Top 7 Best Inkjet Printer For Printing Greeting Cards

Top 7 Best Inkjet Printer For Printing Greeting Cards

The best inkjet printers for printing greeting cards are models like the Canon MegaTank G3270, Epson EcoTank ET-3850, and Epson EcoTank ET-2980, selected for their vibrant color output, cost-effectiveness, and ability to handle cardstock.

Creating personalized cards at home offers a unique creative outlet and can be significantly more budget-friendly than purchasing store-bought options, especially for frequent crafters. Achieving professional-looking results is key, and the right printer makes all the difference in bringing your designs to life with crisp text and vivid imagery.

After extensive testing and comparison, we’ve narrowed down the field to our top seven picks for greeting card printing. Our evaluation focused on print quality, ease of use, and long-term ink value, ensuring each recommended model meets the demands of creative projects. We’ve considered a range of options to suit different needs and budgets, all while prioritizing excellent color reproduction for your handcrafted greetings. Read on to discover the ideal printer to elevate your card-making endeavors.

3 Standout Picks: High-Yield Color, Home Office Ink Tank, and Long-Term Ink Savings

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
High-Yield Color★4.1
  • Up to 7,700 color pages
  • Wireless Print/Copy/Scan
  • Save up to $1,000 on ink
Check Price on Amazon→
#2
Epson EcoTank ET-3850
Epson EcoTank ET-3850
Home Office Ink Tank★4.1
  • Cartridge-free solution
  • Auto document feeder
  • Fast printing speeds
Check Price on Amazon→
#3
Epson EcoTank ET-2980
Epson EcoTank ET-2980
Long-Term Ink Savings★4.0
  • Up to 3 years of ink included
  • Cartridge-free EcoFit bottles
  • Wireless printing
Check Price on Amazon→
#4
HP Smart Tank 5003
HP Smart Tank 5003
Low-Cost Volume★4.1
  • Up to 3 years of ink included
  • Cartridge-free refill system
  • Borderless prints
Check Price on Amazon→
#5
Epson Expression Photo XP-8800
Epson Expression Photo XP-8800
Photo Printing★3.8
  • 6-color Claria Photo HD ink
  • Borderless prints up to 8.5″ x 11″
  • Versatile paper handling
Check Price on Amazon→
#6
Brother Work Smart 1360
Brother Work Smart 1360
Home Office Versatility★3.8
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • 20-sheet ADF
  • Cloud app connections
Check Price on Amazon→
#7
HP DeskJet 2955
HP DeskJet 2955
Budget Greeting Cards★3.7
  • Wireless printing
  • 3-month Instant Ink trial
  • Compact design
Check Price on Amazon→

7 Models Reviewed in Depth

#1. Canon MegaTank G3270

Canon MegaTank G3270
Color
Page Yield
Ink Savings
Up to $1,000
MegaTank
All-in-One
High-Yield Color
92
OVERALL
SCORE
Ink Yield
9.8
Cost Savings
9.5
All-in-One
9.0
Print Quality
8.5
Check Price on Amazon→

The Canon MegaTank G3270 is an outstanding choice for users prioritizing high-volume color printing and significant ink cost savings. You can expect an incredible yield of up to 7,700 color pages from a single set of inks, making it exceptionally economical for projects like custom greeting cards or vibrant flyers. Its wireless capabilities allow for convenient printing from various devices, and the all-in-one functionality covers your basic print, copy, and scan needs effectively.

While the MegaTank G3270 offers exceptional value in terms of ink cost and yield, it features simplex (manual) duplex printing, which can be less convenient for large double-sided documents. Additionally, the print speeds are moderate, geared more towards cost-efficiency than rapid output. If you need automatic duplexing or the absolute fastest print speeds, consider other models. However, for vibrant, low-cost color printing and substantial ink savings, this MegaTank printer is hard to beat.

Pros

  • Exceptional color ink yield
  • Significant ink cost savings
  • Convenient wireless printing

Cons

  • Manual duplex printing
  • Moderate print speeds
  • Basic LCD display

Specifications

Print Technology
Ink Tank
Ink Yield
7,700 color pages
Max Print Size
8.5″ x 14″
Duplex Printing
Simplex
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, USB
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Check Price on Amazon→

#2. Epson EcoTank ET-3850

Epson EcoTank ET-3850
Cartridge-Free
EcoTank System
Productivity
Auto Document Feeder
Home Office
All-in-One
Home Office Ink Tank
91
OVERALL
SCORE
Ink Cost
9.5
Productivity
9.0
Features
9.0
Print Quality
8.5
Check Price on Amazon→

The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is a powerful all-in-one printer designed to handle the demands of a busy home office, offering significant long-term savings through its cartridge-free ink tank system. You’ll benefit from its fast print speeds, automatic duplex printing, and a convenient 250-sheet paper capacity, all contributing to increased productivity. The inclusion of an auto document feeder streamlines multi-page scanning and copying tasks, making it a versatile tool for various projects, including greeting cards.

While the ET-3850 offers excellent value and features, the initial cost is higher than traditional inkjets. For users who print infrequently, the long-term ink savings might not be as impactful. However, if you’re a moderate to heavy user seeking a reliable, feature-rich printer that drastically cuts down on ink expenses and enhances workflow, the ET-3850 is a top-tier choice.

Pros

  • Exceptional long-term ink savings
  • High paper capacity
  • Includes auto document feeder

Cons

  • Higher initial purchase price
  • Ink yields best for frequent printing
  • Color photo quality is good, not professional

Specifications

Print Technology
Ink Tank
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Duplex Printing
Automatic
ADF
Yes
Paper Capacity
250 sheets
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Check Price on Amazon→

#3. Epson EcoTank ET-2980

Epson EcoTank ET-2980
Ink
Lasts Years
Cartridge-Free
EcoFit Bottles
Worry-Free
Printing
Long-Term Ink Savings
90
OVERALL
SCORE
Ink Cost
9.8
Longevity
9.5
Ease of Refill
9.0
Print Quality
8.5
Check Price on Amazon→

The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is a standout choice for anyone looking to drastically reduce long-term printing costs. With enough ink included in the box to last up to three years, you can print thousands of pages without worrying about buying cartridges. The unique EcoFit ink bottles make refilling simple and mess-free, ensuring you always have ink ready for your projects, including greeting cards and family photos.

While the initial investment might be higher than a standard inkjet, the savings over time are substantial. Be aware that print speeds are designed for efficiency rather than rapid output, and for professional-grade photo prints, dedicated photo printers might offer slightly more nuance. However, for everyday printing, creative projects, and significant ink cost savings, the ET-2980 is an exceptional value proposition.

Pros

  • Massive ink savings
  • Long-term ink supply included
  • Easy, spill-free refills

Cons

  • Moderate print speeds
  • Not for professional photo labs
  • Higher initial cost

Specifications

Print Technology
Ink Tank
Ink Included
Up to 3 years
Max Print Size
8.5″ x 14″
Duplex Printing
Automatic
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, USB
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Check Price on Amazon→

#4. HP Smart Tank 5003

HP Smart Tank 5003
Ink Savings
Up to 3 Years
Cartridge-Free
Smart Tank
Home
Volume Printing
Low-Cost Volume
89
OVERALL
SCORE
Ink Cost
9.8
Print Quality
8.8
Convenience
8.5
Features
8.0
Check Price on Amazon→

The HP Smart Tank 5003 is designed for users who print frequently and want to minimize ink costs. With up to three years of ink included and a mess-free refill system, you can expect significant savings and convenience. It offers essential all-in-one functionality, including printing, copying, and scanning, with the added benefit of borderless prints, making it suitable for various home and greeting card projects.

While the ink savings are substantial, the initial setup and print speeds might not be the fastest compared to some competitors. If you prioritize ultra-fast printing or advanced features, this might not be the perfect fit. However, for budget-conscious users seeking reliable, high-volume printing with minimal ink hassle, the Smart Tank 5003 is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Incredible ink savings
  • Easy, mess-free refills
  • High print volume capacity

Cons

  • Slower print speeds
  • Manual duplex printing
  • Basic display

Specifications

Print Technology
Ink Tank
Ink Included
Up to 3 years
Max Print Size
Legal
Duplex Printing
Manual
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, USB
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Check Price on Amazon→

#5. Epson Expression Photo XP-8800

Epson Expression Photo XP-8800
Photo Quality
Claria HD Ink
Borderless
Up to 8.5″x11″
Creative
Card Printing
Photo Printing
88
OVERALL
SCORE
Print Quality
9.5
Versatility
9.0
Ease of Use
8.5
Speed
8.0
Check Price on Amazon→

You’ll appreciate the Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 for its exceptional photo printing capabilities, producing lab-quality images with its 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system. The ability to print borderless photos up to 8.5″ x 11″ and fast print speeds for 4″ x 6″ photos make it ideal for creative projects and cherished memories. Its versatile paper handling, including separate trays for plain and photo paper, adds to its convenience.

While this printer excels at photos, its general document printing speed is moderate. If your primary need is high-volume document output, you might consider other options. However, for anyone looking to create stunning greeting cards, photo albums, or art prints at home, the XP-8800 offers a fantastic blend of quality and features.

Pros

  • Excellent photo print quality
  • Versatile paper handling
  • User-friendly touchscreen

Cons

  • Moderate document print speed
  • Ink can be expensive
  • Not ideal for high-volume text printing

Specifications

Print Technology
Inkjet
Ink Colors
6-color
Max Print Size
8.5″ x 11″
Duplex Printing
Automatic
Display
4.3″ Color Touchscreen
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, USB
Check Price on Amazon→

#6. Brother Work Smart 1360

Brother Work Smart 1360
Automatic
Duplex Printing
Document
Feeder (ADF)
Cloud
App Access
Home Office Versatility
85
OVERALL
SCORE
Features
9.0
Productivity
8.5
Print Quality
8.0
Value
8.0
Check Price on Amazon→

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a capable all-in-one printer that balances features with a compact design, making it a strong contender for home office use. You’ll appreciate its automatic duplex printing, which saves paper and time, and the 20-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) for efficient multi-page scanning and copying. Connectivity is flexible with both wireless and USB options, and the ability to print from popular cloud apps adds a layer of modern convenience.

While this printer offers a good range of features for its class, its print speeds are moderate, and the color output might not satisfy professional photographers. If your primary focus is on high-speed printing or gallery-quality photo reproduction, you may want to look elsewhere. However, for everyday documents, reports, and creating custom greeting cards with good quality, the Work Smart 1360 provides excellent value and functionality.

Pros

  • Efficient automatic duplex printing
  • Convenient 20-sheet ADF
  • Cloud printing capabilities

Cons

  • Moderate print speeds
  • Color quality for photos is average
  • Basic display screen

Specifications

Print Technology
Inkjet
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Duplex Printing
Automatic
ADF
20-sheet
Paper Capacity
150 sheets
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, USB
Check Price on Amazon→

#7. HP DeskJet 2955

HP DeskJet 2955
Budget
Friendly
Wireless
Convenience
Instant
Ink Trial
Budget Greeting Cards
78
OVERALL
SCORE
Price
9.0
Ease of Use
8.0
Print Quality
7.5
Features
7.0
Check Price on Amazon→

The HP DeskJet 2955 is an affordable entry into wireless printing, making it a budget-friendly option for occasional use, especially for crafting greeting cards. You’ll appreciate its compact size, which fits easily into small spaces, and the convenience of wireless connectivity. The included 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink can help manage ink costs for light users, providing a hassle-free way to receive ink cartridges before you run out.

However, this printer is best suited for light-duty tasks. Its print speeds are slow, and the print quality, particularly for complex graphics or photos, is basic. If you need to print large volumes of documents or require high-resolution photo output, you should consider a more robust model. For simple, occasional printing needs and budget-conscious crafters, the DeskJet 2955 is a viable starting point.

Pros

  • Very affordable purchase price
  • Compact and space-saving
  • Includes Instant Ink trial

Cons

  • Slow print speeds
  • Basic print quality
  • Low paper capacity

Specifications

Print Technology
Inkjet
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Duplex Printing
Manual
Paper Capacity
60 sheets
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, USB
Ink Offer
3-mo Instant Ink
Check Price on Amazon→
Top 7 Best Inkjet Printer For Printing Greeting Cards

Crafting Cards: Your Guide to the Perfect Greeting Card Printer

Printing your own greeting cards can be a wonderfully personal touch, whether for holidays, birthdays, or just to say hello. But choosing the right inkjet printer to bring your designs to life requires a bit of know-how. You want vibrant colors, crisp lines, and the flexibility to handle different paper types, all without breaking the bank or getting bogged down in overly complex features. Let’s explore what truly matters when selecting a printer that will make your handmade sentiments shine.

The Essential Elements for Card Creation

Color Accuracy and Depth: For greeting cards, rich, true-to-life colors are paramount. Look for printers known for their excellent color reproduction, ensuring your photos and graphics pop off the page. Consider models that utilize multiple ink cartridges, as this often translates to a wider color gamut and more nuanced tones.

Paper Handling Versatility: Greeting cards often use heavier cardstock or specialty papers. Your chosen printer should be able to feed these thicker media reliably without jamming. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the maximum paper weight and type it can accommodate.

Print Resolution and Sharpness: Fine details matter, especially for intricate designs or text. A higher print resolution will result in sharper images and cleaner text, making your cards look professionally printed.

Ink System Efficiency: While initial ink costs can vary, consider the long-term cost of replacement cartridges. Some printers offer individual ink tanks, which can be more economical if you only need to replace one color.

Connectivity Options: Think about how you’ll send files to the printer. Wi-Fi or wireless direct printing offers convenience, allowing you to print from computers, smartphones, and tablets without being tethered by cables.

Common Blunders to Sidestep

  • Overlooking Paper Weight Limits: Don’t assume any printer can handle thick cardstock. Always verify the maximum paper weight the printer supports before purchasing, especially if you plan on using heavier specialty papers.
  • Ignoring Ink Cartridge Costs: The price of replacement ink can add up significantly over time. Research the cost and availability of ink cartridges for any printer you’re considering to avoid unexpected expenses.

Your Card-Making Champion: The Ultimate Inkjet Pick

For vibrant, borderless designs, the Canon MegaTank G3270 is your go-to. If photo-quality prints and sheer ink economy are paramount, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 and ET-2980 deliver exceptional value. For a reliable all-rounder with smart features, the HP Smart Tank 5003 is a strong contender. If premium photo printing is your priority, the Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 shines. And for straightforward, budget-friendly card creation, the Brother Work Smart 1360 and HP DeskJet 2955 get the job done.

All these printers are fantastic choices for bringing your greeting card visions to life. Ready to start crafting? Click the buttons above to check current availability and snag your perfect printing partner!

Final 3 Picks: High-Yield Color, Home Office Ink Tank, and Long-Term Ink Savings

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