9 Best Paper for Inkjet Printers (November 2026)
The best paper for inkjet printers include the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper for heavier everyday sheets, the Hammermill Printer Paper for bulk document printing, and the Koala Glossy Inkjet Photo Paper 8.5X11 Inches for glossy photo prints.
On this page (6 sections)
The best paper for inkjet printers depends on the job: choose uncoated copy paper for everyday documents and inkjet photo paper for glossy images or graphics. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper is a strong everyday choice, while the Koala glossy sheets are meant for photos and other color projects.
Paper weight, finish and ink absorption all affect how a print looks and feeds through the machine. A heavier sheet can feel more substantial, but it is not automatically the right choice for every printer or task.
Match the paper to the printer’s supported media and the result you want.
This roundup includes multipurpose sheets for routine printing and glossy options for image work. Our score weighs specs and features against what you’re shopping for.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for heavier everyday sheetsAmazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for glossy photo printsKoala Glossy Inkjet Photo Paper 8.5X11 Inches
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itHP Paper Printer Paper MultiPurpose 20lb
Best for bright office documents - 5
Best for routine black-and-white pagesCheck it - 6
Check itGlossy Photo Paper For Printer 8.5 x
Best for glossy inkjet projects - 7
Check itKoala Glossy Thin Inkjet Paper 8.5x11 Inches
Best for thin glossy handouts - 8
Best for heavier color handoutsCheck it - 9
Check itTRU RED by Staples Copy & Printer
Best for large office paper stocks
Which paper for inkjet printers is best for each job?
Amazon Basics and Hammermill are versatile choices for everyday pages, while glossy inkjet sheets are better suited to photos and graphics. Choose based on your most common print job, then check the sheet weight and finish against your printer’s manual.
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper: Best for heavier everyday sheets
- 24 lb paper
- 97 brightness
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 1,500 sheets
A 24 lb uncoated sheet offers a sturdier feel than standard 20 lb copy paper for routine printing. The 1,500-sheet case suits frequent home or office use.
Pros
- 24 lb weight
- Uncoated finish
- Large case
Cons
- Heavier than standard 20 lb paper
- Not a glossy photo sheet
Hammermill Printer Paper: Best for bulk document printing
- 20 lb paper
- 92 brightness
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 4,000 sheets
This 20 lb multipurpose paper is made for routine printing across inkjet and laser machines. Its 4,000-sheet carton works for households or offices that print often.
Pros
- Works with inkjet printers
- Large sheet count
- Acid-free
Cons
- 92 brightness
- Large carton needs storage space
Koala Glossy Inkjet Photo Paper 8.5X11 Inches: Best for glossy photo prints
- Glossy finish
- 180 gsm
- Single-sided printing
- 100 sheets
A glossy, single-sided sheet is intended for photos, designs and graphics. Koala describes it as fast-drying and suitable for dye ink.
Pros
- Glossy finish
- Made for inkjet printing
- 100 sheets
Cons
- Single-sided printing
- Check dye-ink compatibility
HP Paper Printer Paper MultiPurpose 20lb: Best for bright office documents
- 20 lb paper
- 96 brightness
- ColorLok technology
- 1,500 sheets
This multipurpose uncoated paper is aimed at everyday black-and-white and color documents. It combines a 20 lb weight with a 96 brightness rating.
Pros
- For everyday color and black-and-white printing
- ColorLok technology
- Acid-free
Cons
- Not intended as glossy photo paper
- 20 lb weight may feel light for keepsake documents
HP Printer Paper: Best for routine black-and-white pages
- 20 lb paper
- 92 brightness
- ColorLok technology
- 1,500 sheets
HP Office20 is described for everyday high-volume printing, especially black-and-white pages. Its 1,500-sheet case provides a familiar letter-size supply.
Pros
- Everyday office use
- ColorLok technology
- Acid-free
Cons
- 92 brightness
- Not a specialty photo paper
Glossy Photo Paper For Printer 8.5 x: Best for glossy inkjet projects
- Glossy finish
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 100 sheets
- For inkjet printers
Paper Plan’s glossy letter-size sheets are intended for inkjet photo printing. A 100-sheet pack is a practical quantity for occasional photo or graphic projects.
Pros
- Glossy finish
- Letter size
- 100 sheets
Cons
- Photo paper is less suited to routine text pages
- Confirm printer settings for glossy media
Koala Glossy Thin Inkjet Paper 8.5x11 Inches: Best for thin glossy handouts
- Glossy finish
- 115 gsm
- Single-sided printing
- 100 sheets
This thinner glossy sheet suits graphics, flyers and other projects where a photo-like finish matters but a heavier sheet is not needed. Koala specifies dye ink.
Pros
- Thinner glossy paper
- 100 sheets
- For graphics and flyers
Cons
- Single-sided printing
- Requires dye ink
Hammermill Printer Paper: Best for heavier color handouts
- 32 lb paper
- 100 brightness in title
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 500 sheets
Hammermill Premium Color Copy Paper is a heavier option for proposals, flyers and color presentations. Its 500-sheet ream is smaller than the bulk document-paper cases.
Pros
- Heavier 32 lb paper
- For color projects
- Acid-free
Cons
- More weight than most routine documents need
- Check printer's supported paper weight
TRU RED by Staples Copy & Printer: Best for large office paper stocks
- 20 lb paper
- 92 brightness
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 5,000 sheets
This 20 lb multipurpose paper comes in a 5,000-sheet carton for high-volume use. Its smooth finish is described for toner-based printers and other office machines.
Pros
- Large sheet count
- 20 lb everyday weight
- Smooth finish
Cons
- Bulk carton takes storage space
- Toner-focused description, so check inkjet guidance
How we chose the best paper for inkjet printers
We compared paper types, weights, finishes, sheet counts and stated inkjet compatibility. The picks cover everyday documents as well as glossy photo and graphic printing, so the right option depends on what you print most.
A sheet’s brightness can help text and graphics stand out against the page, but brightness alone does not determine print quality. Weight affects the feel and handling of the paper, while finish helps determine whether it suits routine text or image work.
For printer-specific limits, follow the manual.
We also considered how the pack size fits different printing habits. A 5,000-sheet carton can make sense for a busy office, but a smaller pack may be easier to store at home.
For less common formats, compare the sheet dimensions with our guide to standard printer paper sizes.
What should you look for in paper for inkjet printers?
For routine documents, look for uncoated paper with a familiar weight and a pack size you can store. For photos or detailed graphics, choose inkjet paper with the finish and ink compatibility your printer supports.
Which paper weight works for everyday inkjet printing?
Most everyday copy paper in this roundup is 20 lb, while the Amazon Basics option is 24 lb. The 20 lb sheets suit routine documents; 24 lb paper may feel a little sturdier for reports or pages you handle often.
Heavier stock is not always better. Check the printer’s paper guidance before using 32 lb sheets or specialty media, since a printer may have limits on supported weight and thickness.
If thickness is a concern, see how to measure the thickness of paper.
When is glossy inkjet paper a better choice?
Glossy inkjet paper is a better fit when you want a shiny surface for photos, designs or colorful handouts. For a dedicated comparison, see paper for art prints.
The Koala glossy papers in this roundup are single-sided, and their guidance specifies dye ink, so check your ink type before buying.
Copy paper is easier to use for normal text pages and works for many routine color documents. For a closer look at the distinction, read inkjet paper vs photo paper.
If photos are the main job, our guide to Best Photo Paper For Inkjet Printer focuses on that use.
Does ink absorption matter?
Yes. Paper made for inkjet printing is designed to receive liquid ink, and the coating and surface can affect how quickly ink dries and how the image appears.
A paper’s stated compatibility is a useful starting point, but choose the correct media setting in the printer driver too.
If the printer offers settings for plain, glossy or photo paper, select the one that matches the sheet. That helps the printer use an appropriate print mode for the paper type.
Don’t assume that glossy paper will work with every ink system: the Koala options here specify dye ink. For transfer projects, compare sublimation paper for Epson printers.
For a different ink process, see sublimation ink for Epson EcoTank.
Is inkjet printer paper the same as laser paper?
Some multipurpose papers work in both inkjet and laser printers, but specialty papers may be designed for only one printer type. Check the paper’s stated compatibility and your printer instructions before loading it.
Laser printers use toner, while inkjet printers put liquid ink onto the sheet. Paper that handles one process may not give the same result with another.
For a dedicated laser-paper comparison, see best laser printer paper.
The best paper for inkjet printers, reviewed
The picks below move from versatile everyday paper to specialty glossy and heavier sheets. Use the product details to match the paper to your printer, print volume and preferred finish.
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper: Best for heavier everyday sheets
- 24 lb paper
- 97 brightness
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 1,500 sheets
A 24 lb uncoated sheet offers a sturdier feel than standard 20 lb copy paper for routine printing. The 1,500-sheet case suits frequent home or office use.
Pros
- 24 lb weight
- Uncoated finish
- Large case
Cons
- Heavier than standard 20 lb paper
- Not a glossy photo sheet
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper is the top everyday pick for people who want a slightly heavier alternative to standard copy paper. Its 24 lb weight and uncoated finish make it suitable for routine documents, copies and general home or office printing.
The white sheets are letter size, 8.5 x 11 in, and the case contains 1,500 sheets across 3 packs. Amazon Basics describes it for inkjet and laser printers, copiers and fax machines.
This is not a glossy photo sheet, so choose a dedicated inkjet photo paper when you want a shiny image surface. Also confirm that your printer accepts 24 lb stock if it has specific paper limits.
Choose it for everyday pages when you want 24 lb paper and a large supply. If your printer needs standard 20 lb paper, Hammermill or HP’s options may be a closer fit.
Hammermill Printer Paper: Best for bulk document printing
- 20 lb paper
- 92 brightness
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 4,000 sheets
This 20 lb multipurpose paper is made for routine printing across inkjet and laser machines. Its 4,000-sheet carton works for households or offices that print often.
Pros
- Works with inkjet printers
- Large sheet count
- Acid-free
Cons
- 92 brightness
- Large carton needs storage space
Hammermill Printer Paper is a practical choice for frequent document printing. The 20 lb, 92-bright paper is described for inkjet and laser printers, and the carton contains 4,000 letter-size sheets in 8 reams.
Hammermill says its ColorLok technology helps produce brighter colors and bolder blacks, with faster drying. The paper is acid-free, and the brand describes it as suitable for general copy and printer use.
Those features make it a flexible option when you print mostly text but sometimes include color graphics.
A 4,000-sheet carton is a lot of paper for a small desk or occasional printer. Consider where you will store the reams and whether your print volume justifies buying in bulk.
For light use, a smaller pack can be easier to manage.
Choose it for high-volume everyday printing when you want 20 lb multipurpose sheets in a large case. It is not a substitute for glossy paper when you need a photo finish.
Koala Glossy Inkjet Photo Paper 8.5X11 Inches: Best for glossy photo prints
- Glossy finish
- 180 gsm
- Single-sided printing
- 100 sheets
A glossy, single-sided sheet is intended for photos, designs and graphics. Koala describes it as fast-drying and suitable for dye ink.
Pros
- Glossy finish
- Made for inkjet printing
- 100 sheets
Cons
- Single-sided printing
- Check dye-ink compatibility
Koala Glossy Inkjet Photo Paper is the photo-focused pick for prints that need a shiny surface. The 180 gsm glossy sheets are letter size and intended for single-sided printing with inkjet printers using dye ink.
Koala describes the paper as fast-drying and suitable for photos, designs, greeting cards and detailed graphics. Its smooth glossy finish is meant to help show color, but the result also depends on your printer, ink and selected media setting.
The pack contains 100 sheets. Because the paper is single-sided, pay attention to the printable face when loading it and check your printer’s instructions for specialty media.
If you mostly print text, everyday copy paper is a more practical and simpler choice.
Choose it for glossy photo and craft projects when your printer uses compatible dye ink. For another photo paper option, compare the Best Photo Paper For Inkjet Printer guide.
HP Paper Printer Paper MultiPurpose 20lb: Best for bright office documents
- 20 lb paper
- 96 brightness
- ColorLok technology
- 1,500 sheets
This multipurpose uncoated paper is aimed at everyday black-and-white and color documents. It combines a 20 lb weight with a 96 brightness rating.
Pros
- For everyday color and black-and-white printing
- ColorLok technology
- Acid-free
Cons
- Not intended as glossy photo paper
- 20 lb weight may feel light for keepsake documents
HP Paper Printer Paper MultiPurpose 20lb suits everyday office printing that includes both black-and-white pages and routine color documents. It combines 20 lb weight with 96 brightness, which makes it a brighter option among the multipurpose sheets in this roundup.
The paper is uncoated, acid-free and uses ColorLok technology. HP describes it as compatible with HP equipment and other printer and copier equipment, so it can serve as a general-purpose supply rather than a paper reserved for one printer brand.
The case includes 1,500 letter-size sheets in 3 reams. That amount works for regular home or office printing without requiring the storage space of a 4,000- or 5,000-sheet carton.
Choose glossy specialty paper for photos that need a coated, shiny surface.
Choose it for brighter everyday documents when you want a 20 lb multipurpose sheet in a moderate case size. It is a sensible alternative to the 24 lb Amazon Basics paper if you prefer standard 20 lb stock.
HP Printer Paper: Best for routine black-and-white pages
- 20 lb paper
- 92 brightness
- ColorLok technology
- 1,500 sheets
HP Office20 is described for everyday high-volume printing, especially black-and-white pages. Its 1,500-sheet case provides a familiar letter-size supply.
Pros
- Everyday office use
- ColorLok technology
- Acid-free
Cons
- 92 brightness
- Not a specialty photo paper
HP Printer Paper is designed for everyday office use, especially high-volume black-and-white printing. Its 20 lb weight and 92 brightness suit routine pages where a standard uncoated sheet is more useful than photo paper.
The paper is acid-free and uses ColorLok technology. HP describes the Office20 paper as suitable for home, school and office printing, including use with HP and other printer and copier equipment.
Its 1,500-sheet case is split into 3 reams, which can be stored separately until needed.
This pick has a lower brightness rating than HP’s MultiPurpose 20 lb option above. If you print color documents often and want the brighter option, consider that one; for regular text and copies, this paper covers the basics.
Choose it for routine black-and-white pages and a supply sized for steady use. It is not intended to provide the glossy surface needed for photo prints.
Glossy Photo Paper For Printer 8.5 x: Best for glossy inkjet projects
- Glossy finish
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 100 sheets
- For inkjet printers
Paper Plan’s glossy letter-size sheets are intended for inkjet photo printing. A 100-sheet pack is a practical quantity for occasional photo or graphic projects.
Pros
- Glossy finish
- Letter size
- 100 sheets
Cons
- Photo paper is less suited to routine text pages
- Confirm printer settings for glossy media
Glossy Photo Paper For Printer 8.5 x is a letter-size option for inkjet photo printing. The glossy finish suits photos and graphics better than routine text pages, and the pack contains 100 sheets.
Paper Plan describes these sheets as compatible with inkjet printers. That makes printer type an important check before buying, particularly if you use a laser printer or need specialty media for a particular ink system.
Select the printer’s glossy or photo setting when appropriate, and follow its instructions for loading coated paper.
The product details do not specify a gsm weight in the provided product name or bullets, so don’t choose it based on a precise thickness expectation. If your project depends on stiffness or feed limits, confirm those details before purchase.
Choose it for occasional glossy inkjet projects when you want a 100-sheet letter-size pack. For documents and drafts, use uncoated copy paper instead.
Koala Glossy Thin Inkjet Paper 8.5x11 Inches: Best for thin glossy handouts
- Glossy finish
- 115 gsm
- Single-sided printing
- 100 sheets
This thinner glossy sheet suits graphics, flyers and other projects where a photo-like finish matters but a heavier sheet is not needed. Koala specifies dye ink.
Pros
- Thinner glossy paper
- 100 sheets
- For graphics and flyers
Cons
- Single-sided printing
- Requires dye ink
Koala Glossy Thin Inkjet Paper is intended for projects where a glossy look matters but a thinner sheet is useful. It is 115 gsm, prints on one side and comes in a 100-sheet pack.
Koala describes it for dye-ink inkjet printers and suggests uses such as flyers, brochures, candy wrappers, party favors and graphics with sharp text. The thinner stock may suit handouts that don’t need the heavier feel of a photo sheet, but check the printer’s guidance for glossy media before loading it.
This is not multipurpose copy paper. Its glossy surface and single-sided format are aimed at project printing, so use plain paper for routine drafts and double-sided documents.
Confirm that your ink type matches the stated dye-ink requirement.
Choose it for thin glossy flyers and craft prints when your inkjet uses dye ink. If the project needs a thicker photo sheet, the 180 gsm Koala option above is a closer match.
Hammermill Printer Paper: Best for heavier color handouts
- 32 lb paper
- 100 brightness in title
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 500 sheets
Hammermill Premium Color Copy Paper is a heavier option for proposals, flyers and color presentations. Its 500-sheet ream is smaller than the bulk document-paper cases.
Pros
- Heavier 32 lb paper
- For color projects
- Acid-free
Cons
- More weight than most routine documents need
- Check printer's supported paper weight
Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 32 lb Copy Paper is the heavier pick for proposals, flyers and color presentations. Its 32 lb weight gives it a more substantial feel than the 20 lb paper used for everyday copies.
Hammermill describes it for color-intensive projects and says it can be used in inkjet and laser printers. The paper is acid-free and comes in a 500-sheet ream.
That smaller pack size is useful when you need heavier stock for occasional projects rather than a full carton of everyday paper.
The product name gives a 100 brightness rating, while the specs also include a 98 brightness value. Focus on its stated weight and intended color-printing use, and check the printer manual for supported paper weight before loading it.
Choose it for heavier color handouts when your printer accepts 32 lb paper. For routine documents, the lighter 20 lb options are easier to handle and store.
TRU RED by Staples Copy & Printer: Best for large office paper stocks
- 20 lb paper
- 92 brightness
- 8.5 x 11 in
- 5,000 sheets
This 20 lb multipurpose paper comes in a 5,000-sheet carton for high-volume use. Its smooth finish is described for toner-based printers and other office machines.
Pros
- Large sheet count
- 20 lb everyday weight
- Smooth finish
Cons
- Bulk carton takes storage space
- Toner-focused description, so check inkjet guidance
TRU RED by Staples Copy & Printer Paper is a high-volume option for offices that go through paper quickly. The carton contains 5,000 sheets of 20 lb letter paper, divided into 10 reams.
Its smooth finish and 92 brightness suit general document use. The product is described for toner-based printers and also for laser printers, copiers and fax machines, so inkjet owners should confirm compatibility with their printer and the paper’s guidance before choosing it.
The large carton needs a dedicated storage spot, especially if you want to keep the reams clean and dry. If you print only now and then, a smaller case may be easier to use before the paper gets dusty or bent.
Choose it for a large office stock of standard 20 lb paper. For glossy inkjet work, choose one of the specialty photo papers in this roundup instead.
How do you choose paper for a specific inkjet project?
Choose by finish first, then check the weight, size and printer compatibility. Plain paper fits routine text; glossy paper is made for photo-style results; heavier paper can suit handouts if your printer supports it.
For photos, a dedicated inkjet photo paper gives you a coated surface designed for images. A glossy sheet may be single-sided and may specify dye ink, so check both details.
If you are comparing photo paper with everyday sheets, inkjet paper vs photo paper explains the difference.
For craft work, decide whether you need a glossy face, a flexible sheet or more body. The thin Koala paper is intended for flyers and wrappers, while the heavier Koala paper is aimed at photos and designs.
If you are making transfers, check that the paper is specifically made for your process; see Best Sublimation Paper For Inkjet Printer.
For routine office printing, multipurpose paper is the simplest choice. If you need a sheet size outside standard letter paper, confirm that your printer can feed it and set the matching size in the print dialog.
You can also explore what are the b paper sizes and what size is super b paper for less common formats.
Specialty materials such as vellum need their own printer compatibility check. Read what type of paper is vellum before trying it in an inkjet printer.
Which is the best paper for inkjet printers?
Choose Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper for a versatile everyday sheet with 24 lb weight, or Hammermill’s 20 lb paper for a large supply of routine document stock. For photos and glossy graphics, choose an inkjet photo paper that matches your printer’s ink and media settings.
If you need heavier color handouts, Hammermill’s 32 lb option may fit, provided your printer supports it. For less demanding text pages, the HP and TRU RED papers are standard 20 lb choices.
Match the sheet size, weight and finish to the job before you load the tray.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for heavier everyday sheets
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for glossy photo prints
Koala Glossy Inkjet Photo Paper 8.5X11 Inches
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best paper for inkjet printers?
For everyday documents, choose uncoated 20 lb or 24 lb copy paper that your printer supports. For photos and saturated graphics, use paper made for inkjet printing, with a finish such as glossy or matte that suits the result you want.
The right choice depends on the print job, ink type and printer settings.
Can you use regular copy paper in an inkjet printer?
Yes. Multipurpose copy paper can work in inkjet printers, and several picks here are described for both inkjet and laser use.
Copy paper is a practical choice for text and routine documents.
For photos, specialty inkjet paper can provide a finish and ink absorption better suited to images.
Does heavier paper always look better?
No. Heavier paper can feel sturdier, but it may not suit every printer or paper path.
Check the printer manual for its supported weight and media types before loading a heavier sheet.
For routine text, standard copy paper is often enough.
Save heavier sheets for projects where their feel is useful.
Should you use glossy paper for all inkjet printing?
No. Glossy paper is designed for photo-like prints and graphics, while uncoated copy paper is easier to use for everyday documents.
Glossy sheets can also be single-sided and may require a specific ink type.
Choose the finish and ink compatibility for the project before loading the paper.
What paper size should I buy?
Buy a size your printer supports and your document needs. Letter-size paper measures 8.5 x 11 in and is common for everyday US documents.
Check the printer tray and print settings before choosing a less common size.
Our guide to standard printer paper sizes explains common dimensions and uses.
