Best Printer For Cricut Projects – 2026 Reviews

This is non-negotiable. For Cricut’s Print Then Cut feature, your printer must produce crisp, smudge-free registration marks and vibrant, accurate colors. Look for a high maximum print resolution (measured in DPI, like 4800 x 1200 or higher). Inkjet printers are almost always the best choice over laser for color vibrancy and handling specialty papers. During testing, printers with specialized color technologies (like Epson’s Micro Piezo) consistently delivered sharper lines for intricate designs.

This is your biggest long-term decision. Refillable Tank Printers (like Epson EcoTank or HP Smart Tank) have a higher upfront cost but come with bottles of ink that last for thousands of pages. The cost per print is minuscule, making them ideal for high-volume crafters or small businesses. Cartridge Printers are cheaper to buy but more expensive to operate. If you only craft occasionally, a cartridge model with high-yield options (like Brother’s INKvestment) can be a good middle ground.

You’ll likely be designing on a laptop, tablet, or phone. A reliable wireless connection is essential. Look for dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for a more stable connection, especially in homes with many devices. Compatibility with Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print (or the manufacturer’s robust app) ensures you can send prints directly from your iOS or Android device without hassle.

Consider what you’ll print on. Most printers handle 8.5″ x 11″ paper, but check if they support borderless printing for full-bleed photos or stickers. If you work with cardstock, ensure the printer’s input tray can handle thicker paper weights. A rear feed tray is often better for specialty media. An automatic document feeder (ADF) is a luxury for quickly scanning multiple sketches or patterns.

Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves paper by printing on both sides automatically-great for project instructions.
Display Screen: A color touchscreen makes navigating ink levels and settings much easier.
All-in-One (Print, Scan, Copy): A scanner is incredibly useful for digitizing hand-drawn designs to vectorize in Design Space.
Mobile App Quality: Test the manufacturer’s app. A good app simplifies printing photos and PDFs directly from your phone.

Technically, yes. Any printer that can produce the Print Then Cut registration marks and output your design can be used. However, not all printers are created equal for this task. Printers with poor color accuracy, slow drying ink that smudges, or unreliable wireless connections will cause constant frustration. The printers in our guide are selected specifically for their superior performance with the types of materials and precision required for Cricut crafting.

It boils down to cost and consistency. Cricut projects often involve test prints, adjustments, and final products, which means you print more than the average user. Tank printers like the Epson EcoTank have a dramatically lower cost per page, so you can experiment freely without worrying about burning through expensive cartridges. This economic freedom is a huge benefit for creative workflows.

For the best results, use printable vinyl sticker paper or glossy photo paper designed for inkjet printers. Always check the paper’s weight (thickness) is within your printer’s specifications. For a removable option, look for printable removable vinyl. Using the right paper is just as important as having a good printer for achieving professional, durable results.

Blurry marks are a common issue that can cause your Cricut to fail the scan. First, ensure you’re using high-quality or glossy paper, as it provides better contrast. In your printer settings, select the highest quality print mode (often called ‘Best’ or ‘Photo’). Clean your printer’s printhead through its utility software, as clogged nozzles can cause poor line definition. If problems persist, it may be a sign of a printer with insufficient precision for detailed craft work.