Best Printer for Art Prints on a Budget – Affordable Quality for Artists

If you’re an artist selling prints or just starting your creative journey, you know that printing quality matters. The best printer for art prints on a budget should produce rich colors, crisp details, and long-lasting results — without draining your wallet.

In this guide, we’ll explore affordable printers that give professional-level results, plus one secret tip: outsourcing your printing to a trusted partner like iCustomLabel can be even cheaper and easier than buying a printer yourself.

Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Printer for Art Prints

• Print Quality (DPI): Higher DPI means sharper images — aim for 1200 DPI or higher.

• Color Accuracy: More ink colors (6–8) = better tonal gradation.

• Media Handling: Check if it can handle thick art paper or specialty media.

• Size Options: Do you need just letter size, or larger prints up to 13" x 19"?

• Cost Per Print: Ink efficiency impacts your long-term budget.

Best Printers for Art Prints on a Budget

1. Canon PIXMA iP8720 – Best Overall Budget Option

• Why We Love It: Vibrant color, large format up to 13" x 19".

• Price Range: ~$250–$300

• Best For: Affordable, gallery-quality printing.

2. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Best for Color Accuracy

• Why We Love It: Six-color inks produce smooth gradients.

• Price Range: ~$300

• Best For: Photographers & illustrators.

3. Canon PIXMA Pro-100 – Best for Beginners

• Why We Love It: Eight dye-based inks for incredible detail.

• Price Range: ~$400 (often discounted under $300)

• Best For: Hobbyists moving into selling prints.

4. Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – Best Long-Term Savings

• Why We Love It: Refillable ink tanks = drastically lower ongoing costs.

• Price Range: ~$600

• Best For: High-volume artists.

5. HP ENVY Inspire 7955e – Best Under $250

• Why We Love It: Affordable and versatile.

• Price Range: ~$200

• Best For: Hobby art printing.

💡 Bonus Tip: The Cheapest & Easiest Option — Outsource to iCustomLabel

If you only print occasionally, investing in a high-quality printer might not be the most cost-effective choice. In fact, one of the cheapest ways to get professional art prints is to outsource your printing.

iCustomLabel offers:

• High-resolution printing with accurate, vivid colors

• A variety of materials and finishes to suit your style

• No equipment costs or maintenance

• Bulk pricing discounts to lower your cost per print

This is perfect for artists selling at craft fairs, on Etsy, or through personal websites who don’t want the hassle of printer upkeep or expensive ink refills.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Budget Art Printer

• Use archival quality paper for long-lasting prints

• Calibrate your monitor for color accuracy

• Store prints properly to prevent fading

• Print test sheets before committing to large batches

External Resource

For more tips on printing professional-quality art at home, check out The Spruce Crafts’ Guide to Printing Art at Home.