The Best Printers for MTG Proxies in 2025

If you plan to print proxies regularly, relying on your library or office printer won't cut it. You need a machine capable of handling cardstock and producing vibrant, color-accurate prints. Here are our top picks for 2025.

Inkjet vs. Laser: The Eternal Debate

• Inkjet (Winner): generally produces better photo quality and deeper blacks. It works better on specialized photo papers and glossy options for foils. The downside is ink cost.
• Laser: Faster and cheaper per page, but color blending can be less smooth (banding), and toner sometimes cracks when the paper is bent (like shuffling a card).

Verdict: Go Inkjet for quality proxies.

Top Picks

1. The High-End Choice: Canon PIXMA PRO-200

• Pros: Professional 8-ink system delivers incredible color accuracy. Handles very thick cardstock easily.
• Cons: Expensive ($500+) and physically huge.
• Best For: The dedicated proxy maker who wants perfectly indistinguishable proxies.

2. The Best Value: Epson EcoTank ET-8550

• Pros: "EcoTank" means you refill ink bottles instead of buying expensive cartridges, possibly saving hundreds of dollars a year. Excellent photo quality.
• Cons: Initial price is high (~$700), but pays for itself in ink savings.
• Best For: Someone printing entire cubes or hundreds of cards.

3. The Budget King: Canon PIXMA TS8320 (or similar TS series)

• Pros: Affordable (<$200). Good photo quality for the price. Compact.
• Cons: Ink cartridges are small and expensive. Not great for heavy cardstock.
• Best For: Occasional printing (1-2 decks a year).

Essential Features to Look For

1. Rear Paper Feed: Thick cardstock (100lb+) can jam in standard bottom trays. A rear feed allows the paper to pass through straighter.
2. High DPI: Look for at least 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution.
3. Borderline Printing: "Edge-to-edge" or "borderless" printing capability is nice, though you should usually cut from a larger sheet anyway.

Summary

Don't buy a cheap $50 printer and expect masterpiece inventions. If you're serious about the hobby, an entry-level photo printer like the Canon TS series is the minimum entry point. If you're printing a Cube, get an EcoTank—your wallet will thank you.