Best Commercial Access Card Readers of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2023

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There are many options of commercial access card readers to choose from, such as HID, HID Global, and more, so how do you know which one is the best? We're here to help you to pick out the top 4 Best Commercial Access Card Readers with our handy buying guide.

We have searched a variety of commercial access card readers ranging in prices from $55.00 up to $227.00. We recommend HID Commercial Access Card Reader as our top pick because of its best overall performance. Read on for a list of our top picks, as well as a buying guide on how to select.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HID 6005BGB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Card Reader Cover #TOP 1
HID 6005BGB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Card Reader
ftb score rating icon 9.9
HID 6005BKB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Proximity Reader Cover #TOP 2
HID 6005BKB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Proximity Reader
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HID Global R50220318-GR OMNIKEY 5022 Cover #TOP 3
HID Global R50220318-GR OMNIKEY 5022
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 Commercial Access Card Readers

#TOP 1

HID 6005BGB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Card Reader

HID
0.27 pounds
HID 6005BGB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Card Reader Cover
HID 6005BGB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Card Reader
#TOP 2

HID 6005BKB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Proximity Reader

HID
6005BKB00
0.19 pounds
HID 6005BKB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Proximity Reader Cover
HID 6005BKB00 Prox ProxPoint Plus Mini Mullion Proximity Reader

Features
Enables Various Beeper And LED Configurations, Depending On Individual Site Requirements.
Features A Beeper And Multicolor LED Which Can Be Hostand/ Or Locally Controlled.
Designed For Mounting Directly Onto Metal With No Change In Read Range Performance.
Can Read HID Cards With Formats Up To 85 Bits.
#TOP 3

HID Global R50220318-GR OMNIKEY 5022

HID Global
R50220318-GR
2.32 x 0.45 x 2.32 inches
0.20 pounds
HID Global R50220318-GR OMNIKEY 5022 Cover
HID Global R50220318-GR OMNIKEY 5022

Features
OMNIKEY 5022
#TOP 4

HID Corporation 5395 ThinLine II Proximity Access Card Reader, 1-11/16" Length x 6" Height x 1" Thick, Classic Charcoal Gray (Pack of 1)

HID
5395CG100
0.50 pounds
HID Corporation 5395 ThinLine II Proximity Access Card Reader, 1-11/16" Length x 6" Height x 1" Thick, Classic Charcoal Gray (Pack of 1) Cover
HID Corporation 5395 ThinLine II Proximity Access Card Reader, 1-11/16" Length x 6" Height x 1" Thick, Classic Charcoal Gray (Pack of 1)

Features
Comes With Wiegand Or Clock-And-Data Interface
The Size Of Most Standard US Switch Plates
Potted Reader Suitable For Indoor Or Outdoor Use
Lifetime Warranty
18-Inches Wire Pigtail Standard
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is access card reader?

Many businesses utilize card readers as their primary form of access control. Card readers use key cards instead of physical keys or codes to allow entry. Generally, there are two types of access control key card readers — proximity and magnetic.

2. What technology do access cards use?

RFID Protocol Every smart access card you have is built on what is known as radio frequency identification, or RFID for short. Basically, RFID is the function that allows devices to communicate with each other via radio waves, using them to transmit information back and forth.

3. How many types of access cards are there?

There are two types of proximity cards: passive and active. A passive card has no internal source of power and uses the reader, which does have power, to read the card.

4. What is HID card reader?

An HID card reader, or access card reader, is used in conjunction with HID cards. The reader is generally placed near an access point and programmed to grant access when the HID card is placed near the reader.

Editor's Notes

During our commercial access card reader research, we found 4 commercial access card reader products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,761 customer reviews through our big data system to write the commercial access card readers list. We found that most customers choose commercial access card readers with an average price of $79.44.

The commercial access card readers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of commercial access card readers, including HID, HID Global. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 14,779 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.