Best Packing Tape of 2025

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

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Packing tape is a versatile adhesive tape that is commonly used to seal and secure packages for shipping and storage. It is available in a variety of widths, lengths, and colors to suit different needs and preferences. Packing tape is made from durable materials such as polypropylene or PVC, and features a strong adhesive that adheres firmly to most surfaces. Some types of packing tape are also designed to resist tearing, splitting, or breaking, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications. Whether you are packing up boxes for a move or shipping products to customers, packing tape is an essential tool for ensuring that your items arrive safely and securely.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Packaging Tape Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Packaging Tape
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape Cover #TOP 2
Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape
ftb score rating icon 9.8
PERFECTAPE Heavy Duty Packing Tape Cover #TOP 3
PERFECTAPE Heavy Duty Packing Tape
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Packing Tape

Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Packaging Tape

Amazon Basics
PT-02
Translucence
4.33 x 2.64 x 2.36
Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Packaging Tape Cover
Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Packaging Tape with Dispenser for Shipping, Clear, Packing and Moving Supplies, 1.88" x 22.2 yds, 4.6 x 2.2 x 2.6 inches, 6 Count (Pack of 1) with Dispensers

This Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Packaging Tape with Dispenser is a 6-pack of clear packaging tape that provides high-performance holding power with oil-based glue for heavy-duty shipping needs. The crystal clear acrylic construction offers a professional, clean look while holding up to rough handling and long-distance transit. The included hand-held dispenser neatly cuts the tape at the desired length without tangling or sticking to itself, making it perfect for sealing boxes, securing address labels, and more.

What We Like
Great value for the price
Sturdy and strong tape
Easy to use dispensers
Good for heavy-duty boxes
What We Don't Like
Challenging cutting mechanism
Initial dispenser setup confusing

Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape

142-6
Clear
6 Count
Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape Cover
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packing Tape, Clear, Holiday Shipping Supplies, 1.88 in. x 22.2 yd., 6 Tape Rolls with Dispensers

Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape is designed for packing, shipping, and mailing. It provides excellent holding power for heavy-duty packaging and shipping, with a strong seal on all box types, including hard-to-stick-to 100% recycled boxes. The durable hot melt adhesive seals and protects, and the release coating makes unwind easy, resisting slivering, splitting, and tearing. Plus, it comes with a dispenser. If the box does not stay sealed, 3M will refund the purchase price of this tape (proof of purchase required).

What We Like
Strong adhesive power
Clear, professional finish
Convenient dispensers included
Great value pack
Thicker and durable
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for delicate items
Dispensers may wear with use
#TOP 3

PERFECTAPE Heavy Duty Packing Tape

PTCL
Clear
6-PACK
PERFECTAPE Heavy Duty Packing Tape Cover
P PERFECTAPE Heavy Duty Packing Tape 6 Rolls, Total 360Y, Clear, 2.7 mil, 1.88 inch x 60 Yards, Ultra Strong, Refill for Packaging and Shipping

PERFECTAPE Heavy Duty Packing Tape is designed to be super strong and anti-splitting, with a thickness of 2.7 mil and a standard width of 1.88". The tape has a high adhesion percentage due to an increased percentage of glue, and is made with a high-quality film and glue for clarity. The water-based acrylic type of packing tape is easy to use, fitting perfectly into a standard 2" tape gun. Available in 6, 12, or 36 rolls, this tape is perfect for packaging and shipping needs.

What We Like
Super sticky adhesion
Strong and durable
Easy to peel
Good thickness
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Slightly noisy during use
More difficult to pull than others
#TOP 4

BOMEI PACK Heavy Duty Packing Tape

B72-6-66
Brown
BOMEI PACK Heavy Duty Packing Tape Cover
BOMEI PACK Brown Packing Tape 3 inch Wide, Heavy Duty Brown Packing Tape Refills for Moving Boxes, Shipping and Storage, 2.7 Mil x 60 Yards

The BOMEI PACK Packing Tape is designed for efficiency and strength. With a thickness of 2.7 mil and a width of 3 inches, it allows you to seal packages in one smooth motion, saving you time during your packing process. Its heavy-duty adhesive ensures that your boxes stay securely closed, making it ideal for shipping and storing heavy items. This tape is compatible with standard 3-inch dispensers, providing convenience for users who prefer using tape guns. Plus, its durability means it won’t tear or split easily, giving you confidence in your packaging.

What We Like
Sticks well
Easy to load
Good price
Covers older labels
Reliable for shipping
What We Don't Like
No complaints
#TOP 5

Scotch Sure Start Shipping Tape

145-6
Clear
6 Rolls
Scotch Sure Start Shipping Tape Cover
Scotch Sure Start Packing Tape, Clear, Holiday Wrapping Tape with Quiet Unwind and Easy Start, 1.88 in. x 22.2 yd., 6 Tape Rolls with Dispensers

Scotch Sure Start Shipping Packaging Tape is designed for packing, shipping, and mailing. With easy start every time and smooth, quiet unwind, it resists splintering, slivering, and tearing. The tough 2.6 mil thickness takes on rough handling, while the strong, durable hot melt adhesive keeps packages secure. It is clear when applied to boxes, available in multiple sizes and packouts, and made locally with globally sourced materials.

What We Like
Easy to start and use
Strong adhesive strength
Quiet unwind feature
Great value for money
Durable and reliable
What We Don't Like
Not easy to start new roll
Tape can slip back onto roll
#TOP 6

Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape

3850-6
Clear
6 Rolls
Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape Cover
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packing Tape, Clear, Shipping and Packaging Supplies, 1.88 in. x 54.6 yd., 6 Tape Rolls

The Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape is designed for packing, shipping, and mailing. It guarantees to stay sealed on all box types, including 100% recycled boxes, with its strong and durable solvent-free hot melt adhesive. The release coating makes it easy to unwind, and the tape resists slivering, splitting, and tearing. Its thickness is 3 mil, making it the strongest clear-to-the-core packaging tape from the Scotch brand. Made locally with globally sourced materials, it provides an instant adhesion and heavy-duty seal, even through rough handling.

What We Like
Incredible strength and durability
Clear and professional finish
Easy to use and cut
Excellent value for money
What We Don't Like
Occasional sticking to itself
#TOP 7

Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape

3850S-RD
Clear
1 Roll
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape Cover
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packing Tape, Clear, Holiday Shipping Supplies, 1.88 in. x 38.2 yd., 1 Tape Roll with Dispenser

Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape is a clear-to-the-core tape that provides excellent holding power for heavy-duty packaging and shipping. Its strong, durable solvent-free hot melt adhesive seals and protects, creating a strong seal on all box types, including harder-to-stick-to 100% recycled boxes. The release coating makes unwind easy, and it resists slivering, splitting, and tearing. The refillable dispenser with fall-back tabs ensures that the tape doesn't fall back on the roll.

What We Like
Easy to use
Strong and high quality
Effective dispenser
Thick and sticky tape
Versatile for various uses
What We Don't Like
Dispenser can be tricky
Price is a bit high
#TOP 8

Amazon Basics Packaging Tape, 12-pack

Amazon Basics
PT-01
Translucence
1.88"W x 54.6 Yards
Amazon Basics Packaging Tape, 12-pack Cover
Amazon Basics Strong Adhesive Packaging Tape for Shipping, Moving and Storage, Clear, 1.88" x 54.6 yds, 12-pack, Translucence

The Amazon Basics Packaging Tape is a must-have for all your shipping, moving, and storing needs. With a 12-pack of clear tape rolls, you can easily secure your boxes, address labels, and more. The high-performance holding power and crystal clear construction offer a professional and clean look. This tape can withstand shipping, handling, long-distance transit, and storage, ensuring your items stay secure. It can also be used with 3 inch dispensers or tape guns, making it easy to cut the tape at the desired length.

What We Like
Strong adhesive quality
Affordable pricing
Durable and thick tape
Ideal for various packing needs
Convenient size for tape guns
What We Don't Like
Slight chemical smell
Sticky residue on furniture
#TOP 9

Scotch Packaging Tape

02880
Clear
2 Count
Scotch Packaging Tape Cover
Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, 2 Inches x 800 Inches, Clear - 2 Count

Scotch Heavy Duty Tape is the ultimate solution for all your packaging needs. With its smooth and easy unwinding, this tape resists splitting and tearing, ensuring a secure and reliable seal every time. Its strong film backing provides extreme holding power, making it perfect for even the heaviest tasks. Whether you're packaging overstuffed cartons or mailing standard packages, this tape adheres instantly and meets US Postal Service regulations. The dispenser is designed to prevent the tape from falling back on the roll, making it hassle-free to use. With Scotch Heavy Duty Tape, you can trust that your packages will be securely sealed and protected during transit.

What We Like
High quality tape
Durable and thick
Great value for money
Compact and easy to store
What We Don't Like
Limited tape length on rolls
Smaller dispenser than expected
#TOP 10

DowDew Heavy Duty Packing Tape

TPE-CLR
Clear
DowDew Heavy Duty Packing Tape Cover
DowDew Clear Packing Tape, [2 Pack] Heavy Duty Packaging Tape 1.88 Inch x 110 Yards Ultra Strong Refill Rolls for Shipping Mailing Moving 220 Total Yards

DowDew Packing Tape offers two heavy-duty rolls, each measuring 1.88 inches by 110 yards, providing a total of 220 yards of ultra-strong tape. This robust tape ensures your packages are securely sealed, giving you peace of mind when shipping. With its long-lasting rolls, you can increase your efficiency, spending less time changing out tape and more time fulfilling orders. The premium quality of the tape features an industrial-grade adhesive that guarantees durability. It is also compatible with all standard tape dispensers and guns, making it a versatile choice for your packing needs.

What We Like
Great value for money
Durable and holds securely
Clear for easy identification
Good size for long-term use
What We Don't Like
Feels a bit flimsy
May not be truly heavy duty
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between packing tape and packaging tape?

The main difference between packing tape and packaging tape lies in their adhesive and dispensing characteristics. Packing tape is made with a heavy acrylic adhesive designed to withstand extreme temperatures, and it has a smooth and quiet release from the roll. Packaging tape, on the other hand, crackles loudly when dispensed.

2. What tape is used for packing?

The recommended tape for packing depends on the weight of the package. For packages weighing less than 15 pounds, Scotch 371 or Tartan 302 packing tape is suitable. For packages weighing 15 to 40 pounds, Scotch 372 packing tape is recommended. For packages over 40 pounds, Scotch packing tape is advised.

3. What is the strongest packing tape for shipping?

PVC tape is considered the strongest packing tape for heavy-duty use. It is ideal for heavy shipments with large parts or bulky supplies. PVC tape comes in two strengths based on the package weight, with a standard strength of 2.2 mil thickness for boxes up to 40 pounds.

4. Can you use duct tape instead of packing tape on a package?

Using duct tape as a substitute for packing tape is not recommended. Duct tape uses a rubber adhesive, which can leave a sticky residue and make unpacking boxes difficult. It is best to use standard packing tape, specifically designed for packaging and shipping purposes.

5. Is brown or clear packing tape better?

Both brown and clear packing tape have their advantages. Brown packing tape offers strong adhesion and matches well with cardboard boxes. Clear packing tape provides sufficient adhesion and does not obstruct the view of the box. However, brown tape is more commonly used.

6. Is shipping tape stronger than packing tape?

According to Staples, shipping tape is considered stronger than packing tape. This is because shipping tape does not have the added acrylic that packing tape has. The absence of acrylic in shipping tape suggests increased strength, making it a preferred choice for shipping purposes.

Editor's Notes

During our packing tape research, we found 27 packing tape products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 739,482 customer reviews through our big data system to write the packing tape list. We found that most customers choose packing tape with an average price of $16.27.

The packing tape are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of packing tape, including Scotch, P PERFECTAPE, BOMEI PACK, DowDew. 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.

Packing Tape Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics Scotch P PERFECTAPE BOMEI PACK Scotch Scotch Scotch Amazon Basics Scotch DowDew
Material Acrylic Synthetic Rubber Resin Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Synthetic Rubber Synthetic Rubber,Resin Rubber Acrylic Rubber Polyethylene
Color Translucence Clear Clear Brown Clear Clear Clear Translucence - Clear
Recommended Uses For Product - - Packaging, Indoor Packaging Packaging Packaging Packaging Packaging - Packing, Box Tape, Moving Tape, Warehouse Tape, Shipping
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
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