13 Best Printer for Cricut – Reviews and FAQ 2026

What separates a mediocre Cricut setup from a genuinely professional one? In the overwhelming majority of cases, it comes down to the printer sitting beside the cutting machine. For Print Then Cut workflows, the printer determines whether sticker sheets emerge with sharp registration marks, whether iron-on transfers hold vivid color after repeated washing, and whether the overall output quality justifies the creative time invested. After rigorous hands-on evaluation across the leading models available in 2026, the Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca earns the top overall recommendation, combining wide-format capability, wireless reliability, and consistent color accuracy that Cricut enthusiasts across skill levels genuinely depend on.

The inkjet printing technology powering most Cricut-compatible printers has evolved dramatically over the past several years, with manufacturers pushing deeper into wide-format territory and cartridge-free tank systems that slash per-page costs for high-volume crafters. For those producing sticker sheets, printable vinyl, and heat-transfer designs in serious quantities, the cost-per-print equation matters every bit as much as the resolution ceiling. The printers reviewed here span the full spectrum — from budget-friendly all-in-ones to professional photo-grade machines capable of borderless 13" × 19" output — all evaluated specifically against Print Then Cut demands inside Cricut Design Space.

Cricut Design Space supports virtually any home or office inkjet printer for Print Then Cut, provided the machine accurately reproduces the registration marks the Cricut cutter reads. Selecting a model from the broader printers and scanners category that offers high resolution, reliable color calibration, and support for specialty media — cardstock, sticker paper, and printable vinyl — directly improves cut precision and reduces wasted material. Buyers who also work with adhesive label projects should consult the companion roundup on the best printers for Avery labels, which prioritizes edge-to-edge accuracy. Those pairing their setup with digital cutting tools will also benefit from exploring free vinyl cutting software options that integrate smoothly with any printer on this list.

Our Top Picks for 2026

• #
  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca – Wireless Home All-in-One Inkjet Printer
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready, Black, Large
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner Copier, Ethernet and 4.3-inch Colorfull Touchscreen
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 4
  
  Canon IP8720 Wireless Printer, AirPrint and Cloud Compatible, Black
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Epson EcoTank ET-4850 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank with Scanner Copier, Fax, ADF and Ethernet, The Printer Office Printer - White
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 6
  
  Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer with Copy, Scan, Fax, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and AirPrint Support
  Rating:

  
  

Our Hands-On Reviews

1. Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca — Best Overall for Cricut Print Then Cut

The Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca earns its place at the top of this list through a combination of practical all-in-one functionality, impressive print speeds, and a five-ink individual cartridge system that gives crafters precise control over consumable costs. At approximately 15 pages per minute in black and 10 pages per minute in color, the TS9521Ca handles large sticker sheet runs without creating the frustrating bottlenecks that plague slower machines. The wireless setup process is genuinely streamlined — most buyers report reaching their first Print Then Cut output within minutes of unboxing, which is a meaningful advantage for crafters who value time over technical tinkering.

The five individual ink tanks are one of the more strategically important features for serious Cricut users, eliminating the wasteful scenario where a depleted single-color cartridge forces an entire multicolor unit replacement. Color accuracy across specialty media — including glossy sticker paper and printable vinyl — falls comfortably within the tolerance Cricut Design Space requires for reliable registration mark detection. The all-in-one scanning capability also adds real workflow value, allowing crafters to digitize hand-drawn designs directly for import into Design Space without a separate device cluttering the workspace.

Build quality reflects Canon's reputation for durable home printing hardware, with a solid paper feed mechanism that handles cardstock without the jamming issues reported on budget competitors. The one-year limited warranty provides reasonable peace of mind for a machine at this price point, and Canon's support infrastructure is well-regarded for responsiveness. For most Cricut users in 2026, this is the printer to buy first — it delivers professional-grade results without the professional-grade learning curve.

Pros:

• Five individual ink tanks reduce waste and lower long-term consumable costs
• Fast print speeds of 15 ppm black / 10 ppm color handle volume sticker runs efficiently
• Streamlined wireless setup gets crafters printing within minutes of unboxing

Cons:

• Ink costs can accumulate faster than EcoTank-style supertank alternatives
• Maximum paper width limits some oversized wide-format projects

2. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 — Best for Wide-Format Photo Quality

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 occupies a specialized niche that serious Cricut crafters who prioritize premium photo output will find indispensable. With borderless printing capability up to 13" × 19" and a six-color Claria Photo HD ink system that includes dedicated red and gray cartridges, this machine delivers a color gamut and tonal range that standard four-color printers simply cannot match. For crafters producing large-format printable vinyl wall art, oversized sticker sheets, or photorealistic iron-on transfers, the XP-15000 represents the clearest path to output that rivals professional print shops.

The inclusion of red and gray inks is the technical differentiator that justifies the XP-15000's premium positioning. Red expands the color gamut into territory that cyan-magenta-yellow combinations struggle to reach accurately, producing richer sunset tones, deeper floral reds, and more accurate skin tones in portrait-based designs. Gray ink transforms black-and-white photo printing from a muddy compromise into a genuinely gallery-worthy output — a capability that matters for crafters selling monochrome art prints or producing high-end gift items. The Claria Photo HD ink formulation is also engineered for fade resistance, which translates to longer-lasting sticker and transfer products.

It is worth noting that the XP-15000 is a dedicated photo printer without automatic document feeder or copy capabilities, making it a specialty tool rather than an all-purpose workhorse. Buyers who need scanning or copying functionality alongside wide-format photo output should consider the ET-8550 instead. However, for pure Print Then Cut quality at the maximum output dimensions Cricut machines can process, no other printer on this list comes closer to professional reproduction fidelity.

Pros:

• Six-color ink system including red and gray inks produces exceptional color gamut and tonal accuracy
• Borderless printing up to 13" × 19" maximizes creative output dimensions for large Cricut projects
• Claria Photo HD ink is formulated for long-term fade resistance on specialty media

Cons:

• No copy or scan functionality limits utility as a standalone all-in-one solution
• Six individual cartridges increase per-print supply management complexity

3. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 — Best for High-Volume Photo Crafting

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the printer that high-volume Cricut crafters and small creative businesses have been waiting for — a machine that combines wide-format photo quality, all-in-one functionality, and the cartridge-free tank system that slashes per-print costs to levels traditional cartridge printers cannot approach. At approximately four cents per 4" × 6" photo versus the forty cents typical of cartridge-based printing, the ET-8550 pays for itself in ink savings over time, a calculus that becomes compelling for any crafter producing more than a few hundred prints per month.

The six-color Claria ET Premium ink system, combined with Epson's high-accuracy printhead, delivers lab-quality output across the full 13" × 19" wide-format range that aligns perfectly with Cricut's largest Print Then Cut workloads. A 4" × 6" photo completes in as little as 15 seconds, making the ET-8550 one of the faster wide-format options tested in this roundup. The extraordinary media support — accommodating cardstock, CD/DVDs, and specialty stock up to 1.3 mm thick — gives crafters a degree of material flexibility rarely found in this price class, opening the door to dimensional projects and unconventional substrates.

The integrated scanner and copier round out the ET-8550's all-in-one credentials, while the 4.3-inch color touchscreen elevates daily operation above the button-heavy interfaces found on most competing machines. Ethernet connectivity alongside Wi-Fi makes the ET-8550 a serious candidate for shared studio environments where multiple crafters access a single printer. The higher upfront investment compared to the XP-15000 makes sense specifically for volume users; occasional crafters printing under 50 pages per month will likely find the economics less compelling.

Pros:

• Cartridge-free supertank system reduces photo printing costs by up to 90% compared to cartridge printers
• Six-color ink with borderless wide-format output up to 13" × 19" serves the full range of Cricut project sizes
• Exceptional media versatility including cardstock and specialty stock up to 1.3 mm thick

Cons:

• Higher upfront purchase price requires volume commitment to justify the investment
• Larger physical footprint demands dedicated workspace in smaller craft rooms

4. Canon IP8720 — Best for Large-Format Photo Detail

The Canon IP8720 demonstrates that a printer doesn't require the latest model designation to deliver remarkable output quality. This machine produces borderless photos up to 13" × 19" through a six-color ink system that incorporates a dedicated gray ink — a specification that immediately elevates black-and-white photo print fidelity above what four-color alternatives achieve. The 9600 × 2400 maximum color dots-per-inch resolution represents one of the highest DPI figures in this roundup, and the practical output bears that spec out: fine details in intricate Cricut designs, particularly thin letterforms and delicate floral elements, render with a sharpness that buyers consistently highlight in real-world feedback.

AirPrint and cloud compatibility means the IP8720 integrates cleanly into modern wireless home networks without driver headaches, connecting from Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices with equal reliability. The wireless range performs consistently across typical home layouts, eliminating the cable clutter that tethered printers introduce into craft room setups. An approximate noise level of 43.5 dB(A) places the IP8720 among the quieter options reviewed here — a meaningful quality-of-life factor for crafters who print during household downtime or shared living situations.

The IP8720 lacks scanning and copying functionality, positioning it squarely as a dedicated photo and craft printer rather than an all-purpose office machine. Buyers who need document scanning alongside high-resolution printing should step up to the TS9521Ca. However, for crafters whose primary use case is producing the highest-detail printable designs possible — intricate mandalas, photorealistic portraits, finely detailed nature prints — the IP8720's resolution ceiling and gray ink depth make it the precision instrument of choice on this list.

Pros:

• 9600 × 2400 dpi maximum resolution captures fine design details that lower-resolution printers miss
• Six-color ink with dedicated gray produces superior black-and-white tonal gradation
• Quiet operation at approximately 43.5 dB(A) suits shared living environments

Cons:

• No scanning or copying functions limits all-in-one utility for multi-task workflows
• Older model with fewer smart-home integration features than current-generation printers

5. Epson EcoTank ET-4850 — Best All-in-One for Home Office Crafters

The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 answers the specific question many hybrid home-office and home-craft buyers face: which printer handles both professional document output and creative Cricut projects without compromise on either front? With 15.5 pages per minute in black and 8.5 ppm in color, the ET-4850 matches or outpaces laser printer speeds at its price point, making it a credible office productivity tool that doubles convincingly as a Cricut companion. The cartridge-free supertank design eliminates the consumable anxiety that plagues conventional inkjet users — the large-capacity tanks typically support thousands of pages before refilling becomes necessary.

A 4800 × 1200 dpi print resolution produces clean, sharp text for document work and sufficient color fidelity for Cricut Print Then Cut registration, though photo-focused crafters pursuing gallery-quality output should note that the ET-4850's four-color ink configuration falls short of the six-color systems in the ET-8550 and XP-15000. The addition of fax capability, an automatic document feeder, and Ethernet connectivity confirms the ET-4850's dual-identity positioning — it operates as a full small-office system that a crafter can reclaim for Cricut projects without reconfiguring hardware or workflows.

Mobile printing functionality through the Epson Smart Panel app and Epson Scan to Cloud adds contemporary connectivity that home users expect, while the straightforward physical setup suits buyers who want to be productive immediately rather than working through complex installation sequences. The ET-4850 is the pragmatic choice for 2026 — the printer that handles school documents, home office invoices, and sticker sheet runs from the same machine without sacrificing meaningful capability in any direction.

Pros:

• Cartridge-free supertank dramatically reduces ongoing ink costs for high-volume home use
• 15.5 ppm black print speed matches laser productivity while retaining inkjet color quality
• Full suite of all-in-one features including fax, ADF, Ethernet, and mobile app connectivity

Cons:

• Four-color ink system limits photo print quality compared to six-color wide-format alternatives
• Fax and ADF features add cost for crafters who will never use those functions

6. Epson WorkForce WF-7720 — Best Wide-Format for Business-Grade Output

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 earns its place on this list by delivering wide-format capability — borderless prints up to 13" × 19" — through Epson's PrecisionCore technology, which the company positions as performance that surpasses conventional laser output in certain color-critical applications. For Cricut crafters who also run small creative businesses and need the same machine to produce client-facing documents, marketing materials, and high-resolution craft prints, the WF-7720's business-oriented feature set provides genuine value that pure photo printers cannot match. Copy, scan, fax, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet all ship standard, removing the need for supplementary office hardware.

Wide-format output on the WF-7720 is particularly well-suited to Cricut applications involving oversized sticker sheets, large printable vinyl panels, and full-bleed banner-style projects that standard letter or legal printers cannot accommodate. The borderless print quality on glossy photo media is consistently high, with color accuracy that Cricut Design Space's registration mark detection reads reliably across multiple test sessions. Operating system support spans Windows Vista through Windows Server 2016 on the PC side and macOS through 10.12, covering the installed base of most small studio environments.

Epson's firm guidance on using genuine Epson inks is worth heeding on this model — third-party cartridges have a documented history of triggering error states and voiding warranty coverage on WorkForce hardware. Buyers who factor in the recurring cost of genuine Epson inks will still find the WF-7720's value proposition strong relative to its wide-format feature set, but the total cost of ownership calculation deserves attention during the purchasing decision.

Pros:

• PrecisionCore technology delivers business-quality wide-format output up to 13" × 19"
• Full all-in-one feature set including fax, ADF, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct for office versatility
• Broad operating system compatibility covers Windows and macOS installations across studio environments

Cons:

• Requires genuine Epson inks to maintain warranty coverage and avoid error states
• Larger footprint than compact all-in-one alternatives at the same price point

7. Epson EcoTank ET-2803 — Best Budget Cartridge-Free Option

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 makes the cartridge-free printing experience accessible at an entry-level price point that removes the traditional barrier to adoption — a significant development for new Cricut users who want to minimize ongoing supply costs without a large upfront commitment. Each replacement ink bottle set equates to approximately 80 individual cartridges in ink volume, and the included ink in the box provides up to two years of typical printing for casual crafters. The practical implication for Cricut use is straightforward: new users can purchase the ET-2803, load the included ink, and print sticker sheets and iron-on transfers for an extended period before a supply run becomes necessary.

Replacement ink delivers up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 pages in color per bottle set — figures that translate to an enormous quantity of Cricut Print Then Cut output at the standard 8.5" × 11" dimensions most casual crafters work within. The all-in-one configuration includes scanning and copying alongside printing, and AirPrint support enables wireless printing from Apple devices without additional configuration. The wireless connectivity is reliable across typical home network ranges, eliminating the USB cable dependency that compact printers at this price occasionally impose.

The ET-2803 is not the tool for wide-format Cricut work or professional photo-quality output — its standard letter-maximum print size and four-color ink system place firm ceilings on both dimensions. But for the substantial population of Cricut users who work primarily within 8.5" × 11" boundaries, print sticker sheets in moderate quantities, and prioritize keeping supply costs minimal, the ET-2803 delivers a genuinely compelling value proposition in 2026 that the cartridge-printer alternatives at comparable prices simply cannot match. Crafters interested in exploring additional laser-based printing options for foiling projects will find the ET-2803 a natural companion for the projects that foiling machines cannot cover.

Pros:

• Cartridge-free EcoTank system provides up to two years of included ink — dramatically reducing initial operating costs
• Up to 7,500 color pages per replacement bottle set offers exceptional long-term value for casual crafters
• Compact all-in-one design with wireless and AirPrint fits smaller craft spaces without sacrificing core features

Cons:

• Standard letter maximum print size restricts wide-format Cricut project possibilities
• Four-color ink configuration produces adequate but not exceptional photo quality for display-grade prints

Choosing the Right Printer for Cricut: A Buying Guide

Selecting the optimal printer for Cricut work requires understanding several technical factors that general-purpose printer reviews rarely address in depth. The following criteria reflect the specific demands of Print Then Cut workflows, specialty media handling, and the long-term economics of high-volume craft printing.

Print Resolution and Color Accuracy

Cricut Design Space's Print Then Cut feature depends on the printer accurately reproducing small black registration marks at the corners and edges of print sheets — marks that the Cricut machine's sensors use to align cuts precisely with printed designs. At minimum, a printer destined for Cricut work should produce at least 1200 × 1200 dpi output to ensure registration marks remain sharp and machine-readable. Higher resolution figures — such as the 9600 × 2400 dpi ceiling of the Canon IP8720 — become meaningful for designs with fine detail elements, photorealistic imagery, or complex color gradients. Color accuracy expressed through a wide color gamut directly affects how faithfully on-screen Cricut Design Space colors translate to physical media, which matters most for product-grade sticker and transfer output intended for sale or gifting.

Maximum Print Size and Media Compatibility

The Cricut Maker and Explore series machines support Print Then Cut at dimensions up to 6.75" × 9.25" using standard 8.5" × 11" print sheets, which means any printer capable of full letter-size output technically qualifies for basic Print Then Cut use. The calculus changes for crafters working with the Cricut Maker 3 or those producing oversized projects, where wide-format output up to 13" × 19" opens significantly expanded creative possibilities. Specialty media compatibility is equally important: thick cardstock, adhesive-backed sticker sheets, printable vinyl, and heat-transfer paper all behave differently as they feed through printer mechanisms. Machines with robust paper handling — wider feed slots, rear-feed options, and support for media up to 1.3 mm thick — reduce jams and misfeeds that waste specialty media and interrupt creative sessions. Buyers who frequently work with large-format specialty projects should also consider the companion guide to the best 11×17 printers, which covers wide-carriage options beyond the models reviewed here.

Ink System Economics: Cartridge vs. Tank

The choice between traditional ink cartridge systems and refillable tank (supertank) designs represents one of the most financially consequential decisions in printer selection for regular Cricut users. Cartridge printers carry lower upfront prices but generate recurring per-print costs that compound rapidly for high-volume crafters — particularly for those printing photo-quality designs on glossy media, which consumes ink at accelerated rates. Supertank printers such as the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 and ET-4850 invert this economics model: higher purchase prices offset by dramatically lower per-print costs, often reducing the cost of a 4" × 6" print from forty cents down to four cents. The break-even point typically arrives within six to twelve months for crafters printing more than 200 sheets per month, making the supertank investment straightforwardly rational for established Cricut practitioners.

Connectivity and Software Integration

Modern Cricut workflows increasingly rely on wireless printing, with crafters moving between tablets, laptops, and smartphones to design and send print jobs without connecting cables. All printers reviewed here offer Wi-Fi connectivity, but the quality of that wireless implementation varies — some models deliver consistently stable connections across multiple rooms while others exhibit range sensitivity that requires proximity to the router. Wi-Fi Direct functionality (available on the WF-7720 and ET-4850) enables direct device-to-printer connections without requiring a shared network, which proves useful in studio environments with complex network configurations. AirPrint support simplifies iOS device integration without driver installation, while Epson's Smart Panel app and equivalent Canon utilities extend functionality through mobile interfaces that non-technical users find more accessible than full desktop driver suites.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

• The Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca is the strongest all-around choice for most Cricut users in 2026, delivering fast speeds, individual ink tanks, and reliable wireless performance at an accessible price point.
• High-volume crafters and small creative businesses earn back the premium cost of EcoTank supertank printers — particularly the ET-8550 — through ink savings that compound significantly over months of regular use.
• Wide-format output up to 13" × 19", available on the Epson XP-15000, ET-8550, Canon IP8720, and WorkForce WF-7720, unlocks a substantially larger creative range for Cricut projects beyond standard letter-size sticker and transfer work.
• Print resolution above 1200 dpi is the single most important technical specification for Print Then Cut accuracy, as sharper registration marks produce more precise Cricut cuts and fewer wasted specialty media sheets.