Standard Blank PVC Cards
Mylar Adhesive-Backed Cards 
Proximity Cards (Nomativ) 
NTAG Cards 
Software
Upgrades
Bodno Trial
Renew
Ben King
Benjamin Cohen
Ciara Uychoco
Eli Feig
Jack Richter
TotalCare
Self Serve
Printer Setup
License Status
Find My Activation CodeYour Cart is Empty.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Printer!
Free Shipping Over $100
Free Shipping Over $100
Fargo DTC1250e Alternatives: 5 ID Card Printers to Consider in 2027
Last updated: August 13, 2026
The Fargo DTC1250e is a solid entry-level printer — as we sell it with Bronze software, $1,599 single-sided or $1,995 dual — and we support it happily. But buyers shop for alternatives for three common reasons: lower cost per card over the life of the program, a security watermark, or hardware, software, and support from one company. Here are five current alternatives, all in stock at Bodno — and one more difference worth knowing: every alternative below currently carries a lifetime Bodno software license, while the DTC1250e's included license is 3-year.
Quick Answer
For most people weighing the DTC1250e, the Bodno A30 ($1,995) ends the search: dual-sided for the same money as the Fargo dual bundle, ~$0.32 per color card, and one U.S. support team for the whole system.
1. Bodno A10 — The Budget Undercut ($995)
Single-sided, 300 dpi, and $600 less than the single-sided DTC1250e bundle. The A10 buys into the A-Series ecosystem: shared parts, field-installable encoders ($499 magstripe / $699 smart card), Bodno software compatibility, and U.S. support for hardware and software together.
2. Bodno A20 — The Volume Play ($1,595)
Price-matched with the single-sided DTC1250e, but the A20 runs the 300-print A5300 ribbon at ~$0.32/card — the consumables math that makes annual reprint programs affordable.
3. Bodno A30 — Our Top Pick ($1,995)
Same price as the DTC1250e dual bundle, and the A30 pairs it with transparent consumables and the one-company ownership experience.
4. Magicard 400X — The Security Watermark ($1,999, dual)
Magicard's current-generation 400X adds the HoloKote anti-forgery watermark with ~$0.33/card economics on the 300-print XM300 ribbon — the pick when visual card security is a requirement. Single-sided programs: the 250X at $1,349.
5. Matica MC320X — The Compact Alternative ($1,649, dual)
The MC320X comes in $350 under the Fargo dual bundle with single- and dual-sided configurations and a full ribbon range — a strong fit for small offices and clubs.
Comparison Table
| Printer | Price (as we sell them) | Sides | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo DTC1250e | $1,599 / $1,995 | Single / Dual | HID/Fargo-standardized shops |
| Bodno A10 | $995 | Single | Lowest-cost current entry |
| Magicard 250X | $1,349 | Single | HoloKote on a budget |
| Bodno A20 | $1,595 | Single | Cheapest cost per card, single-sided |
| Matica MC320X | $1,649 | Dual | Compact dual-sided value |
| Bodno A30 | $1,995 | Dual | Most organizations — our pick |
| Magicard 400X | $1,999 | Dual | Security watermark required |
