Buying guide for best printer for cardstock
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Whether you’re starting your own greeting card business or making high-quality prints at the office, finding the best printer for cardstock is essential for the most professional-looking results.
But before you shop, it’s important to consider your needs. Some key factors include page-per-minute printing speed, the paper size it can handle and whether you want double-sided printing. If printing high-quality color images is your main concern, an inkjet printer, which provides rich, vibrant colors and beautiful details, is the way to go. A laser printer, on the other hand, is best for text and graphics.
We’ve scoured the internet for the best printers for cardstock and came up with a list of seven fantastic models to choose from. Our top pick is the Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer, which creates clear, bright images and has high-end technology to improve your productivity.
Which printer is best for cardstock?
Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
Best of the Best
Maximum Paper Weight: 58 lb | Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 | Paper Size Compatibility: 11” x 17” | Print Technology: Inkjet
Brother is known for its high-end printers, and the INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Color Printer is a prime example of one of its best models. It boasts a re-engineered design with advanced technology that facilitates speedy printing, making it suitable for fast-paced office environments.
This printer can print up to 30 pages per minute and scan up to 25 pages per minute, so you can get more done in less time.
This model is especially great if you want to use extra-large card stock. Most printers can only handle paper sizes up to 14 inches, but this printer offers more paper-handling versatility as you can print using 11-by-17-inch paper. It has a standard 250-sheet tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray for other media types, such as card stock and envelopes.
It offers multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi, which makes it convenient for printing directly from your smartphone.
One of the most versatile printers, it can handle all kinds of media types, including envelopes, glossy photo paper and high-resolution paper, and is compatible with various versions of the Windows operating system.
It also features a color LCD that makes it easy to control and monitor printing, scanning and copying status. Overall, it’s a fantastic printer that offers everything you need for improved productivity at the office.
Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer
Best Bang for the Buck
Maximum Paper Weight: 28 lb | Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 | Paper Size Compatibility: 8.5” x 14” | Print Technology: Inkjet
If you want a printer that’s both affordable and fast, we recommend the Canon PIXMA TS6420a. It’s an all-in-one wireless inkjet printer that performs just as well as its more expensive counterparts and is also equipped to handle various media types.
The minimalist design makes it suitable for those with limited desk space, although the build quality isn’t nearly as durable as some of our other favorite printers. The duplex function makes it capable of double-sided printing, and it can print up to 6.8 pages per minute.
The hybrid ink system requires a cartridge each for black and colored printing, but if you don’t need to print images, you can save money by using a single black ink cartridge to print text-only documents.
It features a 100-sheet front paper cassette, a 100-sheet rear paper tray and a 1.44-inch OLED that displays printing, scanning and copying status.
While we wouldn’t recommend it for a fast-paced office environment where you have to print hundreds of documents per hour, this printer is more than enough for practical everyday use. Plus, you can initiate printing straight from your smartphone or any other wireless device connected to the same network.
HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer
Trusted Brand
Maximum Paper Weight: 20 lb | Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 | Paper Size Compatibility: 8.5” x 14” | Print Technology: Inkjet
Those who want something fast and reliable for home printing will not be disappointed with the HP Smart-Tank 5000. We love this printer for its compact build and modern design that won’t make it look out of place no matter where you set it up in your home.
The Smart-Tank 5000 can print up to 10 pages per minute and handle various media types, including envelopes, plain paper, glossy film and glossy photo paper. It’s an all-in-one printer, meaning it can print, scan and copy, and the self-healing Wi-Fi feature automatically diagnoses and resolves connection issues, ensuring reliability.
The HP smart app is one of the most intuitive printing apps where users can print, copy and scan documents and tweak various settings and preferences. Plus, the local smart guided buttons help guide users through printing tasks.
This printer is slightly more powerful and faster than the cheapest models for home use, making it suitable for those working or running small businesses from their homes. You’ll pay a little bit more for this printer, but what makes it worth it is its ease of use and the peace of mind you’ll have by knowing you’re using a quality printer from a trusted brand.
Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer
Versatile Choice
Maximum Paper Weight: NA | Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 | Paper Size Compatibility: 8.51” x 14” | Print Technology: Inkjet
The print quality of the high-end Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Printer alone makes it a worthwhile choice for anybody who wants to print card stock or needs increased office efficiency. Rather than the traditional ink cartridge system, this printer uses high-capacity ink tanks, a more cost-effective solution.
The print quality is outstanding thanks to the advanced Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology that produces sharp text, detailed graphics and rich colors on almost any kind of paper. It’s also a fantastic starter printer, as it comes bundled with up to two years of ink.
It prints up to 10 pages per minute, and Wi-Fi connectivity means you can hook it up wirelessly to your smartphone for remote printing. Plus, the onboard controls and LCD make it easy to follow printing, scanning and copying instructions.
The eco-friendly design is this printer’s primary selling point. In addition to being environmentally conscious, you’ll also save big in the long run on ink refills, which are costly when using cartridge-based models. We also love how crisp and detailed printing looks with this model, so it’s a fine choice for all kinds of scenarios.
HP LaserJet MFP M140w Wireless Printer
Simple Yet Solid
Maximum Paper Weight: 32 lb | Print Resolution: 600 x 600 | Paper Size Compatibility: 8.5” x 14.5” | Print Technology: Laser
Laser printers get a lot of flack for not producing high-quality prints like inkjet printers. However, if your primary concern is volume, the LaserJet MFP M140w is the way to go. The resolution is noticeably lower at just 600 DPI, but it can print twice as fast as a standard inkjet printer at 21 pages per minute.
This printer is easy to use and allows for convenient scanning. You can copy both sides of ID cards or other small-size documents onto the same side of one sheet of paper.
Auto-On technology saves power when the printer isn’t running, and the 150-sheet paper tray is excellent for high-volume printing.
The LaserJet MFP M140w is one of the best printers for printing black-and-white documents and will help you achieve sharper detail that makes text easier to read than what you would get from an inkjet printer. It doesn’t offer nearly as many features or media versatility as some of our other top picks, but it’s the best option if you want to print hundreds of text-only documents.
Canon PIXMA G620 Wireless MegaTank Photo All-in-One Printer
Compact and Capable
Maximum Paper Weight: NA | Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 | Paper Size Compatibility: 8.5” x 14” | Print Technology: Inkjet
Those who want more features from their printer will love the Canon PIXMA G620. Rather than running to the photo center, you can print high-quality photos on your own. Also, despite being packed with all kinds of neat features, this printer has a surprisingly compact build, making it excellent for those with limited space.
For starters, this printer has a high page yield since it can print up to 3,800 4-by-6-inch color photos on a full set of ink. It features a six-color dye-based ink system with red and gray inks for a wider color gamut, meaning pictures will have superior color accuracy and depth.
It can be set up with a wired connection via the included USB cable and supports Wi-Fi connections to devices on the same network. Plus, it’s compatible with Alexa, allowing users to initiate photo printing completely hands-free.
This is one of the best printers for home or office use, and the capabilities it has to print quality photos on glossy photo paper make it a fantastic choice for photographers and creative professionals.
HP LaserJet MFP M234DW Wireless Printer
Easy to Use
Maximum Paper Weight: 43 lb | Print Resolution: 600 x 600 | Paper Size Compatibility: 8.5” x 14” | Print Technology: Laser
The HP LaserJet MFP M234DW isn’t going to win any awards for print quality or versatility. However, it offers increased productivity for small teams and is one of the easiest printers to operate.
The laser technology makes it superior to inkjet printers when printing black-and-white documents, and it offers a handful of helpful features that can help improve processes.
It offers blazing-fast print speed, as it can print up to 30 pages per minute single-sided and up to 19 pages per minute with duplex printing. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity and self-diagnoses and fixes connection issues. The HP smart app lets you scan to the cloud and print or copy from your smartphone, and integrated security features protect your printer and network from cyberattacks.
The LaserJet MFP M234DW is absolutely worth a look if you’re not interested in the additional features offered by some other high-end printers and don’t need color printing. The text looks incredibly sharp, making it easier to read, and the fast printing speed makes it an excellent choice for any home or standard office setup.
How we analyzed the best printer for card stock
Our primary concern when researching printers was how sharp and detailed text and images appear. Many printers allow you to print on card stock, but not all printers excel in this area. All seven of our top picks have fantastic customer reviews and are versatile enough for printing on various types of media. Plus, many models offer other functions, such as copying, scanning and duplex printing.
Key features to consider
Paper handling and media compatibility
Cardstock support
Not all printers support printing on media such as cardstock, so it’s essential to find a unit that explicitly states that it can. It’s also a good idea to look for models that specify they can handle paper thicknesses up to at least 110 lb (200 gsm) or more, as this is a standard weight for card stock.
Bypass tray
A bypass tray is designed to handle media types other than plain paper. In addition to being suitable for card stock, it is suitable for OHP transparencies, adhesive labels and translucent paper. It reduces bending and allows for smoother feeding of thick media.
Our top picks: Paper handling and media compatibility
- Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer: This printer can handle a larger paper size than most, with an 11-by-17-inch capacity. It’s compatible with envelopes, card stock, high-resolution paper, and glossy photo paper.
- Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer: This printer is built to handle envelopes, card stock and glossy photo paper and supports standard paper sizes of 8 by 14 inches.
- HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer: It can print on envelopes, glossy film, glossy photo paper and card stock weighing up to 200 gsm. Compatible paper size is the standard 8.5 by 11 inches.
- Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer: This printer is ideal for card stock weighing up to 100 gsm. It supports various other media types, including envelopes, ultra premium glossy photo paper, glossy photo paper, semi-gloss photo paper, and matte presentation paper. The standard paper size is 8.5 by 11 inches.
- HP LaserJet MFP M140w Wireless Printer: This laser printer works well with envelopes, card stock and labels, and supports paper sizes of 8.5 by 14 inches.
Print quality
Resolution
High print resolution (at least 1200 x 1200 dpi) is essential for producing sharp, clear text and images on card stock, particularly for detailed designs or photos. However, some printers print with a resolution of 600 x 600, which makes them suitable for plain text documents but not the best choice for printing high-quality color images.
Inkjet vs. laser
Inkjet Printers offer better color depth and are more suitable for high-quality photo printing on cardstock. They are also ideal for crafting, scrapbooking, and other color-rich projects. Laser printers, on the other hand, are known for their fast printing speeds and durability, making them the best choice for fast-paced office environments and for printing text-only documents. Laser printers are great for text and monochrome designs on cardstock, and while laser printers do exist, they may not offer the same color richness as inkjets.
Our top picks: Print quality
- Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer, Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer, HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer, Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer: These printers all offer fantastic print quality and support resolutions of up to 4800 x 1200 DPI. Colors are vibrant, and text is sharp on all media types, including cardstock.
- HP LaserJet MFP M140w Wireless Printer: Text-only documents look fantastic, but it only supports a resolution of 600 x 600, so it’s not the best option for color printing.
Ink and toner compatibility
Pigment vs. dye-based inks
Pigment-based inks are significantly more fade-resistant and water-resistant, ideal for professional-quality prints that need to last. Dye-based inks are typically more vibrant but less durable, making them best suited for short-term projects where bright colors are essential. Image quality should be consistent no matter which type of ink you use, as long as it’s compatible with your printer and you use the correct paper. Be cautious to never use ink with a printer that’s not designed for it, as it can cause clogging and other damage to the unit.
Cartridge system
Many printers use an ink cartridge system, and you have to install a color and black ink cartridge for printing. Individual color cartridges can be more economical and allow you to replace only the color that runs out, rather than a tri-color cartridge. Some printers use refillable ink bottles rather than cartridges, which are more economical and eco-friendly, and laser printers use toner instead of ink.
Our top picks: Ink and toner compatibility
- Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer and Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer: Both of these printers have a cartridge-based ink system.
HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer, and Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer: These printers are more economical than our top two picks thanks to their refillable ink system.
- HP LaserJet MFP M140w Wireless Printer: This is a laser printer, so you’ll have to use toner instead of ink.
Printing speed
Pages per minute (PPM)
One of the biggest distinctions across all printers is their printing speed. While printing speed may not be a priority for low-volume, high-quality projects, it’s helpful to have a faster printer if you need to produce large quantities of prints quickly.
For example, those working in a fast-paced office environment might need a printer that’s capable of printing over 20 pages per minute. In comparison, those who need a printer for occasional printing will be more than satisfied with one that can handle five pages per minute. Ultimately, it’s all about your preferences and needs.
Duplex printing
If you frequently print double-sided projects, look for a printer with automatic duplexing. However, note that not all printers support duplex printing on cardstock due to the thickness, and some printers do not support this function, even for basic plain paper printing.
Our top picks: Printing speed
- Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer: It boasts one of the fastest printing speeds for an inkjet printer at 30 pages per minute.
- Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer: It has one of the slowest print speeds at 6.8 pages per minute, but it’s acceptable for casual home use.
- HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer and Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer: These printers have identical printing speeds. Both can print up to 10 black-and-white pages and five color pages per minute.
- HP LaserJet MFP M140w Wireless Printer: Like our top pick, this printer can print up to 30 pages per minute.
Connectivity options
Wireless printing
Wired connections via Ethernet or USB cables are more stable and reliable, making them more suitable for fast data transfer of large files. However, wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth allow for easy printing from mobile devices, tablets and computers without direct connections. Printers with wireless connectivity are more convenient and allow for multiple devices to be connected simultaneously.
Mobile printing support
Features like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print or dedicated apps can make it easier to print directly from smartphones or cloud storage, providing convenience and flexibility.
Our top picks: Connectivity options
- Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer, Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer, Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer and HP LaserJet MFP M140w Wireless Printer: All four of these printers support wireless Wi-Fi connectivity as well as USB and Ethernet wired connectivity. Plus, they all work with Alexa.
- HP Smart-Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink-Tank Printer: This printer supports wireless Wi-Fi and wired USB connectivity, but it lacks an Ethernet port.
