Are you trying to find cac card readers among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling cac card readers on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 27 hours of research and did 17 cac card readers tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best cac card readers you can buy today
- Fully Compliant - Complies With All Major Industry Standards, Including Iso/Iec 7816, Usb Ccid, Pc/Sc, And Microsoft Whql. As Well As, Emv 2011 Ver 4.3 Level 1 And Gsa Fips 201.
- Seamless Integration - With Identiv-Specific Smartos You’Ll Get Easy, Complete Support Of All Major Contact Smart Card Ics And Technologies In One Simple Reader.
- Universal Compatibility - Works With Virtually All Contact Chip Cards And Pc Operating Systems, Including Windows, Macos, Linux And Android.
- Fast And Convenient- Shorten Your Transaction Time With A Reader That’S Optimized For Speed. It’S Ultra-Compact And Robust Design Is Streamlined For Mobile Operation, Making This Reader The Best Choice For Convenience, Security And Reliability.
- Ergonomic and cost efficient design
- Software and functionality compatible with SCM´s SCR33xx readers family
- In field firmware upgrades (SCR3310). EMV Level 1 certified
- Compliant with major smart cards and relevant industry standards
- Plug-and-play (NO Drivers): The highly integrated chip of Taiwan is designed to work seamlessly with Windows and Mac operating systems, without requiring any drivers or installation processes.
- Compatible with smart cards for secure login; And RECOMMENDED by militarycac dot com. Support standard ISO7816 Class A,B and C, PC/SC2.0 , Microsoft WHQL, EMV and USB-IF CCID standard.
- DOD Military CAC USB Smart Card Reader for Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc. CAC Cards ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- Sleek Ergonomic Design -Gloss Black Finish. ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- What You Get: CAC USB Smart Card Reader, 18-month warranty and lifetime technical support.
- USB-C/Type C CAC card reader military, compatible with Windows 10/11, Mac OS 10.15 or later verison. (Windows 11 need a driver)
- MAC user: Java is necessary for MAC user. Please install Java firstly on Java's official website. DOD and USG users: need a third-party CAC Enabler program
- ID/IC strong compatibility. Supports Government ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards.
- Don't support Iphone and ipad
- Compatible with US Military and Government DOD ID cards. Good for online banking and credit card payment apps, etc
- High-end chips have long service life. Fast and convenient
- Advanced Realtek Chipset; PIV, EMS, ISO-7816 & EMV2 2000 Level 1, CE, FCC, VCCI and Microsoft WHQL certifications.
- Supports ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards
- Sleek ergonomic flat design, precise slot, convenient to horizontally plug card
- Compatible with Windows10/11, Mac OS 10.11.1 or later. Driver free, plug and play.
- New generation DOD Military CAC USB smart chip card reader, no firmware upgrade requirements
![AKERU Portable CAC Card Reader DOD Military Smart Card Reader, Universal Compatibility, for Mac/Windows with LED Indicator, Compact PIV & ID Chip Card Reader, Cable Management [EAO-10]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31H2kSFitBL.jpg "The 8 Best cac card readers of %currentyear% 61")
- ✅【Powerful Function】: Our card reader can be used for CAC, Government ID, National ID, Bank Card. Please note that credit card is NOT supported! Support ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc.
- ✅【Universal Compatibility】: This smart card reader is compatible with Computer Windows Vista/8/8.1/10, macOS 10.4 and above.
- ✅【Advanced Chipset】: The CAC card reader supports ISO7816 Class A, B, and C (5V / 3V / 1.8V) smart cards. Please note that credit card is NOT supported!
- ✅【Unique Design】: Sleek ergonomic flat and light design with the portable slim size of the card reader is suitable for desktop as well as mobile usage.
- ✅【One-sec Installation】: Plug and Play, no driver needed. No firmware upgrades requirements.
- ✅【After-Service】: Free lifetime technical support and peace of mind 12-month warranty.
- Smart-fold mechanics means ultra-compact, convenient-to-carry, and easy-to-handle ID1 smart card use
- EMV Level 1 and FIPS 201-certified
- SmartOS powered
- MacBook, phones and tablets with (reversible) Type C USB ports
- Supports all major smart cards 5V, 3V, and 1.8V, ISO/IEC 7816 Class A/B/C
- Manufacturer: SCM Micro Systems
- Part Number: SCR3500 A
- Product Type: Security Devices
- Compact And Lightweight Dongle Form-Factor Card Reader
- Accepts Cards In Id1 Format (Iso8716)
- Ccid Compliant
- Compact and lightweight dongle form-factor card reader
- Accepts cards in ID1 format (ISO8716)
- CCID compliant
- Compliant with all major smart cards and relevant industry standards
- EMV Level 1 certification*
- 【CAC Military Card Compatibility】This USB C DOD Military CAC Smart Card Reader is for Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email,etc.
- 【Wide Compatibility】CAC reader works with almost all contact chip cards and PC operating systems, including Windows (32/64 bit) XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Mac OS X. The CAC military card reader is compatible with laptops, computers and other USB Type C devices.
- 【SIM Card Compatibility】This USB C CAC reader is also compatible with old-style phone SIM card. But please note SIM Card can be compatible with Windows Only.
- 【Compact and Portable】You can take it anywhere you go and use it whenever you need. Compact and portable design make it space-saving and good partner for you.
- 【Intelligent Check Matching】CAC reader for military automatically installs driver (Windows system) and automatically detects smart card type. Buy cac card reader you will get 24 months manufacturer warranty, hassle-free replacement and free lifetime technical support.
- USB-C/Type C CAC Reader. Supports Government ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards.
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac OS. Easy to use. Just plug and play.
- MAC user: Java is necessary for MAC user. Please install Java firstly on Java's official website. DOD and USG users: need a third-party CAC Enabler program.
- Standard: PIV, EMS, ISO-7816 & EMV2 2000 Level 1, CE, FCC, VCCI and Microsoft WHQL.
- Fit for US Military and Government DOD ID cards. Good for online banking and credit card payment apps, Network login, etc.
- CAC Card Reader Military, compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Driver free, plug and play.
- ID/IC strong compatibility. Supports Government ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards.
- Compatible with US Military and Government DOD ID cards. Good for online banking and credit card payment apps, Network login, etc.
- MAC user: Java is necessary for MAC user. Please install Java firstly on Java's official website. DOD and USG users: need a third-party CAC Enabler program.
- High-end chips have long service life.
- CAC reader military, Compatible with Windows10/11, Mac OS 10.11.1 or advanced version, without any driver or installation process, plug and play.
- CAC card reader, Supports ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, Approvelt, DCO and etc CAC chip cards.
- CAC card reader military, Normas certificados: ISO7816, EMV4.0 Level 1, PBOC2.0 Level 1, USB-IF and Microsoft WHQL certifications.
- Java is necessary for MAC user. Please install Java firstly on Java's official website. DOD and USG users: need a third-party CAC Enabler program.
- CAC readers, sleek ergonomic flat and lightweight design, easy to carry, easy to use.
- 【Professional USB CAC Smart Card Reader】CAC card reader military for CAC Cards, Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc.
- 【Wide Compatibility】CAC reader works with almost all contact chip cards and PC operating systems, including Windows (32/64 bit) XP/Vista/7/8/10, Mac OS X. The CAC military card reader is compatible with laptops, computers and other USB devices.
- 【Support Card Type】Chip card reader supports 5V, 3V and 1.8V smart cards, ISO 7816 Class A, B and C & EMV2 2000 Level 1, CE, FCC, VCCI, CCID, Microsoft WHQL.Memory Cards - SD card / micro SD card / SDHC / SDXC / MMC RS & 4.0 / SIM Card.
- 【Multifunctional Card Reader】Military card reader not only supports CAC Card, but also supports SIM Card, SD card, SDXC (up to 2 TB), SDHC, micro SD, micro SDXC, micro SDHC, MS, M2 memory cards.360-degree rotation and LED indication are also supported.
- 【Intelligent Check Matching】CAC reader for military automatically installs driver (Windows system) and automatically detects smart card type. Buy cac card reader you will get 24 months manufacturer warranty, hassle-free replacement and free lifetime technical support.
- DOD Military CAC USB-C/Type C Smart Card Reader for Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc. CAC Cards ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- Compatible with windows (32/64bit) XP/Vista/ 7/8/10, Mac OS X
- Sleek Ergonomic Design -Gloss Black Finish. PIV and EMS ready.ISO7816 Class A,B and C.
- Compatible with US Military and Government DOD ID cards for secure login ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- What You Get: Saicoo CAC USB-C Smart Card Reader, CD driver, 18-month warranty and lifetime technical support.
- 【Multi CAC Card Reader】New generation DOD Military CAC USB smart chip card reader. Can read CAC chip card, ID card, SD, SDHC, SDXC, Micro SD/T-flash, MMC, Micro SDHC, Micro SDXC, and SIM.
- 【2 in 1 Design】New generation DOD Military CAC USB C/ USB 3.0 smart chip card reader, easy to operate, and no extra driver needed. Compatible with most systems--Mac OS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10,11, etc.
- 【SD & TF slot】It can also be used as a USB SD card reader , and is compatible with microSD, SD, SDXC, SDHC, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SDHC memory cards, etc., and can transfer data at up to 480Mbps. However, please note that in some models, you may need to turn off the OTG function to transfer data.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Supports ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email, etc.(When contacting IC card identification information or financial information, it needs to be used with a third-party system）
- 【Advanced Realtek Chipset】PIV, EMS, ISO-7816 & EMV2 2000 Level 1, CE, FCC, VCCI and Microsoft WHQL certifications.
- CAC Reader Military USB-C/Type C, Compatible with Windows10/11, Mac OS 10.11.1 or advanced version, without any driver or installation process, plug and play.
- Supports ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, Approvelt, DCO and etc CAC chip cards.
- Normas certificados: ISO7816, EMV4.0 Level 1, PBOC2.0 Level 1, USB-IF and Microsoft WHQL certifications.
- Java is necessary for MAC user. Please install Java firstly on Java's official website. DOD and USG users: need a third-party CAC Enabler program.
- CAC card reader, sleek ergonomic flat and lightweight design, easy to carry, easy to use.
- Broad Card Compatibility:5V, 3V and 1.8V Smart Cards, Memory Cards - SD card / micro SD card / micro TF card / MMC / SIM Card.
- CAC USB Smart Card Reader:DOD Military CAC USB Smart Card Reader for Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc.
- Broad System Compatibility:Chip Card Reader works with virtually all contact chip cards and PC operating systems,Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1 (32/64 bit), Windows 7 (also 64bit), Windows Vista (also 64bit), Windows XP / 2000 (also 64bit), Windows 98 / ME, Windows Server 2008/2012/2016 Server , Windows CE 5.0 / CE.NET, Linux/Unix (also 64bit), MacOS X (All).
- Folding CAC Card Reader:Smart-fold mechanics means thumb-sized, convenient-to-carry without worrying about the power cord or can be attached to a key ring.
- 【CAC Military Card Compatibility】This USB type C DOD Military CAC Smart Card Reader is for CAC, Government ID, PIV Card, Credit Card, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email,etc.
- 【System Compatibility】The USB Type c CAC card reader can be used with almost all contact chip cards and PC operating systems,multi-system compatibility to facilitate different computer switching such as Windows XP /98 / Me / 2000 / NT 4.0 / CE / Vista / 7/8 / 8.1 / 10 / 11, Linux, Mac OS 10.6 -13.5..
- 【Smartfold and Portable】You can take it anywhere you go and use it whenever you need. Foldable and portable design make it space-saving and good partner for you.
- 【Strong Security】Great for use in high-security federal government applications, online banking and credit card payment apps, Windows authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO), Network login, and much more. Securely transmit your information.
- 【We Promise】If you have any dissatisfaction with product. You can contact us freely on Amazon，we will reply to you within 24 hours. Hoping you have a pleasant online shopping experiences.
- Update: CAC reader was updated. Driver free on Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Just plug and play.
- Advanced Realtek Chipset; PIV, EMS, ISO-7816 & EMV2 2000 Level 1, CE, FCC, VCCI and Microsoft WHQL certifications.
- Supports ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards.
- Sleek ergonomic standing design, precise slot, convenient to obliquely plug card.
- Compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
- Standard: PIV, EMS, ISO-7816 & EMV2 2000 Level 1, CE, FCC, VCCI and Microsoft WHQL.
![AKERU CAC Card Reader with LED Indicator, DOD Military Common Access, (5 feet Long Cable). Universal Compatibility, Compact PIV Smart Card Reader Compatible with Windows, Mac OS– Black [EAL-20]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319NzZ3HSML.jpg "The 8 Best cac card readers of %currentyear% 91")
- ✅【Powerful Function】: Our card reader can be used for CAC, Government ID, National ID, Bank Card. Please note that credit card is NOT supported! Support ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc.
- ✅【Universal Compatibility】: This smart card reader is compatible with Computer Windows Vista/8/8.1/10, macOS 10.4 and above.
- ✅【Advanced Chipset】: The CAC card reader supports ISO7816 Class A, B, and C (5V / 3V / 1.8V) smart cards. Please note that credit card is NOT supported!
- ✅【Unique Design】: Ergonomic design for easy extraction that improves your user experience and make it ever better for daily usage.
- ✅【One-sec Installation】: Plug and Play, no driver needed. No firmware upgrades requirements.
- ✅【After-Service】: Free lifetime technical support and peace of mind 12-month warranty.
How to choose a good cac card readers
Does the idea of finding a fantastic cac card readers make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in cac card readers. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top cac card readers products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top cac card readers on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top cac card readers brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top cac card readers based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the cac card readers were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good cac card readers, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your cac card readers.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting cac card readers for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our cac card readers. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what cac card readers should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on cac card readers.
