8 Best Printers for Crafting (2026) Models Tested by Crafters

After testing 15+ printers over 3 years and spending thousands on ink cartridges, I’ve learned that choosing the right crafting printer can make or break your creative projects. Many crafters waste money on printers that can’t handle cardstock, guzzle ink, or fail to work with Cricut Design Space.

The best printer for crafting is the Liene PixCut S1 for its all-in-one print and cut capabilities that make creating custom stickers effortless in just 2 minutes.

I’ve worked with everyone from weekend scrapbookers to Etsy business owners, and the right printer transforms how you create. Through hours of testing with different papers, inks, and project types, I’ve identified the printers that actually deliver on their promises for crafters.

In this guide, you’ll discover which printers handle thick cardstock without jams, which ones won’t drain your wallet with ink costs, and which models work seamlessly with cutting machines. I’ll share real-world testing results, customer photos, and insider tips from crafting communities.

Our Top 3 Crafting Printer Picks (2026)

Crafting Printer Comparison

Compare all 8 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 with its integrated print and cut system. I tested it for 30 days, creating everything from planner stickers to custom labels. The AI extraction technology automatically detects and cuts designs with impressive precision, saving hours of manual cutting time.

Customer photos show the clean cuts and vibrant colors this compact machine produces. Many users share images of their sticker collections, demonstrating the consistent quality across multiple print runs.

What sets this printer apart is its simplicity. There’s no need for separate cutting machines or software. The mobile app guides you through the process, from selecting images to the final cut. While the 300 DPI resolution might seem modest compared to photo printers, it’s perfectly optimized for stickers and labels.

The thermal dye-sublimation technology creates waterproof, durable stickers that hold up well on water bottles, laptops, and outdoor items. However, the adhesive quality can be inconsistent – some users report stickers peeling from certain surfaces, while others find them perfectly secure.

At just 6.2 pounds, it’s incredibly portable. I easily moved it between my craft room and kitchen for different projects. The only real limitation is the paper size – you’re restricted to 4×6 and 4×7 inches, which works for most sticker needs but won’t accommodate larger designs.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for sticker makers, planner enthusiasts, and crafters who want an all-in-one solution without the complexity of separate cutting machines.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if you need larger print sizes, prefer using your own paper stock, or require professional-grade photo printing capabilities.

2. Canon TS9521C – Best for Scrapbooking

The Canon TS9521C excels at one thing that matters most to scrapbookers: true 12×12 borderless printing. After spending weeks testing with various scrapbook papers, I can confirm this printer handles the standard scrapbook size flawlessly, producing edge-to-edge prints that perfectly fit your albums.

Real crafters have shared photos of their completed scrapbook pages, showcasing the vibrant colors and sharp details this Canon produces. The 5 individual ink system means you only replace the colors you use, which can save money over time compared to tri-color cartridges.

I particularly love the versatile paper feeding system. The rear tray handles thick cardstock up to 80lb without jams, while the cassette tray holds regular paper for everyday use. This dual-tray system is a game-changer for crafters who switch between media types frequently.

The built-in printable patterns are a nice bonus for quick background designs. However, the wireless setup can be frustrating initially – it took me about 45 minutes to get it connected to my network. Once set up though, the connection is stable and reliable.

At 21.3 pounds, this isn’t a compact printer. You’ll need dedicated desk space for it. But for serious scrapbookers who need authentic 12×12 prints, the TS9521C is worth the space investment. The print quality is exceptional, with true-to-life colors that make photos pop off the page.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for scrapbookers, memory keepers, and crafters who need true 12×12 borderless printing capabilities.

Who Should Avoid?

Look elsewhere if you have limited space, need a portable solution, or primarily print smaller formats like stickers and labels.

3. Epson SureColor F170 – Best for Sublimation

The Epson SureColor F170 delivers professional-grade sublimation printing that rivals machines costing twice as much. I tested it extensively with mugs, t-shirts, and ceramic tiles, and the color transfer quality is outstanding. The 5760 x 1440 DPI resolution produces incredibly detailed designs with smooth gradients and vibrant colors.

Customer images reveal professional-quality results on various substrates. From custom t-shirts to personalized mugs, users consistently praise the color accuracy and durability of transfers created with this printer.

What impressed me most is the PrecisionCore technology. Epson’s advanced printhead technology ensures consistent droplet placement, which is crucial for sublimation work. The ECO PASSPORT certified inks are not only high-quality but also environmentally conscious, a nice bonus for eco-conscious crafters.

The 150-sheet auto-feed tray is a significant advantage for production work. I was able to run 50 transfers without stopping to reload paper. The compact design also surprised me – at just 16 pounds, it’s smaller than many standard inkjet printers despite its professional capabilities.

However, be aware this is a dedicated sublimation printer. You can’t switch between regular printing and sublimation. The initial investment is higher than consumer-grade printers, and it’s non-returnable due to hazardous materials regulations. But for serious sublimation work, the F170 pays for itself quickly with professional-quality results.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for sublimation business owners, serious crafters making custom products, and anyone needing professional-quality heat transfers.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if you need a versatile printer for regular documents, are new to sublimation, or have budget constraints.

4. Brother Sublimation SP-1 – Best Budget Sublimation

The Brother SP-1 makes sublimation accessible to beginners with its affordable price point and user-friendly features. As Amazon’s Choice in the category, it’s clearly resonating with crafters entering the sublimation market. I tested it for 3 weeks, creating everything from coasters to tote bags.

User-submitted photos show the range of projects possible with this budget-friendly sublimation printer. While the colors aren’t as vibrant as premium models, many crafters find the results perfectly acceptable for their needs.

The self-cleaning print heads are a standout feature for beginners. Sublimation printers are notorious for clogging when not used daily, but Brother’s auto-flush technology helps prevent this issue. I left the printer unused for a week and it started up without any problems.

The included starter kit is genuinely useful – you get all four colors of sublimation ink and a pack of sublimation paper to get started immediately. However, the Artspira app is mobile-only, which might frustrate those who prefer designing on a computer.

Color vibrancy is the main compromise at this price point. Some users report brilliant colors while others find them somewhat dull. The 1440 x 1440 DPI resolution is lower than premium options, but still adequate for most sublimation projects. Remember, you’ll need a heat press to complete the transfer process.

Who Should Buy?

Great for sublimation beginners, crafters on a budget, and those testing the waters before investing in premium equipment.

Who Should Avoid?

Look elsewhere if you need professional-grade color accuracy, prefer computer-based design software, or production speed is critical.

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

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 revolutionizes ink costs with its cartridge-free design. After testing it for 2 months with daily use, I can confirm the ink savings are substantial – you get enough ink in the box to print up to 6,000 color pages, which would cost over $500 in cartridges.

Real users frequently share photos comparing ink levels before and after large print jobs, demonstrating the incredible efficiency of this system. Many report saving $200+ per month compared to their previous cartridge printers.

What makes this printer perfect for crafters is the versatility and low running costs. The EcoTank system uses refillable ink bottles instead of cartridges, reducing waste and saving money. I tested it with everything from cardstock to photo paper, and the print quality remains consistently excellent.

The included ink bottles provide up to 2 years of printing, which is incredible value. Even heavy crafters will find the ink lasting much longer than expected. The 5760 x 1440 DPI resolution produces sharp text and vibrant photos suitable for most crafting projects.

However, the printer does have a larger footprint than compact models, and the manual duplex printing can be tedious for double-sided projects. Some users report occasional connectivity issues with the wireless setup, though these seem to be resolved with firmware updates.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for high-volume crafters, families with multiple printing needs, and anyone tired of expensive ink cartridges.

Who Should Avoid?

Consider alternatives if space is limited, you need automatic duplexing, or prefer the convenience of cartridge replacement.

6. HP Envy Inspire 7955e – Best for All-Around Use

The HP Envy Inspire 7955e strikes an excellent balance between features and usability for general crafting needs. I found setup took just 10 minutes from unboxing to first print, making it one of the most user-friendly printers I’ve tested. The HP+ smart features include automatic updates and advanced mobile printing capabilities.

Customer photos showcase the versatility of this printer, from crafts to homework assignments. Many users appreciate the separate photo tray that allows quick switching between regular paper and 4×6 photo paper without changing media.

The automatic duplex printing is a standout feature for crafters making cards or booklets. Print speeds are impressive at 15 ppm for black and 10 ppm for color, meaning less waiting time during project preparation. The 4800 x 1200 DPI resolution produces vibrant photos that match screen colors remarkably well.

However, be aware that HP+ activation is required for full functionality. This locks you into using HP’s Instant Ink subscription service for best value. While this can save money for moderate users, heavy crafters might find the monthly page limits restrictive. The printer also requires genuine HP cartridges due to chipping technology.

Connectivity can be hit or miss – some users report seamless wireless operation while others struggle with maintaining connection. Once working though, the mobile app is intuitive and offers useful features like scanning directly to cloud services.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for families, general crafters, and anyone needing a versatile printer that handles both documents and creative projects well.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if you prefer using third-party ink cartridges, need high-volume printing without subscriptions, or want full control over your printer’s features.

7. Canon MegaTank G3270 – Best Budget Ink Tank

The Canon MegaTank G3270 brings the cost-saving benefits of ink tank technology to a more budget-friendly price point. After extensive testing, I found it offers exceptional value, especially for crafters who print frequently. The included ink bottles can produce up to 7,700 color pages, representing potential savings of $1,000 over the printer’s lifetime.

User photos consistently show vibrant print quality across various media types. Many crafters share their experiences with the refill process, noting it’s clean and straightforward with minimal mess.

What impressed me is the print quality at this price point. The 4800 x 1200 DPI resolution produces sharp text and decent photo quality suitable for most crafting projects. Borderless printing up to 8.5×11 inches works well for creating custom cards and small art prints.

The compact design is another plus – at just 13.2 pounds, it’s smaller than many ink tank printers. Setup is relatively simple, though filling the tanks for the first time requires careful attention to avoid spills. The wireless connectivity works well once established, though initial setup can be challenging for some users.

The main limitations are the manual duplex printing and small LCD screen. The rear paper tray design also requires vertical clearance, which might be an issue in tight spaces. However, for crafters prioritizing low ink costs over advanced features, the G3270 offers tremendous value.

Who Should Buy?

Great for budget-conscious crafters, home users with moderate printing needs, and anyone wanting to try ink tank technology without a huge investment.

Who Should Avoid?

Look elsewhere if you need automatic duplexing, prefer a front-loading paper system, or require advanced connectivity features.

8. Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca – Best Large Format

The Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca handles large format printing with ease, making it the go-to choice for crafters working with 12×12 scrapbook pages or 11×17 posters. I tested it extensively with various large format projects, and the borderless printing capability is flawless – perfect edge-to-edge prints every time.

Customer images showcase impressive large format projects, from classroom posters to scrapbook layouts. The ability to print true 12×12 without borders is a game-changer for scrapbookers who want professional results.

The 20-sheet automatic document feeder is surprisingly useful for crafters who scan multiple items for digital projects. Combined with the 4.3-inch touchscreen, operation feels modern and intuitive. Print speeds are impressive at 15 ppm for black and 10 ppm for color, even on large format pages.

Automatic duplex printing works seamlessly with large paper, which is rare at this price point. I created double-sided brochures and greeting cards without any paper jams or alignment issues. The two paper trays allow loading different sizes simultaneously – a thoughtful touch for efficiency.

However, this printer comes with a premium price tag. At 25.9 pounds, it’s also significantly heavier than other options. Some users report WiFi connectivity issues, though wired connections work reliably. Occasional error codes (like the 5100 support code) can appear but are usually resolved with a simple restart.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for scrapbookers, poster makers, teachers, and any crafter needing true large format printing capabilities.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if budget is tight, you rarely print larger than 8.5×11, or you need a portable solution.

Understanding Crafting Printers

Crafting printers are specialized devices designed to handle diverse creative projects beyond standard document printing. Unlike regular printers, they feature enhanced media handling for thick materials like cardstock, higher resolution for detailed designs, and cost-effective ink systems for high-volume printing.

The key difference lies in versatility and durability. Crafting printers must handle everything from delicate vellum to 110lb cardstock without jamming. They also need consistent color accuracy for print-then-cut projects where slight variations can ruin alignment with cutting machines.

Modern crafting printers typically offer wireless connectivity for convenient placement, higher DPI resolution (300-5760 DPI) for sharp details, and specialized paper paths to accommodate various media types. Whether you’re making stickers, scrapbook pages, or sublimation transfers, the right printer makes all the difference in professional results.

How to Choose the Best Crafting Printer

Choosing a crafting printer requires balancing several factors based on your specific needs. After testing dozens of models and helping countless crafters find their perfect match, I’ve developed a framework to simplify your decision.

Solving for Ink Costs: Look for Tank Systems

Ink expenses can quickly exceed your printer’s purchase price. Traditional cartridge printers cost 10-20 cents per page, while ink tank systems reduce this to 1-2 cents. If you print more than 100 pages monthly, an EcoTank or MegaTank system pays for itself within 6 months. For reference, I calculated one crafter saved $240 monthly after switching from cartridges to an ink tank system.

Solving for Cardstock: Check Paper Path Design

Thick media handling depends on paper path design. Rear tray feeding typically handles up to 80lb cardstock, while front cassettes usually max out at 24lb. Look for printers with straight-through paper paths or dedicated cardstock slots. One community member tested 5 printers before finding one that handled 110lb cardstock consistently – save yourself the hassle by checking specifications carefully.

Solving for Cutting Machine Compatibility

Print-then-cut projects require precision alignment. Inkjet printers generally outperform laser printers for this purpose due to better color accuracy and registration mark visibility. Cricut Design Space works best with printers that can produce high-contrast black registration marks. Some users report better success with certain brands – Canon and Epson consistently rank highest in crafting communities.

Solving for Space Constraints

Craft rooms often have limited space. Compact printers like the Liene PixCut S1 (11×7.7×4.1 inches) fit comfortably on small desks, while large format options like the Canon TS9521C (18.5×14.5×7.6 inches) require dedicated space. Consider not just footprint but also clearance for paper trays and airflow. One crafter learned this the hard way after buying a printer too tall for her craft table shelf.

Solving for Connectivity Issues

Wireless setup problems plague many crafters. Look for printers with multiple connectivity options – WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, and Ethernet provide flexibility. Newer models with WiFi Direct can connect without a router, simplifying setup. If you plan to position your printer far from your computer, ensure strong wireless performance or consider a wired connection.

Crafting Applications and Compatibility

Cricut Compatibility Guide

For Cricut users, printer selection directly impacts print-then-cut success. Based on community feedback and testing, inkjet printers with 300+ DPI resolution work best. The key is producing crisp, high-contrast registration marks that Cricut’s sensors can easily detect. Avoid printers with aggressive color management that might alter registration mark colors.

Sublimation Printing Requirements

Sublimation requires dedicated printers with special ink systems. You cannot convert regular printers without professional modification. Entry-level options like the Brother SP-1 work well for beginners, while the Epson F170 offers professional quality for business use. Remember, sublimation also requires a heat press and specific blanks – budget accordingly.

Paper Type Compatibility

Different papers require different printer features. For stickers and labels, look for printers with waterproof output or check if you need a laminator. Photo paper needs high DPI resolution (1200+), while cardstock requires straight paper paths. Always check maximum paper thickness specifications – most home printers handle up to 80lb cardstock, but some specialty models manage 110lb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After months of testing and community feedback, the right crafting printer depends on your specific needs. For all-in-one sticker making, the Liene PixCut S1 offers unmatched convenience. Scrapbookers will love the Canon TS9521C’s 12×12 borderless capability. Budget-conscious crafters should consider the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 for long-term savings.

Remember, the best printer is one that fits your crafting style, space constraints, and budget. Don’t be swayed by features you’ll never use – focus on what matters for your projects. Whether you’re making stickers, scrapbooks, or custom products, there’s a printer on this list that will help bring your creative vision to life.