Having one of the best printers for stickers to hand is always worthwhile – whether you’re a pro or simply a hobbyist. These types of printers can help you create a wide variety of vibrant designs from an array of materials, transforming your ideas into detailed and diversely shaped stickers. From budget-friendly options to the best in class, you’re sure to find the right model for your needs.
- Editor’s Pick
Epson Expression XP-15000
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: InkJet
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi Direct, Cloud Printing
- Duplex Printing: Yes
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Best Budget Printer for StickersHP Envy 7955E
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: InkJet
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth, Companion App
- Duplex Printing: Yes
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Best Business Printer for StickersCanon MAXIFY GX7021
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: InkJet
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi Direct,
- Duplex Printing: Yes
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Best Laser Printer for StickersBrother HL-L3270CDW Compact Wireless Digital Color
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: Laser
- Connectivity Technology: USB, Ethernet, WiFi Direct
- Duplex Printing: Yes
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Best Quality Printer for StickersCanon PIXMA PRO-200
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: InkJet
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth
- Duplex Printing: No
How We Picked the Best Printer for Stickers
When it came to choosing the best printer for the job, the first consideration is naturally the ability to print on dedicated sticker printer paper. We considered a range of factors such as print quality, print speed, and overall ease-of-use; among a range of factors. Check out the PCWer Testing Lab for more information on how we review and rank products. These types of printers tend to be great multimedia printers overall, meaning they can be used for all manner of crafting.
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: InkJet
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi Direct, Cloud Printing
- Duplex Printing: Yes
When we reviewed the XP-15000, we praised it’s multimedia printing capabilities. Stickers count among its incredibly varied and large-volume print possibilities, and we highly recommend it.
- Great color accuracy – the XP-15000 reproduces prints colorfully and with clarity.
- Large print size – capable of 13″ x 19″ prints, this Epson printer can create stickers to suit any use case.
- Slow print speed – even on standard documents rather than specialist media, the XP-15000 is quite slow.
For a stellar all-round print solution, the Epson Expression XP-15000 is the ultimate choice. With a wide print format and an array of media compatibility, it’s no wonder that this unit is one of our best printers for graphic design.
The XP-15000 is capable of printing designs as large as 13″ x 19″, meaning that you can print larger stickers in higher quantities with ease! Optional high-yield cartridges provide an excellent return on investment and much better turnover rates, and the wide range of connectivity options makes wireless printing a breeze – though you’ve still got cable compatibility should you need it! Colors are reproduced vividly even on the largest of print sizes, meaning your stickers are always rendered realistically.
However, this printer is a great deal slower than average even on basic materials, which reduces its overall efficiency substantially. But for a compact design packed with an arsenal of quality-of-life features, the XP-15000 is hard to beat.
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: InkJet
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth, Companion App
- Duplex Printing: Yes
Affordable, compact and capable of stickers, the 7955e is a great option as a sticker printer under $200.
- Accommodating print size – able to print up to 8.5″ x 14″ in size, you’ve got space for most standard sticker sizes.
- High quality – despite the printer’s low price, print quality standards are surprisingly high.
- Poor ink economy – the 7955e’s cartridges are notably expensive, driving up the long-term price of this printer.
For a more affordable sticker printer solution, consider the HP Envy 7955e. This low-cost HP printer is a great option for those that want a multimedia printer on a budget.
Stickers are super customizable via the HP Smart App and can produce any type of sticker up to 8.5″ x 14″ in size. As a wireless printer, it can print true-to-phone photos straight from your mobile device. High-quality stickers are easily produced – making this a great choice for small hobbyists, especially as fast printing speeds mean that it is easy to print multiple stickers at a time. This is a great budget InkJet printer for those new to printing stickers or just want a decent all-rounder for a home office.
That said, the 7955E isn’t ideal for those wanting a cost-effective print solution. HP’s ink cartridges can be costly, even with their ink subscription service that keeps your device fully stocked. If you can swallow a higher ongoing cost, then the Envy 7955e is a top-tier printer for stickers.
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: InkJet
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi Direct,
- Duplex Printing: Yes
An incredible medley of speed, quality and cost; the GX7021 is a productivity powerhouse suited to everything from business administration to home crafting.
- Exceptional print speed and efficiency – the GX7021’s large ink tank system makes for high-quality, high-speed, and low-cost printing.
- Exceptional print speed – the GX7021 is capable of fast prints without sacrificing quality.
- Premium price point – this printer may be more expensive than some small businesses can afford.
One of our top Canon printers, the MAXIFY GX7021 is a high-speed, high-quality unit ideal for businesses looking to upgrade their sticker printing capabilities. Boasting incredible print efficiency across a broad range of substrates, of course including stickers, this printer is well worth the cost.
The GX7021 can yield up to 14,000 color pages at a time thanks to its incredible MegaTank ink system – though that number is likely slightly lower given the amount of ink needed for stickers. Regardless, both speed and quality are stunning thanks to the printer’s intelligent four-color ink system. With high-yield ink and intuitive print optimization, this printer is well worth the cost.
That cost is admittedly high, however, which may alienate small businesses or households needing a print solution. But if you prioritize high-quality multimedia prints over a high price point, then the GX7021 is the ideal printer for you.
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: Laser
- Connectivity Technology: USB, Ethernet, WiFi Direct
- Duplex Printing: Yes
Whilst color laser printers would normally be a poor choice for stickers, the HL-L3270CDW makes the cut thanks to its incredible print quality and compact design.
- Compact and lightweight – the HL-L3270CDW is small and compact, making it ideal for small homes or offices.
- Fast prints – laser printing is always faster than InkJet printing, but whilst the tradeoff is usually quality, this printer manages to have the best of both worlds.
- Poor ink economy – you may struggle to justify using a laser printer for sticker printing, especially as the HL-L3270CDW has an especially poor ink economy.
Laser printers aren’t generally a suitable choice for sticker printing, due to their inability to print with sufficient quality and color accuracy. That said, the Brother HL-L3270CDW is the exception that proves the rule.
Once the HL-L3270CDW is set up to print, it’s 250 tray capacity and sterling print speed mean that productivity isn’t an issue. Brother printers are renowned for their price-to-performance, and this printer continues the trend – sitting comfortably in the middle range of prices whilst offering above-average performance.
That said, the main drawback to using a laser printer is that it will be far less ink-efficient than other options – you’ll find that your printer hemorrhages toner during the print process, so this is unsuited to anything beyond infrequent use. But for a high-quality multimedia printer, the HL-L3270CDW is perfect.
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: InkJet
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth
- Duplex Printing: No
Though all of our top picks have had high print qualities, the Pro-200’s unique ink system makes for stunning color reproduction for stickers.
- Detailed and fast prints – thanks to a unique color InkJet system, the Pro-200’s results are always stunning.
- Incredible color accuracy – the selling point of this printer is its high-quality ink system for a broad color gamut.
- Expensive ink – not only is the Pro-200’s ink more expensive, but it also requires more than other more affordable ink tank printers.
Finally, we have the Canon PIXMA Pro-200: a high-quality ink tank printer with incredible print quality. This supports media sizes up to 13″ x 19″, making it suitable for printing larger or multiple smaller stickers on a single sheet.
The Pro-200 offers a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 2400DPI, allowing for sharp and detailed prints. This level of resolution is crucial for maintaining clarity in small text, fine lines, and intricate designs on all surfaces. The eight-color ink system means shades can be reproduced in incredible depth and detail, making for deep and varied shades. Plus, the Pro-200 is a super-compact printer, for easy storage.
However, if affordability is the main objective, this printer is one to avoid: as the eight-color ink system means eight separate reservoirs to refill with expensive ink. We think it’s worth it, however, and recommend the Pro-200 to anyone wanting high-quality sticker prints.
Key considerations when buying a sticker printer
Aside from the printer, of course, the next essential ingredient for sticker printing is having the right media. Sticker paper is fairly easy to come by, so long as you double-check the type you want to use is compatible with the printer that you want to use. You also need a design: programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Canva are great for creating effective and high-quality designs – just make sure that you make them PNG files if you want a transparent background.
When selecting what printer to go for, you’re going to need to choose between Inkjet and Laser models. With InkJet printers, you sacrifice speed but end up with a more crisp and detailed result image. This is why InkJet multimedia printers are the best for stickers and decals. Laser printers are best for those who need quick results, and are less concerned with overall detail: mass-producing small designs with ease.
FAQs
Do you need WiFi to use a printer?
Whilst most printers allow you to easily connect them to WiFi, it’s not an essential feature. There are several methods of connecting to a printer, and most, if not all, have a wired functionality.
Can you use a thermal printer to print stickers?
Yes: For basic designs such as barcodes or shipping labels, most thermal printers have functionality for stickers. But for more detailed and varied designs, a full-fledged printer is the better option.
Verdict
- Printer Output: Color
- Printer Type: InkJet
- Connectivity Technology: USB, WiFi Direct, Cloud Printing
- Duplex Printing: Yes
Remaining one of our favorite printers, the Epson Expression XP-15000 takes the top spot as the best printer for stickers. Though any and all of our printers on this list have their merits, this one is the ideal combination of affordability, versatility and quality.
For more on multimedia printing, check out our guide on the best large-format printers on the market today.
