5 Best Printers for Print and Cut Cricut Projects in 2025

If you want vibrant, precise prints for your Cricut projects, consider the Brother INKvestment 4555, 780, and 1365 models—they offer high resolution, wireless connectivity, and fast print speeds.

These printers support detailed color accuracy and ink options ideal for print-and-cut.

Pair them with Cricut’s Explore 4 or Joy Xtra for flawless cutting.

Choosing the right printer guarantees perfect alignment and durability for your crafts.

Explore further to find the best match for your creative needs.

Brother INKvestment 4555 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J4555DW)

The Brother INKvestment 4555 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer offers sharp, vibrant prints with a resolution of up to 1,200 x 4,800 dpi. It supports fast print speeds of up to 20 ppm in black and 19 ppm in color, helping you complete projects quickly. The intuitive 2.7” color touchscreen makes operation simple and user-friendly.

This printer provides versatile connectivity options, including wireless and Ethernet, allowing you to print directly from various devices or cloud applications. Its 400-sheet paper capacity and automatic duplex printing help manage large tasks with minimal interruptions. The Brother INKvestment 4555 is designed to support creative and business needs efficiently.

Best for: Creative professionals and small businesses needing detailed, colorful prints with reliable performance and flexible connectivity.

Pros:

• High print resolution for crisp, vibrant images.
• Large paper capacity with automatic duplex printing.
• Multiple connectivity options including wireless and Ethernet.

Cons:

• May be less portable due to its weight.
• Automatic Document Feeder supports only single-sided scanning.
• Currently limited customer review data available.

Brother INKvestment Tank 780 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-T780DW)

The Brother INKvestment Tank 780 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-T780DW) offers a practical solution for frequent Cricut project printing. Its refillable ink tanks are designed for quick, spill-free refills, minimizing downtime. You’ll benefit from both wireless and USB connectivity, with easy cloud app access via the clear color display.

This printer features automatic duplex printing and a 150-sheet tray to keep your workflow efficient. It delivers sharp, vibrant prints at up to 1,200 x 6,000 dpi resolution. Compact and versatile, it supports various media types, including glossy paper, making it suitable for diverse crafting needs.

With three years of ink included and dependable customer support, this model balances cost-effectiveness and quality.

Best for: Crafters and small office users needing a reliable, versatile wireless color printer with fast, easy ink refills.

Pros:

• Refillable ink tanks with no-spill bottles ensure quick and mess-free refilling.
• Wireless and USB connectivity with easy cloud app access via a color display.
• Automatic duplex printing and a 150-sheet paper tray enhance productivity.

Cons:

• Print speed may be moderate for very high-volume printing.
• Maximum media size might limit larger print projects.
• The automatic document feeder is single-sided and could be insufficient for large scanning tasks.

Brother INKvestment 1365 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J1365DW)

The Brother INKvestment 1365 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J1365DW) delivers fast, high-resolution color and black prints at up to 16 ppm and 9 ppm respectively. It features a sharp 1200 x 6000 dpi resolution, ideal for detailed projects like Cricut crafts.

This printer supports wireless, USB, and Wi-Fi Direct connections for versatile use. Its 150-sheet tray and automatic duplex printing help enhance productivity. The Brother Mobile Connect app and cloud support simplify printing, scanning, and copying workflows.

Ink subscription options offer convenience and potential savings. This all-in-one device combines functionality and ease of use for home or office settings.

Best for: users needing efficient, high-quality color printing with wireless flexibility for crafting and everyday tasks.

Pros:

• Sharp color and black prints at up to 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color
• Automatic duplex printing and 150-sheet paper capacity
• Wireless, USB, and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity with mobile app support

Cons:

• Color print speed may be slower for large color jobs
• Automatic document feeder holds only about 20 pages
• Printer weight might limit portability for some users

Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine with Digital Content Bundle

The Cricut Explore 4 Smart Cutting Machine with Digital Content Bundle offers fast cutting speeds, up to twice as fast as earlier models. It is designed to handle over 100 materials, including vinyl and cardstock, making it versatile for many projects. This machine also supports print-then-cut tasks when paired with most inkjet printers.

Included in the bundle are essential tools like a fine-point blade, light grip mat, and a weeder tool, along with 25 digital images to inspire creativity. Using Cricut Design Space, users can access templates, fonts, and step-by-step instructions, which helps both beginners and experienced crafters. The design software enhances the crafting experience by simplifying project setup.

Best for: Crafters and DIY enthusiasts seeking a fast, flexible cutting machine that works with a wide variety of materials.

Pros:

• Cuts up to 2X faster than previous models for increased efficiency.
• Compatible with 100+ materials and supports print-then-cut projects.
• Comes with tools, materials sampler, and digital content for creative variety.
• Access to extensive design resources through Cricut Design Space.

Cons:

• May have a learning curve due to reliance on the Cricut Design Space app.
• Some digital content and fonts might require a Cricut Access subscription for full use.
• Could be less portable because of its weight.

Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine

The Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine is a compact and versatile tool designed for creative projects at home. It cuts, writes, draws, foils, and scores with precision, supporting over 50 materials like vinyl and cardstock. This makes it ideal for making custom cards, stickers, T-shirts, and vinyl decals.

Its seamless compatibility with home inkjet printers enhances print and cut projects easily. The free Design Space app simplifies design work with ready templates and allows you to upload your own creations. Its multifunctional features help elevate your crafting experience with fine details and custom finishes.

Best for: Craft enthusiasts and DIYers who want a compact cutting machine that works well with home inkjet printers for small-to-medium creative projects.

Pros:

• Supports a wide variety of materials including vinyl and cardstock
• Multifunctional: cuts, writes, draws, foils, and scores
• User-friendly Design Space app with template library and upload options
• Works smoothly with home inkjet printers for print and cut projects

Cons:

• May be limited for larger or more complex projects
• Might require extra purchases for specific materials or tools
• Could be less suitable for heavy-duty or industrial use

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Printer for Print and Cut Cricut

When choosing a printer for Print and Cut Cricut projects, you’ll want to focus on print quality and color accuracy to guarantee your designs look sharp and vibrant. Consider the printer’s connectivity options and ink compatibility to match your workflow and materials.

Also, make certain it supports the media sizes you plan to use for seamless printing and cutting.

Print Quality Standards

Choosing a printer with high resolution is essential for your print-and-cut Cricut projects, as it directly affects the sharpness and detail of your designs. Aim for printers offering up to 1,200 x 6,000 dpi to secure vibrant, crisp images. You’ll also want consistent ink application to avoid streaks or banding that can ruin your final print.

Consider the type of ink too—pigment-based inks usually last longer and resist fading better than dye-based ones. Make certain your printer handles various media types well, especially if you plan to print on glossy photo paper or vinyl. Finally, look for calibration and alignment features to guarantee your printed designs line up perfectly with your cut paths, ensuring flawless results every time.

Color Accuracy Importance

Beyond print resolution and ink type, getting colors just right plays a major role in your print-and-cut Cricut projects. Color accuracy guarantees your designs stay vibrant and true-to-life, preventing mismatches between printed images and cutting paths. Choosing a printer with a high dpi enhances detail and smooth gradients, while a wide color gamut helps reproduce specific hues accurately, especially on vinyl or cardstock.

Using quality inks, like pigment-based ones, improves color longevity and fade resistance, which matters for lasting projects. Don’t forget consistent color calibration and regular printer maintenance—they keep your colors reliable over time and help avoid unwanted shifts. By prioritizing color accuracy, you’ll achieve professional, eye-catching results that make your Cricut creations stand out every time.

Printer Connectivity Options

Selecting the right printer for your Cricut print-and-cut projects means paying close attention to connectivity options that fit your workflow. You’ll want a printer with wireless capabilities, especially Wi-Fi Direct, so you can print directly from your mobile device without relying on a network. Cloud printing compatibility is another smart feature, letting you print straight from services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Don’t overlook USB connectivity; it offers a stable, direct link to your computer, ensuring detailed designs come out crisp every time. Also, check if the printer supports mobile printing apps for easy control from your smartphone or tablet. Choosing a printer with these connectivity options will make your print-and-cut process smoother and more efficient.

Ink Type Compatibility

Although many printers can handle basic printing tasks, not all inks are suited for Cricut print-and-cut projects. You’ll want to choose a printer that uses dye-based or pigment-based inks because they deliver vibrant colors and stick well to materials like vinyl and cardstock. High print resolution is also key—look for at least 1,200 x 6,000 dpi to guarantee sharp, precise prints that your Cricut can cut accurately.

Also, check if the printer supports borderless printing; this lets your designs extend edge-to-edge, giving your projects a professional finish. By focusing on ink type compatibility, you guarantee your print-and-cut projects not only look great but hold up well during cutting and handling, making your crafting experience smoother and more satisfying.

Media Size Support

Once you’ve chosen the right ink type and print quality, it’s important to evaluate the media sizes your printer can handle. Make sure your printer supports at least 8.5 x 11 inches, since that’s the minimum for most Cricut projects.

If you plan on tackling more complex designs, look for printers that handle larger sizes like legal or tabloid. This flexibility lets you expand your creative options. Also, consider if your printer offers automatic duplex printing for double-sided projects—it saves time and paper.

An automatic document feeder (ADF) can be a huge help when printing multiple designs, speeding up your workflow. By matching your printer’s media size capabilities to your project needs, you’ll avoid frustrating limitations and keep your Cricut creations smooth and efficient.

Print Speed Requirements

Print speed plays an essential role when you’re working on print and cut Cricut projects, especially if you need to complete multiple designs quickly. You should look for printers with high print speeds—around 20 ppm for black and 19 ppm for color—to keep your workflow efficient. However, speed isn’t everything; your printer must also maintain high-quality color prints, ideally with resolutions up to 1,200 x 6,000 dpi, to guarantee vibrant, detailed designs.

Automatic duplex printing is another feature to evaluate, as it saves time and paper by printing double-sided projects faster. Also, check the paper capacity: a larger tray, such as one that holds 400 sheets, reduces interruptions for refills during longer print sessions, letting you focus more on crafting and less on maintenance.

Device Portability Factors

Portability matters a lot when you choose a printer for your Cricut print and cut projects. You’ll want a lightweight, compact printer that’s easy to move and store, especially if your workspace changes often. Wireless connectivity is a must—it lets you print from laptops, tablets, or smartphones without dealing with messy cables.

Check if the printer supports mobile printing apps; this adds convenience when you’re working remotely or on the go. Don’t forget to take into account paper capacity: bigger trays mean fewer reloads, which is great for bigger batches. Also, make sure your printer handles various media sizes and types, so you can tackle diverse projects without hassle.

These portability factors make your crafting smoother and more flexible.

Maintenance and Durability

Along with portability, maintenance and durability play a big role in choosing a printer for your Cricut projects. You’ll want a printer that’s built tough with high-quality materials to handle frequent use without breaking down. Regular upkeep, like cleaning print heads and swapping out ink cartridges, keeps your prints sharp and the printer running smoothly.

Using genuine ink cartridges not only guarantees better print quality but also protects your printer’s components from unnecessary wear. Look for printers with high page yields to cut down on how often you replace ink, saving you time and money. Finally, check for solid manufacturer warranties and support; they can be a lifesaver if you face any durability issues over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Third-Party Ink Cartridges With These Printers?

Yes, you can use third-party ink cartridges with many printers, but you should be cautious. While these cartridges often save money, they might cause print quality issues or even void your printer’s warranty. Some printers have sensors that reject non-original ink.

To avoid problems, check whether your specific model supports third-party ink and read user reviews. That way, you’ll keep your prints looking great without unexpected hassles.

How Do I Maintain My Printer for Optimal Cricut Project Results?

You might think just printing regularly keeps your printer in shape, but that’s only part of it. To maintain peak Cricut project results, you should clean the print heads to avoid clogs and use the right paper type consistently.

Also, keep your printer dust-free and update its firmware. Running test prints helps catch issues early. These steps guarantee vibrant colors and precise cuts every time you create.

Are These Printers Compatible With Mac and Windows Operating Systems?

Yes, these printers are compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, so you won’t have to worry about switching devices. They offer easy setup and driver support for both platforms, ensuring smooth operation.

Whether you’re using Cricut Design Space on a Mac or a Windows PC, you can expect seamless integration. Just make sure to download the latest drivers to avoid any compatibility issues and enjoy hassle-free printing for your projects.

What Types of Printable Materials Work Best With These Printers?

Imagine printing on surfaces as smooth as glass or as textured as fabric—these printers handle it all. You’ll get the best results using high-quality printable vinyl, sticker paper, and iron-on transfer sheets. Glossy photo paper works great for vibrant designs, while matte paper offers a subtler finish.

These materials guarantee crisp cuts and vivid colors, making your Cricut projects pop every time you print and cut.

How Do I Troubleshoot Print Alignment Issues With Cricut Projects?

To troubleshoot print alignment issues, first make certain your printer settings match the material size and type. Clean your printer heads to avoid smudges. Use Cricut’s Print Then Cut feature calibration tool to fine-tune alignment.

Also, verify your design fits within the printable area and the registration marks are clear. If problems persist, update your printer drivers and try printing on plain paper to test alignment before using specialty materials.

Conclusion

Choosing the right printer for your Cricut print and cut projects is like picking the perfect brush for a masterpiece. Each printer here, from Brother’s INKvestment series to Cricut’s own machines, offers unique strokes of color and precision. When you blend the right tools with your creativity, your projects don’t just come to life—they tell a story.

So, trust your instincts and let your printer be the gateway to your crafting journey’s vibrant canvas.