Top 7 Best Color Printer For Crafting

Top 7 Best Color Printer For Crafting

The best color printers for crafting are the Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca for its dedicated crafting features, the Canon MegaTank G3270 for low-cost printing, and the HP Smart Tank 5003 for high-volume output.

Choosing the right printer can elevate your DIY projects, from intricate cardstock designs to vibrant photo prints, ensuring professional-looking results without breaking the bank. Key considerations for crafters include print quality, color accuracy, paper handling capabilities, and overall value.

We’ve tested and narrowed down the field to seven top-performing color printers, evaluating each for its ability to handle diverse crafting needs. Our selection process focused on ease of use, connectivity options, and cost per page to help you find the perfect match for your creative endeavors. Read on for our full comparison to help you make an informed decision.

3 Standout Picks: Low-Cost Printing, High Volume, and Crafting Projects

Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.

7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs

The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

#1
Canon MegaTank G3270
Canon MegaTank G3270
Low-Cost Printing★4.1
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • Cartridge-Free Ink Tanks
  • High Page Yield
Check Price on Amazon→
#2
HP Smart Tank 5003
HP Smart Tank 5003
High Volume★4.1
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • Cartridge-Free Ink Tanks
  • Up to 3 Years Ink Included
Check Price on Amazon→
#3
Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca
Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca
Crafting Projects★4.0
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • 4.3″ Touchscreen
  • Prints up to 11″ x 17″
Check Price on Amazon→
#4
HP Envy 6155
HP Envy 6155
Everyday Color★4.2
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • Auto Duplex Printing
  • 3-Month Instant Ink Trial
Check Price on Amazon→
#5
Brother Work Smart 1360
Brother Work Smart 1360
Home Office★3.8
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • Auto Duplex Printing
  • Cloud App Connections
Check Price on Amazon→
#6
HP DeskJet 2955
HP DeskJet 2955
Budget Home★3.7
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • 6-Month Instant Ink Trial
  • Compact Design
Check Price on Amazon→
#7
HP DeskJet 2923
HP DeskJet 2923
Basic Crafting★3.7
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • 6-Month Instant Ink Trial
  • Simple Setup
Check Price on Amazon→

7 Models Reviewed in Depth

#1. Canon MegaTank G3270

Canon MegaTank G3270
Ink Savings
MegaTank System
High Volume
7700 Color Pages
Wireless
Easy Connectivity
Low-Cost Printing
90
OVERALL
SCORE
Ink Cost
9.8
Page Yield
9.5
Print Quality
8.8
Ease of Use
8.5
Check Price on Amazon→

The Canon MegaTank G3270 is a standout for anyone looking to drastically cut down on ink costs. You’ll be amazed by the For those prioritizing cost-effectiveness and bulk printing, the Canon MegaTank G3270 is a champion.ultra-high page yields, with up to 7,700 color pages from a single set of inks, meaning you can print for potentially years without buying more. The wireless connectivity makes it easy to print from your devices, and the refillable ink tanks are designed for a mess-free experience.

While the initial setup of filling the tanks requires a bit of care, the long-term savings are undeniable. Be aware that the print speed, particularly for color, is on the slower side compared to traditional cartridge printers. If your main concern is cost-effective, high-volume printing for crafts, documents, or photos, this MegaTank model is an excellent, budget-friendly investment.

Pros

  • Extremely low cost per page
  • Incredible ink yield
  • Wireless printing capability

Cons

  • Slower print speeds
  • Initial ink tank setup
  • Basic display

Specifications

Brand
Canon
Model
MegaTank G3270
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Print Speed (Color)
6 ppm
Ink System
MegaTank (Refillable)
Display
1.35″ LCD
Check Price on Amazon→

#2. HP Smart Tank 5003

HP Smart Tank 5003
Ink Tank
Cartridge-Free
Long-Term
Ink Supply
High Volume
Cost Savings
High Volume
89
OVERALL
SCORE
Ink Cost
9.6
Page Yield
9.4
Print Quality
8.7
Connectivity
8.8
Check Price on Amazon→

The HP Smart Tank 5003 is engineered for users who print frequently and want to minimize ongoing costs. You’ll benefit from the impressive ink tank system, which includes enough ink for up to 3 years of printing, translating to significant savings. The mess-free refill process makes replenishing ink straightforward, and wireless connectivity allows for easy printing from various devices.

While the print quality is good for everyday documents and crafts, it might not meet the highest standards for professional photo printing. The print speeds are also moderate, so it’s not the fastest option for high-volume, rapid output. If your priority is cost-effective, high-volume printing with the convenience of long-lasting ink supply, the Smart Tank 5003 is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Extremely low cost per page
  • Generous ink supply included
  • Easy, mess-free refills

Cons

  • Moderate print speeds
  • Color quality best for documents
  • Manual duplex printing

Specifications

Brand
HP
Model
Smart Tank 5003
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Print Speed (Color)
5 ppm
Ink System
Smart Tank (Refillable)
Paper Capacity
100 sheets
Check Price on Amazon→

#3. Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca

Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca
Large Format
Up to 11″x17″
Intuitive
Touchscreen Control
Versatile
Media Support
Crafting Projects
88
OVERALL
SCORE
Print Quality
9.2
Versatility
9.0
Ease of Use
8.5
Connectivity
8.8
Check Price on Amazon→

You’ll appreciate the Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca for its exceptional versatility, especially for crafting. Its ability to print larger formats up to 11″ x 17″ is a significant advantage for projects like posters or scrapbooks. The intuitive 4.3″ touchscreen makes navigation a breeze, and the five individual ink cartridges mean you only replace the colors you need, saving both ink and money.

While this printer excels at creative tasks, be aware that its print speeds for standard documents are moderate. It’s a fantastic choice if your priority is high-quality, large-format printing for hobbies and crafts, but might feel a bit slow for high-volume office work. Overall, it’s a solid performer for creative enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Excellent for large format printing
  • User-friendly touchscreen interface
  • Individual ink cartridges

Cons

  • Moderate print speeds for documents
  • Ink can be costly for heavy use
  • No ADF for scanning

Specifications

Brand
Canon
Model
PIXMA TS9521Ca
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Print Speed (Color)
10 ppm
Max Paper Size
11″ x 17″
Display
4.3″ Touch LCD
Check Price on Amazon→

#4. HP Envy 6155

HP Envy 6155
True-to-Screen
Color Accuracy
Instant
Ink Trial
Automatic
Duplex Printing
Everyday Color
85
OVERALL
SCORE
Color Quality
8.9
Ease of Use
8.6
Features
8.4
Connectivity
8.7
Check Price on Amazon→

The HP Envy 6155 is a solid choice for home users who prioritize vibrant color output and convenient features. You’ll appreciate the true-to-screen color technology, ensuring your printed photos and crafts look as good as they do on your monitor. The inclusion of a 3-month Instant Ink trial is a great way to start, potentially saving you money on ink while offering hassle-free delivery.

While this printer offers excellent color reproduction and automatic duplex printing, its print speeds are average for its class. The AI-capable features for optimizing print formatting are a nice touch for reducing waste. If you’re looking for a reliable all-in-one with great color quality for everyday documents, photos, and crafting, the Envy 6155 is a strong contender.

Pros

  • Vibrant, true-to-screen color
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Helpful Instant Ink trial

Cons

  • Average print speeds
  • Requires HP cartridges
  • AI features may be niche

Specifications

Brand
HP
Model
Envy 6155
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Print Speed (Color)
7 ppm
Duplex
Automatic
Display
2.4″ Touchscreen
Check Price on Amazon→

#5. Brother Work Smart 1360

Brother Work Smart 1360
Cloud
App Integration
Automatic
Duplex Printing
Efficient
Home Office
Home Office
82
OVERALL
SCORE
Value
8.5
Features
8.2
Print Quality
8.0
Connectivity
8.4
Check Price on Amazon→

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a capable all-in-one printer designed for the demands of a home office. You’ll appreciate its automatic duplex printing and the convenience of a 20-sheet ADF, which streamlines document handling. Its integration with cloud apps allows for easy printing and scanning directly from services like Google Drive or Dropbox, enhancing your workflow.

While it offers good overall functionality, the color print quality might not be as vibrant as some higher-end models, making it less ideal for professional photo printing. However, for everyday documents, reports, and schoolwork, it provides reliable performance and good value. It’s a solid choice if you need a versatile, connected printer for general home office use.

Pros

  • Automatic duplex printing saves paper
  • Convenient cloud connectivity
  • Includes ADF for scanning

Cons

  • Color quality not top-tier
  • Slightly slower color print speed
  • Basic display

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
MFC-J1360DW
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Print Speed (Color)
9 ppm
Paper Capacity
150 sheets
Display
1.8″ Color Display
Check Price on Amazon→

#6. HP DeskJet 2955

HP DeskJet 2955
Instant
Ink Trial
Budget
Friendly Pick
Compact
Home Use
Budget Home
78
OVERALL
SCORE
Value
8.0
Ease of Use
7.5
Print Quality
7.8
Connectivity
7.7
Check Price on Amazon→

The HP DeskJet 2955 is a straightforward, budget-friendly option for basic home printing needs. You’ll find it easy to set up and connect wirelessly, making it convenient for printing documents and occasional color pages. The inclusion of a 6-month Instant Ink trial is a significant perk, offering a cost-effective way to manage ink supplies initially.

However, this printer is best suited for light-duty use; its print speeds are slow, and it lacks automatic duplex printing, requiring manual intervention for double-sided pages. The color quality is adequate for everyday tasks but won’t impress for professional photo work. If you need a no-frills, affordable printer for occasional printing and value the Instant Ink offer, the DeskJet 2955 is a decent choice.

Pros

  • Very affordable purchase price
  • Generous 6-month Instant Ink trial
  • Compact and lightweight

Cons

  • Slow print speeds
  • Manual duplex printing
  • Basic color quality

Specifications

Brand
HP
Model
DeskJet 2955
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Print Speed (Color)
5.5 ppm
Paper Capacity
60 sheets
Duplex
Manual
Check Price on Amazon→

#7. HP DeskJet 2923

HP DeskJet 2923
Instant
Ink Trial
Simple
Home Use
Wireless
Easy Connect
Basic Crafting
75
OVERALL
SCORE
Value
7.8
Ease of Use
7.5
Print Quality
7.5
Connectivity
7.6
Check Price on Amazon→

The HP DeskJet 2923 is designed for users needing a simple, affordable printer for occasional crafting and home tasks. You’ll find its setup process straightforward, and the wireless capability allows for easy printing from your phone or computer. The included 6-month trial of HP Instant Ink is a notable benefit, helping to manage ink costs for light users.

Be aware that this is a basic model; print speeds are slow, and it requires manual duplexing for double-sided prints. Color quality is suitable for crafts but not for professional photography. If you’re looking for a cost-effective printer for occasional, low-volume color printing and value the convenience of Instant Ink, the DeskJet 2923 fits the bill.

Pros

  • Very affordable purchase price
  • Includes 6-month Instant Ink trial
  • Simple to set up and use

Cons

  • Slow print speeds
  • Manual duplex printing required
  • Basic color output

Specifications

Brand
HP
Model
DeskJet 2923
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Print Speed (Color)
5.5 ppm
Paper Capacity
60 sheets
Duplex
Manual
Check Price on Amazon→
Top 7 Best Color Printer For Crafting

Ink Your Imagination: Finding the Perfect Color Printer for Your Crafts

Unleashing your creativity shouldn’t be limited by your printer. Whether you’re designing custom t-shirts, crafting intricate stickers, or bringing vibrant illustrations to life on paper, the right color printer can transform your artistic visions into tangible realities. Investing a little time in choosing wisely means avoiding frustration down the line and ensuring your projects pop with professional-quality color.

The Palette of Possibilities: What to Consider for Crafting Success

Before you hit “buy,” let’s explore the key features that will make a difference for your crafting endeavors.

  • Color Accuracy and Vibrancy: For crafts, true-to-life colors are paramount. Look for printers known for their ability to reproduce rich, saturated hues and subtle gradients, ensuring your designs look as good on paper as they do on screen.
  • Media Versatility: Your projects might call for more than just plain paper. Consider printers that can handle a variety of materials, from cardstock and photo paper to sticker sheets, iron-on transfers, and even thicker specialty media.
  • Print Resolution (DPI): Higher DPI means finer detail. For intricate designs, sharp text, and smooth photographic prints, a printer with a high resolution will prevent pixelation and ensure crisp, professional results.
  • Ink Type and Cost: Different ink types offer varying benefits. Pigment-based inks are generally more durable and fade-resistant, ideal for crafts that might be handled or displayed, while dye-based inks often provide more vibrant colors. Factor in the ongoing cost of replacement cartridges, as this can add up.
  • Connectivity Options: Seamless integration with your devices is essential. Wi-Fi, USB, and even mobile printing capabilities offer flexibility, allowing you to print from your computer, tablet, or smartphone with ease.

Navigating the Printing Landscape: Common Missteps to Sidestep

Even with the best intentions, a few common traps can lead to a less-than-ideal printing experience.

  • Overlooking Ink Costs: The initial price of a printer is only part of the equation. Research the cost and availability of replacement ink cartridges to avoid unexpected expenses.
  • Ignoring Media Compatibility: Assuming any printer can handle your chosen crafting material can lead to jams, poor print quality, or even damage to the printer. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for supported media types and weights.
  • Underestimating Print Speed: While not always the top priority for crafters, if you’re producing a high volume of items, a slow printer can become a bottleneck. Consider if print speed is a factor for your workflow.

Your Crafting Companion Awaits

For those prioritizing cost-effectiveness and bulk printing, the Canon MegaTank G3270 and HP Smart Tank 5003 are your champions. If vibrant, photo-quality prints for detailed projects are key, the Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca shines. For a balance of features and user-friendliness, the HP Envy 6155 and Brother Work Smart 1360 deliver. Finally, the HP DeskJet 2955 and 2923 offer solid, budget-friendly options for everyday crafting needs.

No matter your creative vision, there’s a printer here to bring it to life. Don’t wait – click through to check current availability and snag the perfect match for your crafting adventures!

Final 3 Picks: Low-Cost Printing, High Volume, and Crafting Projects

Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.