Printing stickers at home can be a fun and creative hobby, or even a potential side hustle. However, finding a good printer for stickers that doesn’t break the bank can be tricky. If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, this post is for you! In this guide, we’ll explore what you can expect in the budget printer category, share test results from popular models, list the top 5 affordable printers on Amazon, and show you some cheap upgrades to enhance your printing game.
What You Can Expect in This Price Range
When you’re shopping for an affordable good printer for stickers, you might wonder what features and capabilities you’ll be getting. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Print Quality
Budget printers often offer decent print quality for basic projects. You’ll get clear prints, but they may not always match the vivid, long-lasting results of higher-end models. Most affordable printers are designed to print photos or documents, so be sure to look for one that’s capable of printing on sticker paper without any issues.
Connectivity
In this price range, you can expect Wi-Fi or USB connectivity. Wireless options are especially useful if you want to print directly from your phone or tablet.
Ease of Use
Affordable printers are typically straightforward and easy to set up. While they may lack advanced features like automatic document feeders or extensive customization, they still offer user-friendly interfaces and clear instructions.
Durability
While budget printers are perfect for occasional or hobby use, they might not be as durable as more expensive models. However, they should be more than sufficient for printing stickers, especially if you print in small batches.
Test Results from Budget Models
Before diving into recommendations, let’s look at how some of the top affordable printers have performed when used for sticker printing.
Canon PIXMA TS3320
- Test Results: This entry-level inkjet printer delivers crisp prints on glossy sticker paper. The quality is good for personal use, with colors appearing vibrant. However, its speed is slower than some higher-end models, so it’s best for small batches.
- Pros: Affordable, wireless, compact.
- Cons: Slightly slower print speeds.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
- Test Results: With its refillable ink tank system, the EcoTank ET-2800 is an excellent choice for those who need to print larger volumes of stickers. The print quality is sharp and bright, making it ideal for vibrant stickers.
- Pros: Low cost per print, excellent for large volumes.
- Cons: Higher initial cost than traditional inkjets.
Brother HL-L2460DW
- Test Results: A monochrome laser printer, this model performs excellently for printing black-and-white sticker designs. It prints quickly, but don’t expect high-quality color prints. Perfect for simple, minimalist sticker designs. Check its latest price here.
- Pros: Fast printing, low-cost per page.
- Cons: No color printing.
Top 5 Affordable Amazon Picks
Now that we’ve seen what to expect, here are the Top 5 Affordable Amazon Picks for printing stickers:
1. Canon PIXMA TS3620 Wireless Inkjet Printer
- Why It’s Great: The Canon PIXMA TS3620 is a compact and budget-friendly option, perfect for those just starting in sticker printing. It offers wireless printing and a decent print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. Whether you’re printing on glossy sticker paper or matte sheets, this printer gets the job done.
- Amazon Price: Check Price
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Printer
- Why It’s Great: The EcoTank ET-2800 comes with refillable ink tanks, which means you won’t be constantly buying expensive ink cartridges. It’s perfect for people who plan to print large volumes of stickers without worrying about ink costs.
- Amazon Price: Check Price
3. HP DeskJet 2755e Wireless Printer
- Why It’s Great: For those looking for a simple, all-in-one solution, the HP DeskJet 2755e is an ideal option. It handles both photos and sticker paper well, while its small form factor means it fits easily in a home office or craft space.
- Amazon Price: Check Price
4. Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome Laser Printer
- Why It’s Great: If you’re printing black-and-white designs or simple graphics, this laser printer is fast, reliable, and cost-effective. It’s perfect for minimalist stickers and business-related prints like labels.
- Amazon Price: Check Price
5. Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All-In-One Printer
- Why It’s Great: A versatile all-in-one option, the Canon PIXMA TR4520 is perfect for printing stickers, scanning, and copying. Its wireless capabilities and mobile printing options make it a great choice for users who need flexibility in their projects.
- Amazon Price: Check Price
Cheap Upgrades to Boost Performance
To get the best results from your affordable good printer for stickers, consider these cheap upgrades that can significantly improve your printing experience:
1. Use High-Quality Sticker Paper
Sticker paper quality is crucial for achieving vibrant, durable stickers. Invest in glossy, matte, or vinyl sticker sheets that are compatible with your printer. Some affordable sticker papers on Amazon include:
2. Upgrade to Higher-Quality Inks
While many budget printers come with starter ink cartridges, upgrading to third-party or higher-yield ink cartridges can reduce costs per print and improve color depth. Make sure to buy inks specifically designed for sticker printing.
3. Invest in a Printer Stand or Space-Saving Cart
If you’re printing regularly, having an organized workspace can make all the difference. A simple printer stand or cart can improve accessibility and keep your sticker supplies neatly stored. Check out these affordable options:
4. Lamination Sheets for Extra Durability
For stickers that need to withstand wear and tear, invest in lamination sheets. These are inexpensive and can make a huge difference in extending the life of your prints.
Conclusion
Finding an affordable good printer for stickers doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level inkjet or a budget laser printer, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank. By selecting the right printer, investing in quality sticker paper, and making a few inexpensive upgrades, you can produce stunning stickers right from your home office. And once you’ve picked the perfect printer, don’t forget to learn how to connect your printer to WiFi with this step-by-step guide—a quick setup can save you time and hassle when printing your sticker designs wirelessly.
Ready to dive into the world of sticker printing? Check out the Amazon recommendations above and start printing your own designs today!