Choosing the best photo paper for your inkjet printer can be quite difficult as there are many brands and options. Finding one that suits your needs can be difficult. In this review, we’ll be looking at 12 of the best photo papers for inkjet printers, including products from big-name brands like Canon, HP, and Epson.
Our top pick is Canon Glossy Photo Paper. Known for its superior print quality, this paper features a glossy finish that gives your photos a professional look. In addition to meeting sales and gallery display standards, the prints will retain their vibrancy without fading over time.
What is the Best Photo Paper?
There are many different photo papers available on the market, each offering different results. There are many companies that excel at producing high-quality photo paper in a variety of types and price ranges.
To fully understand paper types, find out more about paper size, thickness, and processing in the following sections. This information will serve as a valuable guide in choosing the exact photo paper for your needs.
To speed up your exploration, here’s a quick overview of our roundup of the best photo papers specifically for inkjet printers. See the following sections for details on each paper. Or you can go directly to the “Find the best photo paper” section at the end of this article.
10 Best Photo Papers for Printer
Introducing the best photo paper for inkjet printers. We have something for every photographer. We offer everyday photo paper to print the most beautiful vacation photos. We also offer premium papers for professional photo printing.
10. Epson Ultra Premium
Best For Professional printing and gallery displays
 | Brand: Epson Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches / 21.6 x 27.9 cm Paper Weight: 79 lb / 297 gsm Finish: Glossy Key Features: Beautiful color rendering and instant-dry, anti-smudge finish | √ Excellent value for a premium paper √ Brilliant white color works well with black-and-white photographs √ The prints are the perfect size for sale √ High-quality smudge-resistant prints √ Ideal for professional-grade photos |
Epson’s Ultra Premium Photo Paper is designed for quick drying and compatibility with all printers. This photo paper produces images with shine and a deep gloss, ensuring visually impressive results. Color reproduction is bright and accurate, and tones are true to life, faithfully capturing the essence of the most beautiful photographs.
Available in a variety of sizes up to 8.5 x 11 inches, this photo paper is versatile enough to meet a variety of printing needs. The ink dries instantly and the paper has some water resistance, which protects it from accidental spills and splashes. Additionally, prints delivered on Epson’s ultra-premium photo paper are durable, ensuring the long-lasting visual appeal of your treasured memories.
9. Canon Platinum Pro PT-101
Best For Enthusiast-level photo printing
 | Brand: Canon Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches / 21.6 x 27.9 cm Paper Weight: 80 lb / 300 gsm Finish: Glossy Key Features: Triple-coated layer for extra strength and high-contrast imagery | √ Premium glossy finish √ High color gamut for vibrant images √ Ink dries in an instant so there’s not risk of smudging or running √ Smudge- and water-resistant, providing security against wear and tear √ Exceptionally thick for long-lasting photos |
Canon’s signature premium glossy photo paper, Platinum PT-101, is an evolution of its predecessor, Paper Pro PR-101, and seamlessly combines deep, rich blacks with neutral, natural whites to enhance visual clarity, creates an attractive contrast. Platinum PT-101’s glossy finish adds crisp clarity to your final prints and improves overall image quality.
Moreover, the surface coating should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also reduce drying time and contribute to a more efficient and optimized printing process. The combination of color saturation, contrast, and fast drying makes Platinum PT-101 the first choice for those seeking high-quality prints.
8. Ilford Galerie Prestige
Best For Professional photo printing for sale and display
 | Brand: Ilford Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches / 21.6 x 27.9 cm Paper Weight: 84 lb / 310 gsm Finish: Luster Key Features: Rich, glare-free luster finish and wide range of paper sizes | √ Impressive color and tone reproduction √ High contrast and sharpness √ Instant-dry and smudge-proof finish √ Triple-coated for extra durability √ Acid-free for long-lasting prints |
With a heritage dating back to 1879, Ilford has played an integral role in photographic paper manufacturing and has made a significant transition from traditional to digital media. Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Pearl photo paper features a non-reflective surface and dries quickly.
This photo paper is available in a variety of sizes, including a generous 17″ x 22″ format. Recognized by Wilhelm Imaging Research for its exceptional durability when used with HP Vivera inks. With over 200 years of recognition, this recognition highlights Ilford’s long-lasting quality and archival capabilities of his Galerie Prestige Smooth Pearl photographic paper.
7. HP Premium Plus
Best For High-standard amateur printing and display
 | Brand: HP Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches / 21.6 x 27.9 cm Paper Weight: 80 lb / 300 gsm Finish: Glossy Key Features: Water-resistant surface that doesn’t smudge | √ High-quality paper that gives you long-lasting photos √ Bright, glossy finish with true-to-life colors √ Excellent for prints up to 8.5 x 11 inch √ Ideal for preserving memories √ Environmentally friendly |
Weighing 300gsm, HP Premium Plus paper has a premium feel, complemented by a glossy finish for crisp, crisp images. Highly rated in customer reviews, this photo paper is another eco-friendly option from HP and is FSC certified.
Glossy surfaces not only look good, but also have practical benefits such as water repellency, stain resistance, and quick drying properties. The exceptional colors and fine details captured on this paper create a striking print. Additionally, fading over time is minimized, further enhancing its appeal and preserving memories with strength and vibrancy for years to come.
6. Koala Glossy Thin InkJet
Best For At-home photo printing for family and friends
 | Brand: Koala Paper Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches / 21.6 x 27.9 cm Paper Weight: 30 lb / 115 gsm Finish: Glossy Key Features: Excellent value, quick-drying, and vivid colors | √ Affordable photo paper for home or enthusiast-level printing √ Compatible with all inkjet printers √ Thin yet strong material √ Glossy finish for vivid pictures √ No smudging with instant-dry quality |
Koala’s glossy photo paper has proven to be a great choice for home printing, offering such value for money that purchasing an entire holiday album won’t break the bank. The colors and details captured on this photographic paper are of high quality, so you can display your prints in any home.
The paper is thinner, which can be an advantage for some photographers, but it also means your photos will wear out more easily. A more powerful option may be better suited for professional exhibitions or print sales where durability is important. Still, Koala glossy photo paper is a great choice for sharing memories with family and friends, offering an affordable and visually stunning solution for personal use.
5. Hahnemuhle High Glossy
Best For Professional printing for publication, sale, or gallery display
 | Brand: Hahnemuhle Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches / 21.6 x 27.9 cm Paper Weight: 315 gsm Finish: Glossy Key Features: Fabulous color rendition and ink dries instantly | √ Professional results for publication, sale, and display √ Vibrant colors and vivid details √ Exceptional lightfast—no discoloring when exposed to light √ Instant dry so there’s no risk or smudges or smears √ Exceptional longevity with no fading for years |
This high-gloss barite photo paper is manufactured by the esteemed German company Hahnemühle, known for its long history in papermaking dating back to the 16th century. Hahnemühle is known not only for its quality but also for its commitment to environmental standards, setting standards in the industry.
The “rug” in the paper’s subtitle indicates its composition, and it is made up of 100% only cotton fibers produced during textile manufacturing. Weighing 315gsm, this heavyweight photo paper is designed for long-term display and art applications.
Cotton paper features a high-gloss finish that accentuates sharp details and adds natural warmth to highlights. This photo paper is available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of printing needs, including rolls up to 64 inches (1.62 m) wide. Hahnemühle offers a sample set of six types of photo paper (two of each type).
For the tech-savvy, Hahnemühle offers downloadable ICC profiles for all photo papers. This detailed information helps you predict and understand print results before creating your best photos.
4. Epson Presentation Matte
Best For Black and white photos and prints for frames or albums
 | Brand: Epson Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches / 21.6 x 27.9 cm Paper Weight: 27 lb / 102 gsm Finish: Matte Key Features: Texted matte finish and lightweight paper | √ Smooth non-glare finish is ideal for gallery display √ High-contrast clarity and precision details √ Ideal for vibrant color prints √ Super-fast drying times so there’s no smudging √ Heavyweight stock for strong and durable prints |
The weight of Epson’s matte presentation paper makes it a more versatile option compared to the glossy papers we tested previously. Due to its unique properties, matte photo paper excels in providing excellent text quality. It is suitable not only for creating clear images, but also for applications such as brochures and reports.
While this paper may seem a little flimsy if you frequently share photos between friends, you’ll find it to be an affordable option for creating stunning black and white prints. Its versatility allows it to be used for a variety of purposes, making it a practical choice for those who want both text and image quality without breaking the bank.
3. Epson Premium Semi-Gloss
Best For Semi-pro or high-class amateur photo printing
 | Brand: Epson Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches / 21.6 x 27.9 cm Paper Weight: 67 lb / 251 gsm Finish: Semi-Gloss Key Features: Subtle and glare-reducing semi-gloss finish, water-resistant finish | √ High-quality paper for best prints √ Semi-gloss finish for realistic effect √ Vibrant colors and sharp details √ Durable, long-lasting prints that don’t fade √ Instant drying for quick handling |
The difference between gloss and semi-gloss is subtle, but Epson’s premium semi-gloss photo paper is made to mimic the properties of resin-coated papers used in professional photo labs. Epson claims that its ink has a certain degree of water resistance, giving you peace of mind that even if you accidentally splash it, it won’t be a disaster.
This heavyweight paper is perfect for presentation purposes with excellent results. Available in sizes up to 13 x 9 inches (33 x 22.8 cm), it offers flexibility to meet a variety of printing needs. The excellent quality of color reproduction, fine detail and finish ensures that the photographic prints produced are not only suitable for display, but also meet the criteria for potential sales.
2. HP Everyday Glossy
Best For: HP printers and casual photo printing
 | Brand: HP Paper Size: 4 x 6 inches / 10 x 15 cm Paper Weight: 53 lb / 200 gsm Finish: Glossy Key Features: Excellent value and nice glossy finish | √ Perfect for creating quality, everyday photo prints √ Optimized for HP ink and toner √ Vivid colors and sharp images √ Glossy finish for a professional look √ Environmentally sustainable |
Following the practices of leading inkjet printer manufacturers, HP strongly recommends using HP inks in conjunction with photo paper to improve print durability. What’s especially notable about cheaper photo paper options is that HP paper tends to give better results when paired with his HP printer.
HP Everyday Glossy Photo Paper is a reliable choice and has the added benefit of being FSC certified. This certification ensures consistently high quality printing on every occasion. In particular, the standards set in this document are exceptional for those seeking both value and sustainability. Create a stunning collection of printed photos for walls, mantels, and albums with HP’s Everyday Glossy Photo Paper.
1. Canon Luster
Best For Professional printing and gallery displays
| Brand: Canon Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 inches / 21.6 x 27.9 cm Paper Weight: 69 lb / 260 gsm Finish: Luster Key Features: Beautiful luster finish | √ Compatible with all inkjet printers √ Bright and vibrant color photo prints √ Luster finish gives you high-quality, glare-free photos √ Durable and long-lasting prints √ Quality guaranteed by Canon |
Canon Glossy Photo Paper offers the perfect balance of gloss and matte to enhance your images without being too glarey. This feature is especially useful for problems related to reflected light. At 260g/m² (grams per square meter), this paper is quite heavy, making it durable and luxurious.
The glossy finish not only gives it a luxurious feel, but also helps prevent stains. As expected, Canon recommends using their inks for best results. For photographers, the wide range of sizes available up to 9 x 13 inches (22.8 x 33 cm) is great.
How to Choose Best Photo Paper For You
There are several decisions you need to make when choosing the best photo paper for your inkjet printer:
- What weight is best?
- Which finish is best?
- The answers to most of these questions depend on several factors.
- What do you want to do with the printed matter? Where and how do you display it?
- What options do I have for my printer?
If your printer doesn’t have direct paper feeding, there are limits to the weight of paper you can use. Many printers have back slots for envelopes and cardboard, so it’s worth considering. Please refer to your manual to determine the maximum weight suitable for your printer. You can use relatively inexpensive photo paper to print photos to make cards and display them. However, for higher quality presentations, you will need heavier paper. You also want the better finish you get from high-quality photo paper.
Conclusion
In summary, Canon Luster photo paper is the best photo paper for inkjet printers. The excellent combination of brightness and vibrancy results in beautiful and vivid images.
We also introduced affordable photo paper for home use. It may not have the stunning professional finish of premium brands. However, you will get beautiful photos that you can display in your home or share with your friends. In short, there is a photo paper that is suitable for every photographer.
Contact us if you have any questions.
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