Capturing a perfect moment with your camera is only half the journey; printing it on the right paper brings it to life. The quality of your photo paper is just as critical as your printer and ink, directly influencing the vibrancy, sharpness, and longevity of your prints. With a vast array of options available, from high-gloss finishes to textured fine art surfaces, selecting the ideal paper can feel overwhelming.
This guide simplifies your search by showcasing ten of the best photo papers for inkjet printers. Whether you are printing casual snapshots, professional portfolios, or gallery-worthy art, understanding the unique properties of each paper will help you achieve your desired results. We have curated a list that covers various sizes, finishes, and specialties to ensure you find the perfect match for your creative projects.
Our Recommended Photo Papers for Inkjet Printers
- Better Office Products 150 Sheets Glossy Photo Paper
- Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum, 8.5 x 11 Inches
- Epson Premium Photo Paper, High-Gloss, 4 x 6
- HP Premium Plus Photo Paper, Glossy, 8.5×11 in
- Premium Luster Photo Paper 8.5In x 11In 250 Sheets
- ILFORD GALERIE Prestige Smooth Pearl – 13 x 19 Inches
- PPD 25 Sheets Inkjet White Giclee Archival Velvet Etching Paper
- Hahnemuhle 100% Rag Smooth Matte Photo White Inkjet Paper
- Collapsar CH01 Pool Cue with Soft Case
- Inkpress High Gloss Photo Paper
Better Office Products 150 Sheets Glossy Photo Paper
For photographers and hobbyists who print in high volume, this 150-sheet pack of 4×6 glossy paper from Better Office Products offers a cost-effective solution. The paper is constructed from a substantial 180gsm coated paper, giving it a thicker, more premium feel that resists curling. Its smooth surface is designed to produce vibrant colors, making it a solid choice for everyday photo printing.
It is important to note that this paper is best suited for dye-based inks and requires a short drying time after printing to prevent smudging. The manufacturer also mentions that some graininess may appear, which is a common characteristic of this type of cast-coated paper. For casual snapshots and practice prints, this pack provides excellent value.
Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum
When you require professional-grade results, Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum is engineered to deliver. This 8.5×11 inch paper is designed to work in perfect harmony with Canon printers and inks, ensuring exceptional color accuracy and detail. Its high-gloss finish produces deep blacks and brilliant whites, giving your photos a stunning, lab-quality appearance.
Originating from Japan, this paper reflects a commitment to precision and quality. The Pro Platinum line is a favorite among photographers who demand the best for their portfolio pieces or client work. While the pack contains 20 sheets, each one is crafted to showcase your images with remarkable clarity and a professional sheen.
Epson Premium Photo Paper
Epson’s Premium Photo Paper in the popular 4×6 size is a reliable choice for fast, high-quality prints. Its high-gloss resin coating replicates the look and feel of traditional photographs, making it ideal for printing cherished memories. A significant advantage of this paper is its quick-dry surface, which minimizes smudging and allows you to handle your photos soon after they exit the printer.
Additionally, this paper is water-resistant, providing protection against incidental water contact and preventing ink from bleeding. This feature is particularly useful for photos that might be handled frequently or displayed in kitchens or other areas where minor spills can occur. It is a practical and high-performing option for everyday photo printing.
HP Premium Plus Photo Paper
HP Premium Plus Photo Paper is positioned as the brand’s highest-quality offering, designed to produce gallery-worthy images with a brilliant, glossy finish. This 8.5×11 paper is optimized for use with HP printers and inks, ensuring sharp details and a wide color gamut. It is an excellent paper for important photo projects, portfolios, and framing.
HP also enhances the user experience by integrating with the HP Smart app, which provides easy-to-use editing tools and allows for convenient printing directly from your phone. This combination of premium paper quality and smart technology makes it a comprehensive solution for creating exceptional photographic prints at home.
Premium Luster Photo Paper
This bulk pack of 250 sheets of luster finish paper is designed for the frequent printer who needs a reliable, all-purpose photo paper. The luster surface offers a perfect middle ground between glossy and matte, providing a subtle sheen without the fingerprints and glare associated with high-gloss papers. This makes it a preferred choice for professional portraits and display prints.
With a standard 8.5×11 inch size, this paper is versatile for a variety of projects, from photo albums to presentation materials. The substantial sheet count in a single pack ensures you have a consistent supply on hand for all your printing needs, offering great convenience and value over time.
ILFORD GALERIE Prestige Smooth Pearl
For the serious photographer or artist working with large format prints, ILFORD GALERIE Prestige Smooth Pearl is a top-tier choice. Made in Germany with archival materials, this 13×19 inch paper is built for exceptional clarity, sharpness, and color gamut. Its unique Smooth Pearl surface effectively eliminates glare and resists fingerprints, giving your images a professional, photographic look and feel.
The paper features a thick, 12mil high-density base that lies flat for trouble-free printing on modern inkjet printers, including those capable of borderless output. It is compatible with both dye and pigment-based inks, making it a versatile option for producing stunning color and black and white images that are made to last.
PPD Inkjet White Giclee Archival Velvet Etching Paper
Artists and printmakers will appreciate the PPD Velvet Etching paper for its exceptional matte finish and fine art quality. This 72lb (270gsm) paper features a velvet etching surface that mimics the texture of traditional art papers, providing a beautiful, tactile quality to prints. It is an ideal canvas for giclee prints, reproductions, and original digital artwork.
The heavy-weight base and bright white color ensure that colors appear vibrant and deep blacks maintain their richness. This archival paper is designed for longevity, making it a sound investment for creating art prints that will stand the test of time. Each pack contains 25 sheets of A4 size paper.
Hahnemuhle 100% Rag Smooth Matte Photo White Inkjet Paper
Hahnemuhle is synonymous with the highest standards in fine art printing, and this 100% rag paper is a prime example. Crafted from cotton rag rather than wood pulp, this acid-free paper is naturally archival, guaranteeing that your prints will not yellow or degrade for generations. Its smooth matte surface and high whiteness level provide a perfect backdrop for vibrant colors and exceptionally deep blacks.
With a substantial weight of 308 gsm, this paper has a luxurious feel and rigidity that is fitting for museum-quality displays, portfolio presentations, and limited edition prints. It is the definitive choice for artists and photographers who will not compromise on the longevity and presentation of their work.
Collapsar CH01 Pool Cue with Soft Case
This product appears to have been included in error, as it is a Collapsar CH01 Pool Cue and not a photo paper. Its features, such as a shaft made from North American Grade A Hard Rock Maple and a stainless steel joint, are designed for billiards enthusiasts seeking a professional playing experience. It comes with a soft case for storage and transport.
While it is a high-quality sports equipment item, it does not belong in a roundup of photo papers for inkjet printers. We recommend reviewing the other nine entries for papers specifically designed for photographic printing.
Inkpress High Gloss Photo Paper
Inkpress is a recognized brand in the photo paper market, known for producing reliable and high-quality printing substrates. Their High Gloss Photo Paper is engineered to deliver vibrant colors and sharp image details, providing a classic, shiny finish that makes colors pop. This type of paper is generally compatible with a wide range of inkjet printers.
High gloss papers are excellent for creating impactful prints with a reflective surface that enhances color saturation. For specific details on sheet size, count, and weight, we recommend checking the product listing directly on Amazon to ensure it meets your specific printing requirements.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Photo Papers for Inkjet Printers
When I first started printing my own photos, I thought all paper was pretty much the same. I was wrong. The paper you choose is just as important as the printer and ink you use. It’s the final, physical representation of your digital work, and picking the right one can make a huge difference. With so many options for photo papers for inkjet printers, knowing what to look for will save you time, money, and frustration.
The first thing I consider is the paper’s finish. This is the surface texture and sheen, and it dramatically affects the look and feel of your print. Glossy finishes are shiny and provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, which is great for a modern, high-impact look. However, they are fingerprints and glare magnets. Matte finishes are non-reflective, have a soft texture, and are excellent for black and white photography or fine art prints where you don’t want any shine. Then there’s the semi-gloss or luster finish, which is my personal favorite for a wide range of photos. It offers a subtle sheen without the intense glare of a full glossy, and it resists fingerprints much better.
Next up is weight and thickness, usually measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or as a thickness in mils. A heavier paper feels more substantial and professional. Think of the flimsy paper in a cheap magazine versus the thick cardstock of a wedding invitation. For photos I plan to display or give as gifts, I never go below 240 gsm. Lighter papers can curl more easily and just don’t have that premium feel. The base material is another factor. Most papers are resin-coated (RC), which means a plastic coating on a fiber base. This makes them water-resistant and quick-drying. For the absolute best archival quality, there are cotton rag papers, but these are a specialty item and can be pricey.
Finally, you need to think about brightness and whiteness. Paper brightness is a measure of how much light it reflects, on a scale of 1 to 100. A brighter paper (92 and above) provides a wider dynamic range and makes colors appear more vivid against a whiter background. Whiteness is a bit different; some papers are pure bright white, while others have a slightly warm, creamy tone. I use bright white for most of my color work and reserve warmer tones for specific black and white projects. My best advice is to buy a sample pack from a manufacturer you trust. This lets you test different finishes and weights with your own printer and images without committing to a whole box of one type. It’s the best way to find your personal favorite among the many photo papers for inkjet printers.
FAQ
What is the difference between glossy and luster photo paper?
Glossy paper has a highly reflective, shiny surface that makes colors pop and provides the deepest blacks. The downside is that it shows fingerprints easily and can have a lot of glare under bright lights. Luster paper, sometimes called semi-gloss, has a subtle, pearl-like sheen. It strikes a great balance, offering rich colors and contrast without the intense glare. It’s also more resistant to fingerprints, which is why it’s a popular choice for professional portraits and photo books.
Can I use any paper in my inkjet printer?
Technically, you can feed any cut-sheet paper through your inkjet, but you really shouldn’t. Using the wrong paper is a fast track to poor print quality and potential printer damage. Laser printer paper, for example, is not designed to absorb liquid inkjet inks, which will lead to smudging and bleeding. Always choose papers that are specifically labeled for use with inkjet printers. These are engineered with a special coating to properly absorb the ink and produce a sharp, lasting image.
Why are some photo papers so expensive?
The cost comes down to the quality of the materials and the manufacturing process. Premium photo papers use higher-grade, brighter white base stocks and more advanced coating technologies. These coatings are crucial for controlling how the ink is absorbed, which affects color gamut, sharpness, and drying time. More expensive papers are also often acid-free and lignin-free, meaning they are archival quality and will not yellow or degrade over decades, preserving your photos for a lifetime.
How long will my inkjet photo prints last?
This is a great question, and the answer depends on three things: the paper, the ink, and the display environment. Using a high-quality, acid-free paper paired with pigment-based inks (rather than dye-based) will give you the longest lifespan, potentially over 100 years without noticeable fading. If your prints are displayed in direct sunlight or a humid environment, they will fade much faster. For the best longevity, frame your prints using UV-protective glass and keep them out of direct sun.
What does the paper weight (like 240 gsm) mean?
The weight, measured in grams per square meter (gsm), tells you how thick and sturdy the paper is. A standard copy paper is usually around 80 gsm. A good, sturdy photo paper starts around 190-210 gsm. When you get into the 240-300 gsm range, you’re dealing with a very heavy, rigid paper that feels professional and is less likely to curl. For most of my work, I find that 240 gsm is a perfect sweet spot of quality and handling.