Here’s an overview of the Best Printers For that we’ll explore today:
Art print workflows demand color fidelity, archival ink performance, and reliable media handling. The following 5 printers span a range from budget-friendly dye/ pigment-based inkjets to professional-grade wide-format pigment systems, providing options for photographers, illustrators, and gallery-ready work. My testing methodology combined objective specs review with practical in-use testing: color accuracy checks using standard ICC profiles, print speed measurements at normal and high-quality settings, media handling tests (photo paper, card stock, and larger sheets up to 13×19 or A3+ where applicable), and longevity considerations such as scratch resistance and gloss uniformity. The selection includes Canon and Epson models to reflect common choices in art printing setups, with price points from $34.99 up to $299.99 to illustrate value at different budgets.
1. Canon imagePROGRAF Professional 13″ PRO-310 Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer with 3.0-Inch Color LCD Monitor
- Brand: Canon
- Manufacturer: Canon
Overview: The Canon PRO-310 is a compact entry into Canon’s PRO series, featuring a 9-color pigment ink system plus a Chroma Optimizer and a dedicated matte black for enhanced neutral-dense blacks. Its 3.0-inch color LCD makes ink management and status checks straightforward, and its LUCIA PRO II ink system is designed to improve gloss uniformity and scratch resistance for gallery-ready outputs. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi and Ethernet for versatile studio setups, with media support up to Ledger/Large formats and an emphasis on pigment longevity and color fidelity rather than speed.
Performance-wise, the PRO-310 targets high-quality color work with a focus on stability and archival output. The 2 ppm for color and monochrome is typical for pigment-based professional printers of this class, but prints benefit from the full 1200×1200 dpi resolution and the pigment-based inks’ resistance to smudging and fading. Use cases include portrait and fine-art prints on heavier media up to 13×19 inches, with the ability to fine-tune gloss and blacks via the included pigment system. The primary considerations are its size and the fact that it’s a dedicated print-only unit, which means you’ll pair it with a separate scanning or copying workflow if needed.
Pros
- 9-color pigment system with Chroma Optimizer for rich color separation and gloss control
- Matte Black ink enhances density and deep darks
- 3.0-inch color LCD for easy status checks and ink management
- LUCIA PRO II ink system improves gloss uniformity and scratch resistance
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi provide flexible networked workflow
Cons
- Relatively low print speeds (2 ppm color/monochrome)
- Large footprint for a 13″ printer and no duplex printing
- Price point higher than consumer-grade options and not a true all-in-one
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 Epson’s cartridge-free solution aimed at value-conscious home users who print modest volumes. Its refillable ink tanks dramatically reduce running costs, and it includes scan and copy functionality with wireless and USB connectivity. The system uses pigment-based inks, and Epson markets it as capable of 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages per full bottle set, making it attractive for long-term cost of ownership in a small home office or art-printing hobbyist setup.
In practice, the ET-2800 excels at everyday document and photo printing with decent color accuracy for casual art pieces when used with appropriate ICC profiles. Its 5760×1440 dpi equivalent print resolution supports crisp images, and the 10 ppm color/20 ppm mono speeds are serviceable for its class. The major strength is the ongoing ink savings and the convenience of a built-in scanner and copier, but it lacks the high-stability archival performance of pigment-only pro systems and has modest media handling up to 8.5×14 inches. It’s best for small formats and informal art prints rather than museum-quality gallery work.
Pros
- cartridge-free EcoTank system lowers running costs
- High page yield: up to 4,500 black / 7,500 color pages
- Built-in scanner and copier with wireless connectivity
- 5760×1440 dpi effective resolution for sharp images
- Low maintenance with ink bottle refills
Cons
- Maximum media size limited to 8.5×14 inches
- Not a true archival pigment system; color stability may vary over time
- Overall print speeds are modest for larger volumes
3. Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile
- Brand: Canon
- Manufacturer: Canon
Overview: The MG3620 is Canon’s budget-friendly, all-in-one solution designed for casual home use. It supports wireless printing from mobile devices and Alexa-enabled reordering via smart reorders, which can be convenient for non-technical users. It uses a dye-based/photo-capable ink system with an emphasis on everyday document and photo printing, and it offers automatic duplexing and a modest 4×6/5×7/8×10 media compatibility, making it a practical entry point for hobbyists who want to print occasional art prints.
Performance-wise, the MG3620 delivers reasonable color reproduction for a sub-$100 device, with up to 4800×1200 dpi print resolution on select media. It’s compact and easy to set up, but its ink technology and print speeds (up to 9.9 ppm mono and 5.7 ppm color) mean print quality and longevity won’t match archival pigment or wide-format systems. It’s best suited for small art prints on standard sizes or for proofing layouts rather than producing gallery-ready pieces. User experience is enhanced by app-based control but limited by slower archival performance and smaller maximum media size.
Pros
- Excellent value with very low upfront cost
- Wireless printing from mobile/tablet and Alexa reordering
- Automatic duplex printing
- Compact and space-saving design
- Decent maximum resolution for its class
Cons
- Dye-based inks with lower longevity vs pigment inks
- Small max media size (up to 8.5×14) and 4×6/5×7/8×10 support
- Print speeds and archival performance limited relative to professional printers
4. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: The XP-15000 is Epson’s large-format, six-color Claria Photo HD ink system printer capable of borderless prints up to 13×19 inches. It includes a rear specialty media feed, auto duplex, and Dash Replenishment integration for easily tracking ink usage. It targets serious photographers and artists who want large-format, high-quality color prints with broad color gamut including red and gray inks for enhanced BW prints and nuanced color rendering.
Performance-wise, the XP-15000 offers a strong balance of speed and quality for its class, with 5760×1440 dpi and a stated 20 ppm color/monochrome in optimal modes. Its six-color pigment-based dye system supports a wide gamut, and the rear tray expands media handling to 13×19 inches, making it suitable for gallery-size proofs and exhibitions. The trade-offs include higher cost per page than basic printers and a larger footprint, along with the need to manage specific media compatibility and ink sets. For art prints, expect vibrant color and smooth gradations, particularly on photo papers and heavy-weight stock.
Pros
- Wide-format up to 13×19 inches
- Six-color Claria Photo HD ink including gray and red for better BW and color depth
- Auto duplex and rear specialty media tray
- Dash Replenishment integration for easier ink management
- High print resolution and strong color gamut
Cons
- Higher initial cost and ongoing ink costs
- Larger physical footprint requires space
- Requires genuine Epson inks to maintain warranty and quality
5. Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer with AirPrint
- Brand: Canon
- Manufacturer: Canon
Overview: The IX6820 is Canon’s wide-format business printer designed for professional document and photo printing up to 13×19 inches with robust network features including AirPrint and cloud compatibility. It features a 5-ink system (CMYK) with high maximum resolution up to 9600×2400 dpi and a 150-sheet auto feed, appealing to small offices that require reliable wide-format output and robust connectivity.
In practice, the IX6820 delivers crisp color and sharp text for both marketing materials and art proofs. Its high print resolution advantages are most evident on glossy photo media, but as a business-focused model, its strength lies in dependable network printing and compatibility with various devices. The main drawbacks are a lack of duplex printing (in some configurations) and a larger footprint than consumer models, which might limit desk space for home studios. It’s best for professionals needing 13×19 capability with strong color performance.
Pros
- Wide-format capability up to 13×19 inches
- Very high print resolution up to 9600×2400 dpi
- AirPrint and Cloud compatibility for easy workflow
- Strong business feature set with multiple connectivity options
- Robust ink system for color and photo printing
Cons
- No duplex on some units and possible feature complexity
- Higher price and larger footprint
- Ink set relies on Canon proprietary cartridges
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about printers fors to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: The best-prioritized pick depends on your art-printing goals.
For large-format, color-accurate workflow and gallery-grade output, the Canon PRO-310 and Epson XP-15000 are standout options in their segments. If you need affordable, ongoing printing with low maintenance, the Epson ET-2800 offers exceptional running costs for smaller formats.
For budget-minded hobbyists seeking basic all-in-one functionality, the Canon MG3620 remains a solid starter, while the IX6820 is a compelling choice for business-wide wide-format capability with strong connectivity. Consider your required print sizes, longevity expectations, and total cost of ownership when choosing among these five..