Finding the best printers for crafting can feel overwhelming when you are staring at dozens of models, each promising vibrant colors and flawless cardstock handling. After spending months testing printers for stickers, scrapbook pages, sublimation projects, and Cricut Print Then Cut designs, our team narrowed the field to the models that actually deliver for crafters.
The right craft printer needs to handle thick cardstock without jamming, produce colors that pop on printable vinyl, and keep ink costs manageable when you are printing hundreds of designs. Whether you are making custom stickers to sell at craft fairs or printing scrapbook pages for your family album, the printer you choose directly impacts your project quality and your wallet.
In this guide, we cover 10 standout printers for crafting in 2026, spanning inkjet workhorses, dye-sublimation photo printers, dedicated sublimation machines, and even a compact label maker. We break down print quality, ink costs, paper handling, and real-world crafting performance so you can pick with confidence.
Top 3 Picks for Best Printers for Crafting
Canon TS9521C Crafting Printer
- › 12x12 Borderless Printing
- › 5 Individual Ink Tanks
- › Wide-Format Crafting
Best Printers for Crafting in 2026
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1. Canon TS9521C – The 12×12 Scrapbooking Specialist
Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer, 12X12 Printing, White, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
12x12 Borderless Printing
5 Individual Ink Tanks
4800x1200 dpi
Wide-Format Crafting
+ The Good
- 12x12 inch borderless printing for scrapbook pages
- Individual ink tanks for cost efficiency
- Handles thick cardstock and printable vinyl
- Wireless printing via Canon PRINT app
- Auto Document Feeder and CD/DVD printing
- The Bad
- Ink cartridges expensive and half-full out of box
- Rear feed tray requires extra vertical clearance
- Plastic build feels less premium than older models
Our team tested the Canon TS9521C specifically for scrapbooking and it immediately stood out. The ability to print borderless 12×12 inch pages is a feature almost no other consumer printer offers at this level. If you are a scrapbooker, this alone makes it worth serious consideration.
Beyond scrapbooking, we found the TS9521C handles cardstock beautifully. The rear feed tray accepts thicker media that front-loading printers simply reject. We printed on 110 lb cardstock, printable vinyl, and photo paper all without a single jam during our testing period.
The five individual ink tanks mean you only replace the color that runs out. This is a real money-saver compared to tri-color cartridge systems. The ChromaLife100 protection also gives your printed photos a 100-year album life rating, which matters for archival scrapbook projects.
On the downside, the included starter cartridges are only half-full. Plan to buy a full set of ink shortly after unboxing. The rear feed tray also sticks up about 5 inches, so you need clearance above the printer for it to function properly.
Who This Printer Is Perfect For
The Canon TS9521C is ideal for dedicated scrapbookers who need true 12×12 inch printing. It also excels for crafters who regularly work with thick cardstock, printable vinyl, and photo paper for custom cards or Print Then Cut projects with Cricut.
If your crafting business involves printing wide-format designs, invitations, or large stickers, the TS9521C handles up to 11×17 inch media. The wireless connectivity and Canon PRINT app make it easy to send designs from your phone or tablet directly to the printer.
What to Watch Out For
The ink cost is the biggest ongoing expense with this printer. Original Canon cartridges run premium prices, and while it accepts some generic inks, using them may void your warranty. Budget for ink as part of your total cost of ownership.
WiFi setup can also be finicky on initial configuration. Several users report needing multiple attempts to get the printer connected to their network. Once connected, though, the wireless performance is reliable for daily crafting use.
2. Liene PixCut S1 – All-in-One Sticker Maker
Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer & Cutting Machine - All-in-One Sticker Maker for DIY Crafts, Custom Labels & Gifts. Thermal Dye-Sublimation Photo Printer, 300 DPI, Precise AI Auto-Cutting
AI Auto-Cutting
Dye-Sublimation 300 dpi
Waterproof Stickers
Bluetooth Compact Design
+ The Good
- Prints and cuts stickers in one step
- AI image extraction for precise cutting
- Waterproof and scratch-resistant output
- 40
- 000+ free images and templates
- No subscription required
- The Bad
- Sticker paper is proprietary with no alternatives
- App requires mandatory sign-in
- Cannot print from computer or laptop
- Consumables are expensive
The Liene PixCut S1 completely changed how I think about sticker making. Instead of printing on one device and cutting on another, this all-in-one machine handles both steps. The AI-powered auto-cutting is surprisingly precise for intricate designs.
Dye-sublimation technology means each sticker gets a four-layer lamination automatically. The result is waterproof, scratch-resistant stickers that look professionally manufactured. We tested them on water bottles and laptops, and they held up beautifully through daily use.
The Liene app includes over 40,000 free images, fonts, and elements plus 2,000+ ready-to-use templates. This is a goldmine for crafters who want quick designs without starting from scratch. The AI Lab feature also lets you transform and stylize images directly in the app.
However, the proprietary sticker paper limitation is a real constraint. You are locked into Liene consumables with no third-party alternatives. The sticker sheets also have larger margins than we would like, meaning you do not use the full 4×7 inch sheet area efficiently.
Best Use Cases for the PixCut S1
This printer shines for crafters who make custom stickers as their primary craft. Journaling enthusiasts, small business owners selling sticker packs, and anyone creating custom labels or gifts will love the print-and-cut workflow.
The compact 6.2-pound design means it fits on any desk. Bluetooth connectivity lets you print directly from your smartphone, making it perfect for on-the-go crafting at events or craft fairs.
Limitations to Consider
The mandatory app sign-in raises data privacy concerns for some users. You cannot use the printer at all without creating a Liene account and connecting through the app. The USB-C port is present but cannot be used for computer printing.
Color accuracy can occasionally drift compared to what you see on screen. If exact color matching is critical for your craft business, you may need to calibrate expectations or look at a traditional inkjet option instead.
3. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Premium Wide-Format Powerhouse
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with High Resolution Scanner, Ethernet, USB, and Color Touchscreen
6-Color Claria Premium Ink
13x19 Wide Format
Cartridge-Free EcoTank
5760x1440 dpi
+ The Good
- 6-color ink with gray for smooth tonal transitions
- Cartridge-free saves up to 80 percent on ink
- Borderless printing up to 13x19 inches
- 4 cent per 4x6 photo cost
- Up to 2 years of ink included
- The Bad
- Large footprint requires substantial desk space
- Print head clogs if unused for months
- Maintenance tank needs periodic replacement
- Manual tray selection more reliable than auto
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the printer I recommend when budget is less of a concern and quality is everything. The six-color Claria ET Premium ink system includes a dedicated gray ink that produces incredibly smooth tonal transitions for photo prints.
During our testing, we printed everything from 4×6 craft photos to full 13×19 inch gallery prints. The color accuracy and detail on glossy photo paper rivaled professional lab results. For crafters who sell photo-based products, this quality difference directly translates to higher perceived value.
The EcoTank system is where the long-term savings kick in. Each 4×6 photo costs approximately 4 cents to print, compared to 40 cents with traditional cartridges. Over a year of active crafting, this difference adds up to hundreds of dollars saved.
The ink bottles use unique nozzles for each color, making it impossible to fill the wrong tank. We found the refill process clean and straightforward, with no dripping or mess. One set of ink bottles can produce up to 6,200 color pages before needing a refill.
When the ET-8550 Makes Sense
This printer is ideal for serious crafters and small business owners who print photos frequently. If you sell printed art, custom photo gifts, or high-end craft products, the ET-8550 delivers professional-grade output that justifies its premium positioning.
The 13×19 inch borderless printing capability also opens up possibilities for large-format crafting projects that smaller printers simply cannot handle. Posters, large art prints, and wide-format scrapbook spreads are all within reach.
Things to Keep in Mind
The ET-8550 is physically large at 29.8 inches deep and 24.5 pounds. Measure your workspace carefully before purchasing. The auto tray selection can also be unreliable, so we recommend manually selecting your paper tray for consistent results.
If the printer sits unused for extended periods, the print heads can clog. Run a maintenance print every couple of weeks to keep everything flowing smoothly. The maintenance tank will also need replacement periodically, which is an additional ongoing cost to factor in.
4. Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best Budget Craft Printer
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer Duplex Printing, White – Home Printer with Copier/Scanner, 1.42” OLED Display, Intuitive Control Panel, Compact Design
Budget All-in-One
Auto Duplex Printing
Dual-Band WiFi
Compact 15 lb Design
+ The Good
- Affordable entry point for crafters
- 2-cartridge hybrid ink for sharp text and vivid color
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- Dual-band WiFi for reliable connectivity
- Compact design fits any workspace
- The Bad
- Ink cartridges are expensive to replace
- Limited paper capacity
- No fax capability
- Not designed for high-volume printing
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 proves you do not need to spend a fortune to get a capable crafting printer. At its price point, we were genuinely impressed by the print quality for both documents and photos. The 2-cartridge hybrid system uses pigment black for crisp text and dye-based color for vivid images.
For light to moderate crafting, the TS6520 handles cardstock, photo paper, and printable vinyl without complaint. The automatic duplex printing is a nice bonus that saves paper when printing double-sided craft templates or worksheets.
Setup was straightforward in our testing, with the dual-band WiFi connecting reliably to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. The 1.42-inch OLED display gives clear status information, and the compact footprint means this printer fits comfortably on a small crafting desk.
The main trade-off is ink cost. The PG-295 black XL cartridge runs around $50, which adds up quickly if you are printing frequently. For occasional crafters, this is manageable. For heavy users, the cost per page is significantly higher than EcoTank alternatives.
Ideal Crafter Profile
The TS6520 is perfect for beginners who are just starting their crafting journey and want a reliable printer without a large upfront investment. It handles everyday craft projects like card making, light scrapbooking, and occasional photo printing competently.
If you craft a few times per month rather than daily, this printer hits the sweet spot of affordability and capability. The 3-year manufacturer warranty also provides peace of mind for budget-conscious buyers.
Where It Falls Short
The paper capacity is limited, so you will reload frequently during long crafting sessions. There is no fax capability, and the printer is not designed for the volume that a crafting business might demand.
If you plan to print more than a few hundred pages per month, the ink costs will quickly exceed what you would spend on an EcoTank model. Consider this printer for hobby crafting rather than commercial production.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-2803 – Best Value Ink Tank Printer
Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and AirPrint Support
Cartridge-Free EcoTank
2 Years Ink Included
5760x1440 dpi
20k+ Reviews
+ The Good
- Cartridge-free saves up to 80 percent on ink
- Up to 2 years of ink included
- Print 4500 black or 7500 color pages per set
- Lightweight 8.8 pound design
- Over 20
- 000 customer reviews
- The Bad
- Single-sided printing only no auto duplex
- Small LCD screen hard to read
- WiFi setup can be problematic
- Print head clogs if unused for extended periods
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is the printer I recommend most often to crafters who want low operating costs without sacrificing quality. With over 20,000 reviews and a strong 4.1-star average, this model has earned its reputation as a workhorse for home and craft use.
The cartridge-free EcoTank system is the headline feature. One set of included ink bottles equals approximately 80 individual cartridges. That translates to up to 4,500 black pages or 7,500 color pages before you need to buy more ink.
For crafting specifically, the ET-2803 produces sharp text and impressive color on various paper types. We tested it with sticker paper, cardstock, and photo paper, and the 5760×1440 dpi resolution delivered vibrant, detailed results across the board.
The EcoFit ink bottles deserve special mention. Each bottle has a unique nozzle that only fits the correct color tank, making it impossible to cross-contaminate your inks. The filling process is clean and takes about two minutes for all four colors.
Why Crafters Love This Printer
The long-term ink savings are the biggest draw. If you print stickers, cards, or Print Then Cut designs regularly, the ET-2803 pays for itself in ink savings alone compared to cartridge-based printers. Many crafters report going 18 months or more before needing their first ink refill.
The lightweight 8.8-pound design is also surprisingly portable for an all-in-one printer. It moves easily between crafting spaces, and the compact footprint fits on standard shelving units.
Known Issues to Plan For
The lack of automatic duplex printing means you flip pages manually for double-sided projects. The small LCD screen can also be difficult to read, especially in bright lighting conditions.
WiFi setup requires patience. We recommend locking the printer to a static IP address to prevent connectivity drops. The Epson app can also be inconsistent, so test your wireless connection thoroughly during the initial setup period.
6. Canon Selphy CP1500 – Dye-Sublimation Photo Printer
Canon Selphy CP1500 Photo Printer Bundle (Black) with KP-108 Paper (108 Sheets) 3 Color Ink Cartridges & Tudak Cleaning Cloth – Wireless Compact Dye-Sub Printer Kit
Dye-Sublimation Photo Printer
4x6 Lab-Quality Prints
Wireless Compact Design
Water-Resistant Photos
+ The Good
- Lab-quality vibrant dye-sublimation prints
- Water and fingerprint resistant output
- Compact and portable design
- Easy setup with pre-matched paper and ink
- Wireless printing from any device
- The Bad
- Paper and ink refills are expensive
- Limited to 4x6 inch prints only
- Single-sided printing only
- Not suitable for large-format projects
The Canon Selphy CP1500 is a specialist printer that does one thing exceptionally well: producing lab-quality 4×6 photos. For crafters who focus on photo-based projects like scrapbooking, journaling, or personalized photo gifts, this compact dye-sublimation printer is a fantastic tool.
Dye-sublimation technology produces prints that are fundamentally different from inkjet output. The colors are continuous-tone, meaning there are no visible dot patterns. Each print also receives a protective overcoat layer that makes it water-resistant and fingerprint-proof.
The bundle includes KP-108 paper (108 sheets) and three color ink cartridges, so you can start printing immediately. The pre-matched paper and ink system means you never have to guess about compatibility or quality.
Perfect for These Crafting Projects
The Selphy CP1500 excels at scrapbook photos, event favors, party decorations, and personalized gifts. The wireless connectivity lets you print directly from your smartphone, making it perfect for on-the-spot photo printing at parties or craft events.
If you run a photo booth business or sell customized photo gifts at craft fairs, the instant print capability and professional-quality output give you a significant edge over competitors using standard inkjet printers.
Cost and Limitation Considerations
The consumables cost is the main drawback. Paper and ink are sold as matched sets, and refills are not cheap. Each 4×6 print costs significantly more than an inkjet equivalent, though the quality justifies the premium for photo-specific applications.
The printer is limited to 4×6 inch output. If you need larger prints for your crafting projects, look at the Epson ET-8550 or Canon TS9521C instead. The Selphy is a complementary tool, not a replacement for a full-size craft printer.
7. Liene M100 – Best Portable 4×6 Photo Printer
Liene M100 4x6'' Photo Printer, Phone Printer 100 Sheets & 3 Cartridges, Full-Color Photo, Portable Instant Photo Printer for iPhone Android, Thermal Dye Sublimation, Wi-Fi Picture Printer 100 Papers
4x6 Thermal Dye-Sublimation
Wi-Fi Hotspot
100 Sheets Included
Portable Design
+ The Good
- Professional photo lab quality output
- Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot for easy connectivity
- Multiple device support up to 5 connections
- Water and fingerprint resistant prints
- 100 sheets and 3 cartridges included
- The Bad
- Android connectivity requires disabling mobile data
- iPhone app has bugs returning to gallery
- Can only print one image at a time
- Refills are expensive at around $40
The Liene M100 is the best-selling photo printer in its category for good reason. The thermal dye-sublimation technology produces vibrant, accurate colors that genuinely rival professional photo lab output. We were stunned by the print quality during testing.
The built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is a standout feature. You do not need an existing wireless network to print. The M100 creates its own hotspot, and up to five devices can connect simultaneously. This makes it perfect for group crafting sessions or events.
Each print is water-resistant, fingerprint-proof, and treated with anti-oxidation technology to prevent fading. For crafters creating photo-based products like journals, scrapbooks, or personalized gifts, this durability is a major advantage over standard inkjet prints.
The Liene app offers customizable printing with filters, ID photo sizes, and visa photo formats. You can also print directly from your camera roll without any complicated setup or computer connection.
Best Fit for Your Crafting Setup
The M100 is perfect for crafters who need high-quality 4×6 photos on demand. If you create scrapbook pages, travel journals, or photo-based craft products, this printer delivers consistent professional results in a compact package.
The portability also makes it ideal for craft fair vendors who want to offer personalized photo products on-site. Set it up, connect your phone, and print custom photos for customers in under a minute each.
Connectivity Quirks to Know
Android users need to disable mobile data when connecting to the printer Wi-Fi, which can be annoying. The iPhone app has a known bug that prevents returning to the photo gallery after printing, requiring an app restart.
You can only print one image at a time, which slows down batch printing sessions. For high-volume photo printing, plan extra time or consider a printer with batch processing capabilities.
8. HP Smart Tank 5000 – Best Ink Tank Printer for Home Crafting
HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer, Scanner, Copier with 2 Years of Ink Included, Best-for-Home, Cartridge-Free, Refillable and AI-Enabled. (5D1B6A)
Cartridge-Free Refillable Tank
2 Years Ink Included
AI-Enabled Printing
Flatbed Scanner
+ The Good
- Up to 2 years of ink included
- Mess-free easy refill system
- Sharp text and rich colors
- AI-enabled precision web page printing
- Best seller in ink tank printers category
- The Bad
- Customer support difficult to reach
- Setup challenging for non-technical users
- No USB cable included
- Paper tray capacity is small at 100 sheets
The HP Smart Tank 5000 brings HP’s take on the cartridge-free ink tank concept to home crafters. As the best seller in the ink tank printer category, it has clearly resonated with budget-conscious users who want low operating costs.
Our testing showed sharp text output and rich colors on standard paper. For crafting purposes, it handles cardstock and photo paper adequately, though it does not match the photo quality of the six-color Epson ET-8550. For everyday craft printing, it gets the job done reliably.
The included ink supply is rated for up to two years of typical use. The plug-and-play ink bottles refill the tanks without mess, and the system is genuinely straightforward once you get past the initial setup.
The AI-enabled printing feature is an interesting addition. It formats web pages and emails for cleaner printing, which is useful when you are printing craft tutorials, patterns, or reference materials from online sources.
Who Should Choose the Smart Tank 5000
This printer suits home crafters who prioritize low ink costs and solid everyday performance. If your crafting involves printing templates, patterns, instructions, and moderate-quality photos, the Smart Tank 5000 delivers dependable results at a low cost per page.
The flatbed scanner is a bonus for crafters who need to digitize hand-drawn designs or scan completed projects for portfolios or online listings.
What Holds It Back
HP’s customer support is the most common complaint. Reaching a human representative can be frustrating if you encounter issues. The setup process also challenges non-technical users, so plan to spend extra time during initial configuration.
The print quality for photos is acceptable but not outstanding. If your crafts demand professional-grade photo reproduction, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 or Canon TS9521C are better choices despite costing more.
9. Phomemo M110 – Best Thermal Label Printer for Crafters
Phomemo Label Printer - M110 Thermal Label Printer Barcode Label Maker Mini Bluetooth Sticker Printer for Small Business, Home, Office, Logo, Address, Name Tag, Clothing, Organizing, Pink
Thermal Label Printer
No Ink Needed
Bluetooth Compact
3000+ Templates
+ The Good
- Thermal printing requires no ink ever
- 3000+ templates for labels and tags
- OCR text recognition from images
- Bluetooth range up to 33 feet
- Compact and portable at 222 grams
- The Bad
- Some templates require paid subscription
- Limited to 20mm-50mm label widths
- No color printing support
- Learning curve with app and templates
The Phomemo M110 fills a specific but important niche in the crafting world: label and tag printing. This thermal printer requires zero ink, making it the most cost-efficient option on our list for label-heavy crafting businesses.
We tested it for product labels, address labels, name tags, and organizational labels. The 203 dpi resolution produces crisp, clear text and simple graphics. For black-and-white labeling tasks, the output quality is excellent.
The companion app includes over 3,000 templates covering everything from clothing size labels to cable organization tags. The OCR feature lets you photograph text and convert it directly into a printable label, which is incredibly useful for repurposing existing designs.
Excel batch printing support is a standout for small businesses. You can import a spreadsheet of addresses or product names and print them all in sequence without manual data entry for each label.
Where the M110 Excels
This printer is perfect for crafters who sell products and need professional-looking labels. Address labels for shipping, ingredient labels for handmade products, and branded tags for craft fair items all benefit from the M110’s clean, consistent output.
The Bluetooth connectivity with a 33-foot range means you can print labels from across your crafting space. The compact size fits in a drawer when not in use, making it ideal for crafters with limited workspace.
What You Need to Know Before Buying
The M110 is black-and-white only. It cannot print color labels, so if your branding requires color, you will need a different solution. Label widths are also limited to 20mm-50mm.
Some advanced templates and features in the app require a paid subscription. The free tier covers basic labeling needs, but power users may find themselves wanting the premium features. Factor the subscription cost into your decision if you plan heavy use.
10. Epson SureColor F170 – Best Dedicated Sublimation Printer
Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer – Professional Dye Sublimation for Tumblers, T-Shirts, Mugs, Keychains – Desktop Inkjet Printer for Mac & Windows
Professional Dye Sublimation
Tumblers T-Shirts Mugs
150-Sheet Auto Feed
Desktop Compact
+ The Good
- Professional sublimation prints with vibrant colors
- Purpose-built for sublimation no conversion needed
- Compact desktop design fits small workspaces
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Compatible with Canva and design programs
- The Bad
- Does not work with mobile devices
- Wi-Fi connectivity can be problematic
- Expensive for hobbyist use
- Non-returnable once ink is added
The Epson SureColor F170 is the only printer on our list purpose-built for sublimation crafting. Unlike converted EcoTank printers that require aftermarket sublimation ink, the F170 comes factory-loaded with genuine Epson sublimation ink and a dedicated Precision Core printhead.
For crafters making custom tumblers, mugs, t-shirts, and keychains, this printer eliminates the guesswork and reliability issues of DIY sublimation conversions. The colors are vibrant, consistent, and designed specifically for heat-transfer applications.
The 150-sheet auto-feed tray handles sublimation paper without manual feeding for each print. The compact desktop design means it fits alongside your heat press without requiring a separate workspace.
Compatibility with Canva and other popular design programs is a major plus. You can create your designs in familiar software and send them directly to the F170 for printing.
Who Needs a Dedicated Sublimation Printer
If sublimation crafting is your primary business or passion, the F170 is the right tool for the job. Professional crafters who sell sublimated products will appreciate the reliability and color consistency that comes from a purpose-built machine.
The F170 is also ideal for crafters who have tried converting an EcoTank to sublimation and struggled with clogged printheads, color accuracy issues, or warranty concerns. Starting with a dedicated sublimation printer avoids all these headaches.
Important Considerations Before Purchasing
This printer does not support mobile device printing. You need a Mac or Windows computer connected via USB. Wi-Fi connectivity issues have also been reported, so a wired connection may be more reliable.
Once you add sublimation ink, the printer is non-returnable. Make sure this is the right tool for your crafting needs before committing. The price point is higher than converted EcoTank setups, but the reliability and professional support from Epson and MakerFlo justify the premium for serious crafters.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Printer for Crafting
Choosing among the best printers for crafting comes down to understanding your specific needs. Here are the key factors our team evaluates when recommending craft printers.
Inkjet vs Laser vs Dye-Sublimation
Inkjet printers are the most versatile choice for crafting. They handle everything from sticker paper to cardstock to photo paper, and they produce vibrant colors. The trade-off is higher ink costs unless you choose an EcoTank or MegaTank model.
Laser printers produce waterproof prints that work beautifully for waterslide decals and projects that need smudge resistance. However, laser toner applies heat during printing, which means you cannot use heat-sensitive materials like printable vinyl for iron-on transfers. Laser printers also cannot be used for sublimation.
Dye-sublimation printers, like the Canon Selphy CP1500 and Liene M100, produce continuous-tone photos with no visible dot pattern. They are perfect for photo-based crafts but limited to specific paper sizes and types.
Paper Handling and Thickness Capacity
If you print on thick cardstock regularly, look for a printer with a rear feed tray. Rear-fed printers handle thicker media more reliably than bottom-fed models. The Canon TS9521C and Epson ET-8550 both excel in this area.
For scrapbookers, the ability to print 12×12 inch pages borderless is a game-changer. Only the Canon TS9521C offers this capability among the printers we tested. Standard letter-size printers work fine for most other crafting applications.
Ink Cost and Long-Term Ownership
This is where many crafters get caught off-guard. A cheap printer with expensive cartridges can cost more over two years than a premium EcoTank model. Calculate your expected monthly page volume and compare cost per page across models.
EcoTank and Smart Tank printers dramatically reduce ink costs. The Epson ET-2803, for example, includes enough ink for up to two years of typical use. Traditional cartridge printers like the Canon TS6520 have much higher per-page costs despite lower upfront prices.
Cricut Print Then Cut Compatibility
Any color inkjet printer works with Cricut Print Then Cut. The key requirements are accurate color reproduction and reliable paper feeding. The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 and Canon TS9521C are both frequently recommended by the Cricut community for their consistent Print Then Cut performance.
For best results with Cricut, use a printer that handles the specific paper or vinyl you are cutting. Printable vinyl, sticker paper, and cardstock all require different feed mechanisms and ink formulations.
Wireless Connectivity and Ease of Use
All the printers on our list offer wireless connectivity. Look for dual-band WiFi support (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for the most reliable connection. Mobile printing via AirPrint or manufacturer apps is essential for crafters who design on tablets or phones.
App quality varies significantly between manufacturers. Canon and Epson offer the most polished mobile apps in our experience. HP and Liene apps have more reported bugs and connectivity issues.
Sublimation Considerations
If sublimation crafting is your goal, you have two paths. You can buy a dedicated sublimation printer like the Epson SureColor F170, or convert an EcoTank printer by replacing the ink with sublimation ink. Dedicated printers are more reliable and come with warranties; conversions are cheaper but riskier.
Never attempt sublimation conversion with a cartridge-based printer. Only refillable tank printers like the EcoTank series can be safely converted. Once converted, the printer cannot be used for regular printing again.
What kind of printer is best for printing art?
Inkjet printers with high resolution (4800×1200 dpi or higher) are best for printing art. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 with its 6-color ink system produces gallery-quality prints up to 13×19 inches. For smaller art prints, the Canon TS9521C offers excellent color accuracy with its 5 individual ink tanks.
What printer is recommended for Cricut?
Any color inkjet printer works with Cricut Print Then Cut, but the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 and Canon TS9521C are the most recommended by the Cricut community. These printers handle printable vinyl and cardstock reliably while producing vibrant colors that the Cricut sensor can detect accurately for precise cutting.
Can I use a laser printer for crafting?
Yes, laser printers work well for certain crafts like waterslide decals, waterproof stickers, and printed designs that need to resist smudging. However, laser printers cannot be used for sublimation or heat-transfer vinyl because the heat from the toner fusing process damages heat-sensitive materials.
What is the difference between inkjet and laser for crafting?
Inkjet printers use liquid ink sprayed through microscopic nozzles, making them ideal for vibrant color projects, photos, and specialty papers. Laser printers use heat-fused toner powder, producing waterproof and smudge-proof prints but cannot handle heat-sensitive materials. Inkjets are more versatile for crafting overall.
How much does it cost to print stickers at home?
With an EcoTank printer like the Epson ET-2803, printing a full page of stickers costs approximately 5 to 10 cents in ink plus the cost of sticker paper (around 20 to 30 cents per sheet). With traditional cartridge printers, the ink cost per page jumps to 40 to 60 cents, making EcoTank models significantly more economical for volume sticker production.
Conclusion: Our Top Recommendations for 2026
After testing all 10 models, our top pick for the best printers for crafting remains the Canon TS9521C for its unmatched 12×12 scrapbook printing and cardstock handling. For crafters who prioritize low operating costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 delivers incredible value with up to two years of included ink.
If your crafting involves professional photo work or sublimation, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 and SureColor F170 respectively are worth the investment. Budget-conscious beginners will find everything they need in the Canon PIXMA TS6520, while sticker specialists should consider the Liene PixCut S1 for its all-in-one print-and-cut workflow.
Whatever your crafting focus, the right printer transforms your creative output. Match your printer choice to your most frequent projects, and you will see the difference in every print you produce in 2026.
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