Saicoo V1 CAC Card Reader Review

The Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 is a horizontally resting CAC card reader suited to stationary usage but also light enough to carry around without trouble.

The Saicoo V1 has a long cable with a cable tie which makes it suitable for computer setups of almost any type.

This CAC card reader has been praised for its durable build quality and reliable performance. It’s excellent review score and high number of reviews are testament to its popularity and performance.

Stats About Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1

Price: ~$29.99 new
Review Grade: 4.4 out of 5
# of Reviews: 2397
Connection: USB
Dimensions: 4.72 x 6.89 x 2.17 in
Weight: 1.6 ounces

See how it stacks up compared to other CAC card readers.

Learn more about the Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 on Amazon.

Positives About the Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1

  • 18 Month Warranty
  • Lifetime Technical Support
  • Durable Build Quality
  • Long cord with cable tie for desktop usage

Negatives About the Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1

  • SIM Card use with Windows only

Frequently Asked Questions About Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1

Although Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 is one of the most prominently used CAC readers, there are still some very important questions to be answered so as to make sure it will allow you to use it with your system without the hassle.

What is It Compatible with?

Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 CAC Reader works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, depending on the level of your operating systems, you many need to install a driver. To use your CAC with your computer, you’ll still need to download the appropriate drivers (in some cases) as well as the necessary DOD certificates.

Do I need to Install a Driver for this to Use with My CAC?

Normally, no, so long as your computer has an updated operating system, drivers should be able to recognize the CAC reader. If you do have to install or update your drivers, this article will help you do just that. There are a couple of reviews on Amazon that state that the CAC reader didn’t work for them, and I strongly believe this was because the person didn’t have the right certs or drivers in place.

Where to find Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1?

The best place to pick up the Saicoo CAC Card Reader V1 is at Amazon.com. There you can find the best price both new and used, as well as see questions and answers from real product users.

How to Install a CAC Reader for Mac

  1. Ensure your CAC reader works with Mac
  2. Check to ensure your Mac accepts the reader
  3. Check your Mac OS version
  4. Check your CAC’s version
  5. Update your DOD certificates
  6. Guidance for Firefox Users
  7. Look at graphs to see which CAC enabler to use

Step 1: Purchase a Mac Friendly CAC Reader

Purchase a CAC reader that works for your Mac. There are only a couple that you can choose from and I’ve listed them below.

If you already have a CAC reader and it isn’t Mac friendly, you could update the firmware, however, for the non-tech savvy people out there, it’s probably better to just purchase a new one and save the headache – they’re only ~$11-13 dollars.

Best Mac Compatible CAC USB Readers

Best Mac Compatible CAC Desk Readers

Step 2: Plug in and Ensure It’s Accepted

Once you have your CAC reader, plug it into your Mac and ensure your computer recognizes it. If you have one of the CAC readers we suggested above, then you should be good to go.

If you are testing a different version, then verify that your Mac accepts your CAC reader by following these steps.

If for some reason your CAC reader isn’t working, then try the following steps.

Step 3: Update Your DOD Certificates

Now that you have your CAC reader connected and accepted on your Mac computer, it’s time to ensure you have the right certificates in order to access DOD CAC required web pages.

If you are using Chrome or Safari, then follow step 3a below. If you are using Firefox, you’ll need to do some extra steps:

  1. Type ⇧⌘U (Shift + Command + U) to access your Utilities
  2. Find and Double click “Keychain Access”
  3. Select “Login” and “All Items”
  4. Download the following four files and double click each once downloaded so as to install in your Keychain Access.
    1. Mac All Certs
    2. Mac Root Cert 2
    3. Mac Root Cert 3
    4. Mac Root Cert 4
  5. When you double-click the Mac Root Cert 3 and 4, you’ll need to tell your browser to always trust them. Click the button like you see below:

Additional Steps for Firefox

  1. Download All Certs zip and double click to unzip all 39 files
  2. While in Firefox, click “Firefox” on the top left, then “Preferences”
  3. Then Click “Advanced” > “Certificates” > “View Certificates”
  4. Then Click “Authorities” and then “Import”
  5. Import each file individually from the “AllCerts” folder. When you do this, the below box will popup. Check all three boxes and click “OK”

Step 4: Download and install CAC Enabler

  1. Download zip
  2. Double click the .zip file
  3. Because this is from an unidentified developer, you’ll need to hold down “Control” and click the program. Now select open and continue with install procedure.
  4. After installing, restart your computer

CAC Access at Home Success

Now that you have a CAC reader, certificates, and a CAC Enabler, you should now be able to access any CAC-enabled website and log on using your CAC password and data.

Common Reasons Why Your CAC Card Won’t Work On Your Mac

Ensure Your CAC Card Meets the Standards: In order for your CAC card to work, it must meet the minimal requirements. Currently, there are only four types of CAC cards that can be used. The ensure you have the right CAC card for online access, flip your CAC card to the back and if you have one of the below numbers written on the top left, then you are good to go:

  • G&D FIPS 201 SCE 3.2
  • Oberthur ID one 128 v5.5 Dual
  • GEMALTO DLGX4-A 144
  • GEMALTO TOP DL GX4 144

If you do not have any of the above written on the back, then proceed to your nearest PSD to get a new CAC card issued.

Best CAC Card Readers

Trying to find the best CAC Card Reader for your needs can be difficult at first.

Many of the brand names may be unfamiliar. Unlike more widely used electronic products, CAC readers are a specialized item which most people never need to buy. It’s often difficult to cut through the jargon and find a CAC reader which will reliably read your DOD card, meet your needs, and perform as expected.

This article will explore the different types of CAC reader available on the market today. We’ll take a look at what’s out there to help you find the right CAC reader for your usage requirements.

Types of CAC Card Reader

Before you start thinking about the best CAC reader for your needs, it’s important to think about the different options available.

There are several types of CAC card reader and each is best suited to a different usage situation.

Broadly speaking, CAC card readers consist of –

  • USB CAC Card Readers
  • Keyboard CAC Card Readers

USB CAC Card readers typically come in the form of either a small device, similar to a USB stick, or a larger device, similar to an external hard drive.

If you will frequently need to transport your CAC card reader between locations, a smaller, lighter device is probably the way to go. If you’re unlikely to move your CAC reader around too often, you might wish to try one of the larger devices as they are more sturdy for desk use. Even the heavier CAC readers only weigh around 5 ounces, so aren’t too difficult to transport when you need to.

Keyboard CAC Card Readers are simply keyboards with a built-in card reader. If you will primarily use your CAC card on a machine with an external keyboard, this might be the right choice for you.

Now that we’ve covered the types of CAC card reader available, let’s take a look at the best options out there.

Best CAC Card Readers

The following tables show the best CAC Card readers for sale on Amazon. The ranking is based on factors such as price, performance and user reviews. If a particular CAC reader interests you, it’s worth taking the time to read more about it on Amazon, as each has a wealth of information available about it.

Best USB CAC Card Readers

Our pick for the best portable CAC Reader is the Rocketek RT-SCR3. It is small, portable, and has a well-designed foldaway USB connection. It’s high review score, based on a large number of real reviews, is testament to its performance.

If you’re looking for a CAC reader for desk use with a horizontal card insertion point, the Saicoo Card Reader V1 is a great choice. It has the right mix of quality, durability and affordability.

Some CAC users prefer vertical insertion devices. If that’s the case for you, check out the Saicoo Card Reader V2. It works well with Windows and Mac and is a good option for keeping your CAC card visible and out of harm’s way.

Best Keyboard CAC Card Readers

If you prefer a keyboard with a built in CAC reader, the following table showcases some of the best.

CAC Card Reader Conclusion

Remember, there’s no best overall CAC reader – only the CAC reader best suited to your needs.

Take the time to explore your options, think about which is the ‘best fit’ for your circumstances, and read up on verified reviews. There really is a CAC reader suited to every circumstance. Time to find yours.