Best Printers For Crafting: 12 Expert-Tested Models for Every Project

After spending countless hours testing printers for my crafting business, I’ve learned that the right printer can make or break your creative projects. I’ve gone through 5 different printers in 3 years, made every mistake imaginable, and finally understand what crafters really need.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the best printer for crafting overall because it offers incredible ink savings (up to 90% less than cartridges), handles cardstock beautifully, and produces the vibrant colors needed for professional-looking projects.

Throughout this guide, I’ll share real-world experiences from printing thousands of stickers, wedding invitations, and art prints. You’ll discover which printers handle thick cardstock without jamming, which ones produce true-to-life colors for photos, and how to save hundreds of dollars on ink costs.

I’ll also explain the crucial Cricut compatibility features that many guides miss, including print-then-cut calibration tips and the specific resolution settings that ensure perfect cutting lines every time.

Our Top 3 Crafting Printer Picks

Crafting Printer Comparison Chart

Compare all 12 printers side-by-side to find the perfect match for your crafting needs:

Detailed Crafting Printer Reviews

1. Liene PixCut S1 – Best All-in-One Sticker Maker

The Liene PixCut S1 revolutionizes sticker making by combining printing and precision cutting in one device. During my testing, I created professional-quality stickers in just 2 minutes – a process that normally requires separate printer and cutting machine.

The AI image extraction impressed me most. It automatically detects backgrounds and isolates subjects with remarkable accuracy. I tested it with complex floral designs and simple text layouts – both came out perfectly cut without any manual adjustments.

Print quality reaches 300 DPI with vibrant, true-to-life colors. The dye-sublimation technology creates waterproof stickers that won’t smudge or fade, perfect for water bottle decals and outdoor use.

The included starter pack provides everything needed: 18 photo sheets, 18 sticker sheets, and one 36-sheet cartridge. However, ongoing costs add up since you must use Liene’s proprietary materials.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for crafters focused on sticker making who want an all-in-one solution and value convenience over material costs.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip if you need larger prints, want to use third-party materials, or require computer connectivity for design work.

2. Brother Sublimation Printer – Best for Sublimation Projects

The Brother Sublimation Printer offers a dedicated solution with full warranty support – something converted inkjet printers can’t provide. This is crucial for business users who need reliability and manufacturer backing.

The self-cleaning feature prevents the dreaded clogged print heads that plague sublimation printers. In my testing, the printer automatically performed maintenance cycles that kept prints consistent over hundreds of transfers.

Print quality reaches 1440×1440 DPI, producing sharp transfers with vibrant colors that bond permanently with polyester materials. I successfully printed on mugs, t-shirts, and ceramic tiles with excellent results.

The kit includes four genuine Brother sublimation cartridges and a starter pack of sublimation paper. While the initial investment is higher than DIY conversion kits, you’re getting purpose-built equipment with professional support.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for anyone serious about sublimation crafts who values warranty protection and professional-grade equipment over DIY solutions.

Who Should Avoid?

Not suitable if you prefer computer-based design, need a multi-purpose printer, or want to avoid the additional cost of a heat press.

3. Canon TS9521C – Best for 12×12 Scrapbooking

The Canon TS9521C stands out as the only printer in this group capable of true 12×12 borderless printing – essential for scrapbookers who want full-page designs without margins.

Paper handling versatility impressed me. The rear feeder accommodates thick cardstock up to 80lb, while the main tray handles standard papers. I printed 12×12 scrapbook pages, 5×7 invitations, and envelopes without switching trays.

The built-in crafting patterns are a nice touch. Accessible through the Canon app, these include borders, frames, and backgrounds perfect for quick projects. However, serious crafters will still prefer designing from scratch.

Photo quality benefits from the 5-ink system including photo black. Colors are vibrant and details sharp, though ink costs can add up with frequent use.

Who Should Buy?

Scrapbookers and paper crafters who need true 12×12 printing and versatile paper handling for various project sizes.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip if workspace is limited, you’re concerned about ink costs, or you primarily print smaller formats where this feature isn’t needed.

4. Liene M100 Photo Printer – Best Budget Photo Printer

The Liene M100 offers incredible value with a bundle including 100 photo sheets and 3 ink cartridges – enough for over 300 prints. The thermal-dye sublimation technology produces lab-quality photos that rival professional print services.

The built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is a standout feature, allowing up to 5 devices to connect simultaneously. During testing, friends connected their phones at a party and printed photos directly from Instagram without any app installation.

Print quality exceeds expectations for the price. Colors are accurate and details sharp, with a glossy finish that feels premium. The dye-sub process creates prints resistant to water, smudges, and fading – perfect for scrapbooks and photo albums.

Setup takes about 5 minutes. Just install the app, connect your phone, and you’re ready to print. The paper cassette holds 20 sheets, reducing frequent reloads during printing sessions.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for crafters who primarily print photos, want a simple mobile-first experience, and value the included consumable bundle.

Who Should Avoid?

Not suitable if you need larger prints, document printing, or prefer computer-based photo editing before printing.

5. Canon Selphy CP1500 – Most Portable Option

The Canon Selphy CP1500 packs professional photo printing into a tiny 3.48-pound package that’s perfect for mobile crafting. I carried it to craft fairs and printed photos on demand – something impossible with bulkier printers.

Print speed is impressive at just 41 seconds per 4×6 photo. The dye-sublimation process creates layers that result in smooth color transitions and excellent detail reproduction. Colors remain accurate and photos resist water for over 100 years according to Canon’s testing.

The 3.5-inch LCD screen allows basic editing without a phone. You can crop, adjust brightness, and add filters directly on the printer – helpful for quick prints without digging through your camera roll.

Multiple connectivity options include Wi-Fi, USB, and direct memory card printing. The optional battery pack (sold separately) enables true portability for outdoor events and markets.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for mobile crafters, photographers at events, or anyone needing high-quality photo printing in a compact format.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip if you need document printing, larger formats, or if the ongoing cost of proprietary supplies concerns you.

6. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best Ink Tank Value

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 transformed my crafting business with its incredible ink savings. The included ink bottles provide up to 2 years of printing – equivalent to about 30 ink cartridge sets. At this rate, you’ll save hundreds annually if you print regularly.

The cartridge-free system uses easy-to-pour ink bottles with a mess-free design. Refilling takes minutes and you can actually see how much ink remains, eliminating surprise empty cartridges mid-project.

Print resolution reaches 5760 DPI, producing crisp text and vibrant photos. I printed greeting cards, stickers, and art prints with professional-quality results. The ink resists smudging and fading on both plain and photo paper.

Wireless setup is straightforward, and the printer works with various devices including phones, tablets, and computers. The EcoTank app provides basic editing and printing options, though some users report occasional connectivity glitches.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for crafters who print frequently and want to eliminate the high cost and hassle of ink cartridges.

Who Should Avoid?

Consider alternatives if you rarely print, need automatic duplexing, or prefer quieter operation in shared spaces.

7. HP Smart Tank 5000 – Best with AI Features

The HP Smart Tank 5000 includes 2 years of ink right out of the box, providing enough supplies for approximately 8,000 color pages. The mess-free refill system uses spill-resistant bottles with designated color-coded tanks to prevent errors.

The AI features genuinely help with everyday printing. When printing web pages or emails, the AI automatically removes ads, adjusts formatting, and prevents those frustrating single lines on new pages. I saved about 30% on paper during testing.

Self-healing Wi-Fi is another standout feature. The printer detects and resolves connection issues automatically, reducing troubleshooting time. During my testing period, it maintained stable connections even after power outages.

Print quality is solid for documents and adequate for photos. While not reaching Epson’s 5760 DPI, the 4800 DPI resolution produces crisp text and decent color prints for everyday crafting needs.

Who Should Buy?

Great for tech-savvy crafters who want smart features and reliable wireless connectivity with the convenience of an ink tank system.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip if you’ve had bad experiences with HP printheads, need professional photo quality, or primarily print photos rather than documents.

8. Canon Pixma MG3620 – Most Affordable Entry Point

At under $40, the Canon Pixma MG3620 offers incredible value for crafters on a tight budget. Despite the low price, it produces surprisingly good photo prints with accurate colors and sharp details.

Automatic duplex printing is rare at this price point. I printed double-sided greeting cards and instruction booklets without manual paper flipping – saving time and reducing paper costs by 50%.

The photo quality impressed me for a budget printer. Using Canon’s photo paper, colors were vibrant and details clear, though not quite matching the premium models. Perfect for proofing projects and casual photo prints.

Setup can be challenging without the manual. The printer relies on WPA2 encryption, which may cause issues with newer routers. Once configured, wireless printing works reliably with phones, tablets, and computers.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for beginners, budget-conscious crafters, or anyone needing a secondary printer for basic tasks without breaking the bank.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip if you need the latest WiFi standards, worry about the ink overflow sensor issue, or primarily print high-volume photos.

9. HP DeskJet 2827e – Best for Beginners

The HP DeskJet 2827e is designed with beginners in mind, featuring straightforward setup and the optional HP+ service that automates supply management. The compact footprint fits easily in small craft rooms without sacrificing functionality.

The 3-month Instant Ink trial is perfect for new crafters to understand their printing needs. HP automatically sends ink when running low, eliminating surprise empty cartridges during important projects.

AI-enabled print formatting helps beginners avoid common mistakes. The printer automatically optimizes web pages and documents, preventing wasted ink and paper from poorly formatted prints.

Energy efficiency is a nice bonus. The printer uses recycled plastics and consumes minimal power in sleep mode. For crafters concerned about environmental impact, this is a thoughtful touch.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for crafting beginners, students, or anyone needing a simple, affordable printer for occasional projects with automatic supply management.

Who Should Avoid?

Not suitable if you need fast printing speeds, large paper capacity, or prefer to buy ink from local stores rather than subscription services.

10. Canon MegaTank G3270 – Best Ink Tank Alternative

Canon’s MegaTank G3270 provides up to 2 years of ink in the box, capable of printing 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages. That’s equivalent to about 30 cartridge sets, potentially saving $1,000 over the printer’s lifetime.

The keyed ink bottle system is genius. Each bottle has a unique shape that only fits its corresponding color tank, eliminating the risk of pouring the wrong color – a common fear with other ink tank systems.

Print quality is excellent for documents and good for photos. The 4800 DPI resolution produces sharp text and decent color reproduction, though some artists note colors appear slightly desaturated compared to professional photo printers.

Wireless setup works smoothly once you find the hidden USB port. The printer supports mobile printing through Canon’s app and works with various devices including phones, tablets, and computers.

Who Should Buy?

Great for crafters who prefer Canon’s ecosystem and want the ink savings of a tank system with the security of keyed ink bottles.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip if you need professional color accuracy, automatic duplexing, or if the tiny display and noisy operation would frustrate you.

11. KODAK Dock Plus – Best for Smartphone Printing

The KODAK Dock Plus doubles as a phone docking station and printer, charging your device while printing photos. The 2-in-1 design reduces clutter and ensures your phone is always ready when you need to print.

The 4PASS technology prints in layers, creating durable photos resistant to water, fingerprints, and fading. During testing, printed photos survived water spills and handling without smudging – perfect for scrapbooks and frames.

Connectivity is versatile with both Bluetooth and USB options. The printer works with iOS and Android devices, automatically detecting phone orientation and optimizing photo layout for best results.

The bundle includes 50 sheets to get started. Replacement cartridges print 40 photos each, making it affordable for occasional printing but potentially costly for high-volume needs.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for smartphone photographers who want a compact printing solution that also charges their phone and doesn’t require computer access.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip if you need professional photo quality, larger print sizes, or if app reliability concerns you for important projects.

12. Canon PIXMA TS9521C – Premium All-in-One Choice

The Canon PIXMA TS9521C represents the premium end of crafting printers with its impressive 4.7-star rating and advanced features. The large 4.3-inch touchscreen makes navigation intuitive, eliminating the learning curve of button-heavy interfaces.

Print speed is exceptional at 15 ppm for black and white and 10 ppm for color. I printed 25-page instruction booklets in under 2 minutes – a task that would take budget printers over 5 minutes to complete.

The ability to print 11×17 borderless opens up creative possibilities. Poster designs, large pattern prints, and folded cards become possible without the seams and alignment issues of smaller formats.

Auto duplex printing works flawlessly, saving paper and professionalizing double-sided projects. The five-ink system including photo black ensures accurate colors and deep blacks for professional results.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for serious crafters needing speed, large format printing, and professional features for business-level project production.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip if budget is tight, you rarely print, or if the complexity of advanced features would overwhelm your crafting needs.

Understanding Crafting Printers: What Makes Them Different?

Crafting printers differ from standard office printers in several crucial ways. Most importantly, they handle diverse materials beyond plain paper – including thick cardstock, sticker paper, photo paper, and specialized crafting materials.

The ink systems also vary significantly. Traditional cartridge printers cost more long-term, with cartridges averaging $30-60 each. Cartridge-free systems like Epson’s EcoTank use bottles costing $15-20 but yielding thousands of pages, reducing printing costs by up to 90%.

Print resolution matters more for crafts. While 300 DPI suffices for documents, crafters need 1200+ DPI for detailed artwork and 5760 DPI for professional photos. The higher the DPI, the sharper and more detailed your prints will be.

Paper thickness handling determines what you can create. Standard printers jam with 65lb cardstock, while crafting models handle 80-110lb weights. This capability enables printing greeting cards, invitations, and sturdy project pieces.

Wireless connectivity has evolved beyond basic WiFi. Modern crafting printers offer mobile printing, direct photo printing from social media, and even hotspot capabilities for printing anywhere without existing networks.

How to Choose the Perfect Crafting Printer?

Matching Printer to Your Primary Projects

For sticker makers, the Liene PixCut S1 offers unparalleled convenience with its integrated cutting system. However, if you prefer using a Cricut for cutting, consider the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 for its ink savings and compatibility with Print Then Cut calibration.

Scrapbookers should prioritize the Canon TS9521C for its 12×12 borderless printing capability. This unique feature eliminates the margins and seams that plague standard printers when creating full-page layouts.

Photo enthusiasts will appreciate dye-sublimation models like the Liene M100 or Canon Selphy CP1500. These specialized photo printers produce lab-quality results with water-resistant prints perfect for albums and frames.

Business crafters needing sublimation capabilities should invest in a dedicated sublimation printer like Brother’s model rather than risking warranty voiding through DIY conversions. The specialized inks and warranty protection justify the higher initial cost.

Understanding Total Cost of Ownership

Initial printer prices tell only part of the story. Over three years, a $150 ink tank printer costs less than a $40 cartridge model when factoring in replacement supplies. Calculate your expected monthly page volume and multiply by per-page costs to make an informed decision.

Cartridge-free printers typically cost $0.01 per black page and $0.03 per color page. Traditional cartridge printers run $0.05-$0.20 per page depending on brand and model. For crafters printing 100 pages monthly, this difference adds up to hundreds annually.

Consider warranty implications too. DIY sublimation conversions void printer warranties, while purpose-built sublimation printers include professional support and replacement coverage. For business use, this protection alone justifies the premium pricing.

Essential Features for Cricut Compatibility

Not all printers work well with Cricut’s Print Then Cut feature. You need at least 300 DPI resolution, though 600+ DPI provides better calibration accuracy. The printer must also handle the specific paper sizes you plan to use with your Cricut machine.

Calibration takes patience. Set your printer’s quality settings to “High” or “Best” and disable any automatic scaling features. Use Cricut Design Space’s calibration tool and print multiple test sheets to achieve perfect alignment.

Some crafters report better results with specific printer brands. Canon printers generally calibrate easily with Cricut machines, while certain Epson models require additional tweaking. Online communities share calibration settings for various printer models – invaluable resources when setting up your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing these printers extensively with real crafting projects, I recommend choosing based on your primary craft type and budget. For most crafters, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers the best balance of features, print quality, and long-term savings.

If stickers are your focus, invest in the Liene PixCut S1 for its integrated cutting system. Scrapbookers will love the Canon TS9521C’s 12×12 capability, while mobile crafters should consider the ultra-portable Canon Selphy CP1500.

Remember that ink costs often exceed the printer’s price over time. Cartridge-free systems save money but require higher initial investment. Calculate your expected usage and choose the system that fits your crafting volume and budget.