Best Laminators of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2026

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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 for Professional Results Cover #TOP 1
Scotch Thermal Laminator for Professional Results
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Scotch Thermal Laminator with Never Jam Technology Cover #TOP 2
Scotch Thermal Laminator with Never Jam Technology
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bonsaii L418-C Laminator Machine Cover #TOP 3
Bonsaii L418-C Laminator Machine
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Laminators

Scotch Thermal Laminator for Professional Results

TL901X
Multi-color
TL901X
Scotch Thermal Laminator for Professional Results Cover
Scotch Thermal Laminator, 2 Roller System for a Professional Finish, Use for Home, Office or School, Suitable for use with Photos (TL901X)

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
Easy to use
Quick warm-up time
Professional lamination quality
Affordable price
Lightweight and compact
What We Don't Like
Slightly slow initial heating
U.S. plug only
#TOP 2

Scotch Thermal Laminator with Never Jam Technology

TL906
White
9 in
Scotch Thermal Laminator with Never Jam Technology Cover
Scotch PRO TL906 Thermal, Laminator Machine, 1 Laminating Device, White/Blue, Laminate Recipe Cards, Photos, Documents, for Home, Office, or School Supplies, 9 in

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
Heats up quickly
Easy to use
Consistent lamination results
Compact storage
No carrier needed
What We Don't Like
Slightly noisy operation
Cannot reuse cut pouches
#TOP 3

Bonsaii L418-C Laminator Machine

Grey + 50 Pouches
Grey
Bonsaii L418-C Laminator Machine Cover
Bonsaii Laminator Machine, 9 Inch Laminators Machine with 50 Laminating Sheets, Laminator with Never Jam Technology for Doc/Posters/Photo, Simple Convenient for Home, Office and School - L418-C Grey

The Bonsaii Laminator Machine is designed to make your laminating tasks simple and efficient. With its patented anti-jam technology, you can laminate your documents without worrying about paper jams, ensuring your items are well-protected. This versatile machine can handle 9-inch paper sizes and comes with 50 laminating sheets, perfect for various projects. It warms up in just 3 minutes, allowing you to laminate quickly while avoiding common issues like wrinkles and bubbles. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or business professional, this laminator is ideal for preserving important documents and cherished photos.

What We Like
Easy to use
Compact and portable
Affordable price
Quick heat-up
Good sealing quality
What We Don't Like
A bit slow for large jobs
Power cord placement minor issue
#TOP 4

Crenova A4 Laminator Machine 4 in 1

Black
Black
Crenova A4 Laminator Machine 4 in 1 Cover
Crenova Laminator Machine with 10 Laminating Sheets, A4 Laminating Machine Hot & Cold with Fast Warm Technology, Thermal Laminator 9 Inch for Home Office School Business Black

The Crenova A4 Laminator Machine 4 in 1 is a fast-warm up laminator with both hot and cold modes suitable for various items. It is ultra-portable, compatible with 2 x 60-100mic laminating pouches, and includes 10 laminating pouches to get you started quickly. The machine features jam prevention to protect your important documents and provides easy, quick, bubble- and wrinkle-free lamination. Ideal for home, office, and school tasks, it can be used for painting, menu, letter, certificate, postcard, photo, ID card, tag.

What We Like
Heats up quickly
Compact and lightweight
Easy to use
No jamming issues
Clear, professional results
What We Don't Like
Minor accessories missing
Some size and plug issues
#TOP 5

Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine

Amazon Basics
VL303
White
12-Inch
Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine Cover
Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine, Easy to Use 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
Fast heating
Easy to use
Quiet operation
Handles large pouches
Great value
What We Don't Like
Occasional multiple passes needed
Short wait between sheets

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 7

Bonsaii L421-A 9 Inch Laminator

9 in + 5 pouches
Grey
Compact
Bonsaii L421-A 9 Inch Laminator Cover
Bonsaii Laminator Machine with 5 Laminating Sheets, 9 Inch Thermal Laminating Machine for Doc/Posters/Photos, Compact Laminator for Home Office School, L421-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
Quick heat-up time
Easy to use
Lightweight and compact
Consistent, bubble-free lamination
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
No power switch
Slight odor when heating
#TOP 8

MYKLLIFF 9-Inch Portable Thermal Laminator

MYKLLIFF
White
White
MYKLLIFF 9-Inch Portable Thermal Laminator Cover
Laminator Machine 9-Inch Portable Thermal Laminater with Hot & Cold Modes, A4 Small Laminating Machine with ABS Jam-Release, 3-Min Warm-Up, 6-in-1 Photo Laminator Kit for Home and Class, White

The MYKLLIFF Portable Laminator is designed to save you time with its quick 3-minute warm-up, so you can start laminating without long waits. It offers dual modes: hot mode for regular documents and photos, and cold mode for protecting heat-sensitive items like stickers, giving you versatile options for different projects. The laminator operates quietly, perfect for use in classrooms, homes, or late-night work without disturbing others. Plus, the ABS jam-release feature helps you easily clear paper jams, keeping your documents safe and reducing frustration during your laminating tasks.

What We Like
Compact size
Easy to use
Hot & cold lamination
Quick warm-up
Quiet operation
What We Don't Like
Not for larger formats
No auto shut-off
#TOP 9

Ibzdi A3 9-in-1 Laminator Machine

Ibzdi
SL998-Black
Black
Ibzdi A3 9-in-1 Laminator Machine Cover
A3 Laminator Machine, 13 Inch 9-in-1 Thermal Laminator with Sheets for Hot & Cold Laminating Machine, Features Fast 60-Sec Warm Technology and Never-Jam Design for Home, Office, or School Use (Black)

The Ibzdi 9-in-1 Laminator is a versatile tool designed for creativity and convenience. Its all-in-one design includes a built-in paper cutter, corner rounder, hole punch, and binder rings, so you have everything you need for your laminating projects in one device. It supports both hot and cold lamination, allowing you to work safely with heat-sensitive materials or use traditional thermal lamination. With a quick 60-second warm-up time and fast laminating speed, you won't have to wait long to start or finish your projects. Plus, the dual-roll system and smart temperature controls ensure smooth, wrinkle-free results while keeping the machine safe and durable for home, office, or school use.

What We Like
Quick heat-up time
Smooth, bubble-free lamination
Compact and lightweight design
Professional finish quality
Convenient accessories included
What We Don't Like
Lamination clarity varies occasionally
#TOP 10

MAXDONE 9-Inch A4 Laminator Machine Kit

A4 Laminator
Black
9 inch
MAXDONE 9-Inch A4 Laminator Machine Kit Cover
Laminator Machine, A4 Laminators Hot & Cold with 20 Laminating Sheets and Trimmer, 9 Inch Laminating Machine for Office, School, Business and Home

The MAXDONE 9-Inch Laminator is a versatile 4-in-1 kit that comes with a laminator, 20 laminating sheets in various sizes, a paper cutter, and a user manual. This means you have everything you need to start laminating right away and can easily trim pouches to your preferred size. It heats up quickly in just 90 seconds and laminates at a steady pace, saving you time while delivering professional results. Whether you’re working in an office, classroom, or at home, it operates quietly, so it won’t disturb others. Plus, it offers both hot and cold laminating modes, allowing you to laminate different types of documents, from photos to receipts, giving you flexibility for various projects.

What We Like
Fast heat-up time
Hot and cold lamination
Quiet operation
User-friendly design
Bonus trimmer and starter sheets
What We Don't Like
Laminated pages slightly flimsy
Limited large laminating sheets included
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 369,554 customer reviews through our big data system to write the laminators list. We found that most customers choose laminators with an average price of $36.13.

The laminators are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of laminators, including Scotch, bonsaii, Crenova, MYKLLIFF, Ibzdi. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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 Scotch bonsaii Crenova Amazon Basics Scotch bonsaii MYKLLIFF Ibzdi MAXDONE
Color Multi-color White Grey Black White White Grey White Black Black
Sheet Size 9 inches 8.5 x 11 Inches Letter A4 Letter, Legal 13 Inches 8.5 x 11 Inches A4 A3, A4, A5, A6, Letter, Legal, Business Card, Photo 8.5 x 11 Inches
Item Weight 2.86 Pounds 3.23 Pounds 1.6 Kilograms 792 Grams 3.1 Pounds 4 Pounds 1.5 Pounds - - 1.1 Kilograms
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 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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