Roland BN2 and BN-20 Buying Guide: Which Is Better BN2-20/A or BN-20/A?

With the launch of the Roland BN2-20A and BN2-20 there are now double the number of choices when shopping for a 20" ecosolvent print and cut machine. 

Roland has upgraded it's popular BN-20 and BN-20A printers and cutters with the release of the completely redesigned BN2-20 and BN2-20A with faster print and cut speeds, included cut line software, and a whole host of other new features and upgrade. You can get your first look at the Roland BN2-20A here! But with that - it comes at a higher price tag than the original BN-20 and BN-20A - which are sticking around. So which is best for you? 

What Can You Do with a Roland BN-20A or BN2?

Before we get to deciding on the machine...let's first make sure a Roland BN2 or BN-20A is right for you at all... by answering the #1 question I get from crafters and small shops looking to grow and do print and cut in one machine: What can you do with a Roland BN-20A..or any of the other BN machines? 

Here's a quick look at some of the things a Roland BN2-20, 20A or Roland BN2 can make to help you decide if a Roland BN-20A or BN2-20A is worth it. (All images are clickable to a full tutorial or video.)

Which Roland BN is Best?

Once you've decided a Roland printer and cutter is right for you, let's decide which of the four BN models is best for you and your business. The good news is - I'm here to help with a bunch of different resources. 

There are two models for each line for a total of four options. The -20 models are five cartridges and have the option for white ink. The -20A models are CMYK with a four ink configuration. 

The BN models are the original. The BN2 are the newer line. 

As you consider the options there are four main things, I suggest you keep in mind: 

• Price
• Speed 
• Ease of Use 
• Ability to Print White

Roland BN2-20/A vs Roland BN-20A Specifications

Let's start with a side by side comparison of the Roland BN vs BN2 so you can see the desktop print and cut machines by the numbers. 

Roland BN2-20 and BN2-20A New Features 

By far the biggest changes are that the BN2 models are four times faster than the original BN models and include special software for auto cut lines (read: ease of use!), but those upgrades - along with 23 other new features and changes in the BN2 - come with a higher price tag.  

Check out my BN2-20A vs BN-20A printing and cutting speed test speed and my video on how to quickly create auto cut lines in Flexi Designer which is included with BN2 models. 

What Roland BN Machine Is Better: BN2 vs BN-20?

But..what does all that actually mean for you and your business? Answer a few simple questions using the decision chart below and I'll help guide you to the best Roland BN machine for your business. 

One thing to keep in mind is MOST people DO NOT need the ability to print white. Most material is white and you can use that as the "white" in your designs. Unless you are printing on clear or metallic material much of the time, you likely will answer "No" to the starting question. 

Once you find your recommended BN or BN2, you can click the machine at the bottom to be taken to bundle options. More on my recommended Roland BN and BN2 bundles below. 

HERE

Before you go any further, remember your color and model number.

🟡 BN2-20A 🟢 BN2-20 

🔘 BN-20A 🟠 BN-20 

Best Roland BN-20/A or BN2-20/A Printer Bundle

Now let's narrow down all of those overwhelming options for bundles based on what you really need. I've put a color coordinating dot 🟡 🟢 🔘 🟠 next to each of the recommended bundles to help you focus your attention on the model you found to be the best option for you.

The best Roland BN2 or BN Bundle is the one that has everything YOU need to get started and is within your budget. 

I'm going to give you my recommendations for budget friendly, necessities plus bundle, and full BN or BN2 set up bundle.  You can click on the bundle image or the name for more information and to shop.

What Else Is Needed to Get Started with Roland BN-20 or BN2-20?

A few things to keep in mind as you shop: 

• Roland BN and BN2 machines do not come with ink
• There is a stand available for the BN-20 and BN-20A models, but not the BN2 models. I use and recommend this table for BN2-20A
• The BN2 models require an Ethernet cable which is not included. If your computer only has a USB-C input you will also need an adapter
• All Roland BN printers and cutters run on PC only.  I'm a MAC girl, but this is the PC I use with Roland
• Versaworks Edition of Flexi Designer Software for Automatic Cut Lines is ONLY Available with the BN2 models
• I recommend a combination of Silhouette Studio Business Edition and Affinity Designer for BN-20/A users (Tutorials found here)

I created this Roland BN Amazon shopping list with my recommendations for a PC, ethernet cable, and table/workbench for easy shopping. 

Best Roland BN Budget Friendly Beginner Bundle Option 

As I mentioned, none of the Roland BN machines include ink so I would highly recommend you get a bundle with ink so you can get started right away.

I've included my recommendation for the best budget-friendly Roland BN bundle for each of the four machine options below.

🟡 BN2-20A with CMYK Ink Bundle	🟢 BN2-20 with CMYK+W Ink Bundle
🔘 BN-20A with CMYK Ink Bundle	🟠 BN-20 with CMYK+W Ink Bundle

Best Roland BN Necessities Plus Bundle Option 

If you want to get started right away with trying various materials, I think it's a great idea to get some extra material along with the Roland BN bundle you pick!  Many of my recommended bundles include 20" x 10 yard rolls of printable Oracal materials. 

I've included my recommendation for the best Ink and Material bundles for each of the four machine options below.

🟡 BN2-20A with CMYK Ink & Material Bundle	🟢 BN2-20 with CMYK+W Ink & Material Bundle
🔘 BN-20A with CMYK Ink, Stand,  & Material Bundle	🟠 BN-20 with CMYK+W Ink & Material Bundle

Best Roland BN Pro Bundle Option 

If you're ready to get a full Roland BN set up, there are pro-level bundles as well. 

I've included my recommendation for the best pro Roland BN bundle for each of the four machine options below.

🟡 BN2-20A with CMYK Ink Material & Laminator Bundle	🟢 BN2-20 with CMYK+W Ink, Laminator & Material Bundle
🔘 BN-20A with CMYK Ink & Roland GS2-24 Cutter	🟠 BN-20 with CMYK+W Ink & Laminator Bundle