A basic fingerprint time clock costs about $160 to $200 per unit at US retailers, and most cloud-connected models also need a monthly software subscription. Facial-recognition terminals cost more, roughly $900 to $1,300 per unit. On top of hardware, budget for software per employee, installation and network setup, and the work of meeting biometric privacy laws such as Illinois BIPA, which requires written consent and a public retention policy.
| Device type | Example price (US retail, 2025-2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic fingerprint clock | About $160 to $200 | Examples: uAttend BN6500 about $164; uAttend BN6000N about $200. Usually require a subscription |
| Fingerprint clock bundle | About $160 (last listed price) | Acroprint BioTouch bundle at a warehouse club, early 2025 |
| Facial-recognition terminal | Roughly $900 to $1,300 | Based on a reseller listing for a Lathem FR650; prices vary widely |
| Multi-factor terminal (face, fingerprint, card) | Quote-based | Often sold with access control |
Hardware is a per-entrance cost: two doors where employees clock in means two devices.
Fingerprints and face geometry are regulated in several states. Before installing a biometric clock, check where your employees work:
| State | Main requirements | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (BIPA) | Written notice and a signed release before collection; public retention policy; destroy data within 3 years of the last interaction or when the purpose ends | Private lawsuits: $1,000 per negligent and $5,000 per intentional violation. Since August 2024, repeated scans of the same person count as one violation |
| Texas (CUBI) | Notice and consent; no sale; destroy within about a year after the purpose ends | Attorney General, up to $25,000 per violation |
| Washington (RCW 19.375) | Notice and consent for enrolling biometrics for a commercial purpose; limited retention | Attorney General |
| Colorado (HB24-1130, from July 1, 2025) | Informed consent; written policy with retention and incident response; deletion deadlines | Attorney General and district attorneys, up to $20,000 per violation |
Budget legal review time for consent forms and policies. Other states and cities may add rules, so check before you deploy.
A 40-employee warehouse with two entrances using basic fingerprint clocks: about $320 to $400 in hardware, plus the clock vendor’s subscription, plus installation and consent paperwork. The same site with NFC tags at both doors and employees clocking in on their phones needs no terminals at all, and EZTime would cost $80 to $240 a month depending on the plan.
Compare all options in time clock app vs. biometric time clock.
EZTime biometric terminals are coming soon; today you can combine app, kiosk and NFC clock-in in one account.
Basic cloud-connected fingerprint clocks list for about $160 to $200 at US retailers, and most require a monthly subscription for the software.
Yes. Facial-recognition terminals typically cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars each, before software and installation.
Yes, but some states regulate the data. Illinois requires written consent and a public retention policy and allows private lawsuits; Texas, Washington and Colorado also have rules.
They are very effective at it. NFC tags and GPS geofences also reduce buddy punching at a lower cost and without collecting biometric data.
EZTime biometric terminals are listed as coming soon. Today EZTime supports app, web or tablet kiosk, NFC and SMS clock-in.
Which method fits your sites, budget and compliance needs.
Side-by-side comparison of the three methods.
Software, hardware and hidden fees explained.
Methods that actually work.
Picks by type of business.
Hardware prices are from US retailer and reseller listings seen in 2025-2026 and are examples, not quotes. State law summaries are general information, not legal advice; biometric laws change, so confirm current requirements with counsel.