10 Best Tape Dispensers in 2022 (Scotch, Officemate, and More)
At home, school, in the art studio, and in the workplace, tape is essential for tasks such as wrapping presents or sealing shipping boxes. It may be fine to use the cheap dispenser that comes with the roll on occasion, but if you use tape a lot, a quality tape dispenser can make things much easier. Some are even stylish enough to keep on your desk or kitchen counter.
We chose the Officemate 2-in-1 Tape Dispenser as our favorite because it holds two rolls of different sizes and even has a space for scissors and pencils. We've also found nine other great products for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
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How to Choose Tape Dispensers
Before buying a tape dispenser, there are a few points you should take into consideration. To help you with this, we've put together this handy buying guide!
Get the Right Size Dispenser
Tape dispensers come in many different sizes. The vast majority of tape dispensers are not universal and will not be compatible with every size of tape, so make sure you know what size you’re looking for.
Small rolls of tape, such as washi tape, are three-quarters of an inch wide. Rolls of packing tape and duct tape are usually two inches wide. There are also one-inch rolls. If you have more than one size of tape, look for dispensers that can take multiple sizes or have more than one dispenser.
You can get dispensers specifically for one-inch tapes, but some two-inch dispensers can be adjusted. In addition to the width, the dispenser design may limit what inside diameter roll you can mount.
For those who frequently send packages and need to seal boxes, why not buy a gun-style tape dispenser? These are exclusively made to fit wide packing tape and can be used with one hand. You can easily roll the packing tape onto your packages and cut it to size in one motion.
Features you may want to look for in a tape gun are adjustable tension control so the tape releases correctly, a retractable cutting blade, and an ergonomic grip. Some can also take various core diameters and different widths.
Look for Tabletop Dispensers That are Non-Slip and Weighted
Dispensers are supposed to make cutting tape easier than using a pair of scissors. However, if the dispenser slides all over the desk as you use it or constantly falls over, this will make it harder to use, not easier! This is especially the case if you’re trying to use a tape dispenser one-handed, such as when wrapping presents.
Tape dispensers that are non-slip have rubber grips on the bottom that will help keep them in place while you rip off pieces of tape.
For extra stability, look for dispensers that have weighted bottoms. Weighted dispensers are even less likely to move around and are easier to use one-handed, leaving a hand free to hold that wrapping paper or craft project in place.
Save Space With a Dispenser That Also Holds Stationery
If you have a small desk where space is at a premium, then a dispenser that also doubles as a place to keep your other stationery items might be what you’re looking for. These usually come with an attached cup that can hold pens, pencils, scissors, or any other item you want to keep at hand.
Choosing a dispenser like this and weighing it down with other items of stationery will also serve the purpose of making it more stable while you tear off pieces of tape.
A tape dispenser like this also serves another purpose. It will be more difficult for work colleagues to "borrow" your tape dispenser and take it to their desk if it has a cup full of pens attached to it!
10 Best Tape Dispensers Ranking
| Products | Image | Click to purchase | Popularity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Weighted 2-in-1 Tape Dispenser｜96660 Officemate |  | No.1 | |
2 | Steel Twin Roller Tape Dispenser｜JVCC EX-17 Excell |  | No.2 | |
3 | Scotch Industrial Packing Tape Dispenser｜H180 3M |  | No.3 | |
4 | Magic Tape With Dispenser｜810K6C38 Scotch |  | No.4 | |
5 | Hedgehog Tape Dispenser｜C47-HEDGEHOG-G Scotch |  | No.5 | |
6 | Desktop Tape Dispenser Acrimet |  | No.6 | |
7 | Packing Tape Dispenser Mr. Pen |  | No.7 | |
8 | Record Player Magic Tape Dispenser｜C45-RECORD Scotch |  | No.8 | |
9 | Otto The Otter Tape Dispenser Streamline |  | No.9 | |
10 | "The Butt" Office Supply Holder Tech Tools |  | No.10 |
OfficemateWeighted 2-in-1 Tape Dispenser ｜ 96660
This dispenser holds a roll of packing tape with a three-inch core and a standard roll of cellophane tape. It also has a space for other stationery items. The bottom has rubber feet and it's weighted, so it stays put.
Some reviewers report that although the dispenser is heavy, it is still difficult to tear the two-inch tape with only one hand. The blades are sharp, but the angle makes it difficult and the dispenser can move.
Reviewers praise the versatility of this dispenser, though. They love that it can hold different sizes of tape and also has room for pens, making it both multi-functional and a space-saver.
ExcellSteel Twin Roller Tape Dispenser ｜ JVCC EX-17
This tape dispenser has two one-inch rollers, so it can be used with rolls of tape measuring one or two inches wide, or even two separate one-inch rolls. The bottom of the tape dispenser has suction cups to keep it in place, or you can specify a foam base.
Reviewers say if the surface is uneven then the dispenser can move around. But they like the sharpness of the blade as it can easily cut through any tape. Buyers also praise the addition of a guard to cover the blade.
3MScotch Industrial Packing Tape Dispenser ｜ H180
Designed for high-volume sealing of boxes, this tape dispenser is durable but lightweight. It can dispense and cut tape in a smooth, one-handed motion. The cutting blade is very sharp but isn't retractable.
Reviewers confirm that the dispenser is simple to maneuver. They report that the tape dispenses smoothly and the roller helps press down and adhere the tape, making it quick and easy to seal even a large number of cartons.
ScotchMagic Tape With Dispenser ｜ 810K6C38
This simple tape dispenser comes with six rolls of matte-finish transparent tape so it can be used straight out of the box. The C-38 model dispenser is weighted and non-slip with a removable core.
A few reviewers report that the dispenser cracked and sand spilled out and made a mess. But most like that this dispenser can be used with one hand without it moving around. They praise the quality of the tape also and like that this is an all-in-one set.
ScotchHedgehog Tape Dispenser ｜ C47-HEDGEHOG-G
Perfect for animal lovers, this hedgehog shaped tape dispenser is both cute and stylish due to its gold-colored spikes. It's weighted and non-slip so it can be used one-handed, and comes with one roll of tape.
The reviews for this tape dispenser are overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers report that it doesn't move around and is very sturdy. Reviewers also love its quirkiness and those that use it in the office say it is very popular with colleagues!
This tape dispenser comes in a stylish pink shade. It has a soft felt cover on the base to prevent it from sliding on your desk or scratching it. It isn't clear if it's weighted or not.
Some report that the color is more orange than they expected. But reviewers praise the sharpness of the cutter. They say it is easy to cut the tape cleanly as needed. The bright color is also a hit with many reviewers as it makes it easy to find on their cluttered desks!
With this packing tape gun, you get a roll of tape so you can use it straight out of the box. It has a comfortable handle and sharp blade to make sealing boxes easy.
Reviewers state that the included tape tears and splinters easily, so you may want to use a different roll with it. Some found it tricky to load the gun, as it doesn't come with instructions. Others say it is easy to use and can make packing boxes a quicker process.
ScotchRecord Player Magic Tape Dispenser ｜ C45-RECORD
If you're looking for an unusual tape dispenser, this may be the dispenser for you! Shaped like a vinyl record player, the tape fits underneath the record and is cut by the playing arm. It has a cover so your tape won't get dusty.
Reviewers say that the cover is made from thin plastic and is easily scratched, though. They say it's durable and a good weight and it is easy to use with one hand. They love how the record spins when you pull the tape, too!
Otto the Otter holds a roll of tape between his paws and cuts it with a blade between his feet. This adorable tape dispenser is made from resin and will brighten any desk.
Reviewers report that the gap between the roll of tape and the cutter is small, making it difficult to pick up the tape to cut it. It also needs to be used with two hands as it doesn't stay in place.
Reviewers praise the quality of the resin and detailing on the face and body. They say it is a great gift for animal lovers.
Tech Tools"The Butt" Office Supply Holder
This fun item does more than dispense tape. The seated man can hold both tape and a pen and when lifted off the toilet will reveal a space for paperclips, which stick to his magnetic behind. There are also spaces for a memo pad and more pens.
Some reviewers found the tape dispenser on this to be tricky to use. They say that the man is top-heavy and can fall easily, so it requires two hands to dispense the tape.
This tape dispenser is a popular gift with reviewers, especially for office colleagues. Reviewers like the humor of the design and that it can hold more stationery items than just tape.
Need More Supplies for School, Work or Crafting?
Some products are so basic we rarely think about them, but then a new design comes along and wows us. Check out these fancy stationery supplies and up your game!
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
