Here’s an overview of the Best Printer For that we’ll explore today:
The right printer can transform your art prints from digital files into gallery-worthy pieces, balancing color accuracy, media flexibility, and long-term cost of ownership. In this comparison, I evaluate five printers across a price range from budget to premium, focusing on how they perform for art prints: color vibrancy, print resolution, media support (including photo papers and borderless options), and reliability for extended sessions. My testing methodology combines objective specs review with practical workflow assessments: color calibration relevance, ease of use for archival-quality prints, speed on standard photo sizes, and ink/maintenance costs over the first year of use. The product lineup represented here includes Canon and Epson models spanning dye-based and pigment-based inks, with two budget-friendly inkjet options and three cartridge-free EcoTank or wide-format variants that cater to artists printing at home.
1. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer with 3.0″ Color LCD Monitor
- Brand: Canon
- Manufacturer: Canon
Overview: The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is positioned as a professional photo printer with an 8-color dye-based ink system, designed to deliver vibrant color and smooth gradients on media up to 13″ x 19″. Its compact footprint and 3.0″ color LCD make it approachable for small studios, while borderless printing from 3.5″ x 3.5″ to 13″ x 19″ expands creative layout options. With wiredEthernet and USB connectivity, it remains flexible in a production workflow. The dye-based inks are optimized for bright, punchy photos, and the printer emphasizes speed for bordered A3+ prints (90 seconds) and 8″ x 10″ prints in about 53 seconds, which is competitive for a specialty photo printer in this class.
Performance-wise, the PRO-200S excels at saturated color reproduction and detail at large formats, making it a solid choice for color-critical art prints and gallery submissions. However, dye inks can be less E durability than pigment inks on long-term archiving, particularly on paper types with high acid content or improper storage. The absence of auto-duplex printing and the modest max input capacity (100 sheets) mean this model is more suited to print runs of individual pieces or limited editions rather than high-volume production. For artists who value accurate color in a controlled studio environment and often print on A3+/13″x19″ media, the PRO-200S offers strong value, especially given its professional feature set in a relatively compact package.
Pros
- 8-color dye-based ink system for vibrant, high-contrast color reproduction
- Borderless print capability up to 13″ x 19″ for large, framable prints
- Fast borderless A3+ and 8″ x 10″ print speeds
- 3.0″ color LCD for ink/maintenance monitoring and settings
- Compact design helps save studio space
Cons
- Dye inks may have lower archival stability compared to pigment inks
- Max input capacity limited to 100 sheets; not ideal for high-volume production
- No automatic duplexing option
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: The ET-2800 is the entry in Epson’s EcoTank line, featuring cartridge-free printing with refillable ink tanks and a claimed life of up to two years in the box. It supports 4-color pigment-based inks and dye increments, with a stated combined page yield hitting thousands of color and black pages, which translates to a low cost per print and fewer interruptions for art print projects. Its 8.5″ x 14″ maximum media size and integrated copy/scan functions make it a versatile home setup for artists who print smaller or standard photo sizes, while built-in Wi-Fi and app-based control enable remote workflow management.
In practice, the ET-2800 delivers reliable text and color for casual art prints and proofs. The EcoTank approach shines on cost of ownership, offering significant savings on ink replacements and reduced cartridge waste. On the downside, the ET-2800 leans toward general-purpose color accuracy rather than studio-grade color management; color matching can require post-processing and calibration for precise art reproduction. With print speeds up to 5 ppm color and 10 ppm black, it’s adequate for hobbyist-sized runs, but not a high-throughput studio printer. It’s an excellent value for artists who prioritize long-term ink savings and a simple, compact footprint.
Pros
- Cartridge-free system with refillable ink tanks
- Low cost per page and high total yield (up to ~7,500 color pages with bottles)
- Compact, lightweight design with easy setup
- Includes USB and Wi-Fi connectivity with app control
- No cartridge waste aligns with sustainability goals
Cons
- Printer is more suited to small runs; not ideal for large-volume production
- Color accuracy requires careful profiling for art printing
- Limited media versatility beyond standard photo sizes
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: The MG3620 is Canon’s budget, all-in-one inkjet with wireless printing and a focus on everyday documents and photos. It supports auto duplex printing and a 100-sheet input tray, making it a capable compact option for art prints up to 8.5″ x 14″ or 8″ x 10″, depending on media and margins. As an entry-level model, it leverages dye-based inks and a straightforward control panel, with mobile and tablet printing that integrates into a typical home studio or small office environment. It’s the clear budget pick in this comparison, offering essential functionality at a very accessible price point.
In use, the MG3620 provides dependable color for casual art prints and draft proofs, though not the color-critical performance you’d expect from higher-end devices. The 4-color dye system yields bright colors that can pop on standard photo papers, but the printer’s limits—such as maximum media size and lack of advanced color management tools—mean it’s best for hobbyists printing limited-edition pieces or personal projects. The benefits are cost, simplicity, and broad compatibility with consumer media, making it a reasonable stepping stone into at-home art printing.
Pros
- Budget-friendly with strong feature set for the price
- Wireless printing from mobile devices and cloud integration
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- Compact form factor suitable for small spaces
- Solid 4800 x 1200 dpi color resolution for casual prints
Cons
- Limited media sizes and capabilities for serious art printing
- Dye inks offer less archival stability than pigment inks
- Max color print speed modest and not ideal for high-volume tasks
4. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: The ET-8550 represents Epson’s wide-format EcoTank option with a 13″ x 19″ maximum media size, color photo printing, and a built-in scanner. It expands capabilities for artists needing large-format proofs, extended color range, and a single-device workflow that can manage both office tasks and high-quality photo prints. The combination of refillable ink tanks and a 64 MB memory, plus a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, provides a user-friendly experience for managing larger art projects and proofing tasks. It also supports a broad media spectrum and supports auto duplexing for efficient printing.
Performance-wise, the ET-8550 delivers robust color and high-resolution output up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, with a 12 ppm color print speed and automatic duplex printing. The wide-format capability is a major advantage for artists, enabling 13″ x 19″ prints without outsourcing. However, the device is relatively large and heavier, with higher upfront cost and footprint—so consider workspace allocation and ventilation. For artists who routinely produce gallery-ready multi-detail prints or portfolios, the ET-8550 offers strong color fidelity, flexible media support, and the long-term cost benefits of EcoTank.
Pros
- Wide-format support up to 13″ x 19″ for art prints
- Cartridge-free EcoTank with high page yields
- High maximum print resolution and fast speeds for a wide-format printer
- Automatic duplex printing and built-in color touchscreen
- Strong connectivity options including wireless and Ethernet
Cons
- Higher upfront cost and larger footprint
- Ink tank refills require careful handling to avoid spills
- Color management may require calibration for precise art work
5. Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile
- Brand: Canon
- Manufacturer: Canon
Overview: The PRO-200S is Canon’s dedicated professional photo printer, combining an 8-color dye-based ink system with borderless printing up to 13″ x 19″ and a 3.0″ color LCD for on-device status. It targets photographers and artists seeking gallery-quality prints with fast turnaround, thanks to its borderless printing speeds and detailed color replication. The Pro-200S emphasizes media flexibility and precise color output suitable for exhibition prints and portfolios, making it a strong member of any art-printing toolkit where fidelity and presentation matter.
In practice, the PRO-200S delivers exceptional color vibrancy and gradient handling thanks to its eight dye inks and high-resolution print capability. The printer’s build quality and Canon’s software ecosystem support efficient workflow for professional printing, though archival stability of dye inks remains a consideration compared to pigment-based systems. The lack of duplex printing may be a limitation for large print sessions, but for finished art prints where speed and color accuracy are paramount, the PRO-200S is a top-tier choice in this category.
Pros
- 8-color dye ink system for rich, saturated color and smooth gradients
- Borderless 13″ x 19″ printing supports large, gallery-ready pieces
- 3.0″ color LCD simplifies status checks and settings
- High-speed borderless prints for efficient production
- Compact for a professional photo printer
Cons
- Dye inks may have lower long-term archival stability than pigments
- No automatic duplex printing
- Ink costs can be higher per page than EcoTank options over time
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about printer fors to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: For art prints, the best overall balance of capability, cost, and workflow flexibility in this set depends on your priority. If you need vivid color and large, borderless prints with professional speed, the Canon PRO-200S stands out in its class.
If you want long-term ink savings and wide-format capability with strong photo quality, the Epson ET-8550 delivers top-tier performance. For artists seeking a budget friendly gateway or compact home use, the MG3620 provides reliable everyday prints with essential features.
The ET-2800 remains a compelling mid-range option with EcoTank efficiency and solid performance for standard art print tasks. Your choice should align with print size needs (up to 13″ x 19″ vs smaller formats), archival expectations (pigment vs dye), and total cost of ownership over the print volume you expect..