When you need a printer for cardstock, look for models that handle thicker paper without jams, maintain print quality, and offer versatile media handling. Key features include robust paper feed mechanisms, high-resolution printing, and adjustable settings to handle different cardstock weights. These aspects ensure your projects, from invitations to business cards, come out professionally.
Our guide features three winning printers, chosen from over 26 analyzed models and 149,776 reviews. We found that 67% of experts provided unreliable insights. Our proprietary process, using True Score and Trust Rating, filters fake and low-quality reviews and certifies products as tested. The top printers demonstrated exceptional performance in reliability, print quality, and media versatility.
How Did We Rank the Best Printers for Cardstock?
We’ve delved into extensive research, examining over 200 websites to curate the best printers for cardstock. By scrutinizing testing methods and customer feedback, we identified key factors that influence performance. Our guide prioritizes 2 essential test results, 1 desirable feature, and 1 must-have specification, providing a reliable selection process backed by our comprehensive True Score analysis.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must print on cardstock.
? Test Criteria
- Color Accuracy: Color accuracy is maintained with a deviation (dE) of less than 6.
- Color Printing Costs: Printing costs are less than 40 cents per page.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Print Cost: Printing costs for black & white documents are less than 7 cents per page.
Latest Updates
- 06/14/2024: Republished the list to include the best printers for cardstock based on our True Score system.
Top Printers for Cardstock For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Best For Canon
For unparalleled color accuracy and premium quality in cardstock printing, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a premium choice that blends precision with versatility.
True Score
89884Experts
90461Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $201$899.99$699.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great print quality
- Decent running costs
Reasons to Avoid
- Slow printing speed
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder No 
Automatic Two-Sided Printing No 
Copier Resolution (B&W) – 
Copier Resolution (Color) – 
Depth 15″ 
Duplex Scan Function na 
Energy Star Certified Yes 
Height 7.9″ 
Integrated Fax No 
Max Number of Copies – 
Max Paper Width 13″ 
Mobile Printing Yes 
Number of Ink Cartridges Required 10 
Paper Feeder Top loader 
Print Speed (B&W) – 
Print Speed (Color) Up to 4800 x 2400 
Printer Resolution (B&W) Up to 4800 x 2400 
Printer Resolution (Color) Up to 4800 x 2400 
Printer Type Printer 
Scanner Resolution na 
Scanner Type na 
Tray Capacity 100 
Width 25.2″ 
Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 1 Color Print Speed (ppm) 1 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 4 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 28 Color Accuracy (dE) 3 All Retailers
$699.00$900Save $201Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$699.00$899Save $200Availability
In StockFree Shipping
$799.99$900Save $100Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you are willing to invest in top-tier quality for your cardstock printing needs, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is the top choice for premium cardstock printing, distinguished by its unmatched color accuracy (delta E of 2.93). This precision is crucial for those who demand that prints accurately mirror the original digital designs, which is essential in both professional work and creative projects. With ten ink cartridges, this printer excels at delivering a rich color range, elevating the quality of detailed graphics, photo prints, and vibrant presentations on cardstock.
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 prioritizes exceptional print quality and color fidelity over speed, evident from its modest print speeds of 1.00 ppm for black and white and 0.75 ppm for color, the slowest in our roundup. In contrast, the Canon Pixma TR8620A achieves a faster color print speed of 3.97 ppm. This deliberate focus on quality makes the PRO-300 ideal for projects where the precision of the output is paramount, such as creating fine art prints, bespoke greeting cards, and sophisticated business materials on thick cardstock. Additionally, it’s most cost-effective on prints, with a 4-cent cost per page, making it a sensible choice for those prioritizing quality without overlooking ongoing expenses.
Thanks to its array of features tailored for a wide range of printing tasks, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 extends its utility beyond cardstock printing. Its generous ink cartridge system and exceptional color accuracy make it a standout choice for photo printing and any project demanding rich color detail. Additionally, with its robust connectivity options and support for wireless printing, the PRO-300 is versatile for diverse needs, from personal crafting projects to the demands of small business settings, emphasizing its commitment to both quality and adaptability.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Canon Pixma TR8620A
For high-volume cardstock printing, the Canon Pixma TR8620A excels with top speeds and balanced quality, offering cost-effective, versatile performance for diverse needs.
True Score
75734Experts
834kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $61$199.99$139.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive printing quality
- High-quality scanner
- Decent printing speed
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive running cost
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder Yes Automatic Two-Sided Printing Yes Copier Resolution (B&W) – Copier Resolution (Color) – Depth 13.8″ Duplex Scan Function No Energy Star Certified Yes Height 7.5″ Integrated Fax Yes Max Number of Copies – Max Paper Width 8.5″ Mobile Printing Yes Number of Ink Cartridges Required 5 Paper Feeder Cassette tray, Tray loader Print Speed (B&W) 15 ppm Print Speed (Color) 10 ppm Printer Resolution (B&W) Up to 4800 x 1200 Printer Resolution (Color) Up to 4800 x 1200 Printer Type Copier, Fax, Printer, Scanner Scanner Resolution Up to 1200 x 2400 Scanner Type Flatbed, Sheetfed Tray Capacity 200 Width 17.3″ Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 12 Color Print Speed (ppm) 4 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 8 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 16 Color Accuracy (dE) 5 All Retailers
$139.00$200Save $61Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No- $139.00$199Save $60
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $149.99$200Save $50
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
For those who need to print a high quantity of cardstock, the Canon Pixma TR8620A stands out for its noteworthy performance as the fastest option on our list. With its best-in-class print speed of 11.67 pages per minute for black and white documents and 3.97 pages per minute for color, this printer ensures efficiency for users needing quick outputs for their projects.
With a color accuracy delta E (dE) of 4.93, only behind the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300, the Canon Pixma TR8620A offers a fine balance of quality and affordability. Its color fidelity is more than adequate for cardstock projects and beyond. The printer’s versatility shines through in various tasks, from high-volume document printing to diverse crafting hobbies, maintaining solid performance across different applications.
The Canon Pixma TR8620A ensures cost-effective printing with a modest 7.6 cents per page, catering to budget-conscious users for sustainable long-term use. It features versatile connectivity, supporting both wired and wireless connections, to adapt to various printing setups. With a substantial 200-sheet tray capacity, it minimizes reloads, facilitating smooth and continuous printing workflows.
The Canon Pixma TR8620A’s strengths in print speed, connectivity, and versatility make it a worthy choice for users looking for a reliable printer for cardstock and beyond. Its performance and features excel in use cases like photo printing and high-volume document production, making it a versatile tool for both home and office settings.
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Category Snapshot
Printers
- Total Brands/Products Tested
5 Brands, 26 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Epson, Canon
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$30-$1,000
- Average True Score
80.95
- Important Test Criteria
Mono & Color Print Speed (in/s, cm/s)
Color Accuracy (dE)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Top Printer Experts
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Canon Pixma MG3620
The Canon Pixma MG3620 is a budget-friendly, versatile printer ideal for both creative projects and everyday printing needs in small offices or homes.
True Score
72704Experts
7931kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $40$79.99$39.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- High print quality
- Great scan quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Steep running costs
- Slow printing speeds
- Missing display and limited connectivity
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder No Automatic Two-Sided Printing Yes Copier Resolution (B&W) – Copier Resolution (Color) – Depth 12″ Duplex Scan Function No Energy Star Certified Yes Height 6″ Integrated Fax No Max Number of Copies – Max Paper Width 8.5″ Mobile Printing Yes Number of Ink Cartridges Required 2 Paper Feeder Tray loader Print Speed (B&W) 9.9 ppm Print Speed (Color) 5.7 ppm Printer Resolution (B&W) Up to 4800 x 1200 Printer Resolution (Color) Up to 4800 x 1200 Printer Type All In One, Copier, Printer, Scanner Scanner Resolution Up to 1200 x 2400 Scanner Type Flatbed Tray Capacity 100 Width 17.7″ Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 8 Color Print Speed (ppm) 3 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 9 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 20 Color Accuracy (dE) 5 All Retailers
- $39.99$80Save $40
Availability
Free Shipping
Yes - $39.00$79Save $40
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $59.99$80Save $20
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
The Canon Pixma MG3620 is an excellent choice for those in need of an affordable, efficient cardstock printer. It offers great value with a 100-sheet tray capacity and solid print speeds of 8.43 ppm for black-and-white and 2.63 ppm for color documents, making it ideal for home offices and crafters. Its versatility in handling different media types makes it perfect for scrapbooking and regular printing.
This printer offers both wireless and wired connectivity options, enhancing its versatility in different setups. It utilizes a dual-ink cartridge system, a practical choice for casual users, though heavy users may require more frequent replacements compared to the Canon Pixma TR8620A, which has five individual color cartridges. Duplex printing adds a layer of convenience and efficiency, reducing paper usage and catering to environmentally conscious consumers.
The Pixma MG3620 strikes a balance with its color fidelity and economical printing. Its color precision, marked by a delta E of 5.24, suits typical home printing tasks well, although those in professional design may desire sharper accuracy. Despite having the highest printing cost on our list at 8.8 cents per page, it remains an economical choice for regular printing needs.
The Canon Pixma MG3620 is a versatile printer suitable for a variety of tasks beyond cardstock printing. Its capability to handle photo printing and other crafting projects, combined with its efficiency in document printing, makes it a valuable asset for those with diverse printing needs. The printer’s balanced performance across different criteria ensures it meets the needs of users looking for a cost-effective solution for home and small office environments, catering to those needing a versatile printer.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Printers for Cardstock?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these printers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a printer for cardstock.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Accuracy | < 6 dE | Yes | How much the color printed by a printer deviates, on average, from the reference color. |
| Color Printing Costs | > 40 cents | Yes | How much a color page costs to print. |
| B&W Printing Costs | < 7 cents | No (Nice to have) | How much a black and white page costs to print. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 80+ printers reviewers and found that 23 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for printers.
- Ryan Lim – Rtings, LinkedIn
- Lesley Robinson – TechGearLab, LinkedIn
- Ben Keough – Wirecutter, MuckRack, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every printer review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Printers Test Data & Results
1. Color Accuracy (dE)
Color accuracy with printers uses a mix of standardized references (like the Adobe ColorChecker) and a color control sensor to check the accuracy of the colors printed by a printer and then grades the accuracy on a 10-point+ scale. Unlike most scales, where 10 is good, color accuracy scores are reversed, with 0 and 1 being the most desirable score, as it indicates little to no deviation from the reference color.
Generally speaking, color accuracy should be at least a 5 or lower to be considered “good.” At 6 or higher, the colors are noticeably different, which is an issue if you’re printing photos and hoping for accurate colors.
Color Accuracy
< 6
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much deviation exists between the colors printed by the printer itself and the colors shown in the photograph you’re printing on your monitor or phone.
Units of Measurement: N/A
Tools to Measure: Color Control Sensor, Color Reference Document
Why It’s Important:
If you print photos constantly, or need accurate colors for logos, color accuracy matters a great deal.
Color Accuracy (lower is better)
2. Color Printing Costs (cents per page)
The other side of the coin when it comes to printing costs is the cost for printing using colored ink or toner. While it’s measured the same was as you’d measure black and white printing costs, the acceptable cost is much, much different. Colored ink is more expensive than black and white ink, and if you’re constantly printing photos, the cost of printing in color will ramp up very fast.
We therefore recommend that your printer print color pages at a cost of 40 cents per page or less. Less is always better – getting the cost as low as possible without compromising print quality is the ideal, after all.
Color Printing Costs
< 40 cents per page
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much it costs to print a page in color.
Units of Measurement: cents per page
Tools to Measure: Calculator
Why It’s Important:
Lower costs per page means less money spent on ink; given that color ink is generally more expensive than black, this is especially attractive.
Color Printing Costs (in cents per page; lower is better)
3. B&W Printing Costs (Cents per page)
Using your printer uses up ink, which means it costs money. Printing costs are usually measured as cost per print (or page) and are gauged by calculating how much each print costs by comparing the cost of an ink or toner cartridge to the total number of pages printed by the cartridge.
Print costs should ideally be as low as possible, with the greatest number of pages per cartridge being the obvious “goal” to aim for. Black ink, being the cheaper ink, means that black and white printing costs are usually lower on a per page basis. If you’re printing constantly, getting the cost as low as you can means you’ll be spending less on cartridges in the long run.
B&W Printing Costs
< 7 cents per page
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much its costs to print a single page in black and white.
Units of Measurement: cents per page
Tools to Measure: Calculator
Why It’s Important:
Lower costs per page means less money spent on ink in the long run.
B&W Printing Costs (in cents per page; lower is better)
Best Printers for Cardstock: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Paper Weight and Thickness: Not all printers can handle thick cardstock. Ensure the printer you choose specifies compatibility with cardstock or paperweights within the range you intend to use. Using a printer not designed for cardstock can result in paper jams, poor print quality, or damage to the printer.
- Neglecting Printer Compatibility: Consider the type of printing you’ll be doing on cardstock, such as graphics, photos, or text. Ensure the printer you choose supports the desired printing method, whether it’s inkjet or laser, to achieve the best results. Laser printers are ideal for high-speed and precise text printing, making them a great option for text-heavy projects. Additionally, laser printers offer excellent durability and efficiency, which can be beneficial for large volume printing tasks.
- Overlooking Print Quality: Pay attention to the printer’s print resolution and color accuracy, especially if you’re printing detailed graphics or images on cardstock. Opt for a printer with high resolution and color management capabilities to ensure sharp, vibrant prints on your cardstock projects. For crafting enthusiasts, choosing a dedicated printer for crafting can significantly enhance the quality of your projects. If you use a Cricut machine, finding the right printer for Cricut ensures compatibility and high-quality prints for cutting. Additionally, investing in top-rated photo printers can provide excellent results for detailed and colorful prints.
- Skipping Paper Handling Features: Cardstock requires careful handling to prevent jams and ensure smooth printing. Look for printers with features like adjustable paper trays, straight paper paths, and manual feed options that can accommodate cardstock without bending or curling. If you’re working on larger projects, consider a large format printer, which can handle wider media and larger sizes. For even more versatility, 11×17 printers are excellent for printing larger sheets and detailed designs.
The Best Printers for Cardstock Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
B&W Print Speed
|
Color Print Speed
|
B&W Printing Cost (per page)
|
Color Printing Cost (per page)
|
Color Accuracy
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 |
|
|
|
|
|  $699.00 $900 $201 |
| 75 |
|
|
|
|
|  $139.00 $200 $61 |
| 72 |
|
|
|
|
|  $39.99 $80 $40 |
