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The best paper for your printer depends on the job. Plain 20 lb copy paper suits documents, cardstock suits cards and covers, and coated photo paper suits photos. Inkjet and laser printers also handle paper differently.

This guide covers five papers across those jobs. It is built from product listings, not our own testing. Check your printer’s paper weight limit and supported media before buying.

New to printers? Start with our guide to the best printers for home use and how we pick printers.

Last updated: October 30, 2026.

Quick Picks

Product Type Best for
Hammermill Copy Paper 20 lb, 92 Bright (3 reams) Everyday copy paper Daily printing and copying
Amazon Basics Cardstock 8.5×11, 65 lb Cardstock Budget cardstock for crafts and cards
Astrobrights Bright White Cardstock 8.5×11, 65 lb Cardstock Bright white cardstock in a small pack
Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy 4×6 Glossy photo paper, 4×6 Everyday glossy photo prints on Epson inkjets
Canon Photo Paper Plus Matte 8.5×11 Matte photo paper, letter size Glare-free prints at letter size

Best Paper for Inkjet and Laser Printers: What to Buy

1. Hammermill Copy Paper 20 lb, 92 Bright (3 reams)

A 1,500-sheet pack of 20 lb, 92-bright copy paper from Hammermill.

Good for: homework, documents and everyday printing on inkjet or laser. Strengths: reliable general-purpose paper in a multi-ream pack. Weaknesses: not meant for photos or heavy color graphics. Skip it if you print photos or want a coated finish.

Check on Amazon

2. Amazon Basics Cardstock 8.5×11, 65 lb

A 250-sheet pack of 65 lb white cardstock.

Good for: crafts, cards and light presentation covers. Strengths: low cost per sheet in a large pack. Weaknesses: check that your printer accepts 65 lb paper. Skip it if your printer’s weight limit is below 65 lb.

Check on Amazon

3. Astrobrights Bright White Cardstock 8.5×11, 65 lb

A 75-sheet pack of bright white 65 lb cardstock from the Neenah Astrobrights line.

Good for: invitations, flyers and small craft jobs. Strengths: bright white finish in a smaller, easier-to-buy pack. Weaknesses: fewer sheets per pack means a higher cost per sheet. Skip it if you need a large quantity.

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4. Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy 4×6

Epson’s glossy 4×6 photo paper in a 100-sheet pack.

Good for: family photos and albums printed on an Epson inkjet. Strengths: made by the printer brand and a standard 4×6 size. Weaknesses: glossy surfaces show fingerprints, and 4×6 only suits small prints. Skip it if you want a matte finish or larger prints.

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5. Canon Photo Paper Plus Matte 8.5×11

Canon’s matte photo paper in a 50-sheet letter-size pack.

Good for: framed prints, art and black-and-white photos. Strengths: no glare, and letter size fits standard frames. Weaknesses: less vivid color pop than glossy. Skip it if you want a glossy finish.

Check on Amazon

Paper: Notes

Weight and brightness

Weight is listed in pounds or gsm. Brightness affects how crisp colors look.

Storage

Store paper flat and dry to avoid jams.

Match to job

Use plain paper for documents, coated for photos.

How to Choose

Match the paper to the job

Copy paper for documents, cardstock for cards and covers, coated paper for photos.

Check inkjet or laser

Inkjet paper is made for liquid ink. Laser paper must handle heat. Some papers suit both; check the label.

Check your printer’s limits

Printers list the maximum paper weight and size they accept. Do not exceed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best paper for inkjet printers?

Plain paper for documents. Coated or photo paper for photos and color graphics.

What is the best paper for laser printers?

Standard copy paper works well. For specialty paper, check that it is rated for laser printers.

Does brightness matter?

Brighter paper makes colors look crisper. For everyday text it matters less.

Bottom Line

For everyday documents, Hammermill 20 lb copy paper is the standard choice. Add cardstock for cards and covers, and photo paper for prints. See also best cardstock for printers and how to print on cardstock.

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