Best Laminators of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Laminators are essential office products that provide a convenient way to protect and preserve important documents. These versatile machines are designed to encase papers, photos, and other materials in a clear plastic coating, ensuring durability and longevity. With various sizes and capabilities available, laminators are suitable for both personal and professional use. Whether you need to laminate ID cards, signs, or educational materials, these reliable devices offer a quick and easy solution to keep your documents safe from wear and tear, spills, and fading.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Scotch Thermal Laminator with Never Jam Technology Cover #TOP 1
Scotch Thermal Laminator with Never Jam Technology
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine Cover #TOP 2
Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bonsaii L421-A 9 Inch Laminator Cover #TOP 3
Bonsaii L421-A 9 Inch Laminator
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Laminators

Scotch Thermal Laminator with Never Jam Technology

TL906
4" x 15.8" x 4"
Scotch Thermal Laminator with Never Jam Technology Cover
Scotch Brand PRO Thermal Laminator, Never Jam Technology Automatically Prevents Misfed Items,2 Roller System,9 inch (TL906)

The Scotch Thermal Laminator with Never Jam Technology has a 5 minute warm-up time and laminates at a speed of 15 in/min. The machine features a two roller system with two temperature settings and can be used with 3-5 mil thick thermal pouches, up to 9" wide. The Never Jam Technology automatically prevents misfed items, and a light signals when the machine is ready, making it easy to use.

What We Like
Reliable and efficient performance
Quick heating time
High-quality lamination results
Portable and easy to use
Cost-effective bulk packaging
What We Don't Like
Occasional noise from rollers
#TOP 2

Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine

Amazon Basics
VL203
White
9-Inch
Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine Cover
Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine, White

The Amazon Basics Laminator is a thermal laminator designed to laminate documents up to 9 inches wide. It can accommodate legal and letter-sized paper, photos, and more. The laminator comes with a 9-inch white machine and two 3-mil thick 8.9 x 11.4-inch laminating pouches. It is compatible with both 3 mil and 5 mil laminating pouches, allowing you to choose the thickness of the lamination film. With its two heat settings, 3 mil and 5 mil, you can achieve the best results for different types of materials. The laminator has a quick 3-5 minute warm-up time and a ready indicator light, ensuring you don't start laminating before it's ready. It also features a jam release lever for easily clearing paper jams. The Amazon Basics Laminator is a compact and versatile laminating machine that provides convenience and professional-quality laminating for your documents and photos.

What We Like
Easy to use
Quick warm-up time
Compact design
Consistent laminating quality
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Occasional heat loss during use
Some pouches may be too thin
#TOP 3

Bonsaii L421-A 9 Inch Laminator

9 Inch Grey + 5 Pouches
Grey
Bonsaii L421-A 9 Inch Laminator Cover
Bonsaii 9 Inch Laminator, Laminator Machine with Laminating Sheets, Laminating Machine for Teacher Personal, Home, Office, and Classroom Organization Supplies - L421-A Grey

The Bonsaii 9 Inch Laminator is a versatile and portable tool perfect for various laminating tasks. It accommodates standard 9-inch paper sizes and works with 3mil pouches, making it ideal for personal, classroom, or office use. With its ABS jam release feature, you can easily clear paper jams with just the push of a button, ensuring smooth operation. The laminator heats up in just 4 minutes and laminates at a speed of 270mm/min, allowing you to quickly protect important documents and photos without hassle. This efficient machine is designed to help you save time while delivering quality results.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Easy to use and set up
Quick heat-up time
Produces clear, protected results
Includes laminating pouches
What We Don't Like
No on/off switch
Some odor during operation
#TOP 4

Scotch Thermal Laminator for Professional Results

TL901X
Silver/Black
TL901X
Scotch Thermal Laminator for Professional Results Cover
Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator, 1 Laminating Machine, Gray, Laminate Recipe Cards, Photos and Documents, For Home, Office or School Supplies, 9 in.

The Scotch Thermal Laminator is a 2 roller system that provides bubble and wrinkle-free lamination for items up to 9 inches wide. It is ideal for use at home, office, or school and can safely be used on photos to help preserve precious memories. With the ability to laminate pouches up to 5 mil thick, it is perfect for creating high-quality professional finishes.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Heats up quickly
Excellent laminating quality
Affordable price
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Initial odor when used
U.S. plug compatibility issue

Scotch TL1302Z Thermal Laminator

TL1302Z
Black
Scotch TL1302Z Thermal Laminator Cover
Scotch Thermal Laminator, Extra Wide 13 Inch Input, Ideal for Teachers, Small Offices, or Home (TL1302Z)

The Scotch Laminator TL1302Z is designed for efficiency and versatility, making it perfect for teachers, small offices, or home use. With a quick warm-up time of just one minute, you can start your laminating projects without long waits. This machine can handle both large and small projects seamlessly, providing you with flexibility in your tasks. Additional convenience features such as a carry handle, cord storage, and auto-shutoff enhance its usability, ensuring that you can laminate safely and easily while keeping your workspace organized.

What We Like
Heats up quickly
Lightweight and portable
Easy to use
Great for various sizes
Durable laminated pages
What We Don't Like
Can be slightly slow
Possible jamming issues
#TOP 6

Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine

Amazon Basics
VL303
White
12-Inch
Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine Cover
Amazon Basics Easy to Use 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine, For Home Office or School, White

The Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine, also known as the Amazon Basics Laminator, is a versatile laminating device that can handle documents up to 12 inches wide. With its two heat settings, you can choose between 3 mil or 5 mil laminating pouches depending on the thickness of your papers. The laminator warms up quickly in just 3-5 minutes, indicated by a ready light, ensuring you can start laminating in no time. It also features a jam release lever for easy paper jam clearing. The Amazon Basics Laminator comes with a set of 20 3-mil thick laminating pouches in various sizes, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution for protecting and preserving your important documents, photos, and more.

What We Like
Well-protected packaging
Fast heating time
Easy to use
Versatile size options
Effective adhesion
What We Don't Like
Paper jamming issues
Difficulty in disassembly
#TOP 7

Scotch TL1302X Thermal Laminator

TL1302X
White
Scotch TL1302X Thermal Laminator Cover
Scotch Thermal Laminator, Extra Wide 13 Inch Input, Ideal for Teachers, Small Offices, or Home (TL1302X)

The Scotch Laminator TL1302X is designed for versatility, featuring an extra-wide 13-inch input that accommodates both large and small projects seamlessly. With a quick one-minute warm-up time, you can start laminating without long waits, making the process more efficient for you. It laminates at an impressive speed of 11.8 inches per minute, allowing you to complete your tasks quickly. Two heated rollers ensure that your laminated materials are of high quality, free from bubbles and wrinkles, resulting in professional-looking finishes for your important documents and photos.

What We Like
Fast and efficient performance
Easy to use and store
Works well with large sheets
Affordable and lightweight
Automatic shutoff feature
What We Don't Like
May require multiple passes for thick paper
Inconsistent adhesion on some materials
#TOP 8

Fellowes Saturn 3i 125 Thermal Laminator

5736601
Silver/Black
12.5 Inch
Fellowes Saturn 3i 125 Thermal Laminator Cover
Fellowes Saturn 3i 125 Thermal Laminator Machine for Home or Office with Pouch Starter Kit, 12.5 inch, Fast Warm-Up, Jam-Free Design (5736601)

The Fellowes Saturn 3i 125 Thermal Laminator is an advanced thermal lamination machine that is perfect for the office or classroom. The laminator features a rapid 1-minute warm-up with InstaHeat Technology, hot and cold settings, and an automatic shut off function to help save energy and prevent overheating. Additionally, it comes equipped with a jam release level that allows you to easily disengage pouches for re-centering or removal. The laminator includes ten 3-mil letter sized pouches to get you started.

What We Like
Quick heat-up time
Versatile lamination settings
Durable and reliable
Quality laminations
Compact and lightweight
What We Don't Like
Sound while laminating
Short out feed rack
#TOP 9

Bonsaii L418-C Laminator

9 Inch Black
Black
Bonsaii L418-C Laminator Cover
Bonsaii Laminator, 9 Inch Thermal Laminator Machine with Never Jam Technology for Doc/Posters/Photo, Personal Laminating Machine Simple Convenient for Home, Office and School - L418-C Black

The Bonsaii Laminator offers a user-friendly experience with its innovative features. Its patented anti-jam technology ensures that you won't face frustrating paper jams, keeping your documents safe. The machine is compact and designed to handle A4 paper sizes, making it perfect for both home and office use. With a quick preheating time of just 3 minutes and a laminating speed of over 270mm/min, you can save time while achieving professional results. This versatile laminator is ideal for various projects, from preserving important documents to protecting cherished photos.

What We Like
Inexpensive and cost-saving
Compact and lightweight
Quick heat-up time
Easy to use
Smooth lamination without bubbles
What We Don't Like
Relatively slow processing speed
Occasional burnt edges
#TOP 10

Chilino A3 9-in-1 Laminator

SL998
White
Chilino A3 9-in-1 Laminator Cover
A3 Laminator Machine,13 Inch 9-in-1 Laminating Machine with Laminating Sheets,Thermal Laminator Hot & Cold with Fast Warm Technology for Home,Office or School Supplies,White

The Chilino Laminator Machine is designed for efficiency and versatility, making it perfect for your home, office, or school projects. With a rapid 60-second warm-up time, you can start laminating right away without long waits. It features both hot and cold lamination modes, giving you the flexibility to work with various materials. Additionally, the machine supports multiple paper sizes, from A3 to A6, making it easy to tackle any task. Its dual-roll system ensures perfect lamination every time, preventing issues like wrinkles and bubbles, so you can achieve professional-quality results effortlessly.

What We Like
Quick warm-up time
Versatile for multiple sizes
Includes useful extras
Easy to operate
Durable and compact design
What We Don't Like
Limited to specific paper sizes
Buying Guide Image

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Laminator

Laminating Speed

One important factor to consider when choosing a laminator is its laminating speed. The speed determines how quickly the laminator can process each document. If you frequently need to laminate multiple documents in a short amount of time, opt for a laminator with a higher laminating speed.

Laminating Size

Consider the size of documents you plan to laminate. Some laminators can only handle standard-sized documents, while others can accommodate larger formats. Choose a laminator that can handle the sizes you require, whether it's for small cards, letter-sized documents, or larger posters.

Laminating Thickness

The thickness of the laminating pouches determines the durability of your laminated documents. Check the maximum laminating thickness the machine can handle. For everyday use, a laminator that can handle up to 5 mil thickness is usually sufficient. However, if you need to laminate thicker materials, you might require a laminator with a higher maximum thickness capacity.

Warm-up Time

Consider the warm-up time of the laminator before it's ready to use. Some laminators heat up quickly within a few minutes, while others may take longer. If you need a laminator for quick and frequent use, choose one with a shorter warm-up time.

Additional Features

Some laminators offer additional features like adjustable temperature settings, automatic shut-off, or reverse mode to handle misfeeds. Consider these additional features based on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are cheap laminators worth it?

Cheap laminators may not be worth it in the long run. They can overheat and stick the laminate pouch to the rollers, causing damage to the laminated item. It is recommended to invest in a higher-quality laminator for consistent and reliable laminating results.

2. Do I really need a laminator?

While having a laminator can be convenient, there are alternatives available. Self-sealing laminating pouches, also known as cold laminating pouches, are an option that does not require a machine. These pouches can provide protection and enhance the appearance of your documents without the need for a laminator.

3. Will Staples laminate things for you?

Yes, Staples offers laminating services. They have different laminating options, including thermal and pressure-sensitive laminating. You can choose from various sizes and thicknesses to suit your needs.

4. Is hot or cold laminating better for paper?

Hot lamination requires leaving a ridge of film around the outside of your project to keep it intact. With cold lamination, you can cut through the paper and still maintain a sealed finished product. Cold lamination is generally considered better for paper as it allows for more flexibility and easier customization.

5. What is a cheap alternative to laminating?

If you're looking for a cheap alternative to laminating, there are a few options you can consider. These include printing on thicker paper or cardstock, using reusable plastic pockets, storing items in a display folder, using a clear clipboard as a dry erase board, or using large ziplock bags for protection.

6. What are the disadvantages of lamination?

There are some disadvantages to lamination. Laminates are difficult to recycle, and if the top layer gets worn, the whole laminate sheet needs to be replaced. Laminates can create a slippery surface when used for flooring. They are also prone to clipping and difficult to bend.

7. What should not be laminated?

Certain government documents, such as passports and social security cards, should not be laminated as they are printed on special paper. These documents should be kept in a plastic pouch for protection instead.

8. What should you not laminate?

Items printed on thermal paper, like concert and movie tickets, should not be laminated as they may turn black when laminated. It is also generally recommended not to laminate collectible or valuable items, as laminating is a permanent process that cannot be undone.

Editor's Notes

During our laminator research, we found 24 laminator products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 429,156 customer reviews through our big data system to write the laminators list. We found that most customers choose laminators with an average price of $41.22.

The laminators are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of laminators, including Scotch, bonsaii, Fellowes, Chilino. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Laminators Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Scotch Amazon Basics bonsaii Scotch Scotch Amazon Basics Scotch Fellowes bonsaii Chilino
Color - White Grey Silver/Black Black White White Silver/Black Black White
Sheet Size 8.5 x 11 8.5 x 11 inches 8.5 x 11 Inches 9 inches 13 inches - 13 Inches - A4 A3A4A5A6 Inches
Item Weight 3.2 Pounds 2.47 Pounds 1.5 Pounds 16 ounces - 3.1 Pounds - 5.1 pounds 0.92 Kilograms 4 Pounds
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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