Sticker printing has become a popular activity for individuals, creatives, and businesses alike. Whether you’re printing fun custom stickers for personal use or bulk printing for a business, the quality and versatility of the printer you choose can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the key features to look for when choosing a printer for stickers and recommend the best options available in 2024.
Ⅰ. Key Features to Look for in a Sticker Printer
When choosing a sticker printer, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the printer produces high-quality, durable and colorful stickers. The following features are key to determining whether a printer is suitable for creating stickers.
1. Print Quality
Print resolution is critical to printing high-quality stickers, especially if you plan to print intricate designs or photo-quality images. A printer with a resolution of at least 4800 x 1200 dpi (dots per inch) is ideal for photo-quality printing. Higher resolution means sharper and more vibrant colors—a key factor in making stickers stand out.
2. Paper Handling
Stickers are usually printed on specialized papers, such as glossy, matte, or vinyl adhesive sheets. Therefore, a good sticker printer should be able to handle various paper types and thicknesses without jamming or smudging the ink. Many printers designed for photo printing offer the versatility needed to work with sticker paper.
3. Ink Type (Inkjet vs. Laser)
Inkjet printers generally provide better vibrant colors, sharp details, and smooth gradients, making them the go-to choice for printing stickers. What's more, they can print on a variety of media types, including glossy, matte, and vinyl sticker sheets.
Laser printers, on the other hand, are faster and more economical for bulk printing, but they may not offer the same color vibrancy or flexibility with specialty papers as inkjets.
4. Printing Speed
If you plan to print large quantities of stickers, a printer with a faster print speed can help reduce the overall time spent printing. Laser printers are faster than inkjets, but inkjets designed for photo quality tend to be slower because they focus on detail rather than speed. If you're printing a few sheets at a time, the speed of an inkjet printer shouldn't be an issue.
5. Cost Efficiency
The cost of ink can add up quickly, especially if you're printing a lot of stickers. Ink tank printers like Epson's EcoTank series have much lower running costs compared to traditional inkjet printers with cartridges. In addition, printers with high-yield cartridges are also a cost-effective option for those printing stickers frequently.
6. Connectivity Options
Printers with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile app integration like Apple AirPrint, allow you to print directly from your smartphones, tablets, and computers. These features save time and make sticker printing more flexible.
7. Maintenance & Durability
Stickers often require frequent reprinting, so a printer that is easy to set up, maintain, and clean will make your sticker production process more efficient. Additionally, pigment ink vs. dye ink, pigment-based inks can offer better durability and lifespan.
Ⅱ. Best Printer for Stickers in 2024: A Complete Guide
Here’s a list of the top printers for sticker printing in 2024, including both inkjet and laser options for both home users and businesses.
1. Canon PIXMA Pro-100
Canon PIXMA Pro-100 is a printer designed for printing high-quality images and is perfect for printing high-end, colorful stickers. Its 8-color dye ink system, ultra-high print resolution, borderless printing capability, and support for multiple paper types make it ideal for printing art, branding, or personalized custom stickers. For users looking for high-quality image output and perfect detail reproduction, the PIXMA Pro-100 offers exceptional performance and versatility.
Pros:
- Superb color reproduction, perfect for photo-quality stickers.
- Large paper handling, allowing for custom sticker sizes.
- Borderless printing, ideal for seamless sticker prints.
Cons:
- High ink costs (dye-based inks can be expensive).
- Large footprint, which may not be suitable for small spaces.
Image |
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Price |
$599-$699 (varies by retailer and region) |
Functions |
|
Printer Type |
Inkjet |
Print Quality |
Resolution up to 4800 x 2400 dpi |
Print Speed |
30 seconds for a 4x6-inch photo; 90 seconds for an 8x10-inch photo. |
Ink System |
8-color dye-based ink system (including 3 different blacks) |
Consumables |
Canon CLI-42 ink series: $124.99, 8 colors |
Cartridge Price |
Canon CLI-42 K/C/M/Y/PC/PM/GY/LGY ink: $16.99 each |
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Ethernet, mobile printing (Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Canon PRINT App) |
Paper Handling |
150-sheet rear tray, 20-sheet front tray, automatic duplex printing |
Paper Sizes |
Plain paper, photo paper, art paper, glossy and matte sticker paper Letter, A4, A3+, 13x19 inches, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, and custom sizes |
Dimensions |
26.1 x 15.2 x 7.7 inches (W x D x H) |
Weight |
32.6 lbs (approximately 14.8 kg) |
Best for |
Professional-quality sticker printing |
The above prices are from Canon's official website and may fluctuate over time.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-8550
Epson EcoTank ET-8550 stands out as one of the best choices for sticker printing in 2024, especially if you are looking for cost-effective and high-quality printing. Unlike traditional ink cartridge printers, the EcoTank system uses refillable ink tanks, which means much lower cost-per-print. In addition, its excellent print resolution, flexible paper compatibility, high-capacity ink system and borderless printing function can meet the needs of individual users and small businesses for high-quality sticker printing.
Pros:
- Wide-format printing, allowing for larger stickers.
- High resolution and wide color gamut for vibrant and detailed prints.
- Low ink cost due to refillable ink tanks, perfect for high-volume printing.
- Supports various media types and sizes, from glossy sticker paper to vinyl.
Cons:
- Expensive price, high initial purchase cost.
- Large size, which may not be ideal for limited space.
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Price |
$799-$999 (varies by retailer and region) |
Functions |
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Printer Type |
Inkjet |
Print Quality |
Resolution up to 5760 x 1440 dpi |
Print Speed |
Black: 16 pages per minute Color: 12 ppm (ISO standards) |
Ink System |
Large capacity dye ink system (refillable ink bottles) |
Consumables |
Epson 552 ink bottles |
Cartridge Price |
Epson 552 BK (pigment ink): $21.99 Epson 552 PK/C/M/Y/GY (dye ink): $19.99 each |
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, mobile printing (Epson Smart Panel App, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria) |
Paper Handling |
100-sheet input tray, 50-sheet rear tray, automatic duplex printing |
Paper Sizes |
Plain/photo/glossy/matte paper, and specialty adhesive sticker paper Letter, A4, A3, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x17, 13x19, 17x22, Custom sizes |
Dimensions |
23.6 x 14.9 x 6.4 inches (W x D x H) |
Weight |
29.3 lbs (approximately 13.3 kg) |
Best for |
High-volume, cost-effective sticker printing |
The above prices are from Epson's official website and may fluctuate over time.
3. Canon PIXMA TS9521C
Canon PIXMA TS9521C is a versatile and affordable printer that can handle both everyday document printing and high-quality sticker printing. It features a 5-color individual ink system that provides solid color accuracy and is compatible with a wide range of paper types, including glossy and matte sticker paper. With the ability to print up to 11 x 17 sheets, it's perfect for smaller businesses or individuals who need flexibility without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Affordable compared to high-end photo printers.
- Versatile media handling, perfect for different sticker materials.
- Good color accuracy and resolution for general sticker printing.
Cons:
- Not as suitable for large-volume printing.
- Slower print speeds, especially for high-resolution prints.
- Paper tray may not handle thicker sticker paper as efficiently as premium models.
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Price |
$249-$299 (varies by retailer and region) |
Functions |
Print, Copy, Scan, Photo Printing |
Printer Type |
Inkjet |
Print Quality |
Resolution up to 4800 x 1200 dpi |
Print Speed |
Black: 15 ipm, Color: 10 ipm (ISO standards) |
Ink System |
5-color individual ink system |
Consumables |
Canon PGI-280 & CLI-281 ink series Available in standard, XL (high yield), and XXL (extra high yield) |
Cartridge Price |
PGI-280 PGBK: $17.99 (XL: $27.99, XXL: $37.99) CLI-281 K/C/M/Y/PB: $12.99 each (XL: $21.99, XXL: $29.99) |
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, SD card slot, Ethernet, mobile printing (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Canon PRINT App, Mopria) |
Paper Handling |
100-sheet input tray, 20-sheet output tray, automatic duplex printing |
Paper Sizes |
Plain paper, glossy paper, matte paper, and adhesive sticker paper Letter, A4, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x17, 13x19, 4x8, Legal, Custom sizes |
Dimensions |
18.5 x 14.6 x 6.3 inches (W x D x H) |
Weight |
17.7 lbs (approximately 8 kg) |
Best for |
Versatile, everyday use, and occasional sticker printing |
The above prices are from Canon's official website and may fluctuate over time.
4. HP Envy 7855
HP Envy 7855 is a compact, affordable printer that can handle your everyday printing needs while still providing decent sticker printing quality. While it may not deliver the same high-end print quality as more expensive models, it’s an excellent choice for users who want to print stickers without the high upfront costs of professional-grade printers. If you're looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and feature-rich device for custom sticker printing, consider the HP Envy 7855.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly, ideal for beginners.
- Good color reproduction for everyday sticker designs.
- Wireless printing and mobile app for added convenience.
Cons:
- Ink cartridges can be costly over time.
- Slower print speed compared to higher-end models.
- Less suitable for professional-quality sticker printing.
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Price |
$199-$249 (varies by retailer and region) |
Functions |
Print, Copy, Scan, Fax, Photo Printing |
Printer Type |
Inkjet (Thermal) |
Print Quality |
Resolution up to 4800 x 1200 dpi |
Print Speed |
Black: 15 ppm, Color: 10 ppm (ISO standards) |
Ink System |
4-color ink system |
Consumables |
HP 64 ink cartridges, standard yield HP 64XL ink cartridges, high yield |
Cartridge Price |
HP 64 ink: BK: $21.99, Tri-color: $27.99 HP 64XL ink: BK: $52.99, Tri-color: $57.99 |
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, SD card slot, mobile printing (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria, HP Smart App) |
Paper Handling |
125-sheet main tray, 15-sheet photo tray, 25-sheet output tray, 35-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) |
Paper Sizes |
Plain paper, photo paper, card stock, and adhesive sticker paper Letter, Legal, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, Custom sizes |
Dimensions |
17.87 x 19.33 x 7.60 inches (W x D x H) |
Weight |
17 lbs (approximately 7.7 kg) |
Best for |
Budget-friendly and everyday sticker printing |
The above prices are from HP's official website and may fluctuate over time.
5. Brother HL-L8360CDW
Brother HL-L8360CDW is a color laser printer designed for high-speed printing. While it may not match inkjet printers in terms of color vibrancy, it’s perfect for simple, text-based, or graphic-heavy stickers. Its high-speed printing, large-capacity tray, and strong wireless connectivity are ideal for businesses, home offices, and professional creators who need to print high-durability stickers in bulk. If you're printing large batches of stickers, this printer will save you time with its faster printing speed.
Pros:
- Fast printing speed, ideal for large batches of stickers.
- Reliable for simple graphic designs and text-based stickers.
- Cost-effective for bulk printing with a lower cost-per-page than inkjet printers.
- Not ideal for photo-quality or intricate sticker designs.
- Limited to smaller media sizes compared to inkjet printers.
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Price |
$449-$599 (varies by retailer and region) |
Functions |
|
Printer Type |
Laser (color and monochrome) |
Print Quality |
Resolution up to 2400 x 600 dpi |
Print Speed |
Up to 33 ppm (both color and black-and-white) |
Ink System |
Laser toner |
Consumables |
Brother TN431 standard toner: BK: 3,000 pages, C/M/Y: 1,800 pages Brother TN433 high yield toner: BK: 4,500 pages, C/M/Y: 4,000 pages Brother TN436 super high yield toner: K/C/M/Y: 6,500 pages each Brother TN439 ultra high yield toner: K/C/M/Y: 9,000 pages each |
Cartridge Price |
TN431 K/C/M/Y: $85.49 each TN433 BK: $89.49, C/M/Y: $143.99 each TN436 BK: $93.49, C/M/Y: $196.99 each |
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, mobile printing (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria, Brother iPrint&Scan) |
Paper Handling |
250-sheet standard input tray, 50-sheet multi-purpose tray, optional add-on trays (up to 1,300 sheets total), automatic duplex printing |
Paper Sizes |
Plain paper, glossy paper, thick paper, labels, envelopes, sticker paper Letter, Legal, Executive, A4, A5, A6, B5, Custom sizes |
Dimensions |
17.4 x 19.1 x 12.3 inches (W x D x H) |
Weight |
48.1 lbs (approximately 21.8 kg) |
Best for |
High-speed and bulk sticker printing |
The above prices are from Brother's official website and may fluctuate over time.
Conclusion
Choosing the best sticker printer should depend on your specific needs—whether you're printing high-quality custom designs, creating bulk orders quickly, or simply printing some fun stickers. The Canon PIXMA Pro-100 and Epson EcoTank ET-8550 stand out for their color accuracy and wide-format capabilities, making them ideal for photo-quality stickers. For those on a budget, the HP Envy 7855 offers decent quality at a lower price, while the Brother HL-L8360CDW is perfect for those who need fast and efficient batch printing.
True Image specializes in providing high-quality compatible toner and ink cartridges for a wide range of printer brands, including HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, Xerox, and more. Our mission is to help you print smarter, save money, and protect the planet—all without compromising on print quality. Shop now and experience the difference!