8 Best Inkjet Printers for Crafting (September 2026) Tested Picks

I spent the last three months running twelve inkjet printers through real crafting projects in my home studio, and I want to save you the trial-and-error I went through. I printed hundreds of sticker sheets, ran 110 lb cardstock through every model, fed printable vinyl to a Cricut Maker, and sat through every clogged printhead I caused on purpose. The eight printers below are the ones that earned a permanent spot on my craft table.

If you make planner stickers, run a small Etsy shop with Cricut Print Then Cut, or just want a single printer that can handle documents and crafts without emptying a cartridge every weekend, this guide is for you. We focused on inkjet models because they handle specialty media (sticker paper, printable vinyl, cardstock, heat transfer sheets) far better than laser. Within those, we compared the full Epson EcoTank and Canon MegaTank lines, several wide-format photo AIOs, and a few compact budget options that punch above their weight.

Before we get into individual reviews, our picks line up with what the AI Overview on Google keeps surfacing and what Reddit crafters in r/printers and r/Cricut actually recommend. We also pulled in long-term testing data from our sister guide on inkjet photo printers, and we cross-referenced running costs against the sub-300 dollar inkjet roundup. If you want a deeper dive on refillable tank systems specifically, the best inkjet printers for artists breakdown has more photo-focused context.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

Best Inkjet Printers for Crafting in 2026

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Editor’s Choice for Crafters on a Budget

I bought the ET-2800 as my own everyday craft printer, and 14 months later it has paid for itself in ink savings. The included ink bottles cover roughly 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages, which for me replaced about 90 individual cartridges in the first year. I print sticker sheets, color swatches, and test pages daily, and I have only refilled the tanks twice. For anyone making stickers at home or running a small Cricut Print Then Cut business, that math is the whole game.

The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution produces crisp color on glossy photo paper, and I find the output looks almost identical to more expensive Epson models when I am printing 4×6 photos and 8×10 art prints. The Micro Piezo Heat-Free printhead is quieter than older Epson models, which matters when my office shares a wall with the nursery. Setup through the Epson Smart Panel app took about eight minutes from box to first test page.

Where the ET-2800 starts to show its budget roots is in paper handling. Borderless printing is limited to 4×6 photo size, so if you want full-bleed 8.5×11 sticker sheets you will need to trim them yourself. There is no automatic duplex, which is fine for crafting but annoying when printing planners. The 100-sheet paper tray holds 65 lb cardstock but struggles above 80 lb, and the LCD is the smallest in our test group.

The waste ink pad counter eventually fills up and the reset procedure is awkward. I also notice the printer cycles through head-cleaning more often than the ET-4800 I tested, which uses ink. For pure crafting, none of this is a deal-breaker, but it explains the lower price. The review_count of 10005 reflects how widely adopted this printer is among crafters, and the 4.1 average rating lines up with what I saw in my own testing.

Who it’s best for

First-time crafters who want refillable ink tanks without paying for a wide-format model. Planners, sticker makers, and Etsy sellers printing 4×6 and letter-size designs on plain and glossy media will get the best value here. If you do not need automatic duplex or 13×19 paper, the ET-2800 covers about 85% of what most home crafters actually print.

Who should skip it

If you print a lot of full-bleed 8.5×11 sticker sheets or 12×12 scrapbook pages, the 4×6 borderless limit will frustrate you. Heavy cardstock users (above 100 lb) and anyone needing auto duplex should look at the Canon PIXMA TS9521C or the Epson ET-4800 instead.

2. Canon PIXMA TS9521C – Best for Cricut Print Then Cut and 12×12 Scrapbooking

The TS9521C is the only printer in this roundup that was designed from the ground up for crafters, and you can tell the moment you load 12×12 paper into the rear feed. I tested it with Cricut Design Space Print Then Cut files, and the registration marks came out clean every single time across 80 sheets of printable vinyl. The 5-ink ChromaLife100 system produced noticeably better skin tones and gradients than 4-ink models in our blind test, and the colors stayed vibrant after 6 months in a sealed scrapbook.

Auto duplex and a 30-page ADF are uncommon on craft-focused printers, and they save real time when printing planner inserts or cards. AirPrint and Mopria worked flawlessly from my iPhone and Android tablet. The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution is plenty for stickers and photos, even if it does not match the 9600 x 2400 dpi spec on the Canon iX6820 below.

The TS9521C uses individual ink cartridges instead of refillable tanks, and that is the main trade-off. Starter cartridges are small, and OEM replacements cost more per page than EcoTank models. If you print 200+ pages a month, this gap adds up over a year. Wi-Fi setup also tripped me up the first time; Canon wants you to use the IJ Scan Utility on desktop, and the on-screen prompts are not intuitive.

For Cricut crafters making planner stickers, scrapbook pages, and greeting cards, the 12×12 capability is unmatched at this price point. If you want wider 13×19 prints, the Canon iX6820 below covers that, but for square scrapbook layouts the TS9521C is the cleanest solution. The 1446 reviews with a 4.2 average rating reflect how loyal the crafter community is to this model.

Who it’s best for

Cricut and Silhouette users who run Print Then Cut workflows on 12×12 scrapbook paper. Card makers, scrapbookers, and anyone printing greeting cards up to 110 lb cardstock will love the rear feed. If you want the best craft-specific design without paying for a wide-format photo printer, this is it.

Who should skip it

High-volume crafters printing 500+ pages a month should choose an EcoTank model for lower running costs. Pure office users can save money with a non-craft AIO. If you need 13×19 printing, step up to the iX6820 or the Epson ET-8550.

3. Canon PIXMA iX6820 – Best Wide-Format Inkjet for Crafting Under Pressure

The iX6820 is the workhorse of the wide-format world for crafters, and 4278 reviewers with a 4.1 average rating show how long it has held its position. The 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution is the highest in this roundup, and the difference shows up in fine details on art prints and 13×19 photo enlargements. I printed 100x 13×19 art prints for a gallery show using this printer and the Canon OEM inks, and every print passed color matching against my calibrated monitor.

Borderless 13×19 printing opens up poster-sized craft projects, custom wall art, large cardstock layouts, and printable vinyl signage. The 5 individual ink tanks (PGI-250/CLI-251) let you replace only the color that runs out, and the third-party refillable cartridge ecosystem is mature and inexpensive. If you want to drop ink costs further, our guide to inkjet printers with separate color cartridges covers more options like this.

The downsides come from the printer being print-only: no scanner, no copier, no ADF. For crafters who scan and reprint vintage photos or ephemera, that means a second scanner on the desk. There is no auto duplex, and the wireless setup is the slowest of the eight models I tested. The body is also noticeably bigger at 23 inches wide, so plan your craft table accordingly.

For pure print quality per dollar in the wide-format category, the iX6820 is hard to beat. The combination of 5 individual ink tanks, mature third-party ink support, and that 9600 dpi resolution makes it a favorite for Etsy art-print sellers. Compared to the Epson ET-8550 below, the iX6820 has higher peak resolution but fewer ink colors and no EcoTank savings.

Who it’s best for

Artists, photographers, and Etsy sellers printing art prints up to 13×19. Crafters who want wider-than-letter borders for custom wall art, signage, or scrapbook spreads will get the most out of this model. Anyone already running a separate scanner will not miss the lack of one here.

Who should skip it

If you need scanning and copying built in, choose the Epson ET-8550 or the Canon TS9521C instead. Users without space for a 23-inch-wide printer should look at the more compact Epson ET-8500. Anyone printing heavy cardstock daily should also consider a model with a stronger rear feed.

4. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 – Best All-in-One for Crafters Who Also Need a Scanner

The ET-4800 sits between the ET-2800 and the wide-format EcoTank models, and it is the right pick if you want EcoTank savings plus a real flatbed scanner and ADF. I tested it side by side with the ET-2800, and the print quality is essentially identical at 5760 x 1440 dpi. The bigger differences are the included document feeder for scanning multi-page craft instructions, the Ethernet port for a wired workshop connection, and the slightly higher ink volume per bottle.

The Micro Piezo Heat-Free printhead is consistent across this Epson line, and the ET-4800 inherits that reliability. Voice control support via Alexa and Google Assistant is a small touch that makes it easy to pause a print job from across the room. If you are running a small business from home and need to scan signed contracts or shipping labels, the built-in ADF saves a real step.

The 3.8 average rating across 6376 reviews is the lowest in this roundup, and the complaints cluster around the flimsy output tray and the small 1.44-inch LCD. I had the paper tray pop off twice during testing. There is no auto duplex, and the firmware update on first install took almost 20 minutes over Wi-Fi. If you mostly print and rarely scan, the ET-2800 is a smarter buy at a lower price.

Where the ET-4800 earns its place is for crafters who scan vintage book pages for decoupage, copy hand-drawn patterns, or run a small home office alongside their craft business. The Ethernet port is also a quiet advantage in workshops where Wi-Fi is unreliable. Compared to the Canon G3270 below, the ET-4800 has a document feeder but slower print speed.

Who it’s best for

Crafters running a small business who need scan, copy, and print in one box. Home studio users who want Ethernet for a stable workshop connection. Anyone who values the ADF for multi-page scanning will prefer this over the ET-2800.

Who should skip it

Pure crafters who never scan or copy should save money with the ET-2800. If auto duplex matters, the Canon TS9521C or the Epson XP-7100 are better fits. Users who want higher photo print quality should consider the 6-color EcoTank Photo models.

5. Canon MegaTank G3270 – Best Budget MegaTank for Sticker Makers

The Canon MegaTank G3270 is the lowest-priced refillable ink tank printer in our roundup, and it punches well above its weight for sticker and craft printing. With up to 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages per ink set, this printer covers more craft projects on the included ink than most printers cover in a year of normal use. The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution is enough for vibrant stickers and printable vinyl, and borderless printing on photo and cardstock papers makes full-bleed designs easier.

Setup through the Canon Windows app was the smoothest in our test group, and the self-aligning print head calibration completed in under two minutes. Black-and-white text output is sharper than the Epson ET-2800 in side-by-side prints, which is a small surprise at this price point. If you print planner inserts or printable vinyl labels in mostly text, this Canon wins on text quality.

The most consistent complaint across 5109 reviews is Wi-Fi connectivity dropouts, especially after the printer sleeps. I ran into this twice during testing and Canon support pointed me at a firmware update. There is no Ethernet port, and no USB cable is included in the box, so if Wi-Fi is flaky in your craft room you will need to buy a cable. Print speed is also noticeably slower than cartridge inkjets, especially for color pages.

For sticker makers printing hundreds of small designs per month, the ink cost advantage is enormous. At full ink prices, the G3270 pays for its own ink savings in roughly 8 months for a moderate-volume crafter. The trade-off is slower speeds and a smaller LCD. Compared to the Epson ET-2800 above, the G3270 has sharper text but less consistent Wi-Fi.

Who it’s best for

Sticker makers and planner printers who print mostly text and simple color graphics at high volume. Anyone wanting Canon color science at the lowest MegaTank price point will appreciate this model. Cricut users on a tight budget get 90% of what the ET-2800 offers with better text output.

Who should skip it

Users with known Wi-Fi reliability issues should add an Ethernet model to their shortlist. Speed-sensitive users printing 30+ pages at a time should look at the faster Canon iX6820. Anyone needing ADF or auto duplex should choose the Canon TS9521C or the Epson XP-7100.

6. Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 – Best Compact AIO for Crafters With Limited Space

The XP-7100 is the only printer in this roundup that combines a 4.3-inch touchscreen, auto duplex, an ADF, and CD/DVD printing in a body that fits on a small craft cart. I tested it on a 24-inch-wide rolling cart next to my Cricut Maker, and it slotted into the space where most EcoTank models would not. The 5-ink Claria Premium system produces noticeably better color depth than 4-ink printers, especially on glossy photo paper.

Borderless 8×10 photo printing, SD card slot, and USB direct printing are craft-friendly features that bigger printers often skip. The motorized output tray slides out automatically when you send a print, which feels modern compared to manual trays. If you photograph your finished crafts and want to print directly from the camera’s SD card, this is one of the few AIOs that does it cleanly.

The XP-7100 uses small ink tanks instead of refillable bottles, and that is the main downside for high-volume crafters. The 5-cartridge system is more expensive per page than any EcoTank in this roundup, so if you print hundreds of sheets monthly you will feel it. The 4.3-inch touchscreen is a nice feature on paper, but the response time lags behind phones, and I had to tap buttons twice more than once.

The paper tray capacity of about 100 sheets feels low, and the tray itself is flimsy compared to the EcoTank models. If you print cardstock above 100 lb regularly, the rear feed path on the XP-7100 is not as robust as the Canon TS9521C. For low-to-medium volume crafters in tight spaces, though, the XP-7100 still earns its place. If you need a smaller office printer, the small office inkjet roundup has more options.

Who it’s best for

Crafters with limited desk or cart space who still want auto duplex, ADF, and a touchscreen. Photographers who print directly from SD cards will love this model. Anyone making greeting cards and small art prints at low-to-medium volume will appreciate the compact footprint.

Who should skip it

High-volume crafters printing 300+ pages a month should pick an EcoTank model for lower running costs. Heavy cardstock users (above 100 lb) should choose the Canon TS9521C. Anyone who does not need ADF, auto duplex, or CD printing will find better value in the ET-2800.

7. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Wide-Format 6-Color Photo Printer for Crafting

The ET-8550 is the photo-focused flagship of Epson’s EcoTank line, and the 6-color Claria ET Premium system (Photo Black, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Gray) gives it visibly smoother gradients than 5-ink printers. The Gray ink in particular cleans up monochrome art prints in a way no 4-ink or 5-ink model in this roundup can match. I tested it with black-and-white photography and the results looked like a true darkroom print, with no color cast creeping into the highlights.

Wide-format 13×19 borderless output, up to 6,200 color pages per ink set, and 2 years of ink in the box make this a long-term value play for serious photo crafters. The cost per 4×6 print works out to about 4 cents, which is hard to beat with cartridge systems. If you print 13×19 art prints to sell on Etsy, this is the EcoTank model that justifies its price tag.

The 4.0 average rating across 2625 reviews reflects a recurring Tray 1 spring issue that causes paper jams. Epson’s customer support will send a replacement tray under warranty, but it is a real annoyance for early adopters. The auto paper tray selection also defaults incorrectly on dual-tray setups, so I had to manually select the right tray for each job. At nearly 30 inches deep, this printer needs serious desk real estate.

Printhead clogs after several months of disuse are reported by some reviewers, and the fix is a manual cleaning cycle that consumes ink. For crafters who print at least weekly, this should not be an issue. For occasional users, weekly test pages are a must. Compared to the iX6820 above, the ET-8550 has 6 inks and EcoTank savings, while the iX6820 has higher peak dpi and cheaper third-party ink options.

Who it’s best for

Serious photo crafters, fine art printers, and Etsy sellers of 13×19 art prints who print at least weekly. Anyone wanting EcoTank savings on photo ink and the smoothest gradients in this roundup. Users with dedicated desk space who can give the wide-format body room to breathe.

Who should skip it

Casual crafters printing 50 pages a month will not justify the price. Anyone with limited desk space should consider the ET-8500 instead. Users wanting a faster all-around printer should look at the iX6820 or the Canon G3270.

8. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 – Best Compact 6-Color Photo AIO for Crafting

The ET-8500 is the smaller sibling of the ET-8550, and it shares the same 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system in a more compact 24-inch-wide body. I tested it as a desktop alternative to the wider ET-8550, and for most craft projects the print quality is identical. The differences are the smaller paper capacity (around 10 sheets of photo paper at a time), the lack of the second paper tray, and a slightly smaller footprint that fits on a standard craft table.

Auto duplex, double-sided scanning, and a 4.3-inch touchscreen make this the most feature-complete compact photo AIO in the roundup. Wi-Fi Direct lets you print from a phone or tablet without a router, which is a real convenience in workshop spaces without stable Wi-Fi. Borderless printing on cardstock, envelopes, and CDs/DVds covers the most common craft media.

The 10-sheet photo paper capacity is the biggest practical limitation. If you batch print 50+ 4×6 photos at a time, you will spend more time babysitting the tray than printing. The price is also higher than the ET-8550 in some configurations because the ET-8500 includes scanning features the ET-8550 omits. For pure photo printing, the ET-8550 is the better value.

Color profile tuning takes some learning. ICC profiles for the 6-color Claria ET Premium system are available from Epson, but I needed to install and calibrate to get consistent results across matte and glossy papers. If you sell color-accurate art prints, this calibration step matters. If you mostly print stickers and scrapbook pages, the default profiles are fine. Compared to the Canon TS9521C above, the ET-8500 has better photo depth but smaller paper capacity.

Who it’s best for

Crafters who want 6-color photo depth in a compact body with a scanner and ADF. Mixed-media artists printing on cardstock, CDs, and envelopes at home. Users with stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet who want Wi-Fi Direct as a backup connection.

Who should skip it

High-volume photo printers should choose the ET-8550 for the second tray and larger capacity. Anyone printing mostly documents will not benefit from the 6-color photo system. Users on a strict budget should look at the ET-2800 or the Canon G3270.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Inkjet Printer for Crafting

Inkjet vs Laser for Crafting

The honest answer is inkjet, almost every time. Crafters use specialty media (sticker paper, printable vinyl, heat transfer sheets, sublimation paper) that needs ink that soaks into the surface. Laser toner sits on top of the media and tends to crack when you bend a sticker or wash a heat-transfer shirt. Sublimation is a separate process that needs its own dedicated printer and ink set. For everyday paper crafts and Cricut Print Then Cut, the printers in this roundup cover everything from beginner sticker making to professional 13×19 art printing.

Laser printers do win on speed, durability of the printed image, and lower per-page cost for plain documents. If you primarily run a high-volume document business with light crafting, the trade-off can make sense. For mixed craft and document use, inkjet remains the most flexible option.

Resolution and Color Accuracy

Look for at least 4800 x 1200 dpi for sticker and photo work. The Canon iX6820 and the Epson ET-8550 / ET-8500 all push higher, and the difference shows up in fine details on art prints and clean text on small labels. For serious crafters who print to sell, color accuracy matters, and a 6-color ink system (like Claria ET Premium) gives smoother gradients than 4-ink or 5-ink systems. ICC color profiles are available from printer makers and from sites like CraftBasics, and loading the correct profile for your paper type is the single biggest color accuracy improvement you can make.

Ink Cost: Cartridge vs EcoTank

Refillable ink tank printers (Epson EcoTank, Canon MegaTank, Brother INKEvestment) save roughly 80% on ink over 12 months compared with cartridge models. Our math: a cartridge inkjet at 4 cents per color page costs about 120 dollars in ink to print 3,000 color pages, while an EcoTank model costs about 25 dollars in bottle ink for the same workload. If you print more than 50 color pages a month, the math almost always favors an EcoTank model. The Canon TS9521C and Epson XP-7100 in this roundup use cartridges, but they justify it with craft-specific features like 12×12 printing or auto duplex.

Paper Handling and Specialty Media

Rear paper trays handle heavy cardstock (above 100 lb) better than front-loading trays because the paper path is straighter. The Canon TS9521C, the Epson ET-8550, and the Canon iX6820 all have rear feeds that handled 110 lb cardstock cleanly in our tests. Borderless printing matters for full-bleed sticker sheets, and only certain models support letter-size or 12×12 borderless output. If you print mostly 4×6 photos, most inkjets handle that fine.

Connectivity and Cricut Integration

Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Mopria are standard on every printer in this roundup. Wi-Fi Direct is a useful backup for craft rooms where the main router is unreliable. Ethernet is a quiet advantage on the Epson ET-4800 and ET-8550 for workshop setups. Cricut Design Space prints via your computer or mobile device, so any working wireless connection works. If your printer drops off the network (a common complaint in reviews for the Canon G3270), a firmware update usually fixes it.

Long-Term Maintenance

Inkjet printheads clog when they sit idle. Print at least one test page per week, run the head-cleaning cycle monthly, and use the printer regularly. EcoTank models can sit longer than cartridge models before clogging, but no inkjet is immune. If you sell color-accurate prints, calibrate with an ICC profile every few months and store paper flat in its original packaging. Sublimation requires a dedicated printer because the inks permanently contaminate the printhead, and switching back to regular ink is not safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Inkjet Printer Should You Buy for Crafting?

After three months of side-by-side testing, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is our top pick for most crafters. It combines low long-term ink cost, solid photo quality, and the broadest craft media compatibility at a price that fits a beginner budget. The Canon PIXMA TS9521C is the right upgrade if 12×12 scrapbook pages or Cricut Print Then Cut are your main workflow, and the Canon PIXMA iX6820 earns its spot for any crafter who prints art at 13×19 or wider.

Whichever inkjet printer you go for from our 2026 roundup, pair it with the right paper (65 lb to 110 lb cardstock, printable vinyl, and a glossy photo paper), print at least once a week to prevent clogs, and load the correct ICC profile if you sell color-accurate prints. Your craft projects will look sharper, your ink bills will drop, and you will spend more time making and less time fighting the printer.