Acrylic Medals vs Metal Medals: Which is Cheaper & Better Value?

Quick Answer: Which is Cheaper?

Acrylic medals are cheaper than metal medals in most cases. The material costs less. Production is often simpler. This makes acrylic a strong choice when you need many awards or work to a tight budget.

Metal medals feel heavier and more traditional. They often cost more per piece. They suit high-level events where the classic look and weight matter.

Both can look smart when well made. The best choice depends on your event size, budget and what the winners will value most.

Price Comparison

Price is the first thing most clubs check. Acrylic medals tend to sit at a lower price point. Metal medals rise in cost with size, finish and order quantity.

Here is a simple comparison based on typical UK market ranges for custom medals:

Exact prices change with size, design detail and how many you order. Bulk orders usually bring the unit price down for both materials. Acrylic still tends to stay more affordable overall.

If you are also looking at trophies rather than medals, our acrylic trophies start from £11.49. There is no minimum order. You can order one award or enough for a full club.

Weight and Feel

Metal medals feel solid in the hand. Many people link that weight with prestige. Winners often like the classic heft when the medal is placed around their neck.

Acrylic medals are much lighter. This makes them comfortable for younger players and for longer wear during the day. They are easier to post and cheaper to ship in large numbers.

Neither is right or wrong. Think about who will receive the award. Juniors and large junior sections often prefer the lighter option. Senior championships may prefer the traditional metal feel.

Look and Customisation

Acrylic medals take full-colour printing very well. Logos stay bright. Text stays clear. You can create modern shapes and colourful designs that stand out in photos.

Metal medals usually use engraving, enamel or plating. They look classic and formal. Detail can be excellent, but full-colour artwork is harder to achieve at the same price.

If your club crest has many colours or you want a bright modern design, acrylic often gives better results for the money. If you want a traditional gold, silver or bronze look, metal is the usual choice.

At Fast Trophies we use full-colour UV printing on our premium 20mm acrylic awards. Logos and text stay sharp. This same print quality is why many clubs choose acrylic for trophies as well as considering it for medals.

Durability and Care

Metal medals are tough. They resist everyday knocks well. With care they can last for many years. Some finishes can tarnish if not cleaned, but most modern medals hold up well.

Acrylic medals are strong for normal use. They will not shatter like glass. They can scratch if rubbed against hard surfaces or other medals. Keeping them in a soft pouch or display case helps them stay clear.

For display on a shelf or in a cabinet, both materials work well. For medals that will be worn often or stored in bags, metal has a small edge in toughness.

Our acrylic trophies use solid 20mm crystal-clear acrylic. They are made for everyday display and handling. Wipe with a soft cloth if needed. Keep them indoors away from hard drops.

Which Suits Your Event?

Choose acrylic medals when:

• You need many awards for a large event
• Budget is limited
• Winners are mainly juniors or younger players
• You want bright full-colour designs
• Light weight and easy shipping matter

Choose metal medals when:

• The event is a major championship
• The traditional heavy feel is important
• You want a classic gold, silver or bronze look
• Long-term prestige is the top priority

Many clubs mix both. They use metal for the top senior awards and acrylic for age-group or participation medals. This keeps the budget under control while still giving the main prizes a premium feel.

If you are deciding between medals and trophies, remember that a personalised acrylic trophy often gives stronger display value. It stands on a shelf and shows the winner’s name clearly for years.

True Value Over Time

Cheapest is not always best value. Value means the award feels special, looks good in photos, and is kept with pride.

Acrylic medals give strong value when you need volume and colour. They let you recognise more players without stretching the budget. Metal medals give strong value when the weight and classic look matter most to the winners.

Think about the full cost. Include personalisation, ribbons, packaging and delivery. A slightly higher unit price can still be better value if the award is kept and displayed for years.

At Fast Trophies every acrylic award is personalised in the UK. There is no minimum order. You pay for exactly the number you need. This helps clubs of all sizes get good value without leftover stock.

Simple Decision Checklist

• Write down how many awards you need
• Set a clear total budget
• Decide if juniors and seniors need the same style
• Choose light weight or traditional weight
• Check if full-colour logos are important
• Order early enough for personalisation and delivery
• Double-check all names and spellings

If you decide trophies suit your event better than medals, browse our acrylic trophies collection. Prices start from £11.49. Every piece is made to order with no minimum.