Hey, fellow artists!
So, I totally get the challenge of finding the best printer for art prints on a budget. You want something that’s affordable but doesn’t sacrifice print quality.
Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve gone through quite a few budget art printers over the years, and I’ve found some gems that offer quality without breaking the bank. In this post, I’ll share my personal faves for the best affordable printer for art prints that I think are definitely worth checking out:
Overview: 8 Best Printers for Art Prints under $200 and $300
Budget eco tank art printer for art prints, cardstock, canvas, stickers, vinyl and iron-ons
· Small/Medium art studios
· Photographers
Budget ink tank art printer for art prints, cardstock, canvas, stickers, vinyl and iron-ons
· Small/Medium art studios
· Photographers
Versatile printer for different media like art paper, canvas, matte, glossy, stickers, iron-ons
· Small/Medium art studios
· Photographers
6 colors alternative to iX6820 above
· Small/Medium art studios
· Photographers
Art scanner printer for different media
· Small/Medium art studios
· Photographers
Versatile arts & crafts printer for different media like art paper, cardstock, matte, glossy, stickers, iron-ons
· Crafters
Versatile art printer for art prints, cardstock, canvas, stickers, vinyl and iron-ons
· Small/Medium art studios
· Photographers
Versatile art scanner printer for art prints, cardstock, canvas, stickers, vinyl and iron-ons
· Small/Medium art studios
· Photographers
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#1 Budget Ink Tank Art Printer: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Color Printer with Scanner
Epson Budget Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, and Transfer paper
4-color dye-based ink tank system :: 5770×1440 DPI :: Prints up to 8.5″×47.2″ (A4+++) :: Scanner 1200x2400 DPI :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Late 2021 model :: Wireless & AirPrint :: Hybrid dye-based & pigment-based (BK) model: ET-2850
My top pick for a budget art print printer is the Epson EcoTank ET-2800.
This is an ink tank printer, which means it uses refillable ink tanks instead of disposable cartridges. This makes it super affordable to run over time. I was hesitant about ink tank printers at first, but after trying the EcoTank, I was amazed at the print quality for the price.
The ET-2800 can print up to 8.5″ x 11″ prints. It prints with 6 Claria ink colors for vibrant photos and graphics. One of the best parts is the low printing costs. A set of ink bottles can print up to 4,500 pages in black or 7,500 color pages. That’s pennies per print! I’ve been using my EcoTank for over a year and have barely put a dent in the initial ink.
This printer also scans, copies, and can handle certain types of cardstock. It has built-in cordless printing from smartphones and tablets.
For the price, print quality, and super low ink costs, I think the EcoTank ET-2800 is the best budget art print printer out there.
#2 Budget Ink Tank Art Printer 2: Canon PIXMA G620/550 MegaTank Inkjet Photo Printer
Value Ink tank/Supertank Printer for Art Prints, Photographers, Graphic Designers, Stickers, Vinyl, Transparencies
6-color dye-based ink system :: 4800×1200 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 8.5″×14″ (A4) :: User definable length up to 47″:: High page yield & low cost per print :: Early 2021 model :: Wireless & AirPrint :: a.k.a G550/G650
Another excellent ink tank printer is the Canon PIXMA G620 (or PIXMA G550 outside the US).
Like the EcoTank, this printer has refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. This makes printing photos and art prints at home extremely affordable.
The MegaTank printer includes enough ink to print up to 6,000 black pages or 7,000 color pages. You can get replacement ink bottles for just $13-$17 each, which is quite cheap.
It prints borderless photos up to 8.5″ x 11″ with 5 individual inks for vibrant color.
The print quality is fantastic for the price. It can print on matte or glossy photo paper and certain cardstock. It also scans and copies.
For a budget-friendly art print printer with absurdly low ink costs, the Canon MegaTank line is a great choice.
#3 Budget A3 Art Printer: Canon Pixma iX6820/6850
Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Transfer paper, and Transparencies
5-color hybrid dye- and pigment-based ink system :: 9600×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Supports transparencies and vinyl stickers :: Max paper thickness: 6mil (0.15mm) :: Early 2014 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
If you need to print larger art prints up to 13” x 19” (A3+), check out the Canon Pixma iX6820 (outside of the US, known as iX6850).
It’s an affordable printer that can handle prints up to A3 size. Many budget printers only print A4/letter size, so the iX6820 is a nice step up for artists needing bigger print size.
Despite the low price, this printer delivers excellent quality photo prints. It has a 9600 x 2400 DPI print resolution for sharp detail and vivid colors. The 5 individual ink system provides a wide color gamut for accurate color reproduction. You can print on matte, glossy, or fine art paper types.
The iX6820 has built-in WiFi for wireless printing plus auto duplexing to print on both sides of the paper.
An added bonus is the 20-sheet rear feed for printing documents, invoices, etc.
For artists on a budget needing A3 capacity, the Canon Pixma iX6820 hits a sweet spot on price and performance.
#4 Budget A3 Art Printer 2: Canon Pixma IP8720/8750
Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 9600×2400 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Early 2014 model :: Wireless & AirPrint :: Alternative name IP8750
Another solid budget option for A3 printing is the Canon Pixma IP8720.
It prints borderless photos up to 13” x 19” with a 6-color individual ink system for vibrancy and accuracy. The max resolution is 9600 x 2400 DPI for crisp, detailed prints.
This printer has Gray and Photo Black inks for optimal black-and-white photo printing. It can print directly on fine art paper, in addition to glossy and matte photo papers. Connect via WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. Duplex printing is also supported.
The print quality of the IP8720 rivals more expensive photo printers. It has excellent tonal range and color accuracy when using Canon paper.
For the price, you get A3 printing capacity and professional quality results. If you need larger prints on a budget, I highly recommend checking out the Pixma IP8720.
#5 Budget All-in-one Art Printer: Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 All-in-One Inkjet Printer
Budget Art Scanner Printer with great color reproduction and print quality
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5760×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 8.5″×14″ (A4) :: Scanner 1200x4800 DPI :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Early 2022 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
For artists wanting an affordable all-in-one that can print, scan, and copy, look no further than the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700. This is a 6-color photo printer with a built-in scanner and copier.
It delivers outstanding photo print quality for the price. The Claria inks produce vibrant, accurate colors and crisp detail. You can print borderless photos up to 8″ x 10″ with black and white prints up to 11″ x 17″. It has a max resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi.
The XP-8700 can print directly on some types of cardstock. The integrated scanner has a high 4800 dpi resolution. You get built-in card readers and a tilting touchscreen display. For the money, it packs a ton of functionality.
If you need an affordable photo printer, scanner, and copier all-in-one, the XP-8700 is a feature-packed choice.
#6 Budget Craft Printer: Canon TS9521C/9551C Crafting Photo Printer + Scanner
Crafters Printer for Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, Transfer paper and Art Prints
Hybrid 4-color dye-based + pigment-based (BK) ink system :: 4800×1200 DPI :: Scanner 1200x2400 DPI :: Prints up to 11″×17″ (A4++) :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Late 2018 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
The Canon TS9521C (or TS9551C outside the US) is made for crafters! It is an all-in-one printer tailored towards arts and crafts. It’s designed to print on a wide variety of materials like cardstock, magnet sheets, transfer paper, and more.
The TS9521C has a 5 individual ink system for printing vibrant scrapbook pages, greeting cards, stickers, and any other craft projects you dream up. It prints borderless photos up to 8.5” x 11”. This printer is super versatile – use the scanner to digitize your crafts, then print on customizable templates.
Canon includes tons of software to spark your creativity. There are templates, fonts, coloring book line art, and more. Built-in WiFi lets you print and scan wirelessly.
For crafters who need a budget printer that can handle a variety of materials and boost creativity, the TS9521C is a perfect fit.
#7 Budget Fine Art Printer: Epson Expression XP-15000 13′′ Inkjet Color Printer
Budget Pick for Art Prints, Cardstock, Canvas, Stickers, Vinyl, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5760×1450 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 13″×19″ (A3+) :: Max paper thickness: rear feed 23mil (0.6mm) manually :: Late 2017 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
For artists producing fine art prints, giclée prints, or posters, take a look at the Epson Expression XP-15000. This is a 13” wide format printer designed for creative projects. It delivers incredible fine art print quality on a budget.
The XP-15000 has UltraChrome HDX pigment inks for a wide color gamut and longevity without fading. It can print borderless photos up to 13” x 19” or banners up to 13” x 44”. The printer supports roll paper for panoramas, blueprints, and art prints.
Print your creations on fine art paper, canvas, or posterboard. It has a max resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi for sharpness and clarity. The front cassette makes loading media easy.
For fine artists without the budget for a professional printer, the XP-15000 delivers exceptional quality at a reasonable price.
#8 Budget Fine Art Printer & Scanner: Epson Expression XP-970 Inkjet Color Photo Printer with Scanner
Epson Value Pick for Art Prints, Stickers, Vinyl, Cricut, and Transfer paper
6-color dye-based ink system :: 5770×1440 DPI :: Borderless prints up to 11″×17″ (A3+) :: Scanner 1200x4800 DPI :: Supports vinyl stickers :: Late 2019 model :: Wireless & AirPrint
If you want fine art print quality in a smaller format, consider the Epson XP-970.
This is a photo printer and scanner combo designed for creative projects. It delivers outstanding results for fine art, canvas, greeting cards, and specialty printing.
The 6 Claria ink colors produce vibrant, accurate prints. You can print borderless photos up to 8.5” x 11” or 5” x 7” cards with precise margins. It supports fine art paper and canvas up to 1.3mm thick. The max resolution is 5760 x 1440 dpi for clarity and detail.
This printer has integrated card slots and a tilting color touchscreen. Built-in WiFi lets you print wirelessly from phones and computers. The high-resolution scanner is useful for digitizing art, photos, and documents.
If you’re seeking quality fine art prints without the high price tag, the XP-970 is a versatile choice.
Summary: Best Budget Art Printer
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When it comes to finding the best printer for art prints on a budget, there are several great options that won’t ruin your bank account.
- I think the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the best value for money if you print frequently. The super low ink costs make this virtually free to run over time.
- For larger A3 prints, I recommend the Canon Pixma iX6820 or IP8720. Both deliver professional quality results at reasonable prices. Crafters should check out the versatile Canon TS9521C tailored specifically for arts and crafts.
- If you need fine art print quality, look at the Epson XP-15000 for 13” width printing or the XP-970 for excellent results in a smaller package. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice print quality.
I hope these recommendations help you pick out the perfect budget printer for your art prints and creative projects. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to chat printers and share my experience as an artist and photographer.
Happy printing!
Other articles in the Printers and Scanners series:
- Best Canvas Printer
- Best Printer for Art Prints
- Best Printer for Graphic Design
- Best Giclée Printer
- Best Art Scanner Printer
- Best A3 Art Printer
- Best Cardstock Printer
- Best Printer for Stickers
- Best Sticker Maker Machine
- Best Printer for Cricut Print and Cut
- Best Screen Printing Printer
- Best Inkjet Printer for Heat Transfer
- Best Ink Tank Printer
- Best Art Scanner for Artworks
- Best Camera for Artwork Photography
- Artograph Inspire 1200 Digital Art Projector Review
- Artograph Flare 450 Digital Art Projector Review
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
