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Best Postcard Printer 2026
Finding the best postcard printer in 2026 can feel overwhelming with so many options flooding the market — from compact all-in-ones to professional-grade wide-format machines. Whether you're a small business owner sending personalized holiday cards, a photographer printing gallery-quality 4x6 prints, or a hobbyist crafting custom postcards for friends and family, the right printer makes all the difference between a smudged disappointment and a print worth displaying. Postcard printing demands more than just basic inkjet performance: sharp edge-to-edge color accuracy, borderless printing capability, and ink that resists fading over time are non-negotiable.
In 2026, the postcard printer landscape has matured significantly. Pigment-based inks now rival dye-based systems for vibrancy on coated stocks, wireless connectivity is essentially universal, and even mid-range models support direct printing from smartphones and tablets. The challenge isn't finding a printer that can print postcards — it's identifying the one that does it best for your specific workflow, budget, and volume requirements. A professional photographer printing 13×19 fine-art postcards has very different needs from a home user printing a batch of 4×6 holiday cards once a year.
To help you cut through the noise, we tested and researched seven of the most capable postcard printers available today, spanning entry-level to professional tiers. Our picks cover Canon and Epson's best 2026 offerings alongside reliable workhorses that have stood the test of time. Below you'll find detailed reviews, a side-by-side comparison, and a practical buying guide to match you with the perfect machine.
Contents
- Editor's Recommendation: Top Picks of 2026
- Product Reviews
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 — Best Overall
- Epson SureColor P700 — Best for Professional Photographers
- Canon PIXMA TR8620a — Best All-in-One
- Epson Expression Photo XP-970 — Best Mid-Range
- HP Envy Photo 7855 — Best Budget Pick
- Epson SureColor SC-P900 — Best Large Format
- Canon PIXMA PRO-200S — Best for Vibrant Color
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Editor's Recommendation: Top Picks of 2026
- #PreviewProductRating
- Bestseller No. 1
- Bestseller No. 2
- Bestseller No. 3
- Bestseller No. 4
- Bestseller No. 5
- Bestseller No. 6
- Bestseller No. 7
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 — Best Overall Postcard Printer 2026
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is Canon's flagship 13-inch professional photo printer, and in 2026 it stands as one of the most capable postcard printers money can buy. At its core is a 10-ink system — nine pigment-based color inks plus a Chroma Optimizer overcoat — that delivers gallery-quality output with a color gamut wide enough to satisfy even the most demanding fine art photographers. The 3.0-inch color LCD monitor makes navigating print settings intuitive, and the Anti-Clogging System means you won't lose a sheet of expensive photo paper to a dried-up nozzle on a Monday morning.
For postcard printing specifically, the PRO-310 excels in ways that matter. Its Matte Black ink offers enhanced black density and a wider dark area reproduction range, which translates to postcards with deep, punchy shadows that don't look washed out. Skew Correction automatically aligns media that feeds at a slight angle, ensuring your borderless 4×6 and 5×7 postcards come out perfectly straight every time. Wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and USB makes integration with a studio or home office seamless, and Canon's Print Studio Pro plugin provides precise color management for ICC-profiled postcard stocks.
The PRO-310 is not a cheap printer, and it's not designed to be. Ink costs per page are higher than consumer-grade alternatives, and the machine itself is a significant investment. But for photographers and designers who demand consistent, repeatable, fade-resistant postcard prints at 13-inch width, nothing in this price bracket comes close. If postcard printing is core to your business or creative practice, the PRO-310 pays for itself in quality and reliability.
Pros:
- 10-color pigment + Chroma Optimizer system for gallery-quality output
- Anti-Clogging System and Skew Correction minimize waste and reprints
- Enhanced Matte Black ink delivers deep, rich shadows on matte postcard stocks
Cons:
- Premium price point not suited for casual or low-volume users
- Higher ink costs per page compared to consumer inkjet alternatives
2. Epson SureColor P700 — Best for Professional Photographers
Epson's SureColor P700 is a professional 13-inch photo printer built around the all-new UltraChrome PRO10 ink set, which adds a Violet ink channel to the mix for a noticeably wider color gamut — particularly in the blue-violet range where traditional printers fall flat. For postcard printing, this matters enormously: think vivid ocean blues, twilight skies, and floral purples that appear true-to-life rather than muted and approximate. The P700 was a benchmark printer when it launched and remains one of the most respected 13-inch photo printers in 2026.
One of the P700's most practical advantages is its dual black ink system with dedicated nozzles for both Photo Black and Matte Black — no switching, no purging, no wasted ink when you move between glossy postcard stock and matte fine-art paper. The new 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead delivers exceptional consistency from print to print, which is critical when you're running a batch of 200 postcards and need every one to match. Print speeds are fast for a professional machine, and Epson's SpectroProofer-ready design means the P700 scales with professional color management workflows.
The P700 connects via USB 3.0, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, and supports printing from mobile devices through Epson's iPrint app. Media handling is excellent — the rear manual feed accommodates thick postcard stock up to 1.5mm without buckling — and the roll paper adapter makes it practical for high-volume postcard runs. If you want the most color-accurate postcard output in a 13-inch desktop form factor, the P700 is the one to beat in 2026.
Pros:
- UltraChrome PRO10 ink with Violet expands color gamut for vivid, accurate postcards
- No ink switching — dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black nozzles save time and ink
- Exceptionally consistent print-to-print output for high-volume postcard batches
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than most consumer postcard printers
- Replacement ink cartridges are expensive for casual users
3. Canon PIXMA TR8620a — Best All-in-One for Home Office Postcard Printing
Not everyone needs a dedicated photo printer for postcards — for home users and small businesses that also need to copy, scan, and fax, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a remarkably capable all-in-one that punches well above its price class for photo output. Its five-ink hybrid system (combining dye and pigment inks) produces sharp, colorful postcards on glossy media, and the borderless printing support means your 4×6 prints go edge-to-edge without white margins. The compact footprint fits comfortably on a desk without dominating the room.
The TR8620a's integration with Amazon Alexa is genuinely useful for postcard printing workflows. You can receive low-ink notifications and even trigger automatic ink reorders without ever opening a browser — which means you're never caught mid-run without the right cartridge. AirPrint and Android printing are both fully supported, and the auto document feeder makes scanning reference materials or original artwork quick and painless. The built-in fax may feel like a relic in 2026, but for businesses that still need it, having it integrated saves desk space.
Print quality on the TR8620a is excellent for its class — not at the level of a dedicated photo printer like the P700 or PRO-310, but more than adequate for personal postcards, event invitations, and small business marketing mailers. The 4.3-inch touchscreen makes navigating print settings and making copies straightforward, and Canon's FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) printhead delivers crisp text when you need to combine postcard imagery with printed addresses or captions.
Pros:
- Versatile 4-in-1 (print, copy, scan, fax) — great value for home offices
- Alexa integration with smart ink reorder keeps you stocked automatically
- Borderless 4×6 postcard printing with sharp, vibrant colors
Cons:
- Not suited for professional-grade or high-volume postcard production
- Individual ink cartridges can add up in cost for heavy users
4. Epson Expression Photo XP-970 — Best Mid-Range Postcard Printer
The Epson Expression Photo XP-970 sits squarely in the sweet spot between entry-level consumer printers and professional photo machines. Its six-color Claria Photo HD ink system — which adds Red and Gray inks to the standard CMYK/Photo Black set — delivers smooth gradations and accurate skin tones that make portrait postcards look genuinely impressive. Borderless printing up to 11×17 inches gives you flexibility well beyond standard 4×6 postcard sizes, covering everything from standard 6×9 postcards to tabloid-size prints for large-format marketing pieces.
Speed is one of the XP-970's standout features for postcard production. At approximately 11 seconds per 4×6 photo, you can run through a batch of postcards faster than with most competing mid-range models. The built-in scanner (1200 dpi optical resolution) and copier add versatility, and the front-loading paper tray holds 200 sheets — enough for a solid postcard run without constant reloading. A dedicated rear specialty media feed handles thick postcard stock and fine-art papers without jam-prone bending through a curved path.
Wireless connectivity covers Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Epson's own iPrint app. The 4.3-inch touchscreen interface is responsive and well-organized. For photographers, graphic designers, or small business owners who want genuine photo-quality postcard output without the sticker shock of a professional machine, the XP-970 delivers a compelling combination of quality, speed, and versatility at a reasonable price in 2026.
Pros:
- 6-color Claria Photo HD inks produce smooth gradations and accurate skin tones
- Fast 4×6 printing (≈11 seconds) suits batch postcard production
- Borderless printing up to 11×17 covers a wide range of postcard formats
Cons:
- Six individual ink cartridges increase running costs versus fewer-tank systems
- Not designed for the very high print volumes of a commercial operation
5. HP Envy Photo 7855 — Best Budget Postcard Printer for Home Use
If your postcard printing needs are occasional and your budget is limited, the HP Envy Photo 7855 is the most accessible entry point on this list without sacrificing too much photo quality. This all-in-one handles paper sizes from 3×5 up to 8.5×14 inches (legal), which covers standard 4×6 and 5×7 postcard formats comfortably. HP's six-ink photo printing system delivers better color depth than you'd expect from a printer at this price point, and borderless printing ensures your designs fill the card edge-to-edge.
The 7855's Amazon Alexa integration echoes what Canon offers on the TR8620a: low-ink alerts and the ability to reorder through smart reorder enrollment. HP Instant Ink compatibility is a genuine cost-saver for moderate users — paying a monthly subscription based on page count rather than cartridge purchases can dramatically reduce the per-postcard ink cost. The printer handles the full all-in-one suite: print, copy, scan, and fax, with wireless and USB connectivity. AirPrint and HP's Smart app make mobile printing from a phone or tablet quick and painless.
The 7855 isn't going to satisfy a professional photographer's color accuracy requirements, and for high-volume batches the ink cost per page becomes less competitive. But for the home user printing seasonal postcards, party invitations, or occasional personal photos in postcard format, it offers a low barrier to entry with results that are consistently good. HP's reliability track record and wide availability of replacement cartridges make this a low-stress ownership experience in 2026.
Pros:
- Affordable entry price with solid photo quality for home postcard use
- HP Instant Ink compatibility reduces running costs for moderate volumes
- Wide paper range (3×5 to 8.5×14) covers all standard postcard formats
Cons:
- Color accuracy falls short of professional photo printers
- Not suited for high-volume or professional postcard production
6. Epson SureColor SC-P900 — Best Large Format Postcard Printer
The Epson SureColor SC-P900 is the wide-format sibling of the P700, scaling up to 17-inch wide prints with the same UltraChrome PRO10 ink technology — including the distinctive Violet ink channel that gives the P-series its edge in blue and purple reproduction. For postcard printers, a 17-inch machine might seem like overkill, but professionals who print oversized postcards (think A3+ direct-mail pieces, panoramic promotional cards, or large fine-art postcards for galleries) will find the SC-P900 uniquely capable. Resolution reaches 5760×1440 dpi, and the output on premium postcard stock is simply stunning.
Like the P700, the SC-P900 eliminates the ink-switching problem with dedicated nozzles for both Photo Black and Matte Black, saving significant time and ink when alternating between glossy and matte postcard stocks. The 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead ensures pinpoint droplet placement and color consistency across an entire run. The printer supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity, and can print directly from smart devices through Epson's iPrint app or standard mobile printing protocols. A 17-inch roll paper adapter makes it practical for continuous postcard-strip production.
The SC-P900 is a significant investment — both upfront and in ink costs — and its physical footprint demands a dedicated workspace. But for studios, design agencies, or professional photographers who regularly produce large-format or high-end postcards in 2026, the combination of color accuracy, print width, and Epson's proven reliability make it the top large-format choice. If the P700's 13-inch limit is holding you back, step up to the SC-P900.
Pros:
- 17-inch wide printing handles oversized and panoramic postcard formats
- UltraChrome PRO10 with Violet delivers the widest color gamut in the lineup
- No ink switching — dedicated black ink nozzles for both glossy and matte media
Cons:
- Large physical footprint requires dedicated desk or table space
- Premium price and high ink costs not justified for standard postcard sizes
7. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S — Best for Vibrant Dye-Based Postcard Color
While most professional photo printers in 2026 have migrated to pigment-based inks for their longevity and wider tonal range, Canon's PIXMA PRO-200S makes a compelling case for dye-based inks when sheer vibrancy and luminosity are the priority. The eight-color Lucia DX dye ink system produces postcards with a brilliance that pigment inks sometimes struggle to match on glossy media — colors appear almost backlit in their intensity, making it a favorite among commercial postcard printers who need output that jumps off the rack. Borderless printing from 3.5×3.5 inches up to 13×19 gives you tremendous format flexibility.
The PRO-200S features a compact design relative to other 13-inch professional printers, making it a more practical fit for smaller studios and home offices. The 3.0-inch color LCD monitor provides intuitive navigation through Canon's print settings, and the wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and USB) integrates smoothly with both Mac and Windows workflows. Canon's Print Studio Pro plugin and Professional Print & Layout software provide ICC profile management and color control tools that professionals expect at this tier.
The trade-off with dye-based inks is longevity: without UV protection, dye-ink prints can fade faster than pigment equivalents when displayed in direct light. For postcards that will be mailed, stored, or framed under glass, this is rarely a concern — but if you're printing display postcards for long-term exhibition, a pigment-based alternative like the PRO-310 or P700 may be more appropriate. For vibrant, eye-catching commercial postcards and promotional mailers in 2026, however, the PRO-200S delivers color that's hard to beat.
Pros:
- 8-color dye ink system produces exceptionally vibrant, luminous postcard colors
- Compact 13-inch professional form factor fits smaller workspaces
- Borderless printing from 3.5×3.5" up to 13×19" for maximum format flexibility
Cons:
- Dye-based inks fade faster than pigment inks under prolonged direct light exposure
- Running costs comparable to professional pigment systems

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Postcard Printer in 2026
With so many capable printers on the market, choosing the right one for postcard printing comes down to a handful of critical factors. Here's what to evaluate before you buy.
Ink System: Pigment vs. Dye-Based
This is the most fundamental choice in postcard printer selection. Pigment-based inks (used in the Canon PRO-310, Epson P700, and SC-P900) offer superior longevity — prints resist fading for decades under normal indoor conditions — and perform exceptionally well on matte and fine-art postcard stocks. They deliver deep blacks and excellent shadow detail. Dye-based inks (Canon PRO-200S) produce more vivid, luminous colors on glossy media and are often preferred for commercial postcards where eye-catching vibrancy matters more than archival permanence. For postcards that will be mailed or briefly displayed, dye works beautifully. For archival or exhibition postcards, choose pigment. Hybrid systems like those in the Canon TR8620a and HP Envy 7855 use a combination and offer a reasonable middle ground for general home use.
Print Width and Format Support
Standard postcards are 4×6 inches, but the world of postcard printing extends to 5×7, 6×9, A5, and even panoramic formats. Most printers on this list handle up to 13-inch wide sheets, which covers virtually every postcard format you'll encounter. The Epson SC-P900 scales to 17 inches for oversized pieces. Critically, check for borderless printing support at your target postcard size — not all printers support borderless output at every paper size, and a white border on a postcard is rarely desirable. Also verify that the printer supports the paper thickness of your postcard stock: premium photo card stock can be 300gsm or more, and budget printers may jam on heavier media.
Volume, Speed, and Running Costs
How many postcards are you printing per month? This question determines whether running costs or upfront cost matters more. For occasional home users printing a few dozen postcards seasonally, the HP Envy 7855's low entry price and HP Instant Ink subscription make it economical despite a higher per-page cost at low volumes. For businesses printing hundreds or thousands of postcards monthly, the economics flip: a professional machine with larger ink tanks (like the P700 or PRO-310) has a higher upfront cost but dramatically lower per-page ink cost at scale. Print speed matters too — the Epson XP-970's 11-second 4×6 print time is genuinely faster than most competitors in its class, which compounds meaningfully across a 500-card run.
Connectivity and Workflow Integration
In 2026, wireless connectivity is essentially universal across this product category, but the quality of software support varies considerably. If you use ICC color profiles and professional color management software, look for printers with robust plugin support — Canon's Print Studio Pro and Epson's Advanced Black and White mode are examples of manufacturer software that meaningfully improves professional output. For businesses integrated with Alexa or smart home ecosystems, the Canon TR8620a and HP Envy 7855 both offer smart reorder functionality that prevents supply stockouts. Mobile printing via AirPrint and Android native printing is standard across all reviewed models, but Epson's iPrint app is generally more feature-rich for photo-specific tasks than HP's Smart app.
Buy on Walmart
- Canon imagePROGRAF Professional 13" PRO-310 Wireless Inkjet — Walmart Link
- Epson SureColor P700 13-Inch Printer,Black — Walmart Link
- Canon PIXMA TR8620a - All-in-One Printer Home Office|Copier| — Walmart Link
- Epson Expression Photo XP-970 Wireless Color Photo Printer w — Walmart Link
- HP Envy Photo 7855 All in One Photo Printer with Wireless Pr — Walmart Link
- Epson Surecolor Sc-P900 Large Format Printer Wi-Fi Inkjet, W — Walmart Link
- Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13" Wireless Inkjet Photo — Walmart Link
Buy on eBay
- Canon imagePROGRAF Professional 13" PRO-310 Wireless Inkjet — eBay Link
- Epson SureColor P700 13-Inch Printer,Black — eBay Link
- Canon PIXMA TR8620a - All-in-One Printer Home Office|Copier| — eBay Link
- Epson Expression Photo XP-970 Wireless Color Photo Printer w — eBay Link
- HP Envy Photo 7855 All in One Photo Printer with Wireless Pr — eBay Link
- Epson Surecolor Sc-P900 Large Format Printer Wi-Fi Inkjet, W — eBay Link
- Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13" Wireless Inkjet Photo — eBay Link
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer for printing postcards at home in 2026?
For home use, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and HP Envy Photo 7855 offer the best balance of photo quality, versatility, and affordable pricing. Both support borderless 4×6 printing, wireless connectivity, and smart ink management features. If you want a step up in photo quality without going fully professional, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970's six-color ink system produces noticeably better gradations and skin tones for portrait postcards.
Can a regular inkjet printer print postcards?
Yes, most modern inkjet printers can print on postcard-sized media, but not all support borderless printing or the thicker card stock used for premium postcards. Before buying, confirm that your target printer supports borderless output at your desired postcard size (commonly 4×6 or 5×7 inches) and that it can handle the paper weight of your chosen postcard stock — premium stock is often 250–350gsm, which can jam in budget printers designed for standard copy paper.
Is pigment or dye ink better for postcard printing?
It depends on your use case. Dye-based inks (like those in the Canon PRO-200S) produce more vibrant, glossy-looking colors that are excellent for eye-catching commercial postcards and mailers. Pigment-based inks (Epson P700, Canon PRO-310) offer superior longevity, richer blacks, and better performance on matte stocks — ideal for archival postcards, fine-art prints, and any postcard intended for long-term display. For postcards that will be mailed and briefly viewed, dye ink is often the more visually striking choice.
How do I print borderless postcards at home?
First, confirm your printer supports borderless printing at your target size (check the printer's spec sheet for supported borderless paper sizes). In your print driver or software, select the correct paper size, choose your postcard stock type (Glossy Photo, Matte Photo, etc.), and enable the "Borderless" option. Most photo-focused printers slightly overprint the image edge to ensure true edge-to-edge coverage — this may crop a few millimeters from your design, so leave a bleed margin of at least 3mm around all edges in your design file.
What paper should I use for printing postcards?
For standard photo postcards, use a glossy or semi-gloss photo paper in the 200–300gsm range from reputable brands like Canon, Epson, Ilford, or Red River. For matte or fine-art postcards, look for baryta or matte fine-art papers designed for inkjet use. Always use paper that matches your ink type — glossy dye-ink paper with pigment inks may produce inferior results, and vice versa. For postcards that will be mailed without envelopes, choose a heavier stock (250gsm+) that can survive postal handling without bending or tearing.
Is it cheaper to print postcards at home or use a print service?
For small batches (under 50–100 postcards), home printing is often more convenient and comparable in cost once you account for printer amortization and ink. For large batches (500+ cards), professional print services (like Vistaprint, Moo, or local print shops) typically offer significantly lower per-unit costs through offset or high-volume digital printing. Home printing advantages include faster turnaround, the ability to print one-offs or variable data (personalized names/addresses), and complete control over color. Print services win on volume economics and don't require you to maintain equipment or stock media.
Conclusion
Choosing the best postcard printer in 2026 ultimately comes down to matching the machine to your actual workflow. For professional photographers and designers demanding the highest color accuracy and archival quality, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 and Epson SureColor P700 are the clear leaders — both deliver gallery-quality output on premium postcard stock with pigment inks built to last. If you need 17-inch wide format capability, the Epson SC-P900 steps up without compromise. For vibrant, luminous commercial postcards where sheer color pop matters most, the Canon PRO-200S's dye ink system is hard to beat.
Mid-range users who want excellent photo quality without a professional price tag will find the Epson XP-970 a compelling value, with its six-color ink system and fast print speeds making batch postcard runs genuinely practical. Home users and small business owners who need an all-in-one that can handle postcards alongside everyday printing, copying, and scanning should look at the Canon PIXMA TR8620a, while the HP Envy Photo 7855 offers the most accessible entry point for occasional postcard printing on a tight budget.
Whatever your volume, format, or quality requirements, the options in this guide cover the full spectrum of what the postcard printer market offers in 2026. Use the buying guide criteria to narrow your shortlist, and remember: the best postcard printer is the one that reliably delivers the output your audience will notice — and that fits seamlessly into your workflow without becoming a maintenance burden.
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About Dror Wettenstein
Dror Wettenstein is the founder and editor-in-chief of Ceedo. He launched the site in 2012 to help everyday consumers cut through marketing fluff and pick the right tech for their actual needs. Dror has spent more than 15 years in the technology industry, with a background that spans software engineering, e-commerce, and consumer electronics retail. He earned his bachelor degree from UC Irvine and went on to work at several Silicon Valley startups before turning his attention to product reviews full time. Today he leads a small editorial team of category specialists, edits and approves every published article, and still personally writes guides on the topics he is most passionate about. When he is not testing gear, Dror enjoys playing guitar, hiking the trails near his home in San Diego, and spending time with his wife and two kids.




