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.

True Image

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

Canon PIXMA Pro-100

Price

$599-$699 (varies by retailer and region)

Functions

Print

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.

Image

Epson EcoTank ET-8550

Price

$799-$999 (varies by retailer and region)

Functions

Print

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.

Image

Canon PIXMA TS9521C

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.

Image

HP Envy 7855

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.
Cons:
  • Not ideal for photo-quality or intricate sticker designs.
  • Limited to smaller media sizes compared to inkjet printers.

Image

Brother HL-L8360CDW

Price

$449-$599 (varies by retailer and region)

Functions

Print

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!

True Image

Printer guide

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published

Featured Products

Brother TN227 toner setCompatible Brother TN227 Toner Set | TN227BK/C/M/Y Combo Pack
Compatible Brother TN227 Toner Set | TN227BK/C/M/Y Combo Pack
Sale priceFrom $59.95 Regular price$89.95
In stock
HP 206A  toner cartridge 4-packWhy buy True Image toner cartridges
Compatible HP 206A Toner Set | W2110A W2111A W2112A W2113A
Sale priceFrom $69.95 Regular price$99.95
In stock
hp 414a toner 4-packChip-Ready Compatible HP 414A Toner Cartridge Set | Smart Chips | Monitor Toner Levels
Chip-Ready Compatible HP 414A Toner Cartridge Set | Smart Chips | Monitor Toner Levels
Sale priceFrom $107.95 Regular price$199.95
In stock

Coupon For Readers

10% OFF all ink & toners at True Image

Use code: TIBG10