Top 6 Best Laminators 2025

By GirlBoss Team | February 24, 2024

Laminators are a beneficial tool for any office or workspace. They facilitate the protection and preservation of vital documents, pictures, and other materials by enveloping them in a plastic layer. Whether you’re a teacher aiming to create long-lasting classroom decorations, a business proprietor who needs to laminate crucial documents, or merely someone seeking a method to safeguard beloved memories, a laminator can be an excellent investment.

When it comes to choosing the best laminator, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important is the size of the laminator. Depending on your needs, you may want a small, portable laminator that can be easily stored away when not in use, or a larger, more heavy-duty model that can handle larger documents. Another important factor is the speed of the laminator. If you need to laminate a lot of documents quickly, a faster laminator may be a better choice.

In addition to size and speed, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a laminator. These include the thickness of the laminating pouches it can handle, the temperature settings, and the overall durability and reliability of the machine. We spent hours researching and testing various laminators to identify the best ones on the market. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide in-depth reviews of each one.

Best Laminators

We have researched and tested various laminators to bring you the best options available on Amazon. Whether you need a laminator for home or office use, we have got you covered. Our list includes laminators that are easy to use, produce high-quality laminations, and are durable. Check out our top picks below.

Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator

This laminator is a great addition to your home office, holiday and school supplies. It is easy to use and laminates items up to 9 in. wide with 3 or 5-mil thick laminating pouches.

Pros

The two heated rollers with two temperature settings create bubble- and wrinkle-free results that give your holiday paper items a high-quality, professional appearance.
The laminator machine laminates one letter-size page per minute and has a release lever for quick pouch release to save you time during the busy holiday season.
The Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator is ideal for creating marker-proof, tear-proof and spill-proof paper items.

Cons

The laminator machine is not compatible with laminating pouches over 9 in. wide.
The Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator does not have an automatic shut-off feature.
The laminator machine may require multiple passes for thicker items.

We highly recommend the Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator. It is a compact and easy-to-use laminator that is perfect for protecting your holiday crafts and homemade paper Christmas ornaments. The two heated rollers with two temperature settings create bubble- and wrinkle-free results that give your holiday paper items a high-quality, professional appearance. The laminator machine laminates one letter-size page per minute and has a release lever for quick pouch release to save you time during the busy holiday season. It is ideal for creating marker-proof, tear-proof and spill-proof paper items, making this laminator machine a great addition to your home office, holiday and school supplies.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use laminator that can help you protect frequently used documents up to 9 in. wide, the Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator is the perfect choice for you.

Zyerch A3 Laminator Machine

If you’re looking for a versatile laminator that can accommodate up to 13 inches wide, then the Zyerch A3 Laminator Machine is the perfect choice for you. With its dual-roller system and two temperature settings, you can expect impeccable results without wrinkles, blisters, or curls. It comes complete with an array of essentials, including 40 laminating pouches of various sizes, a paper trimmer, corner rounder, hole puncher, and 3 binder rings.

Pros

The laminator warms up in just 60 seconds, ensuring efficient lamination and quicker preheating.
The dual-roller heating system supports both thermal and cold lamination, making it a creative companion for various lamination needs.
The laminator comes equipped with an ABS Jam-Release button, allowing you to easily remove jammed documents by pressing the button.

Cons

The machine may not be suitable for heavy-duty commercial use.
The laminator may produce some noise during operation.
The machine is not compatible with laminating films thicker than 125mic.

We’ve been using the Zyerch A3 Laminator Machine for a while now, and we’re impressed with its versatility and efficiency. The laminator is perfect for safeguarding paintings, menus, letters, certificates, postcards, photos, ID cards, and tags, preserving your documents for the long term. The 13-inch wide entrance accommodates A3/A4/A5/A6 sizes and beyond, making it a wide compatibility laminator.

The laminator’s dual-roller heating system ensures that your documents are laminated without wrinkles, blisters, or curls. It supports both thermal and cold lamination, making it a creative companion for various lamination needs. We also love the ABS Jam-Release button, which allows us to easily remove jammed documents by pressing the button.

However, the machine may not be suitable for heavy-duty commercial use, and it produces some noise during operation. Additionally, the laminator is not compatible with laminating films thicker than 125mic. Overall, we highly recommend the Zyerch A3 Laminator Machine for home, office, and school use.

Fellowes Saturn 3i 125 Thermal Laminator Machine

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile laminator, the Fellowes Saturn 3i 125 Thermal Laminator Machine is a great option for both personal and professional use.

Pros

With InstaHeat Technology, this laminator warms up in just 60 seconds, making it quick and efficient.
Its 12.5-inch wide entry accommodates multiple document sizes, making it versatile and accommodating.
The jam release lever allows for easy disengagement of pouches, making it jam-free and easy to use.

Cons

Some users have reported that the machine can be a bit noisy during operation.
The included pouches are only 3 mil thick, so you may need to purchase thicker pouches separately if you want a sturdier lamination.
The machine may be a bit bulky for those with limited storage space.

We’ve used the Fellowes Saturn 3i 125 Thermal Laminator Machine for a variety of projects and found it to be reliable and efficient. The InstaHeat Technology makes it quick and easy to use, while the jam release lever ensures that you won’t waste any pouches due to jams. The 12.5-inch entry is great for accommodating multiple document sizes, and we appreciate the option to choose between hot and cold settings.

While the machine can be a bit noisy, it’s not overly disruptive. However, the included pouches are only 3 mil thick, so if you’re looking for a sturdier lamination, you may need to purchase thicker pouches separately. Additionally, the machine may be a bit bulky for those with limited storage space, but it’s worth it for the versatility and efficiency it provides. Overall, we highly recommend the Fellowes Saturn 3i 125 Thermal Laminator Machine for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile laminator.

Qfun Laminator Machine

We highly recommend the Qfun Laminator Machine for anyone looking for a reliable and portable laminator that can handle a variety of paper sizes.

Pros

The 9-in-1 functionality is a great value, including a paper cutter, corner rounder, hole puncher, and binder rings, making it a versatile tool for any office or classroom.
The rapid warm-up time of just 1 minute is impressive and saves time when you’re in a hurry.
The 2 roller system is precise and provides high-quality lamination, preventing wrinkling, bubbling, and hazing.

Cons

The included cutter, hole puncher, and corner rounder are not the highest quality and may not last as long as the laminator itself.
Some users have reported issues with the machine jamming or not feeding paper properly.
The noise level is higher than some other laminators on the market.

Overall, the Qfun Laminator Machine is a great investment for those in need of a portable and reliable laminator that can handle a variety of paper sizes. The 9-in-1 functionality and rapid warm-up time make it a great value, while the 2 roller system ensures high-quality lamination.

Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine

If you’re looking for a reliable laminator that can handle documents up to 12 inches wide, the Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine is a great choice.

Pros

The laminator comes with 20 laminating pouches in various sizes, making it easy to get started right away.
With two heat settings, you can choose the best option for your project, whether you’re laminating normal documents or thinner papers.
The jam release lever makes it easy to clear paper jams, so you can avoid frustrating delays.

Cons

The Amazon Basics laminator is not compatible with hardware, cloth, wood, foam sheets, foil, or plastic sheets.
While the laminator can accommodate legal and letter-sized paper, it may not be the best option for larger projects.
At 3mil position, the laminating paper thickness range is 50-160g, which may not be suitable for thicker documents.

We’ve found that the Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine is a reliable option for home or office use. The laminator heats up quickly and is easy to use, making it a great choice for those who are new to laminating. The included pouches are a nice touch, and the jam release lever is a helpful feature that can save you time and frustration. However, keep in mind that this laminator may not be the best option for larger projects or thicker documents. Overall, we recommend the Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine for those who need a reliable and easy-to-use laminator for everyday use.

Scotch Thermal Laminator with 20 Letter Size Pouches

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient laminator, the Scotch Thermal Laminator with 20 Letter Size Pouches is a great choice. With a 1-minute warm-up time and the ability to laminate 11.8 inches per minute, this laminator is perfect for both small and big projects.

Pros

The extra-wide 13-inch input provides versatility for big and small projects.
Two heated rollers create high-quality professional, bubble and wrinkle-free results.
The built-in carry handle stays cool and provides portability.

Cons

The laminator only works with 3 mil and 5 mil pouches.
It doesn’t come with a tray for smaller cut-out pieces of paper.
The laminator is a bit heavy, weighing 4.69 pounds.

We’ve used the Scotch Thermal Laminator with 20 Letter Size Pouches for a variety of projects, including laminating important documents, creating reusable chore charts for our kids, and preserving cherished family recipes. The laminator heats up quickly and is easy to use, with touch button controls and two heat settings for both 3 mil and 5 mil pouches.

The two heated rollers create high-quality professional, bubble and wrinkle-free results, making our projects look neat and polished. The extra-wide 13-inch input provides versatility for both small and big projects, and the laminator can laminate 11.8 inches per minute, which reduces wait time and makes laminating more efficient.

The built-in carry handle stays cool and provides portability, making it easy to take the laminator with us on the go. However, the laminator is a bit heavy, weighing 4.69 pounds, so it may not be the best choice if you need to move it around frequently.

Overall, we highly recommend the Scotch Thermal Laminator with 20 Letter Size Pouches for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient laminator. With its quick warm-up time, high-quality results, and portability, it’s a great choice for teachers, small offices, or home use.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best laminator, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some key features to look for:

Laminator Size

The size of the laminator should match the size of the documents you need to laminate. If you frequently laminate large documents, a larger laminator will be more suitable. However, if you only need to laminate small documents, a smaller laminator will suffice.

Laminating Speed

The speed of the laminator is also an important factor to consider. If you need to laminate large volumes of documents quickly, a laminator with a high speed would be more appropriate. However, if you only need to laminate a few documents at a time, a slower laminator will work just fine.

Laminating Thickness

The thickness of the laminating pouches you use will determine the maximum thickness of the document you can laminate. Make sure the laminator you choose can handle the thickness of the pouches you plan to use.

Warm-up Time

Warm-up time refers to the amount of time it takes for the laminator to heat up before it can be used. If you need to laminate documents quickly, look for a laminator with a short warm-up time.

Automatic Shut-off

An automatic shut-off feature is important for safety reasons. It ensures that the laminator turns off automatically after a certain period of inactivity, reducing the risk of overheating or fire.

Price

Price is always a consideration when making a purchase. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to consider the quality and durability of the laminator. A higher-priced laminator may be a better investment in the long run.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best laminator for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features are most important in a high-quality laminator?

When looking for a high-quality laminator, there are a few key features to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to look for a laminator that offers consistent and even heat distribution to ensure that your documents are laminated smoothly and without any bubbles or wrinkles. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the laminator’s speed, as well as its compatibility with different laminating pouch sizes and thicknesses. Finally, look for a laminator that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.

Which laminator brand offers the best performance for daily use?

There are several brands that offer excellent performance for daily use, including Fellowes, Scotch, and GBC. Each of these brands offers a range of laminators with different features and capabilities, so it’s important to do your research and choose the model that best fits your needs.

How do I choose the right size laminator for my needs?

When choosing a laminator size, consider the types of documents you’ll be laminating. If you’ll primarily be laminating standard letter-sized documents, a small to medium-sized laminator should suffice. However, if you’ll be laminating larger documents or posters, you may want to consider a larger laminator. Additionally, consider the amount of space you have available for the laminator, as larger models may require more room.

What are the top-rated laminators for professional use in 2023?

As of 2023, some of the top-rated laminators for professional use include the Fellowes Saturn 3i 125, the GBC Fusion 7000L, and the Scotch TL1306. These laminators offer fast, efficient performance and are designed for frequent use in a professional setting.

Are there any laminators particularly well-suited for creating stickers?

Yes, there are laminators that are specifically designed for creating stickers. Look for a laminator that offers a cold lamination option, as this will help to preserve the adhesive properties of the sticker paper. Additionally, consider a laminator that offers a wide range of temperature settings, as this will allow you to adjust the laminating temperature to suit your specific needs.

Is investing in a home laminator a cost-effective choice for occasional projects?

Investing in a home laminator can be a cost-effective choice for occasional projects, particularly if you frequently need to laminate small documents or photos. However, if you only need to laminate documents on a very rare occasion, it may be more cost-effective to use a local print shop or office supply store for your laminating needs.

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