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by Rachel Kim · April 11, 2022
Over 40 million Cricut machines have been sold worldwide, yet one of the most overlooked decisions crafters make is choosing the right printer to pair with their cutter. Whether you're printing and cutting stickers, iron-on transfers, printable vinyl, or custom cards, the printer you use can make or break your finished project. A printer that bleeds ink, skips registration marks, or jams on cardstock wastes your time and materials — and in 2026, there's no reason to settle for that.
Cricut's Print Then Cut feature works by printing a design on your home printer, then having the Cricut machine read the registration marks and cut precisely around your image. That process demands a printer that outputs sharp, accurate colors and clean edges. Not every printer is up to the job. After testing and researching dozens of models, we've narrowed it down to the seven best options available right now, covering everything from budget-friendly all-in-ones to professional-grade photo printers. If you're also exploring what else your Cricut can do, check out our guide on whether you can make stamps with a Cricut — it pairs perfectly with a great printer setup.
This guide covers our top picks, detailed reviews, a practical buying guide, and answers to the most common questions crafters ask. Whether you're a weekend hobbyist or a small business owner producing custom goods, you'll find the right printer here. Browse all our printer reviews on the reviews page to compare even more options.
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If you want one printer that handles every Cricut project you throw at it, the Canon PIXMA TS9521Ca earns the top spot in 2026. This all-in-one inkjet delivers print speeds of approximately 15 images per minute in black and 10 in color — fast enough to batch-print sheets of stickers or transfer sheets without wasting your afternoon. The setup is genuinely painless. Canon's streamlined process gets you from unboxing to first print in minutes, and the wireless connectivity works reliably with both iOS and Android devices.
What makes this printer especially smart for crafters is the five individual ink system. When one color runs out, you replace only that cartridge — not an entire combined unit. That saves real money over time, especially when you're running high-volume print jobs for parties, gifts, or a side business. Print quality is sharp and consistent across both matte and glossy paper, which matters when Cricut needs to read those registration marks accurately. Colors come out vibrant without that oversaturated, blown-out look that cheaper printers produce.
The copy and scan functions are a solid bonus. If you're digitizing handmade designs to cut with your Cricut, having a built-in scanner in the same footprint as your printer keeps your workspace clean. The TS9521Ca handles cardstock up to a reasonable weight without jamming, making it versatile for card-making projects too. This is the printer we'd recommend to most Cricut users without hesitation.
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The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 is the printer you choose when color accuracy and photo quality are non-negotiable. Powered by Epson's 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system, it achieves a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi (dots per inch — the measure of how many ink dots fit in one inch, the higher the crisper the print). That translates to stunningly sharp sticker sheets, waterslide decals, and printable vinyl with colors that genuinely pop. Borderless printing up to 8.5" x 11" means your designs go edge-to-edge without any white border compromising the look.
The 4.3-inch color touchscreen makes navigating settings and managing print jobs intuitive — you don't need to dig through menus to change paper type or print quality. Wireless connectivity is reliable, and the printer plays nicely with Cricut Design Space on both Windows and Mac. For crafters producing high-end products — think custom wedding stationery, premium sticker packs, or detailed iron-on transfers — the XP-8700's output quality justifies its price point.
One thing to be aware of: Epson's printing system is designed exclusively for Epson Genuine Cartridges, and using off-brand ink risks voiding your warranty and potentially damaging the print heads. Stick with genuine cartridges and this printer will serve you well for years. If you're interested in what else you can create with your prints and a heat press, our article on what you can do with a heat press opens up a lot of creative possibilities alongside this printer.
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Running out of ink mid-project is one of the most frustrating things that can happen during a crafting session. The Canon PIXMA G620 MegaTank eliminates that problem entirely. Instead of small cartridges you swap every few weeks, the G620 uses refillable ink tanks that hold enough ink to print up to 3,800 4"x6" color photos on a single full set. For crafters who produce high volumes — sticker shops, party planners, small business owners — this printer pays for itself quickly in ink savings alone.
The MegaTank system also connects with Alexa, which lets you get low-ink notifications and even set up smart ink reorders directly through Amazon. No subscription required. The wireless setup is straightforward, and print quality for photo projects is genuinely impressive — rich colors with good tonal range that makes printable designs look vibrant and professional. The print, copy, and scan functionality covers all the bases you'd expect from a modern all-in-one.
If your Cricut use involves regularly printing large batches — seasonal sticker collections, holiday card runs, or printable party sets — the G620's running costs will be dramatically lower than cartridge-based competitors. The upfront price is higher than a basic inkjet, but the math works in your favor within a few months of regular use.
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The HP Envy Inspire 7955e brings a feature set that goes beyond basic printing, and for home crafters who want a versatile all-in-one, it delivers. Print speeds reach 15 ppm (pages per minute) in black and 10 ppm in color, which keeps your workflow moving even when you're printing large batches of Cricut templates or iron-on designs. The automatic 2-sided printing saves paper on multi-page projects, and a separate photo tray means you can keep standard paper and photo paper loaded simultaneously — a convenience that regular crafters will genuinely appreciate.
HP's AI-powered print formatting is a standout feature in 2026. When you print web pages or email content, HP AI automatically removes clutter and optimizes the layout so you're not wasting sheets on ads or blank space. For crafters who frequently pull design inspiration from the web and print reference sheets, this is a real time and paper saver. The auto document feeder handles multi-page scanning efficiently, and mobile printing via the HP Smart app is reliable and well-designed.
The printer comes with a 3-month Instant Ink trial — HP's subscription ink service that delivers ink before you run out based on your actual usage. It's a convenient option for consistent crafters, though the ongoing subscription cost is worth factoring into your total budget. Overall, the 7955e is a polished, feature-rich choice for a home Cricut setup that demands versatility.
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Most home printers top out at 8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14". The Epson WorkForce WF-7710 blows past that limit with borderless printing up to 13" x 19". If you're working on banner-sized decals, large poster prints, or oversized party decorations that your Cricut will cut around, this is the printer that makes it possible. PrecisionCore technology (Epson's high-speed printing system that uses a precision-engineered print head for consistent dot placement) ensures the registration marks Cricut relies on land exactly where they should, even at large sizes.
Beyond the wide-format capability, the WF-7710 is a fully capable all-in-one — it prints, scans, copies, and faxes. Wi-Fi Direct lets you print directly from a phone or tablet without going through a router, which is handy in a craft room that might not be close to your main network hub. Ethernet connectivity is available for wired setups where you want maximum reliability. Amazon Dash Replenishment means the printer can automatically reorder ink when supplies run low.
The footprint is larger than standard home printers — 22.3" wide and 19.1" deep — so measure your space before purchasing. This is not a compact desktop printer. But if your projects regularly push past standard paper sizes, no other printer on this list gives you the room to work that the WF-7710 does. For crafters who also create DIY decals with an inkjet printer, the wide-format output opens up a whole new range of project sizes.
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The Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 packs a serious feature set into a small body, making it ideal for crafters with limited workspace who still want premium print output. Superior photo quality is the headline — stunning color photos alongside sharp, detailed text give you flexibility across both creative and practical print jobs. The print quality holds up well on the glossy and matte photo papers that Cricut crafters commonly use for stickers, labels, and printable vinyl.
A 30-page auto document feeder (ADF) makes multi-page scanning and copying efficient — useful if you're digitizing hand-drawn designs or paper templates to bring into Cricut Design Space. Auto 2-sided printing handles documents without manual flipping, and multiple media feeds let you keep different paper types accessible without constant manual loading. Wireless connectivity is solid, and the printer works smoothly with both PC and Mac systems.
Like other Epson printers, the XP-7100 is designed to work with Epson Genuine Cartridges — third-party ink risks damage not covered by the warranty. That's a cost consideration worth planning for. But within that constraint, this printer delivers consistent, reliable output that Cricut's Print Then Cut system reads accurately. For a craft room where space is tight but quality can't be sacrificed, the XP-7100 hits a strong balance.
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The Canon Selphy CP1500 is a different kind of printer from everything else on this list — and it earns its spot because of what it does uniquely well. This is a compact dye-sublimation (dye-sub) printer, meaning instead of spraying liquid ink, it uses heat to transfer dye from a ribbon onto paper. The result is professional-grade 4x6 photo prints that are water-resistant, fingerprint-resistant, and long-lasting — qualities that matter when you're making keepsake projects, photo gift items, or durable sticker-style prints.
This bundle is exceptional value. Everything you need arrives together: the printer itself, 108 sheets of KP-108 photo paper, three full-size color ink cartridges, and a Tudak microfiber cleaning cloth. That's a complete setup out of the box. The wireless printing via Wi-Fi means you can print directly from your smartphone or tablet, and the compact, portable design fits easily on a desk, shelf, or inside a craft bag for on-the-go events.
The key limitation to understand is size: the Selphy CP1500 prints 4x6 photos only. It doesn't handle letter-size paper or larger formats. If your Cricut projects primarily involve small photo prints, gift tags, wallet-size stickers, or portable craft fair printing, this printer is outstanding. If you need versatility across paper sizes, one of the all-in-one options above will serve you better. Think of the Selphy as the specialized tool in your arsenal — when 4x6 is what you need, nothing on this list beats it for quality and portability.
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Choosing a printer for Cricut isn't the same as picking any home printer. The Print Then Cut workflow has specific demands, and understanding them helps you pick the right machine the first time. Here's what to focus on.
Cricut's Print Then Cut system depends on your printer producing clean, accurate registration marks — the small black squares and lines that your Cricut machine's sensor reads to know exactly where to cut. A minimum resolution of 1200 dpi is recommended for reliable mark detection. Most modern inkjet printers exceed this, but cheaper models can produce smudged or faded marks that confuse the sensor and throw off your cuts. For projects where color accuracy matters — gradient stickers, photo transfers, detailed artwork — look for printers with 4800 dpi or higher and photo-quality ink systems (5 or 6 ink colors). The more ink colors a printer uses, the wider and more accurate its color gamut becomes.
According to Wikipedia's overview of inkjet printing, modern inkjet systems work by propelling tiny droplets of ink onto paper — and the precision of those droplets directly determines the sharpness of registration marks and fine design details. This is why consumer-grade photo inkjets consistently outperform basic document printers for craft applications, even at similar price points.
Standard Cricut Print Then Cut projects max out at 9.25" x 6.75" on the regular mat. But your printer needs to handle at least 8.5" x 11" (letter size) to give you that full working area. If you frequently work with larger designs — banners, poster elements, oversized decals — consider a wide-format printer like the Epson WF-7710 that reaches 13" x 19". Media compatibility matters too. The best printers for Cricut accept a range of paper weights and types: standard copy paper, glossy photo paper, matte photo paper, printable vinyl, and light cardstock. Always check the maximum paper weight (gsm) before buying — a printer that jams on 65 lb cardstock will frustrate you constantly if card-making is part of your workflow.
The purchase price of a printer is just the beginning of the total cost. For regular Cricut crafters, ink becomes a significant ongoing expense. Cartridge-based printers (like most standard inkjets) have lower upfront costs but higher per-page ink costs. Tank-based systems like the Canon G620 MegaTank have higher purchase prices but dramatically lower per-print costs — often 10x cheaper per page. If you're printing sticker sheets, transfers, or design elements frequently, a tank printer pays for itself quickly. Subscription ink services like HP Instant Ink are worth considering if your usage is consistent month to month, but calculate the monthly cost against how many pages you actually print before committing.
Cricut Design Space runs on both desktop and mobile. Your printer needs to work seamlessly with whichever setup you use. Wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity is non-negotiable for most modern craft setups — printing from a tablet while your Cricut is running on the cutting mat is a normal workflow. USB connectivity remains useful as a fallback. If you share your printer between multiple family members or devices, look for models that support Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without a router) or Ethernet for a shared network setup. Mobile app support from the printer manufacturer — Canon PRINT, HP Smart, Epson iPrint — adds convenience for on-the-fly adjustments and status monitoring. Also consider whether you need scanning capabilities: if you digitize hand-drawn designs or create artwork by hand before cutting with Cricut, a built-in scanner eliminates one step from your workflow.

Any standard inkjet printer works with Cricut's Print Then Cut feature as long as it can print on the paper type you're using and produce clear registration marks. In 2026, most modern home inkjet printers from Canon, Epson, and HP meet this requirement. For best results, use a printer with at least 1200 dpi resolution and genuine ink cartridges. Photo-quality inkjets with 5 or 6 ink colors produce the most accurate colors and sharpest registration marks, which reduces cutting errors. Laser printers are generally not recommended for printable vinyl or heat transfer materials because the heat in the laser printing process can damage or warp those specialty papers.
Yes — the Cricut Maker is compatible with virtually any home inkjet printer for Print Then Cut projects. Cricut does not require a specific brand or model. Your printer just needs to handle the paper or media you're printing on and produce a clean, dark registration mark that the Cricut sensor can read. Problems usually arise with very low-resolution printers, printers using faded or incompatible ink, or when printing on specialty media the printer wasn't designed to handle. Stick with quality inkjet printers from major brands and you'll have consistent results.
For print quality, both cartridge and tank systems can produce excellent results for Cricut projects. The real difference is cost and convenience. Cartridge printers have lower upfront costs but higher per-page ink costs — you'll notice this if you're printing large batches of stickers or transfers regularly. Tank printers like the Canon G620 MegaTank cost more upfront but reduce per-page costs dramatically, often by 80-90%. If you craft heavily or run a small business selling handmade items, a tank printer saves you significant money over time. If you print occasionally, a standard cartridge printer is perfectly fine.
Cricut's Print Then Cut feature supports a maximum printable image size of 9.25" x 6.75" on a standard 12"x12" mat. On an extended cutting mat, you can go larger, but the most common working size is that standard limit. Your printer needs to handle at least 8.5" x 11" letter-size paper to accommodate this. If you want to print designs larger than the standard letter size — for oversized stickers, large decals, or wide banner elements — you need a wide-format printer like the Epson WorkForce WF-7710, which handles paper up to 13" x 19".
For most Cricut Print Then Cut projects, laser printers are not recommended. The heat generated during laser printing can warp, melt, or permanently damage printable vinyl, iron-on transfer sheets, and other specialty craft media. Laser printers work fine for printing on standard paper that you'll then cut with Cricut — things like paper gift bags, cards from cardstock, or paper decorations — but they cannot handle the specialty materials that make Cricut truly versatile. For any project involving printable vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, waterslide decals, or glossy sticker sheets, use an inkjet printer.
If your Cricut is struggling to detect registration marks, there are several things to check. First, make sure your printer is producing clean, dark marks — faded ink or low print quality settings cause detection failures. Print at the highest quality setting your printer offers. Second, use white or very light-colored paper stock — the Cricut sensor needs high contrast between the marks and the paper background. Third, clean your Cricut's light sensor with a dry cloth if it's been in use for a while. Finally, ensure your mat is clean and the paper is lying completely flat. Bubbles, wrinkles, or paper that isn't fully adhered to the mat can throw off the sensor alignment.
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About Rachel Kim
Rachel Kim spent five years as a merchandise buyer for a national office supply retail chain, evaluating printers, scanners, and printing accessories from Canon, Epson, HP, Brother, Dymo, and Zebra before approving them for store inventory. Her buying process involved hands-on testing against competing models, reviewing long-term reliability data from vendor reports, and vetting price-to-performance claims that manufacturers routinely overstated. That structured evaluation experience translates directly into the kind of buying guidance that cuts through marketing language and focuses on what actually matters for a specific use case. At PrintablePress, she covers printer and printing equipment reviews, buying guides, and head-to-head product comparisons.
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