Best Printer for Cardstock 2024 (Top Picks & Expert Reviews)

Printing on cardstock requires a printer capable of handling heavier paper types while maintaining high print quality. As we look into 2024, several printers have emerged as leaders in this niche, combining robust functionality with precise print capabilities. In this article, we will explore the top five printers best suited for cardstock, tailored to meet the needs of artists, crafters, small business owners, and anyone looking to produce high-quality prints on thicker paper.

5 Best Printer for Cardstock 2024 (Top Picks & Expert Reviews)

5. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Printer Review

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 secures its place as a premier choice for those needing a versatile printer capable of handling cardstock and a variety of other media types. As we look towards 2024, this model stands out not only for its innovative design but also for its exceptional print quality and efficiency, making it highly suitable for both home and small business environments.

One of the standout features of the ET-8550 is its revolutionary EcoTank system. Unlike traditional cartridge systems, the EcoTank provides high-capacity, refillable ink tanks that dramatically reduce the cost per print and the hassle of frequent ink replacement. This model comes equipped with six dye-based inks, including dedicated photo black and gray inks, which produce vivid colors and stunning monochrome prints with outstanding depth and detail.

The ET-8550 excels in its ability to print on a wide range of paper types and sizes, up to A3+/13 x 19 inches, making it exceptionally versatile for various projects. Its rear specialty media feed allows for printing on thicker cardstock and other specialty papers, ensuring reliable feeding and superb print quality. This feature is particularly beneficial for designers, photographers, and craft enthusiasts who frequently work with different media types.

Connectivity is another area where the ET-8550 shines. It offers robust options including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, along with mobile printing capabilities through the Epson Smart Panel app. This app enhances user experience by allowing control of the printer functions from a smartphone or tablet, adding convenience and flexibility to the printing process.

Pros

• Superior print quality with a six-color ink system for vibrant and accurate colors.
• Cost-effective EcoTank system reduces ongoing ink expenses.
• Versatile media handling, ideal for printing on cardstock and other specialty papers.
• Comprehensive connectivity options, including mobile printing for easy integration.

Cons

• The initial purchase price is higher than some competing models, reflecting its advanced features.
• Larger footprint due to its wide-format capabilities, requiring more desk space.

Conclusion

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a top-tier printer for anyone serious about printing high-quality images on cardstock and beyond. Its combination of economical ink usage, exceptional media versatility, and user-friendly connectivity makes it an ideal investment for creatives and small businesses looking to produce professional-grade prints in 2024.

Whether crafting detailed photographs, art prints, or custom greeting cards, the ET-8550 delivers performance that can meet and exceed the demands of various printing tasks.

4. Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Printer Review

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone looking to produce professional-grade prints, especially on cardstock and other heavy media. As a top contender in 2024 for high-quality printing, this model builds upon Canon’s strong reputation in the imaging market by offering superior color accuracy and fine detail in a relatively compact and user-friendly package.

Designed with photographers and graphic artists in mind, the PIXMA PRO-200 utilizes an eight-color dye-based ink system that includes three monochrome inks. This setup ensures not only vibrant and saturated colors but also exceptional black and white prints with deep blacks and smooth gradations. The printer’s ability to reproduce colors with such precision makes it perfect for high-stakes printing tasks where color fidelity is paramount.

The PRO-200 is notably adept at handling various paper types and sizes, supporting media up to 13 inches wide and featuring a fine art paper feeding system for thicker materials like cardstock. This flexibility is enhanced by Canon’s intuitive Professional Print & Layout software, which helps streamline the workflow and ensures optimal results for every print job.

Connectivity features of the PRO-200 are robust, including high-speed USB, Ethernet, and full wireless capabilities with support for AirPrint and cloud-based printing services. These features allow for seamless integration into any studio or workshop environment, ensuring that the printer can be easily accessed from multiple devices.

Pros

• Outstanding print quality with an eight-color dye-based ink system for excellent color reproduction.
• Versatile media handling, capable of printing on a wide range of paper types and sizes.
• Compact design compared to other professional printers, making it suitable for smaller workspaces.
• Robust connectivity options for easy integration into any creative workflow.

Cons

• Higher running costs associated with dye-based inks, especially for users with heavy print volumes.
• While compact for its class, it still requires a significant amount of space, which might be an issue in very tight spaces.

Conclusion

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 is an ideal printer for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the highest quality in their prints and need a reliable machine capable of handling diverse and heavy media like cardstock.

Its superior color accuracy, detailed output, and versatile media handling make it a standout choice in the market for 2024, offering users the ability to bring their photographic and artistic visions to life with clarity and color fidelity.

3 Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Printer Review

The Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Printer stands as a monumental offering for professionals seeking exceptional quality in large format prints. As one of the leading choices for best printer for cardstock in 2024, this model is designed to meet the rigorous demands of professional photographers, artists, and graphic designers.

Equipped with Epson’s advanced UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink system, the SureColor P900 delivers an extraordinary range of color and monochrome output with outstanding color fidelity and archival quality. The inclusion of a new violet ink broadens the color gamut significantly, enabling excellent blues and purples, which are particularly challenging for many printers.

This 17-inch printer is not only about color precision; it also excels in its ability to handle a variety of media types. The SureColor P900 supports borderless printing and can accommodate both roll and sheet media, including thicker cardstock and fine art papers, up to 1.5 mm thick. This makes it incredibly versatile for all kinds of creative projects, from gallery-quality prints to impactful promotional materials.

Epson has also focused on enhancing the user experience with the SureColor P900. It features a new 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, making it easier to control print jobs directly from the printer. Additionally, its compact design is about 30% smaller than its predecessor, making it more suitable for space-constrained studios and offices.

Pros

• Superior print quality with UltraChrome PRO10 ink, including a new violet ink for an expanded color gamut.
• Versatile media handling capabilities, ideal for a variety of professional applications.
• Compact design for a 17-inch printer, suitable for smaller workspaces.
• Improved user interface with a large touchscreen for easier operation.

Cons

• Higher price point, reflecting its professional-grade capabilities.
• Consumables like ink and specialty media can be costly, impacting long-term operating expenses.

Conclusion

The Epson SureColor P900 is an exemplary choice for professional creatives and photographers who need unmatched print quality and versatility in 2024. Its ability to produce museum-quality prints on a wide range of media, combined with advanced ink technology and user-friendly features, makes it a top-tier printer in the large format category.

Whether you are creating fine art for a gallery or crafting bespoke promotional materials, the SureColor P900 delivers performance that can significantly enhance your printing capabilities.

2. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 printer Review

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 printer emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performance printer capable of handling wide-format printing, including on cardstock, without occupying the space typically required by professional printers.

This model is particularly attractive for its combination of compact design, exceptional print quality, and versatility, making it ideal for both professional photographers and hobbyists alike.

A standout feature of the XP-15000 is its six-color HD ink system, which includes red and gray inks that enhance the color gamut and provide remarkable color accuracy. This configuration allows for exceptionally vibrant and true-to-life prints, essential for high-quality photo reproductions on cardstock and other media types.

The printer is capable of handling borderless prints up to 13 x 19 inches, offering great flexibility for various project sizes.

The XP-15000 is not just about print quality; it is also designed for convenience. Despite its ability to handle large format prints, the printer boasts a relatively compact footprint, making it an excellent option for those with limited space. Additionally, it features automatic two-sided printing, a front tray that can hold up to 200 sheets of plain paper, and a rear specialty media feed for thicker papers, enhancing its usability.

Connectivity options on the XP-15000 are robust, with support for wireless printing as well as compatibility with the Epson Print app, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print. This allows for easy printing from smartphones, tablets, and computers, providing flexibility for users to print from wherever they are.

Pros

• Advanced six-color HD ink system produces vibrant and accurate colors.
• Capable of handling large format prints up to 13 x 19 inches and various media types, including cardstock.
• Compact design suitable for small workspaces without compromising on print capabilities.
• Versatile connectivity options for convenient printing across devices.

Cons

• While the ink provides high-quality outputs, the cost of replacement inks can be high, impacting long-term expenses.
• The initial setup process and navigation of print settings may have a learning curve for less tech-savvy users.

Conclusion

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 printer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality printer that can manage both everyday printing tasks and complex, color-intensive projects on cardstock.

Its blend of performance, size, and connectivity makes it particularly suited for photographers, artists, and craft enthusiasts who require professional-grade prints in a compact, user-friendly package. Whether creating art prints, professional portfolios, or decorative pieces, the XP-15000 meets a wide range of creative needs with efficiency and ease.

1. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e printer Review

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e emerges as a standout model in the lineup of printers suitable for both home and office environments, particularly for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich device for handling cardstock and other demanding print tasks. As a multifunction printer, it offers a blend of performance, convenience, and smart capabilities that make it a top pick for 2024.

Equipped with HP’s latest printing technology, the OfficeJet Pro 9015e delivers high-quality prints at impressive speeds—up to 22 pages per minute in black and 18 pages per minute in color. Its print resolution goes up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, ensuring sharp text and vibrant graphics, which are essential for producing professional-looking documents on thicker media like cardstock.

One of the key features of the 9015e is its robust all-in-one functionality. It supports printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, all managed through an intuitive color touchscreen interface that simplifies navigation and operation. The printer is also equipped with a 35-page auto document feeder and automatic two-sided printing, which significantly enhances productivity and paper management.

Connectivity is a major strength of the 9015e, offering flexible options including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, along with mobile printing capabilities. It supports various mobile printing standards such as Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and HP’s own HP Smart app, allowing users to easily print from smartphones and tablets.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e also comes with HP+, HP’s smart printing system, which includes 6 months of free ink with HP Instant Ink and an additional year of warranty. This service not only offers convenience but also considerable cost savings for users with heavy printing demands.

Pros

• Fast printing speeds and high-resolution output suitable for professional documents and cardstock.
• Comprehensive multifunction capabilities streamline various office tasks.
• Advanced connectivity options facilitate easy integration and remote printing.
• HP+ service offers added value through free ink and extended warranty.

Cons

• The cost of ink replacements after the HP+ subscription can be relatively high without continued Instant Ink enrollment.
• While compact for an all-in-one, it may still be bulky for very small office spaces or home setups.

Conclusion

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is an excellent choice for small businesses or home offices looking for a versatile, efficient, and economical printer for 2024. With its robust all-in-one features, high-quality printing on various media types including cardstock, and smart connectivity options, this printer not only meets but exceeds the typical demands of contemporary printing tasks.

Whether it’s handling detailed reports, marketing materials, or intricate designs on heavier papers, the 9015e is designed to deliver outstanding results with ease.

How to Choose the Best Printer for Cardstock in 2024

When selecting a printer capable of handling cardstock, it’s crucial to consider several specific factors to ensure that the printer can meet the demands of your projects while delivering high-quality results. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right printer for cardstock:

1. Media Handling

Check the printer’s specifications for media handling, particularly its ability to feed and print on heavier paper types like cardstock. Look for printers with adjustable paper trays that can accommodate different weights and thicknesses of paper.

2. Print Quality

For projects involving cardstock, print quality is paramount. Ensure the printer offers high resolution for both color and black-and-white prints. Printers with a higher dpi (dots per inch) produce sharper, more detailed images and text.

3. Ink Type

Consider the type of ink the printer uses. Inkjet printers with pigment-based inks are often a good choice for cardstock because they provide vibrant colors and excellent print durability. Laser printers are also effective, especially for producing crisp text and high-quality graphics.

4. Print Speed and Efficiency

While speed may not be the primary concern when printing on cardstock, efficiency should not be overlooked. Evaluate the printer’s speed to ensure it meets your productivity needs without sacrificing quality.

5. Connectivity Options

Look for printers that offer flexible connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Wireless printing capabilities and support for mobile printing apps can greatly enhance convenience, especially in a busy or collaborative environment.

6. Cost of Operation

Consider the ongoing costs of ink or toner, as well as the printer’s energy efficiency. Printers that support high-yield cartridges or have a lower cost per page will be more economical in the long run.

Final Conclusion – Finding the Perfect Printer for Cardstock in 2024

Choosing the best printer for cardstock in 2024 involves a careful balance of functionality, print quality, and cost efficiency. Whether you’re a professional designer needing to produce high-quality prints for clients or a business looking to create impactful marketing materials, the right printer can make all the difference.

The models reviewed, from the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 to the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e, each offer unique strengths that cater to different printing needs. The Epson SureColor P900 and the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 are ideal for those requiring superior image quality and color accuracy, while the HP model offers great all-around functionality with added benefits of smart printing services.

By considering the factors outlined in the guide, you can select a printer that not only handles cardstock efficiently but also fits seamlessly into your workflow, enhancing your creative capabilities or business productivity. With the right tools, you can turn simple pieces of cardstock into beautiful works of art or powerful business tools, ensuring that your projects always make a lasting impression.