The 8 Best Proximity Card Readers

This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in November of 2018. Regardless of the nature of your business, it's always a good idea to keep important documents and information secure. Instead of giving each employee a set of keys to carry around, one of these machines will allow you to use company badges to permit access. Some units are also capable of creating temporary ID tags or processing payments without swiping customers' credit cards. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. HID multiCLASS SE RP40

In addition to support for a variety of technologies at both high and low frequencies, the HID multiCLASS SE RP40 (around $203) also allows access via NFC-enabled smartphones. It uses the Open Supervised Device Protocol to ensure security and just requires standard wall switch mounting.

Indicator light
Intelligent power management
Compatible with mifare cards

2. Visionis VIS-3024

A fingerprint reader mounted front and center on the Visionis VIS-3024 (about $102) affords it a high level of convenience, its durable zinc-alloy body keeps outsiders from messing with it, and its efficient internals don't use very much electricity.

Stores fingerprints locally
Transmits ids via 26-bit wiegand
Resistant to dust and water

3. HID ProxPoint Plus Mini

Aside from the company's own line of equipment, the HID ProxPoint Plus Mini (around $55) works with just about any major access control system, although you may need properly branded tags. Its reasonable price makes it good for outfitting entire departments or buildings.

For indoor and outdoor use
Reads formats up to 85 bits
Range of 1 to 3 inches

4. Uhppote Metal

If you're already invested in an HID system but don't want to spend a premium for more of their branded hardware, the Uhppote Metal (around $46) can help at a reasonable price, and will automatically convert the output based on the specifications you're using.

Tamper alarm to prevent vandalism
Durable zinc alloy housing
Ip65-rated enclosure

5. HID Signo 20K

While it's able to take advantage of advanced standards on the 13.56 megahertz band, the HID Signo 20K (appx. $299) also supports a handful of older technologies on the traditional 125 kilohertz band. Its slim design means it fits in places where full-size models won't.

12-button keypad
Limited lifetime warranty
Relatively expensive

6. RFID Security RS-101

Though it isn't meant for the most sensitive workplaces, the RFID Security RS-101 (around $16) is about as compact and affordable as they come, works with 26 and 34-bit Wiegand systems in the low frequency range, and has an unassuming design that shouldn't stand out in most settings.

Weatherproof construction
Integrated buzzer
Surprisingly long range

7. HID MiniProx

The HID MiniProx (appx. $132) doesn't take up a lot of space, and can handle cold temperatures if you plan to use it outside the building. It can be mounted directly onto metal without a change in performance, and has an LED to quickly inform employees they can proceed.

Consistent and accurate sensor
Wiegand protocol interface
Lifetime warranty

8. ProxPro Keypad

To provide an additional level of security, the ProxPro Keypad (around $108) allows you to set up an access code to go with your badges, ensuring that someone who finds one lying around can't get in. It also reads at up to eight inches, one of the longest ranges of any on the market.

Weatherproof for outdoor use
Can be mounted to glass
No high-frequency support

Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.

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