1 place to bring your custom badge holder vision to life. We make the process simple and affordable, and we offer world-class support every step of the way!

Lanyard Badge Holders

Lanyard badge holders combine the practicality of a badge holder with the convenience of a lanyard. Worn around the neck, these holders provide easy and hands-free access to IDs, making them ideal for conferences, trade shows, and large events. 


The lanyard part can be customized with logos, colors, and designs, adding an extra layer of personalization or branding. They are available in various materials, including nylon and polyester, offering both comfort and durability.


Again, we offer an excellent selection of custom ID card lanyards to streamline your identification process in the workplace or enhance your networking efforts as you prepare for a conference or trade show.

Credential Wallets

Credential wallets are larger than your typical badge holder and are designed to store multiple cards or additional items like pens and business cards. 

They are perfect for professionals who need to carry various credentials and small essentials in one compact and organized place. 


These wallets often come with zipper or snap closures for added security and are an excellent choice for individuals attending conferences or trade shows.

Retractable Badge Reels

Retractable badge reels offer a convenient and secure way to carry IDs. They feature a retractable cord that allows the card to be extended for scanning or swiping without detaching it from your person. 


This design prevents loss or misplacement of cards and can be easily clipped onto clothing or lanyards. Retractable badge reels are available in various designs and colors. They’re a favorite among professionals who need frequent access to their ID cards.

Armband Badge Holders

Armband badge holders are designed for active or physical work environments where a traditional lanyard or clip-on holder isn't practical. 

These holders are worn around the arm to secure the ID card in place even during vigorous movement.


For this reason, they’re the style of choice for sports events, outdoor activities, or any situation requiring a lot of physical movement. They usually come with adjustable straps for a comfortable and secure fit.

So, Which of the Different Types of Badge Holders is Best for You?

Just as with the different types of lanyards or the different types of wristbands, it’s one thing to be familiar with the various styles available.

The real challenge lies in picking the right one for your unique needs. 


So, which of these badge holder styles is best for you? Here’s a quick summary of what we’ve discussed:


  • For Everyday Office Use: Plastic badge holders are ideal. They're durable, offer clear visibility, and are versatile for various ID sizes.

  • In Professional Settings: Acrylic badge holders are your go-to. They provide a sleek, sophisticated look while ensuring durability and clear ID display.

  • For Personalization: Opt for custom badge holders. They're perfect for showcasing brand identity or personal style, especially in events or promotional activities.

  • At Conferences or Events: Lanyard badge holders are recommended. They offer hands-free convenience and are great for visibility and easy accessibility.

  • For Active or Physical Work: Choose armband badge holders. They keep your ID secure and out of the way during movement-intensive activities.

  • If You Carry Multiple Credentials: Credential wallets are the best choice. They offer ample storage for multiple cards and additional small items.

  • For Quick and Frequent Access: Retractable badge reels are most suitable. They provide easy card access and prevent loss or misplacement.


No matter which style you need, you can rest assured that CustomLanyard.net has you covered. We’ve earned the trust of thousands of companies over the past decade by pairing top-quality products with exceptional customer service and low pricing. 


That being said, let’s get into a few tips on sourcing your badge holders online before wrapping this conversation up.

Tips on Getting the Best Badge Holders Online

Purchasing the right badge holder online requires a combination of vigilant research and an understanding of what you need. Here are some tips to guide you in the right direction - along with some insights on what separates our selection at CustomLanyard.net from the rest!

Evaluating Quality and Price

With something as simple as badge holders it's easy to assume that the lowest price is your best option. That may not be the case. It’s important to compare quality and price to get the best value. 


Look for details about the materials used and the dimensions of the badge holders. High-quality materials like durable plastics, acrylic, and robust fabrics indicate better longevity.


Check various websites to get an idea of the price range. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best in terms of quality. You typically get what you pay for. That being said, you don’t have to break the bank to get quality badge holders. We offer styles starting as low as $0.53 each!


Customer reviews can provide real insights into the product’s quality and durability. This is the best way to get a sense of what you can expect when working with a provider. 


Look for guarantees or return policies before shopping, as this can be a sign of the seller’s confidence in their product. If you’re ready to get started shopping for the perfect badge holders, it’s time to head over to CustomLanyard.net!

Shop at CustomLanyard.net No Matter Which Type You’re Looking For!

While you may know us for custom wristbands or custom lanyards, we’re also excited to offer an array of other workplace essentials - like our custom PVC cards, custom ID cards, and of course, the badge holders you need to display these cards!


We’ve helped more than a million customers and have earned a 4.7-star rating across thousands of verified reviews. But, what separates us from the rest? Simple - better products, better pricing, and better customer service. What more could you ask for?


From plastic to acrylic, custom, lanyard, and more, we offer a comprehensive range of badge holders to choose from - each of which is carefully crafted from the best materials, just as is the case with our ID card materials. 


Our most popular offering is the custom badge holders, in which you can choose your color, add special instructions, and pair with a plastic hook or badge reel for convenient use. Better yet, pair your badge holder with one of our premium ID cards and a lanyard for a comprehensive solution to identification.


With endorsements from industry-leading companies like Facebook, Nike, Yelp, Google, and Netflix, you don’t have to take our word for it - this is the #1 place to get the different types of badge holders. We also take great pride in partnering with small businesses and non-profits as well.


So, no matter what your needs are, one thing is for sure: you can count on CustomLanyard.net to deliver a world-class service every time! Shop now and see the difference firsthand.

Final Thoughts on the Different Badge Holder Types

That concludes our guide to the different types of holders for badges. Each type serves a unique purpose, catering to different professional environments and personal preferences. 


From the practical durability of plastic holders to the sleek sophistication of acrylic ones, and the personalized touch of custom badge holders to the convenience of lanyard, retractable reels, and armband styles, there's a perfect fit for every need. 


Assessing your specific requirements is key to choosing the right badge holder that not only secures your ID but also complements your professional image. 

Our blog has more resources on topics like how to make PVC ID cards, why use photo ID employee badges, wristband marketing, what to put on a lanyard, how to put an ID card on a lanyard, and more.


But, whether you’re looking for the best custom wristbands, wondering who makes custom ID cards, or in need of the various badge holder styles, there’s only one thing left to do. Browse our catalog, pick the perfect style, and bring it to life in just a few clicks. 

As we draw this conversation on the different types of badge holders to a close we invite you to get yours at CustomLanyard.net today!