Best Printer for Cricut Maker Projects (2026) – Expert Picks
A Cricut Maker doesn’t print — your printer does.
So when people say “best printer for Cricut,” what they really mean is:
- The best printer for Print Then Cut (stickers, printable vinyl, printable HTV, labels)
- The best printer for thick media (cardstock, sticker paper, photo paper)
- The best printer for clean color (so your cut line is on the edge, not on a fuzzy halo)
This 2026 guide is written for a global audience and focuses on what actually affects results: paper path, ink type, color consistency, and cost-per-sheet.
Quick Picks (TL;DR)
- Best overall for most Cricut Maker users (value + quality): Epson EcoTank ET-3850
- Best for sticker-shop quality color (gradients, art): Epson EcoTank ET-8550 (6‑ink)
- Best “crafter-friendly” wide printing for stickers/cards: Canon PIXMA TS9521C (12″ wide)
- Best home-office all-rounder that still does Print Then Cut well: HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e / 9025e (region dependent)
- Best budget pick for occasional Cricut Print Then Cut: Canon PIXMA TR/TS series (pick current equivalent in your country)
- Best for shipping labels (not Print Then Cut): Brother QL‑1110NWB (thermal)
What matters most for Cricut Maker printing
1) A rear feed or straight-ish feed path
For sticker paper, printable vinyl, glossy photo paper, and cardstock:
- a rear tray (common on many Canon PIXMA models)
- or a rear/straight feed option
This keeps sheets flatter and reduces smears, roller marks, and jams.
2) Print quality and sharp edges
Cricut can cut perfectly, but if your print is soft or oversaturated you’ll see:
- fuzzy edges
- muddy blacks
- “halo” outlines after cutting
A printer with strong photo printing modes and better color handling produces noticeably better stickers.
3) Ink cost (the hidden price)
Cricut users burn through ink.
- If you print regularly, ink-tank printers (EcoTank/MegaTank) are usually the cheapest long-term.
- Cartridge printers can be fine for light use, but costs rise fast.
4) Use System Dialog (the quality unlock)
In Cricut Design Space, “Use System Dialog” lets you access your printer’s real settings:
- paper type (matte sticker / photo glossy / cardstock)
- quality (high/best)
- correct tray (rear feed)
This is often the difference between “meh” and “wow.”
Best Printers for Cricut Maker Projects (2026)
Epson EcoTank ET-3850
Why it’s here: The best overall Cricut printer for most people because it combines low running cost with consistently good color on sticker paper — and you won’t fear printing test sheets.
Who it’s for: Sticker sheets, Print Then Cut projects, school crafts, small Etsy-style runs.
What it solves:
- Low cost per sticker sheet (refillable ink tanks)
- Strong everyday color for matte sticker paper
- Great for iterating designs without worrying about ink
Trade-offs: For truly water-resistant stickers you still need printable vinyl + laminate (that’s materials, not the printer).
Epson EcoTank ET-8550 (6‑ink)
Why it’s here: If you sell stickers or print art-heavy designs, the jump to 6 inks means smoother gradients, better skin tones, richer blacks, and more “pro” looking sticker sheets.
Who it’s for: Sticker shops, creators, artists, and anyone who wants the best color quality from an ink-tank printer.
What it solves:
- Better color depth and smoother gradients (huge for illustrated stickers)
- Strong glossy photo modes for shiny sticker paper
- Tank economics for high-volume printing
Trade-offs: Higher upfront cost; overkill for simple text labels.
Canon PIXMA TS9521C (Crafter’s 12″ wide)
Why it’s here: One of the most popular “crafter printers” because it can print up to 12×12-style projects and handles creative paper well. It’s also known for good photo color.
Who it’s for: People making stickers + greeting cards + wide-format craft prints.
What it solves:
- Wide printing (great for big sticker sheets, larger layouts)
- Rear feed workflow that’s craft-friendly
- Strong photo-style color for Print Then Cut
Trade-offs: Cartridge ink cost can be high if you print a lot.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e / 9025e (series)
Why it’s here: These are excellent home-office printers that also perform well for Print Then Cut if you use the right paper settings. Good when you want one printer for business docs and Cricut crafts.
Who it’s for: Home offices that occasionally do Cricut stickers, printable HTV, and craft labels.
What it solves:
- Strong all-in-one office workflow + solid color printing
- Convenient app and network setup
- Handles many paper types when settings are correct
Trade-offs: Cartridge cost varies by region and can climb with heavy sticker printing.
Canon PIXMA TR/TS series (budget-friendly)
Why it’s here: If you print stickers occasionally and want a smaller, less expensive printer that still produces decent craft color, Canon’s PIXMA TR/TS lines are usually the safe budget lane.
Who it’s for: Light Print Then Cut use, school crafts, occasional sticker sheets.
What it solves:
- Affordable entry into Cricut printing
- Good photo-like color for the price
- Often includes rear paper feed
Trade-offs: Cartridges add up quickly if you print frequently.
Not really for Cricut Print Then Cut (but essential for shipping)
Brother QL‑1110NWB (thermal)
Why it’s here: If you sell on Etsy/eBay/Amazon, shipping labels aren’t a job for an inkjet. Thermal is faster, cleaner, and cheaper.
Who it’s for: Shipping labels, barcode labels, inventory labels.
What it solves:
- No ink, no smudges
- Fast 4-inch wide labels
- Great for small business fulfillment
Trade-offs: Black only. Not for colorful sticker designs.
Printer settings that make Cricut projects look better
Best practice workflow (simple and repeatable)
- In Design Space: turn Add Bleed ON for most stickers (turn it OFF if you need super crisp edges and your cut is perfectly calibrated).
- Click Use System Dialog and set:
- Paper type = sticker paper / photo paper / cardstock
- Quality = High/Best
- Tray = Rear feed (if available)
- Print one test sheet.
- Calibrate Print Then Cut if cuts are off.
For printable vinyl stickers (water-resistant goal)
- Print on printable vinyl
- Let it dry
- Apply a laminate sheet
- Then cut
This matters more than chasing a “magic printer.”
Best pick by scenario
- I want the best balance (quality + low cost): Epson EcoTank ET-3850
- I sell stickers and want premium color: Epson EcoTank ET-8550
- I want wide craft printing for stickers/cards: Canon PIXMA TS9521C
- I want one printer for office + Cricut: HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e/9025e
- I ship orders often: Brother QL‑1110NWB (thermal)
Comparison Table
| Printer | Category | Best for | Biggest strength | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-3850 | Ink tank AIO | Most Print Then Cut | Low running cost | Not 6-ink color |
| Epson EcoTank ET-8550 | 6-ink tank | Sticker shops | Best color depth | Higher upfront |
| Canon PIXMA TS9521C | Cartridge craft/photo | Wide crafts | 12″ wide + craft-friendly feed | Cartridge cost |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e/9025e | Office AIO | Office + crafts | Great all-in-one | Ink cost varies |
| Canon PIXMA TR/TS | Budget cartridge | Occasional crafts | Affordable + decent color | Ink cost rises |
| Brother QL‑1110NWB | Thermal label | Shipping labels | No ink, no smudge | Black only |
Conclusion
For most Cricut Maker users in 2026, an ink-tank printer is the smartest buy because it lets you print test sheets without fear — and Print Then Cut success often comes from iteration.
That’s why Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is the best overall choice.
If you sell stickers or care about premium color, step up to the Epson EcoTank ET-8550. If your crafts include wide-format projects like cards and large sticker layouts, the Canon PIXMA TS9521C is a classic crafter favorite.
And if you run a small business, don’t forget the “hidden upgrade” that saves money fast: a thermal label printer like the Brother QL‑1110NWB for shipping.
You might want to check out these two:
Best 3D Printers for Miniatures – Expert Picks for Perfect Detail
