Bluetooth X6BT Card Reader Writer Encoder Card Writer Device

In this review the Bluetooth X6BT Card Reader Writer Encoder Card Writer Device is presented as a compact, USB-powered swipe reader aimed at small businesses, technicians, and hobbyists who need a portable way to read, write and erase magnetic stripe cards. The single biggest reason to buy is its unusual combination of Bluetooth 4.1 wireless connectivity and USB power, which allows users to operate the device from computers, tablets and phones without an external power adapter. Setup is straightforward and the device supports the common ISO 7811-6 formats used for many loyalty, access and ID cards.

Key Features

• Bluetooth 4.1 and USB power: Offers wireless operation to mobile devices while drawing power from USB, so extra power adapters are not required.
• Three-track support: Reads and writes Tracks 1, 2 and 3, which covers the wide range of magnetic stripe card formats you are likely to encounter.
• Read, write and erase functions: The device can perform full card encoding workflows so you can update or clear card data without extra tools.
• Cross-platform software: Includes free software that supports legacy Windows versions, Mac OS, iOS and Android for broad compatibility with existing systems.
• Safety protections: Built-in modules protect against over-voltage, over-current, leakage, short circuit and interference to protect cards and hosts.
• Portable design: A compact, finished housing makes the unit unobtrusive on a counter or in a service bag.

Who It's For

The X6BT is best suited to service technicians, small business operators and event staff who need a portable encoder for loyalty, access or temporary ID cards and who value wireless operation from phones and tablets. Its support for three tracks and ISO 7811-6 formats makes it useful where a variety of magnetic stripe cards are used.

Those who need enterprise-scale throughput, integrated network management or certified payment terminal functionality should look elsewhere; this model is designed as a general-purpose reader/writer rather than a high-volume industrial encoder or payment-certified terminal.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bluetooth 4.1 plus USB power gives flexible connectivity and eliminates the need for a separate power adaptor.
• Broad platform support with supplied software for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android simplifies integration into mixed environments.
• Includes 20 blank cards, a Bluetooth dongle and USB cord so you can start testing right away.

Cons

• Software distribution on a MINI CD may be inconvenient for systems without optical drives, requiring downloads or an alternate transfer method.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Bluetooth X6BT is a practical, portable card reader/writer that delivers real value for technicians and small operators who need flexible wireless and USB operation and multi-track ISO 7811-6 support. It is not built for high-volume industrial encoding, but for its price and included accessories it represents a useful, easy-to-deploy tool for routine card encoding and replacement tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this unit work with mobile phones?
Yes. Bluetooth 4.1 plus included software support for iOS and Android allow use with many phones and tablets.

Is an external power adaptor required?
No. The X6BT is powered via USB so no additional power adaptor is needed for normal operation.

What card formats are supported?
The reader/writer supports three magnetic stripe tracks and complies with ISO 7811-6 formats used by many ID, loyalty and access cards.