Quick Picks: Best Printers for Cricut 2026
Best Overall for Print Then Cut
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Vibrant colors, ultra-low ink costs
Best Budget Option
Canon PIXMA G3260
Great quality, MegaTank savings
Best for Large Projects
Epson EcoTank ET-15000
13" x 19" wide format printing
Best for Photos + Crafts
HP Envy Inspire 7255e
Excellent photo quality, easy setup
Understanding Cricut Print Then Cut
Print Then Cut is Cricut's feature that lets you print a design on your home printer, then use your Cricut machine to precisely cut around it. This opens up endless possibilities for stickers, labels, iron-on transfers, and more.
Compatible Cricut Machines
Print Then Cut Supported:
- Cricut Maker 3
- Cricut Maker
- Cricut Explore 3
- Cricut Explore Air 2
- Cricut Joy Xtra
- Cricut Venture
NOT Supported:
- Cricut Joy (original)
The original Joy can cut and draw but cannot do Print Then Cut due to its smaller size.
What to Look for in a Cricut Printer
High Resolution (4800+ dpi)
Higher resolution means sharper details on small stickers and intricate designs. Look for at least 4800 x 1200 dpi.
Vibrant Color Output
Your printed designs need to match your digital files. Dye-based inks typically produce more vivid colors.
Low Running Costs
Crafters print a LOT. Ink tank printers save hundreds of dollars compared to cartridge printers.
Borderless Printing
Essential for edge-to-edge designs on stickers and labels without white borders.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Cricut-Ready Features
- OK 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution
- OK Vibrant dye-based ink
- OK Borderless printing
- OK 4,500 black pages included
- OK 7,500 color pages included
- OK Sublimation convertible
Key Specs
- Print/Scan/Copy all-in-one
- 10.5 ppm black, 5 ppm color
- WiFi Direct & USB
- 100-sheet paper tray
- Prints up to 8.5" x 14"
- 1.44" LCD display
Why Crafters Love It
The ET-2800 is the most recommended printer in Cricut Facebook groups and craft communities. The vibrant color output makes stickers pop, and the ink tank system means you can print thousands of sheets for just pennies. It's also easily convertible to sublimation with third-party inks.
Perfect for Stickers & Print Then Cut
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 has become the gold standard for Cricut crafters. The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution produces incredibly sharp details, even on tiny sticker designs. Colors are vibrant and accurate, matching your Cricut Design Space files beautifully.
The refillable ink tank system is a game-changer for crafters. The included ink prints over 7,500 color pages - equivalent to about 90 traditional cartridges. When you're printing hundreds of sticker sheets for your Etsy shop, the savings are enormous.
Borderless printing on 4x6, 5x7, and letter-size paper means no trimming required for edge-to-edge designs. The printer handles sticker paper, cardstock, and vinyl sheets with ease.
Canon PIXMA G3260
Cricut-Ready Features
- OK 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution
- OK Hybrid ink system
- OK Borderless printing
- OK 6,000 black pages included
- OK 7,700 color pages included
- OK Prints up to 8.5" x 14"
Key Specs
- Print/Scan/Copy all-in-one
- 10.8 ppm black, 6 ppm color
- WiFi & USB connectivity
- 100-sheet rear tray
- Canon PRINT app
- 1.35" LCD screen
Excellent Quality at a Lower Price
The Canon PIXMA G3260 offers exceptional value for Cricut users on a budget. Canon's MegaTank system delivers the same ink-saving benefits as Epson's EcoTank, with excellent color accuracy that crafters consistently praise.
The hybrid ink system uses pigment black for sharp text and dye-based colors for vibrant graphics - perfect for stickers that need both. Color prints cost just about 0.9 cents per page, making it incredibly economical for high-volume crafting.
Setup is straightforward with the Canon PRINT app, and the printer handles various media types including glossy sticker paper and matte vinyl sheets. It's slightly faster than the ET-2800 for color printing too.
Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Cricut-Ready Features
- OK Prints up to 13" x 19"
- OK 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution
- OK Borderless wide format
- OK 35-sheet ADF
- OK Auto duplex printing
- OK Dual paper trays
Key Specs
- Print/Scan/Copy/Fax
- 17 ppm black, 9 ppm color
- WiFi, Ethernet, USB
- 250-sheet main tray
- 2.4" color touchscreen
- PrecisionCore printhead
Wide Format for Cricut Venture
The ET-15000's 13" x 19" print capability pairs perfectly with Cricut Venture for large-scale projects like posters, wall decals, and oversized sticker sheets that smaller printers can't handle.
Go Big with Your Cricut Projects
For crafters who need to print larger designs, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the ultimate choice. It prints up to 13" x 19" (tabloid/A3+) - perfect for large sticker sheets, wall art prints, and oversized iron-on transfers.
The wide format capability pairs beautifully with Cricut Venture and Maker 3's larger cutting mats. Print an entire sheet of multiple sticker designs at once, then cut them all in a single pass.
Despite its size, running costs stay low thanks to the EcoTank system. The included ink prints up to 6,500 black and 5,200 color pages. For Etsy sellers and serious crafters, the efficiency gains are substantial.
HP Envy Inspire 7255e
Cricut-Ready Features
- OK Excellent photo quality
- OK Borderless 4x6 photo tray
- OK 6 months free HP+ ink
- OK Easy mobile printing
- OK Auto duplex printing
- OK Self-healing WiFi
Key Specs
- Print/Scan/Copy all-in-one
- 15 ppm black, 10 ppm color
- WiFi, Bluetooth, USB
- 2.7" color touchscreen
- HP Smart App
- 125-sheet paper tray
Photo-Quality Prints for Stickers & More
The HP Envy Inspire 7255e produces some of the best photo-quality prints in its price range. For crafters who create photo stickers, memory planner pages, or picture-based designs, the color accuracy and detail are impressive.
The dedicated photo tray lets you print 4x6 photos without swapping paper - perfect for printing sticker sheets on letter paper and photos on glossy paper in the same session. The HP Smart app makes printing from your phone seamless.
With 6 months of free HP+ ink included, you can print a lot of projects before buying ink. After that, HP Instant Ink subscriptions start at reasonable rates for light users.
Sublimation Printing with Cricut
IMPORTANT: You Need Two Printers
Once you convert a printer to sublimation ink, it cannot be switched back to regular ink. Sublimation ink prints look faded/muted until heat is applied, so they won't work for regular Print Then Cut stickers.
If you want to do both sublimation AND regular Print Then Cut projects, you'll need two separate printers.
Best for Sublimation Conversion
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 + Hiipoo Sublimation Ink
The ET-2800 is the most popular printer for sublimation conversion. Use Hiipoo sublimation ink (available on Amazon) to convert it for mugs, tumblers, shirts, and more.
Sublimation Projects with Cricut
- Custom mugs and tumblers
- T-shirts and tote bags
- Coasters and ornaments
- Phone cases and mousepads
- Keychains and jewelry
Cricut Printer Comparison 2026
| Printer | Price | Max Size | Resolution | Ink Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson ET-2800 | $199 | 8.5" x 14" | 5760 x 1440 | Tank | Overall best |
| Canon G3260 | $179 | 8.5" x 14" | 4800 x 1200 | Tank | Budget |
| Epson ET-15000 | $549 | 13" x 19" | 4800 x 1200 | Tank | Large projects |
| HP Envy 7255e | $189 | 8.5" x 11" | 4800 x 1200 | Cartridge | Photos + crafts |
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer works best with Cricut Print Then Cut? v
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the best printer for Cricut Print Then Cut. It produces vibrant colors with 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution, and the refillable ink tanks dramatically reduce costs for high-volume sticker and craft projects. It's also easily convertible to sublimation if you want a dedicated sublimation printer later.
Can I use the same printer for sublimation and regular Cricut projects? v
No, you cannot switch between sublimation ink and regular ink in the same printer. Once a printer is converted to sublimation, it cannot be used for regular inkjet printing. Sublimation prints look faded until heat is applied, so they don't work for stickers. If you want to do both sublimation and regular Print Then Cut, you need two separate printers.
Which Cricut machines support Print Then Cut? v
Print Then Cut is supported by Cricut Joy Xtra, all Cricut Explore machines (Explore 3, Explore Air 2), all Cricut Maker machines (Maker 3, Maker), and Cricut Venture. The original Cricut Joy does NOT support Print Then Cut due to its smaller cutting size.
What paper should I use for Cricut stickers? v
For stickers, use printable sticker paper (glossy or matte) that's compatible with inkjet printers. Popular brands include Avery, Online Labels, and Cricut's own printable sticker paper. For waterproof stickers, use vinyl sticker paper and apply a UV laminate after cutting.
Why are my Print Then Cut stickers not aligning properly? v
Misalignment issues are usually caused by: 1) Ambient lighting affecting the sensor - cover windows and dim overhead lights, 2) Smudged registration marks - handle printed sheets by the edges, 3) Calibration needed - run the Print Then Cut calibration in Cricut Design Space, 4) Paper shifted on the mat - ensure paper is firmly adhered.
Our Final Recommendation
For most Cricut crafters in 2026, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the best choice. Its vibrant color output, ultra-low running costs, and sublimation conversion potential make it the most versatile option for Print Then Cut projects.
If you need large format printing for Cricut Venture projects, upgrade to the Epson ET-15000. Budget-conscious crafters will be happy with the Canon PIXMA G3260 - it delivers excellent quality at a lower price point.
View Epson ET-2800 on Amazon