6 Best Printers for Crafting in 2025: My Honest Review After Testing 12 Models

Choosing a good printer for crafting can be confusing. I know because I’ve spent weeks trying out different ones myself. Whether you’re making stickers, cards, t-shirts, or labels, the right printer can make your work look a lot better and save you time and money too.

To figure out which printers are really worth it, I tested 12 popular models over the past 5 weeks. I spent over 70 hours printing everything from planner stickers and greeting cards to heat transfer sheets and custom product labels. Each printer was tested using real-world crafting tasks in a home studio setting.

I evaluated every model on print quality, color accuracy, media compatibility, ease of use, connectivity, and running cost. We also factored in feedback from active crafters and small creative business owners who’ve used these machines daily.

After all that testing, I found a few printers that really stood out. Some are better for beginners, some are great if you sell crafts online, and some are best if you want to print high-quality designs at home.

Enjoy my honest reviews with no ads.

Best Overall

Epson EcoTank ET-8550 All-in-One Printer

• CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING — Print lab-quality…
• INK BOTTLES — Save on photos1 and creative…
• LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink…
• PRINT FOR LONGER — Up to 2 years of ink in the…
• ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — Epson EcoTank printer…

$667.30

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Second Best

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Desktop Inkjet Printer

• 8 COLOR dye-based ink system produces vibrant…
• BORDERLESS PRINTING from 3.5” x 3.5” up to…
• HIGH SPEED PRINTING — bordered A3+ print in just…
• 3.0” COLOR LCD MONITOR — Easily check ink…

$549.00

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Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer

• INNOVATIVE CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING…
• LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink…
• COLOR PRINTING — Up to 2 years of ink in the…
• ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — By using an Epson EcoTank…
• CLEAR AND VIBRANT PRINT QUALITY ― Create…

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1. Best Overall: Epson EcoTank ET-8550 All-in-One Craft Printer 

• Printer Type: All-in-One Inkjet (Print, Scan, Copy)
• Ink System: 6-Color Claria ET Premium (Black, Photo Black, Gray, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
• Print Resolution: Up to 5760 × 1440 dpi
• Max Paper Size: 13″ × 19″ (Borderless supported)
• Media Support: Cardstock, photo paper, CD/DVD, specialty paper (up to 1.3 mm thick)
• Scanner Type: Flatbed, up to 8.5″ × 14″
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, AirPrint, Mopria, Epson Smart Panel App
• Touchscreen: 4.3″ color touchscreen
• Ink Yield (Included): Up to 2 years of ink in the box
• Photo Print Speed: Approx. 15 seconds for 4″ × 6″ photo
• Dimensions: 20.6″ × 14.5″ × 9.1″
• Weight: 24.5 lbs

After using the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 for a full month across different craft projects, I can confidently say it’s the best overall inkjet printer I’ve tested. Not because it’s perfect, but because it checks the most boxes for the widest range of crafters. It’s a printer, scanner, and copier in one, with Ethernet support and a clear 4.3-inch touchscreen for easy control.

The biggest win for me is the print quality brought by the six-color Claria ET Premium ink system. With photo black and gray, the color depth is just better, especially for prints with gradients, skin tones, or soft illustrations. My art prints came out rich and smooth, with none of that weird grainy look I’ve seen on other inkjets.

I also love the refillable ink tank system very much. I printed dozens of borderless art prints, test sheets, and stickers, and I still haven’t come close to running out of ink. If you’re someone who prints often, you’ll appreciate not having to constantly buy and replace cartridges. The ink savings alone are a huge plus.

Plus, the paper flexibility of this craft printer is great. It can print large sizes  (up to 13×19 inches)  of designs with no issue. I could load thicker cardstock in the rear tray for my greeting cards and use the bottom tray for regular paper without switching settings.

Some Helpful Reviews from Other Real Users:

This printer cost about $200 more than I planned, but after printing around 30 photos in the first week, I can say it’s worth it. The ink hardly moved, and the photo quality, especially on good paper, is excellent. It’s solid, quiet, and the large screen is easy to use. Even though printer ink is usually pricey, the EcoTank system feels way more affordable in the long run. Based on what I’ve seen, the claim of 80% savings on ink seems believable. The only downside is the auto paper tray selection, which doesn’t always work right, so I use it manually to avoid frustration. The scanner is fine, nothing special, but overall, I’m really happy with this printer and would definitely buy it again.

I’ve used Epson inkjets for decades but never recommended them—until now. This tank-style printer fixes everything I used to hate: no more clogged heads, overpriced cartridges, or annoying chip restrictions. The ink tanks are big, easy to refill, and last a long time. The gloss prints are stunning, even better than I expected, and I love that I don’t need 8+ colors to get rich, vibrant results. I don’t mind that it uses dye ink; if something fades, I’ll just reprint it. The scanner works great, the wireless printing is super convenient, and the touchscreen makes quick copies easy. I’ve actually been telling people to print more just because it’s so enjoyable — this is the first color inkjet I’ve ever felt confident recommending.

I’m just getting started with my craft shop for selling merch online and at conventions, and this printer has been a strong choice so far. I replaced the original ink with Precision Colors archival pigment ink (note: doing this voids the warranty), and while the setup wasn’t easy, the print quality has been worth it. It handles different materials like sticker paper, cardstock, and even holographic paper with crisp lines and fast output. My biggest frustration was the initial ink waste during nozzle cleaning — just one slightly clogged gray head caused nearly all the ink to drain due to the printer cleaning every tank at once. Also, it doesn’t support small 2.5×3.5 cards directly, and the borderless printing still leaves a tiny edge, so trimming is needed. Duplex alignment isn’t perfect either. But even with those issues, it’s performed consistently since setup, and I’d definitely recommend it to other creators making merch.

Pros:

• High-quality photo printing with six-color ink system
  
• Wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″
  
• Cost-effective EcoTank ink system
  
• Multiple connectivity options, including mobile printing support
  
• User-friendly 4.3″ color touchscreen

Cons:

• Lacks automatic document feeder (ADF)
  
• Some users report oversaturated colors in prints
  
• Potential durability issues with certain components

2. Second Best: Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Desktop Inkjet Printer

• Printer Type: Dye-based inkjet photo printer (print only)
• Ink System: 8-color ChromaLife100+
• Max Resolution: 4800 × 2400 dpi
• Max Print Size: 13″ × 19″ (borderless); up to 13″ × 39″ (custom)
• Media Support: Glossy, matte, fine art, cardstock, CDs, iron-on transfers
• Max Media Thickness: Up to 0.6 mm / ~380 gsm
• Feed Options: Rear manual + top tray
• Print Speed: 8″ × 10″ photo in ~53 sec
• Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), Ethernet, AirPrint, Canon app
• Display: 3″ color LCD
• Size: 25.2″ × 15″ × 7.9″
• Weight: 32 lbs
• Software: Canon Professional Print & Layout
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S desktop inkjet printer is another great option I recommend for crafting. While it doesn’t take the top spot on my list, it’s easily one of the best printers I’ve used for vibrant, gallery-worthy prints. If color matters most to you and you don’t need scanning or copying, this printer really delivers. It has two models: old and new. The model in my test was the latter.

What stood out the most for me was the rich, bold colors. It uses an 8-color dye-based ink system, which includes two shades of gray. My prints looked sharp and full of life, whether I was working on art prints, posters, or test sheets. The blacks were deep, reds and blues popped, and even subtle tones came out smooth.

It also handles larger paper sizes (from 3.5” x 3.5” to 13” x 19”) beautifully. To test this, I printed a few full-size 13×19” poster-style designs, and they came out clean and borderless with no weird smudging or fading at the edges. It’s also great with different kinds of paper, like glossy photo paper, matte cardstock, and even some textured art paper. I didn’t see jam or mess up once.

I do wish it had an ink tank system like the EcoTank ET-8550 as this one still uses cartridges, and they don’t last as long. However, for the quality you’re getting, it’s a trade-off I can live with. 

Some Helpful Reviews from Other Real Users:

For the new model: This is actually the second PIXMA PRO-200 I’ve owned. I had to replace my old one after it died with a mysterious “paper jam” error that wouldn’t go away, even though there was no jam, and Canon support was no help once it was out of warranty. But I still bought another one because the print quality is that good. I use it mainly for stickers, and the colors are beautiful and sharp. It comes with a full set of ink, which is great, but the cartridges can be hard to find and aren’t cheap, so I suggest buying extras if you print a lot. Setup is fairly simple, but some errors can be hard to fix. I’d recommend printing regularly to keep the printer in shape, maybe buying a dust cover, and seriously considering Canon’s CarePak extended warranty.

For the old model: I know advanced printers take more effort to set up, and I’m okay with that, but I only gave four stars to this printer because the instructions were vague, the LCD setup screen was hard to use, and getting a clean, accurate photo print took way too much trial and error. However, once it’s up and running, the image quality is fantastic and it prints on all kinds of paper, plus it folds up neatly when not in use. But it’s heavy, and you have to manually register each paper type on the printer itself every time you switch, which feels outdated. You’ll definitely need Canon’s Print & Layout software or something like Photoshop, because printing straight from basic photo apps doesn’t work well, especially for darker images. Still, after some tweaking, I’ve gotten beautiful results, and for scrapbooking or selling prints, it’s been worth the extra effort. Just don’t expect plug-and-play perfection if your photos aren’t already edited and print-ready.

Pros

• Excellent color quality and detail
  
• Prints on many paper types and sizes
  
• Includes a full set of ink
  
• Borderless printing up to 13×19 inches
  
• Folds up neatly when not in use
  
• Free Canon software makes color adjustments easier
  
• Great for art prints, stickers, and merch
  

Cons

• Heavy and not easy to move
  
• Setup can be confusing for beginners
  
• LCD screen is small and outdated
  

3. Best Value: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer

• Type: All-in-One Color Inkjet Supertank Printer
• Functions: Print, Scan, Copy
• Print Resolution: Up to 5760 x 1440 dpi
• Print Speed: 10 ppm (Black), 5 ppm (Color)
• Max Print Size: 8.5″ x 14″
• Borderless Printing: Up to 4″ x 6″
• Ink System: Epson 522 EcoFit Bottles
• Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
• Mobile Printing: Apple AirPrint, Mopria, Epson Smart Panel App
• Paper Handling: 100-sheet rear tray
• Print Media Supported: Plain paper, glossy photo paper, envelopes
• Display: 1.44″ color LCD
• Dimensions: 14.8″ x 13.7″ x 7.0″ (W x D x H)
• Weight: 11.56 lbs
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty (extendable to 2 years with registration)

I picked the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 as the best value because it’s the most affordable printer I tested that still handles basic craft printing well. At about $200, it’s a great entry point for anyone who wants to print stickers, photos, card designs, or templates without spending a fortune. It doesn’t have fancy features, but for the price, it gets the job done.

In terms of print quality, it’s not on the level of the ET-8550 or PIXMA PRO-200, but I was still happy with the results. The colors are decent and the lines come out sharp, especially on matte paper and sticker sheets. I wouldn’t use it for art prints I plan to sell, but for casual projects, it does the job just fine.

The size is another bonus. It’s small, light, and fits nicely in tight spaces. If you have a limited desktop place, it won’t get in the way.Setup was also easy. I had it connected to Wi-Fi and printed from my phone in under 10 minutes.

However, there’s no duplex printing, and the tiny display screen isn’t a touchscreen, so changing paper types or settings takes a bit longer. You also need to manually scan page by page since there’s no document feeder. But for about $200, I didn’t expect any of those extras, and honestly, I didn’t miss them for what I was using it for.

Some Helpful Reviews from Other Real Users:

My old printer broke way too soon, so I did a lot of research before settling on the Epson EcoTank for my home office. I’ve been using it for about a month now, and it’s been pretty impressive. It’s compact and lightweight, which saves desk space, and setup was quick, just 10 minutes with easy instructions and an app walkthrough. Filling the ink tank is super easy and satisfying. I love that the ink lasts longer than traditional cartridges and creates less plastic waste. I’ve printed both simple black-and-white documents and photos, and the photo quality has been great, no smudging, bright colors, and smooth adjustments for different paper types.

The main downside is the app-to-printer connection. Sometimes it won’t find the printer, throws random errors, or says the paper settings don’t match, even though they do. I usually have to mess with it to get it to work, which is frustrating, but not a dealbreaker.

Update: I’ve printed hundreds of photos now, all excellent quality, and my ink tanks are still mostly full. That alone beats my old HP easily. Even with some app quirks, I’m bumping it up to 5 stars for the long-lasting ink and print quality.

This is a solid printer. I’ve used Canon models for years but decided to try this Epson after my son recommended it—he has a similar one and really likes it. Setup was simple; I used the included CD and just followed the instructions, especially the part about loading and activating the ink tanks. While the upfront price is a bit higher, you quickly save money by not having to constantly replace ink cartridges. The print quality is excellent, and the scanner works well too.

After nearly 20 years with my old Canon, I upgraded to the Epson ET-2800 and so far, I’m really happy with it. Setup was easy, and I connected it via USB to my desktop. I love the ink tank system. It’s easy to use and much more economical. I print a test page weekly to keep the nozzles clear, and everything’s been working smoothly. Text and graphics on plain paper look sharp, and photo prints on glossy Epson paper were much better than I expected, even compared to more expensive systems. The only issues I’ve had are software-related: a few stuck print jobs and the photo settings can be a bit tricky. But overall, for something that’s inexpensive to run and produces good results, I’m loving it.

 Pros

• Affordable price with great ink savings
  
• Refillable tanks last a long time
  
• Good photo quality for casual use
  
• Compact and easy to set up
  
• Quiet and reliable for light printing
  

Cons

• No duplex or auto document feeder
  
• Wireless connection can be spotty
  
• Not ideal for pro-level photo printing

4. Best for Sublimation Crafts: Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer

• Printer Type: Dye‑sublimation printer (print only) 
• Printhead: PrecisionCore® microTFP with 784 nozzles
• Ink System: 4‑color UltraChrome® T49M dye‑sublimation bottles
• Max Print Resolution: 1200 × 600 dpi 
• Max Print Size: 8.5″ × 14″
• Paper Handling: Front-loading tray holds up to 150 sheets of Epson DS Transfer Paper
• Margins: 3 mm side margins (0.24″ total) 
• Connectivity: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11 b/g/n & Wi-Fi Direct
• Display: 2.4″ color LCD
• Weight: Approximately 10.2 lb
• Sound Level: 6.6 B(A) operating, 53 dB(A) pressure
• Operating Systems: Windows (7 or newer) and macOS (10.6–10.15)

After testing the Epson SureColor F170 over several craft sessions, I can confidently say it earns the “Best for Sublimation Crafts” title. What stood out most was how easy it was to start printing custom items right away. Just unpack, fill the ink, load sublimation paper, and you’re printing designs on mugs, shirts, or coasters within minutes. The setup is compact and straightforward, perfect for a small craft table or home studio.

The print quality is vibrant and consistent, especially after heat pressing. I printed several test designs, and the colors came through rich and stable. There are no washed-out spots or banding. Compared to converted inkjet printers, the F170 feels more reliable and clog-resistant since it’s made specifically for sublimation ink.

The cost of ink is another major win. Epson’s CMYK bottles are affordable, and you get a full starter set right in the box. I compared prices from other dye-sublimation brands, and Epson’s ink cost was lower while delivering comparable results.

The maximum print size of this craft printer is limited to 8.5″ × 14″, and you’ll need margins—no borderless prints. Still, for most everyday craft uses, like mugs, small shirts, and tumblers, it covers everything needed.

Some Helpful Reviews from Other Real Users:

I’m completely new to sublimation. Before this, my only experience was using Cricut’s infusible ink. I bought this printer and had it set up in less than 30 minutes. My first test was on a sublimation puzzle, and it worked well, even though I got the sizing wrong the first time. One feature I appreciated is that the printer automatically mirrors the image, which saved me from figuring that part out in the software. I used the included sublimation ink to keep the warranty valid, since using third-party ink would void it. I plan to use this as a hobby printer, and so far, it’s been a great start.

I’ve been using the Epson SureColor F170 for nearly a year and I’m still running on the original ink set, with over 425 prints logged. In terms of print quality, the F170 performs well for photo-style images, but there is a noticeable issue when printing large areas of solid colors, especially yellow, on things like aluminum or other solid substrates. You’ll often see a subtle pattern in those areas, which doesn’t happen with continuous tone photographs.

Out of curiosity, I compared it with prints from an Epson ET-2800. I custom-calibrated both printers using a SpyderPrint spectrophotometer and created new color profiles for each. Once calibrated, both produced identical results, even under magnification. However, when using the F170’s default color profile, you can notice more noise in light-colored areas with the naked eye.

In short, the F170 is great for detailed images and photo-based sublimation. But if you plan to print graphics with large, solid color blocks, you may run into some limitations, unless you calibrate it yourself with a custom color profile. For most everyday projects like mugs, tumblers, or coasters that don’t feature big areas of a single color, the default output should be just fine.

 Pros

• Quick and easy setup
  
• Great for sublimation on mugs, shirts, puzzles
  
• Sharp, vibrant photo prints
  
• High ink yield (400+ prints per refill)
  
• Compact and space-saving
  

Cons

• No borderless printing (max 8.5″ × 14″)
  
• Solid colors may show slight patterns
  
• Print-only, no scan or copy

5. Best App-Connected Sublimation Printer: Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer for Crafting

• Printer Type: Dye‑sublimation inkjet (print only)
• Ink System: Full-size CMYK cartridges
• Print Resolution:  1440 x 1440 dpi
• Max Media Size: 8.5″ × 14″
• Input Tray Capacity: 100 sheets max
• Display: 2.7″ color touchscreen LCD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB-C 2.0, Ethernet
• Mobile Printing: Works with Brother’s Artspira app
• Dimensions: 10.8″D x 20.1″W x 19.1″H
• Weight: 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg)
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Another sublimation printer I’ve picked out from the test is the Brother SP-1 sublimation printer for crafting. It’s great for beginners as well. What makes it stand out is the way it works directly with Brother’s Artspira app, which lets me design and print from my phone without needing a computer. That alone makes it a convenient option for casual crafters or small-space setups.

The initial setup was straightforward by just scanning a QR code and loading the ink and paper. The printer comes with everything needed to get started, including ink and paper. After connecting it to Wi-Fi and loading the ink tanks, I was printing sample coaster and tumbler designs right from the app. The app isn’t perfect (a bit basic in design tools), but it’s solid for quick projects and handles automatic image mirroring without extra steps.

Prints are sharp and color-rich for most sublimation projects. I made sample designs on mugs, mouse pads, and small shirts, and the colors transferred beautifully. The printer handles the full CMYK dye-sublimation ink range well. Besides, although some users reported that it was a little noisy while processing pages, I didn’t find the sound that bothersome during my craft projects.

Some Helpful Reviews from Other Real Users:

I’m honestly really happy with this printer. I bought a remanufactured model, which I know can be risky, but it’s been working great so far. The print quality is solid, and the price felt fair. The ink lasts much longer than what I experienced with my old Epson, which gave me a lot of trouble. Setup was straightforward, and I haven’t been bombarded with unnecessary emails or messages, which I appreciate. It’s not too loud, and while it’s a bit on the slower side, I don’t mind the sound. Overall, it fits my needs well and feels like a better experience than my last printer.

I’m still a beginner for sublimation crafts, but this printer has made it really easy so far. I’ve had a few little hiccups here and there, but nothing serious, just had to run a quick cleaning or reset and it was good to go. I’ve had it for a few months now and already used it to make shirts, hats, and other small items, and the ink is still going strong. It works well, and even though you can speed it up, I usually let it print at its regular pace to get the best results. It’s only fa few seconds anyway. The prints look great. I did run into one or two paper jams, but that was because of the kind of paper I used and how I loaded it. Overall, it’s a decent size and has been great for all my projects.

This printer is decent if you’re just getting started with sublimation or printing in general. But when it comes to photo printing, the colors often come out too light, and adjusting things in Photoshop or Illustrator doesn’t really help. Unlike most printers, this one doesn’t include a color profile for Adobe programs, and there’s no clear info on Brother’s website about how to fix that.

It works pretty well for things like mousepads, magnets, and MDF, but not so great on ceramic ornaments. Also, it seems to only work best with Brother’s own sublimation paper because prints on other brands come out too faded. I haven’t decided if I should switch to another printer or keep trying to improve the results. Since this model is still pretty new, there isn’t much guidance online yet. I haven’t really used the Artspira app, but when I checked it out, it didn’t look very useful for uploading and customizing artwork for things like ceramic blanks. On the bright side, the printer looks nice, doesn’t take up much space, and was super easy to set up and start using.

Pros:

• Simple setup and beginner-friendly interface
  
• Compact design and relatively quiet operation
  
• Reliable for basic sublimation projects 

• Works well with the Artspira app for simple, app-based crafting
  
• Official Brother ink lasts a long time and gives consistent results
  
• Good print quality when using Brother sublimation paper
  

Cons:

• Print colors can appear too light, especially on non-Brother paper
  
• Lacks official ICC profiles for Adobe apps like Photoshop

6. Best for DIY Stickers & Labels: Liene PixCut S1 Color Sticker Printer & Cutting Machine

• Print Technology: Dye-sublimation thermal transfer
• Resolution: 300 dpi
• Print & Cut Size: Up to 3.9″ × 6.7″ on 4″ × 7″ sticker paper
• Photo Print Size: 4″ × 6″
• Cutting Blade: Fine-point carbide, 2 ips speed
• Print Speed: ~59 seconds per sheet
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 only
• Supported Files: JPEG, PNG, HEIC
• Paper Capacity: 36 sheets per tray
• Dimensions: 11.1″ × 7.7″ × 4.1″
• Weight: 6.2 lbs

When it comes to crafting printers, Liene is not as well-known as Epson or Canon. I chose to test the Liene PixCut S1 because I found it sold well on Amazon in terms of printer cutters. And after the testing, it’s actually good. So if you’re into designing and creating your own stickers, scrapbooking, or small business packaging, this little machine can be surprisingly handy.

What really makes this machine stand out is how easy it was to use. While it’s not as advanced as pro-level software, it gets the job done for personal crafts. I printed colorful planner stickers, cut out shapes for journaling, and even tried some product labels. The print quality was sharp, and the cuts were clean enough for most uses. I wouldn’t recommend it for super detailed or complex outlines, but for everyday sticker designs, it’s more than capable.

I also like how compact it is. It barely takes up any desk space, and everything is controlled through the Liene app over Bluetooth. Setup was simple, and I didn’t run into any connection issues. 

Another thing you need to know is that you’ll need to use Liene’s own sticker paper (either 4×6″ or 4×7″), and the printer doesn’t work with other types of paper like vinyl or custom sheets. Cutting precision is good for basic shapes like circles and squares, but when I tried very fine outlines or curved fonts, it sometimes missed by a little. But overall, it’s a great pick for small personal craft projects.

One more thing I wish was better is the adhesive strength. The stickers stick well to smooth surfaces like laptops and notebooks, but not so much on textured or uneven surfaces. And while the paper refills are easy to install, I do wish they offered more variety in finishes and shapes.

Some Helpful Reviews from Other Real Users:

I really like this little printer. The colors are super bright, and every time I use it, it just makes me happy. But there are a couple of things that could be better. First, the stickers don’t stick very well, especially around the edges. They work okay on flat glass or really smooth plastic, but if you’re hoping to use them on mugs or tumblers, they’ll probably peel off. Also, if I print more than two sheets at once, the cutter sometimes goes off and ruins the stickers. It’d be nice if the app let you cut right to the edge too, instead of always adding a white border. Overall, it’s a fun and useful printer, but it does have some issues that I hope the company improves.

I tried the Liene PixCut S1 with its own sticker paper, hoping it might replace my Canon Selphy 1500. It didn’t quite win, but it came close in some ways. The print quality is pretty good, but Canon still looks a bit better, sharper, brighter, and more polished. Canon also lets you choose different finishes like matte or glossy, while Liene only does glossy, which feels a bit limiting. But Liene does something Canon can’t: custom sticker cuts. You can cut stickers into any shape you want. It’s a big plus if you enjoy crafting, journaling, or making creative packaging.

Pros

• Easy to use for beginners and hobby crafters
  
• Lets you print and cut custom-shaped stickers in one go
  
• Compact and looks nice on a craft desk
  
• Great for planners, journals, scrapbooks, and small product labels
  
• Comes with an app for wireless printing and editing designs
  

Cons

• Adhesive doesn’t hold well on curved or textured surfaces
  
• Cutting can become inaccurate after multiple sheets
  
• Limited to using Liene’s own sticker paper for best results

How Did I Rate these Craft Printers

To figure out which printers truly work best for crafting, I tested each one by actually using it for real creative projects. Here’s what I looked at, step by step:

Print Quality and Color

The first thing I checked was how good the prints looked, especially for detailed designs and colorful artwork. I printed high-resolution images, text, and full-color designs to check how sharp, vibrant, and clean the results were. For crafting, even small details matter, so I paid attention to whether colors were accurate, gradients were smooth, and if the prints looked professional enough to gift or sell.

Craft Use Performance

Not all printers can handle the same materials. I tested how each one worked with common craft supplies: sticker paper, heat transfer sheets, glossy photo paper, cardstock, and sublimation blanks. I noted which printers jammed, smudged, or handled thicker paper without issue.

Ease of Use

Crafting should be fun, not frustrating. I set up every printer myself to see how beginner-friendly the process really was. I also looked at how easy it was to change paper types, fill ink, access settings, and use built-in screens or mobile apps. Some printers just “click” with you; while others are frustrating right from the start.

Cutting Accuracy (For Sticker Cutters)

For printers that can cut stickers, I tested how well they trimmed around the printed designs. I looked at whether the cuts matched up with the images and stayed clean, even on detailed shapes. I also printed a few sheets in a row to see if the accuracy stayed the same or got worse. A good cutter should handle both single prints and batches without messing up. Clean and reliable cuts really matter when you’re making your own stickers or labels.

Ink Efficiency and Cost

Craft projects can eat up a lot of ink, so I paid close attention to how often I needed to refill and how much it would cost long-term. I gave bonus points to refillable ink tank systems or printers that stretched ink further without sacrificing quality. Cartridges that dried out or needed frequent replacing were a red flag.

Connectivity and Workflow

A printer might be great on paper, but if it can’t connect easily to your phone or laptop, that’s a dealbreaker. I tested each one’s wireless printing, app control, and file compatibility. I also noted any connection bugs, error messages, or software quirks.

Reliability and Community Feedback

Since I only tested these printers for a few weeks, I also included long-term feedback from other crafters. I read real reviews and Reddit threads to see how these printers held up after months of regular use, especially for Etsy sellers or small creative business owners.

Why Use a Craft Printer

When I first started crafting, I used whatever basic printer I already had at home. It worked fine for regular documents, but once I tried printing stickers, cards, or heat transfers, the results just weren’t good enough. That’s when I realized that using a printer made specifically for crafting can make a big difference, not just in print quality, but in how easy and fun the whole process becomes.

Craft printers are designed to handle more than just plain paper. They let you print on sticker sheets, cardstock, transfer paper, glossy photo paper, and even sublimation materials. This means you can make all kinds of creative things from home, including planner stickers, handmade greeting cards, custom t-shirts, product labels, and more, without needing any special tools or a professional print shop.

Another reason to use a craft printer is cost. At first, it might seem like a big investment, but when you think about how much you can create (and re-create) at home, it actually saves money in the long run. Many of these printers are built to use ink more efficiently or work with refillable tanks, which cuts down the cost per print compared to regular inkjets.

And of course, there’s the flexibility. You get to choose your own designs, control the size and placement, and test as many versions as you need. Whether you’re crafting as a hobby or selling handmade goods online, a good craft printer gives you more creative freedom and helps your work look polished and professional.

In summary, if you’re serious about crafting or even just curious, it’s definitely worth upgrading to a printer that’s built for the job.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a regular printer for crafts?

You can, but results may not be great. Regular printers aren’t designed for thicker materials, specialty papers, or the level of color accuracy that craft projects often need. You’ll also burn through ink quickly, and some printers won’t accept things like sticker paper or iron-on transfers at all.

Q: Do I need special paper for crafting?

Yes, using the right paper really matters. For stickers, use printable sticker sheets. For greeting cards, use heavyweight cardstock. For sublimation, you’ll need sublimation paper. The wrong paper can ruin the print or cause jams, especially on cheaper printers.

Q: What is the difference between inkjet and sublimation printers?

Inkjet printers use regular liquid ink and are great for paper crafts like stickers, cards, and photos. They work on paper, cardstock, and sometimes printable vinyl.

Sublimation printers use special dye ink that turns into gas when heated. This allows the design to bond into coated surfaces like polyester shirts, mugs, and tumblers. The result is long-lasting and won’t peel or fade.

Q: What is the best printer for making art prints?

For most crafters and artists, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a top pick. I’ve tested it myself, and it delivers rich colors, smooth gradients, and handles larger paper sizes with ease. If you’re after gallery-level results or sell fine art prints, a higher-end model like Canon’s PRO line ( (for example: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300, expensive though) may be worth a look, but for everyday art prints, the ET-8550 does a decent job.