The Cricut has transformed the crafting domain, enabling devotees to produce complex designs and custom-made projects. Possessing the ideal printer is critical to make these masterpieces a reality. However, discovering the ultimate Cricut-compatible printer that provides exceptional print quality, wireless connection, and flexibility isn't an easy task. For your ease, I've painstakingly assembled an array of high-quality alternatives to address your requirements.
Among them, the Canon Selphy CP1300 wows with its instant-dry photos, vibrant colors, and wireless connectivity. Its compact design and longevity make it an ideal choice for crafters. Next, we have the HP ENVY 6455e, which offers versatility, three months of free ink with HP+, and smart features. It's a well-rounded choice for various printing needs. However, it falls just short of the top spot due to slightly lower print speeds and a focus on document printing.
Last but not least is the Canon's TS9521C, a crafting powerhouse with oversized scanning and a wide color range. Its only drawback is its relatively larger size compared to the more compact options, making it a bit less convenient for those with limited space.
This guide explores these top three products and two more exceptional options, guiding you toward the best printer for Cricut crafting.
Let's get started!
Why Do You Need a Printer for Your Cricut?
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A printer is essential for Cricut enthusiasts as it complements the cutting capabilities of the Cricut machine. It allows you to add detailed, full-color designs to your projects by printing them on various Cricut materials like stickers, vinyl, or fabric. This fusion of printing and cutting enables creative possibilities such as custom stickers, labels, apparel designs, and more.
Additionally, a printer is indispensable for creating templates, images, and patterns to align with Cricut cuts precisely, ensuring accurate and intricate crafting. It's a versatile tool that enhances the creative potential of Cricut machines, making it a must-have for those looking to expand their crafting horizons.
Top 5 Best Printers for Cricut Machines
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1. Canon Selphy CP1300 Wireless Photo Printer
- Not only will your photos be instantly dry, but they will also...
- Enjoy the simplicity of connecting your smartphone and tablet...
- The sleek, portable design lets you bring the SELPHY CP1300 with...
- With the tilting 3.2 inches LCD screen it's easy to choose, edit...
- Print resolution (Up to) color256 levels per color (16.8 million...
The Canon Selphy CP1300 Wireless Photo Printer is a versatile and highly convenient option for those seeking a portable printer for their printing needs. I was impressed by its ability to produce vibrant and sharp photos instantly, which not only dry right away but also remain water-resistant and can last up to 100 years.
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The printer's compact form factor makes it easy to carry around, and the optional battery pack adds to its portability, allowing you to print and share memories on the go. Connecting to the printer is a breeze, thanks to its wireless connectivity and compatibility with the Canon Print app. You can also print directly from USB drives or camera memory cards.
The 3.2-inch tilting LCD screen simplifies selecting, editing, and printing your favorite photos. The paper tray can hold up to 18 postcard-size paper, catering to various printing needs. The print quality is excellent, with 16.8 million colors and professional-grade prints.
While it may not be suitable for heavy document printing, the Canon Selphy CP1300 is the best Cricut printer for portability and a high-quality photo printing niche. It's an excellent choice for crafters, photographers, and anyone looking for a reliable, compact photo printer.
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2. HP ENVY 6455e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
- PERFECT FOR HOME – The HP ENVY 6455e is great for busy families...
- 3 MONTHS FREE INK when you activate HP+ – Includes 3 months...
- INCLUDES FREE HP+ SMART FEATURES – Activate HP+ free to get...
- KEY FEATURES – Print, copy, scan, auto 2-sided and borderless...
- HP SMART APP – Print, scan and copy from your phone—from...
The HP ENVY 6455e is an excellent choice for home use, catering to various printing needs. I found it to be perfect for busy families, thanks to its versatile capabilities. It can efficiently handle documents, borderless photos, homework assignments, and DIY projects. The inkjet printer boasts respectable print speeds, reaching up to 7 pages a minute in color and 10 pages per minute in black.
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One standout feature is the three months of free ink included with HP+ activation, which is especially cost-effective. The printer's compatibility with the HP Smart app allows for easy mobile printing and additional advanced features, enhancing its usability.
Setting up the HP ENVY 6455e inkjet printer is hassle-free, with self-healing Wi-Fi making wireless connectivity a breeze. However, it's essential to note that these best inkjet printers are designed to work exclusively with cartridges containing original HP chips or circuitry, which may limit cartridge options.
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3. Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer
- The PIXMA TS9521C has 5 Individual Inks that are ready for craft...
- Print from all your favorite devices, whether that is a...
- With 12'x12 inches paper support, booklet layout copy, oversized...
- For numbers listed in product description see “Specification...
- WORKS WITH ALEXA: Ask Alexa to print your shopping list, to-do...
The Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer is a versatile and capable printer that I've had the pleasure of using for various crafting and everyday printing needs. One standout feature is its 5 Individual Inks, which deliver impressive print quality and ensure that craft projects and photos stay vibrant and long-lasting. The ChromaLife100 technology protects photos from fading, promising a print life of up to 100 years in album conditions.
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This Cricut printer is exceptionally versatile, supporting various paper sizes, including 12"x12" for crafting, and offering features like booklet layout copy and an Auto Document Feeder for handling multi-page documents efficiently.
Its wireless connectivity options, including AirPrint and Wi-Fi, make it easy to print from various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Furthermore, the printer's compatibility with Alexa adds a convenient and futuristic touch to the printing experience.
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4. HP Color LaserJet Pro M544dw Printer
- BUILT TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS MOVING FORWARD – Print consistently...
- HP WOLF PRO SECURITY – Protect company data and safeguard...
- WALK-UP USB PRINTING - Print Microsoft Office-formatted files in...
- PRINT WITH OR WITHOUT A NETWORK – Use built-in Wi-Fi Direct to...
- MANAGE TASKS QUICKLY AND EASILY – Take control of your projects...
The HP LaserJet Pro M454dw is a top-tier laser printer that excels in providing high-quality prints, security, and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for both professional and personal printing needs. Having used it for a while now, I can confidently attest to its efficiency in delivering high-quality documents and vivid graphics, making it a reliable choice for various tasks.
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One of its standout features is the built-in HP WOLF Pro Security, providing robust protection against cyber threats. This printer helps maintain the security of sensitive company data and ensures seamless and secure operations.
The convenience of walk-up USB printing is exceptional, allowing you to print Microsoft Office-formatted files and PDFs directly from a USB drive. Automatic 2-sided printing not only saves paper but also enhances eco-friendliness.
Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi Direct, the ability to print with or without a network offers flexible mobile printing options. Managing tasks is a breeze with the intuitive 2.7" color touchscreen and a generous 250-sheet input tray. Plus, it boasts impressive print speeds of up to 28 pages per minute.
Regarding environmental responsibility, the M454dw is designed with enhanced energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption by up to 11% compared to prior models and minimizing paper waste. Besides, these laser printers are complemented by trustworthy Original HP 414A/414X toner cartridges, ensuring reliable performance and avoiding reprints or service calls.
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5. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks...
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with...
- Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) –...
- Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can...
- Impressive Print Quality ― Unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free...
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless impresses with its cost-efficiency, top-notch print quality, and user-friendly features, making it a top contender for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient printer. What impressed me the most is it is a versatile workhorse designed to meet the demands of businesses and professionals.
Image Source: Epson.com
One standout feature is its innovative cartridge-free printing, which means you can say goodbye to expensive ink cartridges. The high-capacity ink tanks and Epson's EcoFit ink bottles make refilling hassle-free and environmentally responsible. The dramatic cost savings on replacement ink bottles, up to 90% compared to cartridges, are impressive, and you can print thousands of pages without worrying about running out of ink.
Even better, there are up to two years of ink included in the box and with each replacement ink set, ensuring stress-free printing. Plus, it's a zero-cartridge waste solution, contributing to reduced landfill waste. Modern connectivity options, including wireless and voice-activated printing, make it convenient to print from smart devices.
Print quality is exceptional, thanks to Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology and pigment black ink, resulting in sharp text and vibrant color prints on various paper types. The built-in scanner, copier, and auto 2-sided printing add to its versatility.
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Factors to Consider When Purchasing the Best Printers for Cricut
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1. Print Quality and Printing Technology
Superior print quality is paramount for Cricut projects, especially when printing stickers, printable vinyl, or other intricate designs. Look for a printer with superior print quality, including vibrant colors, sharp details, and a high resolution. Technologies like inkjet or laser printing can significantly impact the final output.
2. Wireless Connectivity
Seamless wireless connectivity is essential for hassle-free printing from Cricut Design Space or other design software. Ensure that the printer supports wireless printing through Wi-Fi and can be easily set up for wireless connections. HP Cricut printers often offer reliable wireless connectivity.
3. Print Speeds
Consider buying the best printer with fast print speeds if you need to print a large volume of stickers or other Cricut designs. HP printers, equipped with technologies like HP Instant Ink, can help speed up printing.
4. Ink Tank System
Opt for a Cricut printer with an ink tank system to save on ink costs and minimize interruptions during crafting sessions. This system typically uses ink bottles instead of cartridges, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
5. Compatibility with Cricut Machines
Ensure that the Cricut you choose is compatible with your Cricut maker and Cricut sticker paper. Some printers work better with thicker paper types, which is essential for stickers and other craft project ideas. Canon printers are known for their versatility in handling different photo paper types, including printable vinyl and thicker paper. Compatibility ensures seamless integration, making printing and cutting your designs accurately easy.
6. Printing Materials and Capabilities
Consider the types of materials you plan to work with. Some printers are better suited for specific materials like sticker paper, printable vinyl, or fabric. Make sure the printer can handle your preferred materials and offers versatility for various crafting needs.
7. Budget-Friendly Options
Look for affordable printers that offer professional-grade prints. Budget-friendly options can still provide high-quality results for your Cricut projects without breaking the bank. Consider HP or Canon printers for their affordable price range and durable performance.
Final Thoughts on the Best Printer for Cricut
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Choosing the best printer for Cricut is essential for achieving high-quality and precise crafting results. Consider factors such as compatibility with Cricut machines, superior print quality, wireless connectivity, and ink technology. While there are various options available, models like the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw and Canon TS9521C offer impressive performance and versatility.
Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific crafting needs, whether it's for stickers, vinyl, or other materials. Investing in a reliable printer ensures that your Cricut projects turn out beautifully and that your creative endeavors are a breeze from start to finish.
