Best Cricut Sticker Printer Alternatives for Custom Stickers

The top pick for most people is the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 because it delivers low running costs, good print quality, and built-in Wi-Fi, all for under $200. It uses refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges, so you can print hundreds of stickers before needing more ink, and it handles standard sticker paper well.

What to Look For

When choosing a printer for stickers, focus on these four things:

• Ink type and cost: Pigment-based inks resist fading and water better than dye-based inks. Refillable tank systems (EcoTank, MegaTank) are far cheaper per page than cartridges, which matters when you print lots of stickers.
• Print resolution: Look for at least 4800 x 1200 dpi for crisp text and smooth color gradients. Most modern inkjets meet this, but some budget models are lower.
• Paper handling: A rear or front paper feed that accepts sticker sheets up to 250 gsm (about 90 lb) is essential. Check the printer’s spec for “cardstock” or “thick paper” support.
• Software and connectivity: Wireless printing (Wi-Fi or AirPrint) makes it easy to send designs from your computer or phone. Some printers have a “borderless” mode, which is nice for full-bleed stickers, but not required if you cut with a margin.

Epson EcoTank ET-2800

Strengths: Ultra-low ink cost (bottles cost about $13 for thousands of pages), good color accuracy, built-in scanner, and reliable wireless printing. It prints borderless up to 4″ x 6″, which covers most sticker sizes.

Trade-offs: The print head can clog if you don’t use it weekly, and the setup involves filling ink tanks carefully. It’s not the fastest printer, and the scanner is flatbed-only (no auto document feeder).

Who it suits: Hobbyists and small sellers who want low running costs and don’t mind a slower pace. It’s the best value for volume.

Canon PIXMA TS9521C (or TS9520)

Strengths: This is a 5-color printer (including photo black) that prints up to 13″ x 19″ (A3+), so you can make large stickers or print multiple on one sheet. It has a rear feed that handles thick media up to 300 gsm, and it supports borderless printing on many sizes. It also has a built-in duplexer and an ADF for scanning.

Trade-offs: Cartridge-based, so ink costs are higher than EcoTank. The printer is large and heavy, and the touchscreen interface can be finicky. It’s also more expensive upfront (around $300).

Who it suits: Crafters who need large-format stickers or want to print on specialty materials like printable vinyl or magnet sheets. If you don’t need the size, a smaller PIXMA like the TS6420 is cheaper.

HP Envy 6055e (or 6000e series)

Strengths: Affordable (often under $130), compact, and works well with HP’s Instant Ink subscription, which can lower per-page costs if you print regularly. It prints borderless 4″ x 6″ and has a simple touchscreen. It also has a document feeder for scanning.

Trade-offs: Instant Ink is a subscription, and if you cancel, the printer stops working with those cartridges. The standard cartridges are expensive. Print quality is good but not as sharp as the EcoTank for fine text.

Who it suits: Casual users who print occasionally and want a low upfront cost. If you don’t want a subscription, skip this one.

Brother MFC-J995DW (or J885DW)

Strengths: Brother’s INKvestment system gives you a high-yield cartridge in the box (up to 1 year of pages), and replacement cartridges are cheap. It prints borderless, has a rear tray for cardstock, and includes fax, scan, and copy. It’s also known for reliable duplex printing.

Trade-offs: The print quality is good but not as vivid as Canon or Epson for photo-heavy stickers. The printer is a bit bulky, and the software can be clunky.

Who it suits: Home offices that also want stickers and need a multifunction printer. If you print mostly text and some stickers, this is a solid choice.

Canon MegaTank G3270

Strengths: Similar to the EcoTank, this uses refillable ink bottles for very low cost per page. It prints borderless 4″ x 6″, has a rear feed for thick paper, and is compact. Canon’s ink is pigment-based for black and dye for color, which gives good water resistance for black text.

Trade-offs: No scanner (it’s a single-function printer), and the color ink is dye-based, so it may fade faster than pigment. The setup requires filling tanks, and the print head can clog if idle.

Who it suits: Sticker makers who don’t need a scanner and want the lowest ink cost. If you already have a scanner, this is a great budget pick.

Epson SureColor P700 (or P900) – Pro option

Strengths: This is a professional photo printer with 10-color pigment ink, including a gloss optimizer. It produces gallery-quality prints that are highly water-resistant and fade-resistant. It prints up to 13″ wide, and the color gamut is exceptional.

Trade-offs: Very expensive (over $700), and ink cartridges are costly (about $20 each, with 10 colors). It’s heavy and takes up space. It’s overkill for most hobbyists.

Who it suits: Serious sellers who want the best possible color and durability, and who are willing to invest in a professional workflow. If you’re selling stickers at craft fairs, this is the one.

How to Choose

Start with your budget and volume:

• Under $150: HP Envy or a basic Canon PIXMA. You’ll pay more per page in ink, but if you print fewer than 20 sheets a month, it’s fine.
• $150–$250: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 or Canon MegaTank G3270. These are the sweet spot for sticker makers because ink is cheap and quality is good.
• $250–$400: Canon TS9521C for large format, or Brother MFC-J995DW for a multifunction.
• $700+: Epson SureColor P700 if you need professional quality and are selling at a scale that justifies it.

Think about your sticker type: if you print glossy vinyl stickers, any of these will work, but pigment inks (EcoTank, SureColor) will resist scratching and water better. If you print on matte paper, dye inks are fine.

Consider the cutting process: if you use a Cricut, you’ll need to print with a “registration mark” and then load the sheet into the Cricut. All these printers can print the marks, but make sure you don’t print borderless when using registration marks, because the mark must be within the printable area.

Finally, think about maintenance: tank printers need regular use to avoid clogs. If you go on long breaks, run a nozzle check monthly. Cartridge printers are more forgiving but cost more per page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any printer for Cricut stickers?

Yes, any inkjet printer works, but you need one that can print on sticker paper (usually 8.5″ x 11″ sheets). Laser printers can also work, but the heat can melt some vinyl sticker paper, so inkjet is safer.

Do I need a printer that prints borderless?

No. If you print with a white border, you can cut it off with scissors or a Cricut. Borderless is only needed for full-bleed stickers that go edge-to-edge on the sheet, but you can still achieve that by printing with a slight overprint and then trimming.

What is the best ink for sticker durability?

Pigment ink is more water-resistant and UV-resistant than dye ink. Epson EcoTank uses pigment black and dye colors; the SureColor uses all pigment. For the most durable stickers, choose a printer with pigment inks, or apply a clear laminate over the stickers.

Can I print on printable vinyl with these printers?

Yes, most inkjets can print on printable vinyl that is designed for inkjet printers. Make sure the vinyl is not too thick (usually 200-250 gsm is fine). Check the printer’s paper feed specifications for maximum thickness.

How many stickers can I print before replacing ink?

With an EcoTank or MegaTank, you can print roughly 6,000-8,000 pages of black and white, or 4,000-6,000 pages of color (based on standard 5% coverage). For full-color stickers, expect maybe 1,000-2,000 sheets. Cartridge printers get 200-400 pages per cartridge set.

Is a laser printer better for stickers?

Laser printers are faster and cheaper per page for text, but they use heat that can warp or melt some sticker papers. Also, color laser printers are expensive. For most sticker makers, an inkjet is the better choice.

Bottom Line

If you want the best balance of cost, quality, and ease, get the Epson EcoTank ET-2800. It’s affordable, has cheap ink, and prints great stickers. If you need large-format or professional quality, step up to the Canon TS9521C or the Epson SureColor P700. Avoid cartridge printers unless you print very little, because the ink cost will eat your profit. Whichever you choose, buy a pack of sticker paper and run a test print before committing to a full sheet.

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