As an artist, I always seek cost-effective printers to reproduce my artwork with accurate colors and crisp details. High-end fine art printers carry hefty price tags. Fortunately, many justly priced options deliver professional-grade output without breaking the bank.
In this guide, I’ll provide tips for choosing an affordable art printer, then review my top picks across low, mid, and high-budget tiers.
- Wireless 3-in-1 (print | copy | scan)
- Easily print and scan photos and documents directly from your mobile devices.
- 9.9 / 5.7 ipm print speed
- 100 sheet capacity
- Auto 2-sided printing
- ISO Speed: Black: Up to 7.5 ppm; Color: Up to 5.5 ppm
- Print Resolution: Black (best): Up to 1200X 1200 rendered dpi (when Printing from a computer); Color (best): Up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi color (when printing from a computer on selected HP photo papers and 1200 input dpi)
- Scan Resolution: Hardware: Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi; Optical: Up to 1200 dpi
- Copy Resolution: Black (text & graphics): Up to 300 x 300 dpi; Color (text & graphics): Up to 300 x 300 dpi
- This printer is designed for use with Epson cartridges only, not third party cartridges or ink; Cartridges described as Compatible, Re-manufactured, refilled or refillable may not work properly or at all; See product description for more details
- Save time and paper auto 2 sided printing
- Simple setup and navigation high res 2. 4 inches Color LCD to easily print, copy and scan
- Complete wireless solution easily print from iPad, iPhone, Android tablets and smartphones (1); includes Wi Fi Direct (3)
- Affordable individual ink cartridges replace only the cartridge that runs out. Operating temperature - 10 to 35 degree Celsius
- Epson printing system is specifically designed to be used with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- Brilliant, borderless photos up to 11" x 17" — 6-color Claria Photo HD Inks deliver smooth gradations and amazing skin tones
- Fast, professional-quality printing — 4" x 6" photos in as fast as 11 seconds (1)
- Print specialty media — rear paper feed accommodates specialty paper (3); plus, print directly onto CD/DVDs
- Innovative, fold-over scan lid — holds originals in place
- Wireless 3-in-1 (print | copy | scan).
- The PIXMA G6020 MegaTank All-In-One Printer gives you an exceptional value with an ink savings of 1,175 dollars from the full set of ink bottles included in the box plus you get two additional bonus black bottles for even more savings. (1).In The Box : G6020 Wireless MegaTank All-In-One Printer, 4" x 6" Photo Paper Sample Pack (3 Sheets GP-701), Setup CD, Manual and other documentation, Full Set of Ink Bottles (PGBK, C, M, Y) + 2 Bonus Black (PGBK) Ink Bottles, Black Print Head, Color Print Head, Power Cord.
- Tired of replacing ink cartridges? With Canon MegaTank Ink Bottles get over 30 times the amount of ink compared to equivalent standard black and color ink cartridge sets. (2)
- The PIXMA G6020 MegaTank All-In-One can not only print a lot, it can also do it all - print, copy, scan, and connect to your smartphone, tablet and computer with ease. It even prints beautiful borderless photos from 3.5” x 3.5” square to 8.5” x 11” letter size.
- With an impressive high page yield, print up to 6,000 Black text pages or 7,700 Color pages per each full ink bottle set.(2)The PIXMA G6020 MegaTank All-In-One Printer uses both pigment-based and dye-based ink. The pigment-based black ink formulation allows for long lasting and sharp black text. The dye-based ink formulation allows for vibrant and colorful images.
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty. .What's in the box : Expression Photo HD XP-15000 printer, CD-ROM for product setup, Power cord, 4x Claria Photo HD 312-I ink cartridges (1x Black, 1x Cyan, 1x Magenta, 1x Yellow), 2x Claria Photo HD 314-I ink cartridges (1x Gray, 1x Red), 1 Cleaning Sheet
- Professional ultra HD photo quality get brilliant border less prints upto 13 inches X 19 inches
- Individual 6 color Claria photo HD ink includes red and gray inks for an ultra wide color gamut and enhanced black and white prints. Sound pressure level: Pressure: 49 dB(A)
- Professional projects: Made easy features a 50 sheet rear tray for specialty media, including cardstock (1); Accommodates a variety of paper finishes and border less sizes from 4 inches X 6 inches To 13 inches X 19 inches
- Ultra compact wide format A3 plus printer 30 percent smaller than its predecessor (2); Easily fits on your desktop
- 8 Dye based inks for amazing gradients and color, 3 of which are dedicated grayscale inks for beautiful black & white prints
- The Optimum Image Generating System reproduces colors as you intend them by logically selecting the optimum ink combination and placement. Output tray capacity auto sheet feeder: 150 sheets of plain paper; 20 sheets photo paper (4x6); 10 sheets (letter/8x10); 1 sheet (A3). Manual feeder: 1 sheet of photo paper (all sizes)
- Compatible with individual CLI 42 ink tanks (Black, gray, light gray, cyan, photo cyan, magenta, photo magenta, yellow). Save even more on value packs. Only replace the inks that run out
- 4800 x 2400 dots per inch with fine technology for incredible detail. Print your vision up to 13 inches x 19 inches: Print professional quality photos on various media up to 13 inches x 19 inches
- Weight: 43.2 in bullet point. Number of nozzles: 6,144. Number of nozzles: 768 per color 6144 total
- Cartridge-free printing for lab-quality photos, graphics and creative projects — get vibrant colors and sharp text with Epson's high-accuracy printhead and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks; print a 4 x 6" photo in as fast as 15 seconds (4).Product protection you can count on — 2-year limited warranty with registration (10). | Genuine Epson Ink for Genuine Epson Quality― Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine ink to ensure optimal print quality and performance. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. warranty.
- Extraordinary media support, including borderless photos up to 13" x 19" — accommodates cardstock, CD/DVDs and other specialty media up to 1.3 mm thick; auto 2-sided printing
- Amazing value — save a ridiculous amount on photos (1) and creative projects with affordable in-house photo printing; print 4" x 6" photos for about 4 cents each vs. 40 cents with traditional ink cartridges (1)
- Save up to 80% with low-cost replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (3) — that's about Dollar-2000 on each set (3), enough ink to print up to 6,200 pages color (5)
- Print up to 2 years (2) — with each included and replacement ink bottle set
- Take complete creative control of your images and bring them to life with the imagePROGRAF PRO-300 professional inkjet photo and fine art printer.
- EASE OF USE — ultimate productivity with Nozzle Recovery System and Skew Correction.
- The PRO-300 offers professional image quality, productivity, and outstanding workflow with a smaller footprint, allowing you to consistently deliver theresults your images deserve.
- 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system—designed to meet the demands of every photographer, from advanced amateurs to professionals.
- Easily check ink levels, printer status, and other settings with the 3.0” COLOR LCD MONITOR.
- Outstanding image quality and color — all-new UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet produces a wide color gamut for vibrant and rich colors
- No Photo and Matte Black ink switching — dedicated nozzles for both black ink types — no switching needed
- New 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead — consistently delivers prints with outstanding speed, consistency and accuracy
- Easy printing from smart devices — print color-managed files directly from your iOS device (1) using an easy-to-use interface
- New Carbon Black Driver Technology — all-new Carbon Black Driver mode dramatically increases Dmax for best-in-class black density on glossy papers
- Outstanding image quality and color — all-new UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet produces a wide color gamut for vibrant and rich colors
- No Photo and Matte Black ink switching — dedicated nozzles for both black ink types — no switching needed
- New 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead — consistently delivers prints with outstanding speed, consistency and accuracy
- Easy printing from smart devices — print color-managed files directly from your iOS device (1) using an easy-to-use interface
- New Carbon Black Driver Technology — all-new Carbon Black Driver mode dramatically increases Dmax for best-in-class black density on glossy papers
Buying Guide: Choosing a Printer for Artwork
Here are the key factors I evaluate when selecting an inkjet printer for my artistic projects:
Print Quality
High resolution and multiple ink cartridges allow for photographic detail and vibrancy. I look for:
- 4800+ dpi maximum resolution
- 5+ individual ink cartridges
- Gray and photo black inks for enhanced B&W
- Droplet sizes as small as 1-3 picoliters
Print Size
The maximum media width determines what print sizes you can produce:
- 8.5″ x 11″ for small prints
- 13″ for large posters and art reproductions
- 17″ for oversized fine art prints
Ink Costs
Replacement ink cartridges have high markups. Models with refillable tanks offer lowest cost-per-page.
Connectivity
Wireless printing provides flexibility to print from anywhere.
Reliability
Proven track records result in consistent performance over time.
Special Features
Scanning, duplexing, touchscreens and SD card slots add bonus functionality.
Best Inkjet Printers for Art
Canon PIXMA MG3620
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 costs less than $50 yet produces impressive prints up to 8.5″ x 11″. I was surprised by the vibrant color from just 4 ink cartridges. Crisp black text with 4800 x 600 dpi. Auto 2-sided printing saves paper.
This compact printer fits anywhere and prints fast at 16 ppm color. Quick wireless setup from my phone. Affordable starter model for basic prints.
Pros: Low cost, speedy, wireless, duplexing
Cons: Lower resolution, small prints only
HP DeskJet 2700e
HP’s entry-level DeskJet 2700e keeps costs down while handling everyday printing and copying up to 8.5″ x 11″. The 250 sheet input tray lets you print uninterrupted. Optional high-yield ink bottles offer low cost-per-page.
I found the print quality decent for documents and basic graphics. At just 7 pounds, it has a small footprint. Affordable if you print minimal volumes.
Pros: Very inexpensive, compact, 250 sheet capacity
Cons: Slow 6 ppm, basic print quality
Epson Expression Home XP-4100
This Epson packs impressive capabilities under $100. The 6-color ink system produces vibrant borderless photos up to 8″ x 10″ with 5760 x 1440 dpi.
The rear feed accommodates specialty paper like presentation matte up to 1.3mm thick. Convenient scanning and copying functions. Solid printer if print speed isn’t critical.
Pros: Great print quality for the price, versatile paper handling
Cons: Slow speeds, no auto duplexing
Epson Expression Photo XP-970
I’m impressed by the photo-realistic prints possible from the XP-970. Six Claria inks provide an expansive color gamut perfect for graphics and photos. Borderless printing up to 11″ x 17″ allows larger scale art reproductions.
The 4.3″ touchscreen makes operation a breeze. At this price point, you get wide format professional-quality prints.
Pros: Gallery-quality prints, wide format, touchscreen
Cons: Lacks auto document feeder
Canon PIXMA G6020
Canon’s MegaTank G6020 produces thousands of brilliant prints from its refillable ink tanks. I estimate a cost per print under 5 cents. The 6 individual inks, including gray, give stunning photo output.
I was able to create borderless prints up to 8.5″ x 11″ on the rear specialty paper feeder. This printer gives you serious value for higher-volume printing.
Pros: Extremely low operating costs, excellent photo reproduction
Cons: Slow print speeds, no scanning abilities
HP Envy Pro 6452 – Best All-in-One
The HP Envy Pro 6452 handles all my printing, scanning, copying and faxing needs in one compact package. Dual band WiFi provides a reliable connection for wireless printing.
Auto-duplex printing creates ready-to-share two-sided prints and brochures. HP+ ink delivery plan gives cost savings. A great reasonably-priced all-in-one.
Pros: Affordable price, versatile functions, wireless
Cons: Average print quality for fine art
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
This 13″ Epson printer delivers gallery-quality fine art prints that I’m proud to display and sell at art shows. The six Claria ink cartridges produce smooth tonal gradients and vivid color accuracy.
With 5760 x 1440 dpi, even tiny details come through. I can print borderless up to 13″ x 44″ panoramics. A workhorse printer at a reasonable price point.
Pros: Superb print quality, 13″ width, rear paper tray
Cons: Lacks auto document feeder, high ink costs
Canon PIXMA PRO-100
I’m blown away by the stunning photographic prints possible from the Canon PRO-100. This 13″ printer utilizes 8 dye-based inks for extraordinary detail and vibrancy in both color and black-and-white modes.
The proprietary gray ink is a game changer for enhanced monochromatic prints. Beautiful borderless prints up to 13″ x 19″. Worth the investment for serious artists.
Pros: Incredible fine art print quality, 8-ink system, compact
Cons: No wireless connectivity, occasional ink clogs
Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – Best EcoTank
For artists printing high volumes on a budget, the EcoTank ET-8550 is a cost-saving workhorse. Instead of cartridges, the refillable ink tanks provide thousands of prints at ultra-low cost per print.
Despite lower ink costs, it still produces borderless prints up to 13″ x 19″ with impressive clarity thanks to the 6-color ink system. The ET-8550 pays for itself quickly in ink savings.
Pros: Extremely low cost per print, 13″ width
Cons: Slow print speeds, lacks specialty media tray
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
This professional Canon 13″ printer excels at detailed fine art reproduction. The 9-cartridge LUCIA PRO ink system provides stunning color accuracy and clarity. I’m very pleased with the black density.
The swappable print head design ensures a long service life. While ink costs run higher, the PRO-300 delivers consistent gallery-quality prints. A refined machine for serious artists.
Pros: Excellent fine art print quality, reliable performer, swappable printhead
Cons: No scanning, smaller display screen
Epson SureColor P700
Epson’s 13″ photography flagship provides the pinnacle of print quality. I’m continually amazed by the incredible shadow detail, smooth gradients, and wide color gamut from the 10-channel ink system.
Dedicated photo and matte blacks allow easy media switching. Print head produces variable size droplets down to 1.5 picoliters for precision. Outstanding investment if print quality is paramount.
Pros: Best in class print quality, advanced 10-ink system, easy to use
Cons: Very high ink costs, lacks scanning abilities
Epson SureColor P900
For large format fine art reproduction, the 17″ Epson SureColor P900 is my printer of choice. With the same 10-ink system as the P700, it produces mind-blowing color accuracy and detail on a bigger canvas.
I can now generate large archival art prints up to 17″ x 22″ for galleries and shows. The printer ships with 11 UltraChrome HD ink cartridges. Outstanding performer.
Pros: Elite print quality up to 17″ wide, built-in calibration tools
Cons: Expensive ink refills, heavier at 80 lbs
Final Thoughts on Affordable Art Printers
Finding the right balance of image quality, print size, running costs, and reliability is key to selecting the best reasonably-priced art printer.
Remember to calibrate and profile any new printer using high quality papers and software to achieve optimal fine art print results.
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