Introduction: Why You Need a Dedicated Cardstock Printer
Standard printers are designed for thin copy paper (20–24 lb). But if you’re a crafter, designer, or small business owner working on invitations, greeting cards, scrapbooking, business cards, or Cricut projects, you need a printer that can handle thicker cardstock (60–110 lb+ / 160–300gsm) without jamming or smudging.
The best cardstock printers in 2026 combine:
✅ Strong paper handling → designed for thicker, heavier stock
✅ Wide-format capability → supports 11×17, 13×19 cardstock for posters & invitations
✅ High resolution → vibrant photo-quality output for professional projects
✅ Cost efficiency → refillable ink tanks or high-capacity cartridges
✅ All-in-one flexibility → print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax
Here are our top picks for the best cardstock printers in 2026:
- Brother MFC-J6555DW INKvestment Tank – Best all-in-one wide-format cardstock printer
- Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best EcoTank wide-format photo printer for cardstock & crafts
- Brother HL-L8360CDWT – Best color laser printer for heavy cardstock & business use
Quick Comparison: Best Cardstock Printers 2026
| Printer | Type | Paper Handling | Resolution / Speed | Best Features | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-J6555DW INKvestment Tank | Inkjet All-in-One | Up to 11×17 cardstock | 4800 x 1200 dpi, 30 ppm | 1 year ink included, wide-format, duplex | Best cardstock printer for small business & crafts | [Check Price] |
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | EcoTank Inkjet | Up to 13×19 wide-format cardstock | 5760 x 1440 dpi, 12 ppm | Cartridge-free EcoTank, photo quality, 6 inks | Best cardstock printer for photos, crafts & invitations | [Check Price] |
| Brother HL-L8360CDWT | Color Laser | Heavy cardstock (up to 300gsm) | 2400 dpi, 33 ppm | Dual trays, duplex, wireless networking | Best cardstock printer for business-grade volume | [Check Price] |
Best Cardstock Printer
1. Brother MFC-J6555DW INKvestment Tank – Best All-in-One Wide-Format Cardstock Printer
- UP TO 1-YEAR OF INK IN-BOX¹ – Print confidently with up to 1 year of ink included for fewer interruptions and more savings.
- LEDGER-SIZE PRINT, COPY, SCAN, FAX CAPABILITY – Supports documents up to 11″ x 17″ with flexible paper handling for big jobs.
The Brother MFC-J6555DW INKvestment Tank is a wide-format all-in-one printer that excels at cardstock printing for crafts, invitations, and small businesses. With its 11×17 print and scan capability, high-capacity INKvestment tank system, and included 1-year ink, it’s one of the best budget-friendly heavy paper printers in 2026.
Key Specs:
- Type: All-in-One Inkjet
- Paper Size: Up to 11 x 17 (tabloid) cardstock
- Resolution: Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Speed: Up to 30 ppm
- Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, USB, mobile printing
- Ink System: INKvestment Tank – up to 1 year of ink included
Why It’s Great for Cardstock:
- Handles 11×17 cardstock → perfect for posters, scrapbooking, and invitations.
- High-capacity tanks → low running cost for heavy print jobs.
- All-in-one design → print, copy, scan, fax in one.
- Reliable paper feed → minimizes jams with thick cardstock.
✅ Pros:
- Wide-format cardstock handling up to 11×17
- Ink savings with 1-year ink included
- Great for small businesses & crafters
- Duplex printing saves paper
❌ Cons:
- Bulky size
- Ink refills pricier than EcoTank long term
Best For: Small businesses, Cricut users, and crafters who need a versatile cardstock printer that handles wide-format designs.
2. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Wide-Format EcoTank Cardstock Printer
- Print dynamic photos, worksheets, brochures and informational flyers from anywhere with this all-in-one photo printer from Epson. At print speeds up to 16 pages per minute, you can quickly tackle large jobs. This ink tank printer is cartridge-free, using ink bottles to create highly visible colors and images.
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a wide-format EcoTank printer built for photographers, crafters, and designers who need exceptional color quality on cardstock and specialty media. With 6-color ink, borderless 13×19 prints, and cartridge-free EcoTank bottles, it’s one of the best cardstock printers for invitations, photos, and crafts in 2026.
Key Specs:
- Type: EcoTank Inkjet All-in-One
- Paper Size: Up to 13 x 19 (super tabloid) cardstock
- Resolution: Up to 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Speed: 12 ppm black, 8 ppm color
- Ink System: Cartridge-free EcoTank bottles (6-color system)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, mobile printing
Why It’s Great for Cardstock:
- 13×19 wide-format cardstock printing → larger than Brother’s 11×17.
- 6-color photo ink → superior for photo-quality invitations and greeting cards.
- EcoTank bottles → ultra-low cost per page for heavy printing.
- Versatile media support → handles matte, glossy, fine art, and cardstock.
✅ Pros:
- Best color reproduction for crafts & invitations
- EcoTank = very low ink cost per page
- Wide-format up to 13×19 borderless prints
- Great for photographers & Etsy sellers
❌ Cons:
- Slower than laser printers
- Higher upfront cost
Best For: Crafters, Etsy shop owners, and photographers who need a professional-quality cardstock printer with wide-format capability.
3. Brother HL-L8360CDWT – Best Business Laser Printer for Cardstock
- HIGH-QUALITY COLOR PRINTING: The Brother HLL8360CDWT can print high-impact business documents at speeds of up to 33 pages per minute. (1) CPU (Processor) Speed (MHz) : 800
- LARGE PAPER CAPACITY, EXPANDABLE: Dual paper trays (250-sheet and 500-sheet capacity) that allow busy workgroups to print with fewer interventions
The Brother HL-L8360CDWT is a business-grade color laser printer that handles heavy cardstock up to 300gsm with speed and reliability. With dual trays, duplex printing, and wireless networking, it’s the best cardstock printer for bulk jobs, offices, and businesses that print invitations, reports, or product packaging.
Key Specs:
- Type: Color Laser Printer
- Paper Size: Letter, Legal, Cardstock up to 300gsm
- Resolution: 2400 dpi
- Speed: Up to 33 ppm
- Features: Dual trays, duplex printing, mobile printing, Ethernet/Wi-Fi
Why It’s Great for Cardstock:
- Handles heavy 300gsm cardstock → ideal for packaging and professional documents.
- 33 ppm print speed → fastest among the three picks.
- Business durability → built for high-volume printing.
- Dual trays → manage multiple paper types at once.
✅ Pros:
- Handles the heaviest cardstock reliably
- High-speed output (33 ppm)
- Great for offices & businesses
- Long-lasting toner = cost efficiency
❌ Cons:
- Not ideal for photos compared to inkjets
- Higher upfront cost than entry-level printers
Best For: Businesses & professionals who need a fast, heavy-duty cardstock printer for reports, packaging, or high-volume invitations.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cardstock Printer 2026
1. Inkjet vs Laser for Cardstock
- Inkjet (Brother MFC-J6555DW, Epson EcoTank ET-8550) → better for photos, invitations, colorful crafts.
- Laser (Brother HL-L8360CDWT) → better for bulk printing, business reports, packaging, durability.
2. Paper Handling (Weight & Size)
- Look for printers that support 160–300gsm cardstock.
- Wide-format (11×17, 13×19) is a must for posters & crafts.
3. Print Resolution
- 4800+ dpi inkjet → for detailed designs, photos, crafts.
- 2400 dpi laser → sharp, professional black-and-white or color documents.
4. Cost Efficiency
- EcoTank & INKvestment Tank → lowest cost per page.
- Laser toner → higher upfront, but best for bulk printing.
5. Features to Look For
- Duplex printing → save paper on invitations & cards.
- Wireless + AirPrint → seamless Cricut & MacBook printing.
- All-in-one options → scanning & copying for designs.
FAQs: Best Cardstock Printers 2026
Q1: What’s the best all-in-one cardstock printer?
👉 The Brother MFC-J6555DW – wide-format, affordable, all-in-one functionality.
Q2: What’s the best photo-quality cardstock printer?
👉 The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – 6-color photo ink, 13×19 borderless prints.
Q3: What’s the best cardstock printer for heavy-duty use?
👉 The Brother HL-L8360CDWT – laser reliability, handles up to 300gsm.
Q4: Can Cricut projects use these printers?
👉 Yes — these printers handle sticker paper, vinyl sheets, and cardstock perfect for Cricut print-and-cut.
Q5: Which is cheapest long-term?
👉 The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 — ultra-low cost EcoTank bottles for high-volume printing.
Final Recommendation
- Best All-in-One Cardstock Printer for Crafts & Businesses → Brother MFC-J6555DW
- Best Wide-Format Photo Cardstock Printer → Epson EcoTank ET-8550
- Best Heavy-Duty Laser Cardstock Printer → Brother HL-L8360CDWT
👉 Upgrade your crafts, invitations, and business documents today:
[Check the Best Cardstock Printers on Amazon]
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