Craving gallery-grade black-and-white prints without the guesswork? Color casts, muddy shadows, and unpredictable inks can derail your vision fast. This guide is for photographers who live for monochrome nuance and fine art detail, and want consistent, neutral output at home.
In this guide, we analyzed, ranked, and compared 6 printers for black-and-white photo work. Top performers like the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 (83/100) and the imagePROGRAF 13-inch (81/100) stood out for deep blacks, smooth tonal gradation, and archival pigment output. Specialized picks include the EcoTank ET-8500 for high-volume jobs and the XP-15000 for budget A3+ prints, with options like the PIXMA PRO-200S for fast A3+ color when you need it.
We’ll align recommendations to your genre, budget, and workflow. Expect clear notes on neutral gray balance, dMax, shadow detail, metamerism, bronzing, gray inks, ICC profiles, soft proofing, paper handling, matte vs glossy, roll support, maintenance costs, nozzle reliability, and calibration so your prints look intentional, repeatable, and ready for the wall.
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Top Picks
Black-and-White Photo Printer Showdown: 6 Monochrome Standouts Compared
| Specifications | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 83/100 | 81/100 | 80/100 | 73/100 | 72/100 | 67/100 |
| Year | 2024 | 2025 | 2025 | 2020 | 2017 | 2020 |
| Max print width | 17-inch | 13-inch | 13-inch | 8.5 inches | 13 inches | 13 inches |
| Ink type | Pigment Based LUCIA PRO Ink Technology | Pigment-based | Dye-based | Claria dye ink | Claria Photo HD 6-color individual cartridges (T312/T312XL) | Claria ET Premium 6-color dye ink |
| Number of ink colors | 12 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Display size | 3 inch | 3.0-inch | 3.0-inch | 4.3-inch | N/A | 4.3-inch |
| Max print resolution | 2400 x 1200 dpi | 4800 x 2400 dpi | 4800 x 2400 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| Number of black/gray inks | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
Amateur and semi-professional photographers who want gallery-quality, archival black & white prints up to 17″ x 22″ and who are willing to invest time in profiling and a mid-to-high budget printer.
- Excellent monochrome capability — multiple dedicated black/gray inks (PBK, MBK, GY, PGY) for superior tonal gradation and neutral grayscale
- Pigment-based LUCIA PRO II inks and Chroma Optimizer deliver archival prints with reduced bronzing and improved gloss uniformity
- Supports true fine-art sizes up to 17″ x 22″ with professional color-management and calibration tools (good for portfolio and exhibition prints)
- High upfront cost and ongoing ink expense — near the top of the specified budget range
- Physically large and potentially overkill for casual hobbyists or those with limited workspace
Want gallery-ready black & white prints up to 17″ x 22″? You get archival, neutral-grayscale prints with deep blacks and smooth tonal transitions thanks to multiple gray blacks and Chroma Optimizer. You’ll produce exhibition and portfolio-quality output and benefit from built-in calibration tools — the tradeoff is a high upfront price, larger footprint, and some time spent dialing in profiles and media to get perfect results.
Want gallery-ready black & white that actually looks neutral? The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 lands at #1 in our lineup with a strong 83/100 thanks to superb monochrome tonality, archival pigment output, and true 17-inch fine-art capability. If your goal is exhibition pieces, it delivers deep blacks and smooth gradations that make images feel three-dimensional.
Print Quality: An 11‑ink LUCIA PRO II system plus Chroma Optimizer at 2400×1200 dpi delivers crisp detail and uniform gloss, so your matte landscapes and glossy portraits carry rich texture and clean, deep blacks. Tonal Range: Four dedicated blacks/grays—Photo Black, Matte Black, Gray, Photo Gray—produce smooth gradations and truly neutral grayscale; Paper Handling: print up to 17 x 22 inches on matte cotton, baryta, and luster with the Air Feeding System keeping sheets perfectly aligned.
If you obsess over monochrome nuance, this choice makes it easy to achieve consistent tonality across different papers and sessions. Perfect for: fine art prints, portfolio prints, exhibition work.
Standout workflow tools: Professional Print & Layout integrates smoothly with Adobe apps, while Media Configuration and Color Calibration keep results predictable for client deliveries and editions. Reliability extras—FINE print head anti‑clogging, the precise Air Feeding System, and the speedy L‑COA PRO processor—add up to excellent value for serious printmakers seeking consistent, pro-grade output.
Final recommendation: A premium 17-inch photo printer that earns our top spot for outstanding B&W fidelity, fine‑art media support, and robust workflow control. Who is this for? Amateur and semi‑pro photographers who want archival, neutral B&W up to 17 x 22 and are ready to spend a bit of time calibrating for repeatable, gallery‑ready results.
Canon imagePROGRAF Professional 13″ PRO-310 Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer with 3.0-Inch Color LCD Monitor, 9 Color Pigment-Based Ink System, Black New Model [PRO-310]
Amateur and semi-pro monochrome photographers who want gallery-quality 13″ prints with deep blacks and excellent tonal transitions, and who prioritize print quality and archival permanence over speed and lowest cost-per-print.
- 9-color LUCIA PRO II pigment ink set + Chroma Optimizer and dedicated Matte Black — strong foundation for rich tonal range and neutral greys in B&W prints
- A3+ (up to 13″ x 19″) desktop prints and gallery-quality output suitable for fine art portfolios and exhibitions
- Solid market signals — strong recent sales, good rating, and Canon pro-series reliability
- Running costs (pigment inks and fine art paper) can be high for frequent large prints
- Print speed is slow for black & white (listed 2 ppm), so workflow is best for quality over throughput
Want gallery-quality black-and-white prints at home or for small exhibitions? You’ll get deep, stable blacks, subtle midtone transitions, and archival pigment prints up to 13″ x 19″ that make your prints look like fine art. The tradeoff: you accept slower output and higher ink/paper costs in exchange for superior tonal fidelity and longevity.
Need gallery-grade black-and-white from your desk? The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 lands at #2 in our lineup with a strong 81/100 thanks to its exquisite tonal control, archival pigment output, and reliable workflow. If you value longevity and subtle gradations over raw speed, this pick consistently delivers wall-worthy prints.
Print Quality: The 9‑color LUCIA PRO II pigment system with Chroma Optimizer and a dedicated Matte Black produces deep D‑max, neutral grayscale, and silky midtone transitions that make monochrome images pop. Paper Handling: Create borderless pieces up to 13 x 19 inches (A3+) or dramatic panoramas to 13 x 129 inches—ideal for portfolios, gallery sets, and limited runs. Everyday use is streamlined with a 3.0-inch color LCD, Wi‑Fi/Ethernet, and an Anti‑Clogging System plus Skew Correction for dependable feeding on heavy fine art papers.
If your work leans into rich blacks and delicate highlights, you’ll love how this model renders matte cotton and baryta stocks without color casts. Perfect for: fine art prints, portfolio pieces, exhibition work, limited editions, and client proofs. It shines when you prioritize tonal fidelity and archival permanence over throughput.
Standout features: 9‑color LUCIA PRO II pigments, Chroma Optimizer for gloss uniformity, a dedicated Matte Black for shadow depth, robust Paper Handling to 13 x 19 A3+ and panoramas, plus Anti‑Clogging and a 3.0-inch LCD. Workflow Tools: wireless connectivity and pro software support make soft‑proofing and layout straightforward, so what you see on a calibrated display is what you hang on the wall. You get desktop convenience with exhibition-grade output—excellent value compared to outsourcing or moving to larger formats.
Final recommendation: Choose the PRO‑310 if you want consistent, gallery-ready monochrome with the flexibility to print up to 13 x 19 inches at home. It’s our dependable runner-up for artists who want pigment permanence and refined tonality in a compact footprint. Who is this for? Amateur and semi-pro photographers focused on black-and-white and fine art pieces who prioritize print quality, tonal nuance, and archival stability over maximum speed.
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer with 3.0″ Color LCD Monitor, 8-Color Dye-Based Ink, Black New Model [PRO-200S]
Amateurs and semi-pros who want a compact, relatively affordable A3+ photo printer to produce gallery-sized black-and-white prints with smooth tonal transitions and quick turnaround, and who prioritize print aesthetics and convenience over maximum pigment-based archival permanence.
- A3+ (13″ x 19″) borderless printing and high 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution for large, detailed prints
- 8-color dye-based system delivers very smooth tonal gradation and vibrant midtones—good for converting color-to-B&W with rich tonality
- Fast, compact, and user-friendly: wireless connectivity, 3.0″ color LCD, and quick print speeds make it studio- and home-friendly
- Uses dye-based inks rather than pigment/grayscale inks, which reduces archival permanence and can produce slight color casts in B&W
- No dedicated pigment matte/gray inks or a true monochrome mode—limits ultimate neutrality and longevity compared with pro pigment printers
Want gallery-ready black-and-white prints at home? You get fast, large (up to 13″ x 19″) prints with very smooth tonal transitions and easy setup—perfect for producing portfolios or exhibition test prints quickly. The tradeoff: you accept dye-based inks (so prints won’t match the archival fade resistance and absolute neutral blacks of pigment grayscale printers). If you value speed, tonal richness, and price/performance for display or portfolio work, this will save you time and produce striking prints; if archival permanence and pure neutral grayscale are critical, consider a pigment-based alternative.
Want gallery-size black-and-white prints without outsourcing? This compact A3+ photo printer lands at #3 in our lineup with a strong 80/100 score for its blend of speed, smooth tonality, and easy, at-home fine art production.
Print Quality: At 4800 x 2400 dpi, details look crisp and textures hold up beautifully in monochrome. Tonal Range: The 8-color dye-based system delivers exceptionally smooth gradations and rich midtones for elegant B&W conversions; Paper Handling: go borderless up to 13 x 19 inches (plus panoramas) for gallery-ready pieces, and Workflow: the 3.0″ color LCD and wireless printing help you produce a bordered A3+ in about 90 seconds when deadlines loom.
Perfect for: fine art prints, portfolio prints, exhibition work, and client proofs. If you want to build a monochrome series at home—think baryta-style looks on luster or glossy papers—and need fast, consistent results for sequencing, test prints, and final pieces, this model keeps your process moving.
Standout features: Borderless A3+ printing for impactful wall pieces, a refined 8-color dye-based system for silky tonality, seamless Wireless connectivity, a handy 3.0″ color LCD, Fast print speeds for quick turnarounds, and a Compact design that fits a home studio. It offers excellent value for photographers who want pro-looking monochrome output with minimal setup fuss and strong price-to-performance.
Final recommendation: Choose this option if you want smooth, gallery-ready B&W prints at home with quick setup and fast delivery times. Who is this for? Amateur and semi-pro photographers focused on monochrome portfolios and fine art printing who value tonal richness, large 13 x 19 output, and streamlined workflow in a competitively priced, space-saving package.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Ethernet, and 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen, White, Large
Photographers needing affordable, versatile photo printing up to 13×19″ with good grayscale reproduction and low ink costs — particularly hobbyists and semi-pros making portfolios, client proofs, or limited exhibition prints.
- Dedicated Gray plus Photo Black inks — improves grayscale tonal transitions and midtone nuance for B&W prints
- Supports up to 13×19″ (wide-format) so you can make larger portfolio or small exhibition prints
- EcoTank refill system gives very low running costs and strong sales momentum suggest reliable mainstream performance
- Not a dedicated pigment-based monochrome printer — dye/pigment mix may limit deepest blacks, tonal subtleties, and long-term archival longevity compared with pro pigment printers
- All-in-one consumer design (small input tray, limited paper handling) and mixed reports on functionality make it less suitable for high-volume studio workflows
Want affordable, large-format black-and-white prints at home without constantly buying cartridges? You’ll be able to print up to 13×19″ with noticeably improved grayscale thanks to the dedicated gray ink, and you’ll save on ink costs with refillable EcoTanks. The tradeoff: you won’t get the absolute deepest blacks or the archival assurance of a high-end pigment mono printer — but you do get an easy, low-cost way to produce strong portfolio and small-exhibit prints without a big ongoing expense.
Want an affordable way to craft gallery-worthy black-and-white at home? This pick lands at #4 in our lineup (score 73/100) because it blends elegant grayscale, large-format flexibility, and ultra-low ink costs in a single, easy-to-use device.
Print Quality: The 6‑color EcoTank set with dedicated Gray and Photo Black delivers neutral grayscale, smooth gradations, and crisp detail up to 5760 × 1440 dpi—perfect for moody landscapes or high‑contrast street scenes. Paper Handling: Go borderless up to 13 × 19 inches, or feed heavier art stocks through the rear path for flatter, cleaner output. Ease of Use: The 4.3‑inch touchscreen plus Wi‑Fi/Ethernet and SD/USB slots makes walk‑up prints and quick proofs simple.
If you want a practical path to B&W artistry without ongoing cartridge costs, this model fits right in. Perfect for: fine art prints, portfolio prints, client proofs.
Standout features: Dedicated Gray ink for smoother monochrome, EcoTank refills for ultra‑low running costs, wide‑format output for impactful display pieces, and responsive touchscreen control with Wi‑Fi/Ethernet and SD/USB direct print. You get gallery-ready results plus everyday scan/copy utility—an excellent price‑to‑performance balance for a home studio.
Final recommendation: Choose this if you value smooth grayscale, large print options, and dramatically lower ink spend in a simple, reliable setup. Who is this for? Amateur and semi‑professional photographers who prioritize monochrome tonality and want to produce consistent fine‑art pieces and polished portfolios from home.
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready, Black, Large
photographers needing an affordable, compact wide-format printer that delivers very good black-and-white tonal range and 13×19 borderless prints for portfolios, proofs, and personal fine-art prints — but who do not require museum-grade pigment archival permanence.
- Affordable wide-format capability — borderless prints up to 13×19 for portfolio and exhibition-sized proofs
- 6-color Claria Photo HD with a dedicated gray ink improves monochrome tonal gradation and smoother midtones
- Easy setup and strong recent sales momentum — good value for hobbyists wanting large B&W prints
- Dye-based Claria inks (not pigment) reduce long-term archival permanence compared with pro pigment printers
- Mixed user feedback on print consistency and overall build/reliability (3.9 rating, many mixed reviews)
Want large, expressive black-and-white prints at home without spending pro-printer money? You’ll get borderless 13×19 prints with smoother tonal transitions thanks to the gray ink, fast setup, and good value for hobbyist or semi-pro proofing and small exhibition runs. Tradeoff: you give up the archival permanence and deepest blacks of pigment-based pro printers, but you gain lower cost, compact footprint, and easy everyday use.
Want wall-worthy monochrome without a studio-sized machine? Our #5 pick earns a 72.5/100 for pairing wide-format output with smooth grayscale and easy everyday use—great if you want fine art prints at home and a strong price-to-performance ratio. You get big, clean results and a compact body that actually fits your desk.
Print Quality: Expect crisp detail up to 5760 x 1440 dpi with clean highlights and rich midtones that flatter portraits, street scenes, and minimal landscapes. Ink System: The 6‑color Claria Photo HD set with a dedicated gray ink delivers neutral grayscale and smooth gradations that elevate black-and-white work. Paper Handling: Go borderless up to 13×19 for gallery-style pieces, and use the rear specialty tray for cardstock and fine photo papers with reliable feeding.
Tonal Range: That gray channel keeps your blacks neutral and transitions silky, so skies, skin, and shadows feel natural—not harsh. Real-world win: create a cohesive series of prints with consistent tonality for critiques, portfolio reviews, or a small home exhibit, all from your desktop. Perfect for: fine art prints, portfolio prints, client proofs.
Why it stands out: Big-print capability in a small footprint plus convenience features you’ll actually use. Highlights include 13×19 borderless, 6-color Claria Photo HD, dedicated gray ink, a rear specialty tray, wireless printing for quick sends from laptop or tablet, auto‑duplex for contact sheets and documents, and a compact wide‑format design that’s easy to live with. It’s competitively priced compared to larger pro units, yet delivers impressive monochrome character.
Final recommendation: Choose this model if you want large, expressive black-and-white prints with smooth tonal control and straightforward setup at a budget-friendly entry point. Who is this for? Amateur and semi-pro photographers who prioritize at-home fine art and portfolio work, need reliable client proofs, and want the flexibility of 13×19 output without investing in a heavy, studio-class printer.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Ethernet, and 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen
Amateurs and semi-pro photographers who want low-cost, large-format black-and-white and color prints at home — good for making portfolio prints, exhibition proofs, and economical fine-art runs where value and convenience matter more than museum-level archival permanence.
- Includes a dedicated Gray ink plus Photo Black and Black — helps produce smoother tonal transitions in monochrome prints
- Supports wide-format borderless printing up to 13 x 19″ — good for portfolio and exhibition prints
- Very low running cost thanks to EcoTank refillable bottles — economical for high-volume printing of test prints and editions
- Uses dye-based Claria ET inks (not pigment) — lower archival permanence and potentially less neutral blacks than pigment-based fine-art printers
- Not a dedicated professional monochrome printer (lacks the advanced black/mono modes and pigment ink sets of Epson’s SureColor P-series)
Want large, gallery-ready-looking black-and-white prints at home without paying lab prices? You’ll get rich, smoother grayscale transitions and borderless prints up to 13×19″ while keeping your ongoing ink costs very low. The tradeoff: prints use dye inks rather than pigment, so if you need museum-grade archival permanence you’ll want a pigment-based pro model — but if you need economical, high-quality portfolio prints and proofs, you’ll save time and money while getting excellent tonal control.
Want rich, gallery-style black-and-white at home without lab waits? The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 lands at #6 in our lineup with a 67/100 score for its smooth grayscale control, wide-format capability, and exceptionally low running costs—great for building your fine art portfolio on your schedule.
Print Quality: The 6-color EcoTank set with Gray, Photo Black, and Black delivers smooth gradations and natural tonality that flatter monochrome work. Paper Handling: Go big with borderless prints up to 13 x 19″, load specialty media up to 1.3 mm, and enjoy streamlined control via the 4.3″ touchscreen and Wi‑Fi/Ethernet connectivity.
If you’re assembling a cohesive monochrome portfolio or need consistent exhibition proofs, you’ll love the tonal smoothness and flexible media support. Perfect for: fine art prints, portfolio prints, client proofs, and short-run editions.
Ink System: Refillable EcoTank refills keep per‑print costs low for high‑volume testing and editions, while the dedicated Gray helps maintain neutral grayscale with subtle transitions. Workflow & Utilities: The built-in scanner/copier, Epson Smart Panel app control, and dependable 13×19 borderless output create a strong price-to-performance sweet spot for a small home studio.
Final recommendation: Choose the ET‑8550 if you want elegant black-and-white tonality, large-format output, and long-term savings in one easy desktop unit. Who is this for? Amateur and semi-pro photographers who value smooth monochrome gradations, economical in-house printing, and versatile media handling for portfolio and exhibition work.
Your Perfect Photo Printer: Final Picks by Use Case
Canon imagePROGRAF Professional 13" PRO-310
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Wireless
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