The Best Tape Dispensers
No desk, office, or craft kit is complete without a reliable tape dispenser. Instead of struggling with scissors or losing the end of the tape on the roll, you can easily cut the perfect length of tape using just one hand with the help of a tape dispenser. It's a convenient solution as well as a safe one since the blade is far away from your hand while tearing off pieces of tape. There are many different dispensers made for different types of tape, and the designs of the dispensers themselves range from utilitarian and business-like to whimsical and fun. To help you find the perfect tape dispenser for your own needs, we've rounded up some of the best options available.
Scotch Magic Tape Dispenser with Six Rolls
The gold standard
This tape dispenser is sturdy and reliable, making it the perfect addition to a desk or craft room. The base is cushioned to keep it from scraping furniture, and the drum that holds the tape roll lifts out of the slots for effortless replacement. As a bonus, the dispenser comes with six rolls of Scotch Magic tape, so you won’t be running out any time soon. You can write on the tape with a ballpoint pen, marker, or pencil, which also makes it great for making temporary labels.
Pros:
- Includes six rolls of tape for refills
- Matte finish tape becomes nearly invisible when applied to surfaces
- The dispenser holds both 1/2-inch-wide and 3/4-inch-wide tape
Cons:
- The dispenser is not very heavily weighted, so it may move when taking pieces of tape
Scotch Tape Dispenser with Magic Tape
Stay in place
Kids love tape, but it’s important that they can use it easily and safely. This tape dispenser is finished with a non-slip base that ensures it won’t slide around when you’re using it. This also means that it will stay in place without holding it, so children can get pieces of tape with both hands. The model comes in several bright colors, so your child can pick their favorite. This has the added benefit of helping to differentiate between different dispensers, so you can have yours and your child can have their own.
Pros:
- Stable, weighted base and non-slip pad
- Swing-out tape hub keeps the tape roll securely in place
- Includes one roll of Scotch Magic tape
Cons:
- Comes in a variety of colors, but the color is selected randomly before it is shipped
Officemate Two-in-One Tape Dispenser
Office assistant
This two-in-one tape dispenser is a true workhorse, making it a useful and efficient space-saver. It holds both packing tape and 3/4-inch tape, and the hefty weighted base lets you dispense both with a single hand. Furthermore, there is a small compartment on the back that holds pens, pencils, rulers, scissors, and other desk supplies, helping you create a clean and organized workspace.
Pros:
- Made of 30% recycled materials
- Holds two different types of tape as well as office supplies
- Great for both home and office use
Cons:
- Does not come with tape
Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape with Dispenser
Sent packing
For shipping and packing, it’s imperative to have a specific tape dispenser to make the process seamless. This industrial-strength dispenser helps you easily wrap tape around boxes to secure them for shipping or storage with the use of just one hand. The dispenser also holds two rolls, so you’ll always have a backup ready to go. The strong adhesive tape creates an airtight seal on many surfaces, even on recycled boxes that are harder to stick tape on.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Comes with two rolls of heavy-duty packing tape
- Handle is coated with a grip pad that makes it a snap to hold and dispense tape
Cons:
- May be excessively large if you don’t ship packages frequently
NPW Unicorn Tape Dispenser
Add some magic to your desk with this fantastical unicorn tape dispenser. It is made of molded plastic and has a multicolored mane and shiny gold horn. It dispenses bright, star-studded rainbow tape, which adds a playful dash of color to your papers and envelopes. This unique tape dispenser is certainly a conversation piece, and it is equally perfect for a child or for your inner child.
Pros:
- Fits any tape that is 3/4-inch wide or narrower
- Includes two rolls of tape
- Both fun and useful
Cons:
- Not weighted, so it may slide around as you dispense tape
- Comes with rainbow tape, so if you want clear tape you will have to replace it
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use replacement tape rolls that are the same brand as my tape dispenser?
To ensure that your tape rolls are the right size for a perfect fit, it’s a good idea to buy tape rolls that are the same brand as your tape dispenser. However, standard 3/4-inch rolls should fit on most tape dispenser hubs. 1/2-inch tape may also fit your tape dispenser, but be sure to refer to your specific product’s dimensions to make sure you get the right width for your needs.
What kind of tape do I need for my project?
Standard invisible tape is suitable for most paper projects, as well as small repairs, whereas wide packing tape is great when you need extra strength and adhesive power. If you want to hang decorations or posters on the wall, be sure to use special wall-safe tape, which will stick without peeling off paint when it is removed. Beyond the basics, try using strips of tape to clean dust from your keyboard, pick up small pieces of broken glass, or take pieces of lint off of clothing.