Omnikey HID 5022 CL Contactless USB Reader - Compact Secure Access

In this review of the Omnikey HID 5022 CL contactless USB reader the bottom line is clear: it is a compact, no-frills credential reader best suited to offices and IT teams that need to extend existing physical access cards to computer and network logon. The reviewer found that support for a broad set of 13.56 MHz credentials, a closed housing for reliable daily use and a long USB cable make it a practical bridge between physical access systems and endpoint authentication. For those who need a small, dependable reader that works out of the box with common smartcards, this model deserves consideration.

Key Features

• Wide credential support: Works with iCLASS Seos, iCLASS, DESFire and MIFARE, letting organizations reuse existing cards for multiple authentication tasks.
• Standards compliant: ISO 14443 A/B and ISO 15693 compliance ensures compatibility with a broad ecosystem of contactless tags and cards.
• USB connectivity: USB Type A plug with a 150 cm cable provides flexible placement on crowded desks without needing hubs or adapters.
• Compact footprint: At roughly 2.32 in x 2.32 in x 0.44 in the reader fits neatly beside laptops or monitors and does not dominate workspace real estate.
• Computer logon enablement: Lets organizations extend physical access cards to computer, network and cloud logon without issuing separate tokens.

Who It's For

The Omnikey HID 5022 CL is aimed at IT administrators, security teams and workplaces that already use 13.56 MHz card systems and want to leverage those same credentials for workstation and network authentication. Its closed housing and CCID compliance make it a sensible choice for managed desktops and shared workstations in enterprise and education settings.

It is less suited to casual home users who need multifunction readers for many card types beyond 13.56 MHz standards or those who require wireless or Bluetooth connectivity. If you need a reader with battery operation or open housing for frequent firmware access, consider other models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports a broad set of 13.56 MHz credentials, so existing access cards can be reused for logon.
• Standards compliance with ISO 14443 A/B and ISO 15693 improves interoperability with common cards.
• Long 150 cm USB Type A cable provides placement flexibility without extra accessories.
• Compact dimensions make it unobtrusive on desks or crowded IT racks.

Cons

• Closed housing and USB Type A only means no Bluetooth or USB-C without adapters, which may limit use with some modern laptops.

Specifications

Model	Omnikey HID 5022 CL (Dark Blue)
Frequency	13.56 MHz
Supported credentials	iCLASS Seos, iCLASS, DESFire, MIFARE
Standards	ISO 14443 A/B and ISO 15693 compliant
Interface	USB Type A with 150 cm cable
Dimensions	2.32 in x 2.32 in x 0.44 in (59 x 59 x 11.4 mm)
Housing	Closed housing, CCID compliant

Our Verdict

The Omnikey HID 5022 CL is a pragmatic, value-oriented contactless reader for organizations that want to extend existing 13.56 MHz access cards to computer logon. Its broad credential support, standards compliance and long USB cable deliver reliable day-to-day use, while the compact closed design keeps it durable and tidy on workstations. Buy it if you need dependable enterprise-grade card reading without extra wireless features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this reader work with existing MIFARE cards?
Yes, it supports MIFARE as well as DESFire and iCLASS family credentials at 13.56 MHz.

Does the reader require special drivers?
It is CCID compliant which enables plug-and-play use with many operating systems; some deployments may use middleware for single sign-on integration.

Is the cable removable or replaceable?
The unit ships with a fixed 150 cm USB Type A cable; there is no built-in USB-C or wireless option.