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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Your 5×7 prints will look either lab-quality or like a quick snapshot, and the key difference is sheet weight. Heavier paper (measured in grams per square meter, or gsm) feels stiffer, resists curling, and holds more ink without colors bleeding, so it looks closer to a traditional photo. Lighter paper is fine for everyday prints and flyers, but it won’t have that premium feel.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You’ll find picks for bulk value, lab-grade color, and instant-dry convenience below, so you can match the right sheet to your printer and your project.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 5×7 Photo Paper
Before you click buy, focus on three things: the paper’s weight, the finish, and whether it matches your printer’s ink. Weight is listed in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm), and higher numbers mean a thicker, sturdier sheet. Finish matters because glossy paper gives vibrant, reflective colors while a matte or luster finish reduces glare.
Match the Paper to Your Ink Type
Most home inkjet printers use dye ink, which soaks into the paper’s coating and dries fast. Some photo papers are tune specifically for dye ink, so check the listing before you buy. If you have a pigment-ink printer, you need paper designed for that, or the ink may sit on the surface and smear.
Count the Sheets You Actually Need
Packs range from 20 sheets up to 200, and the price difference is often smaller than you’d expect. If you print photos a few times a month, a small pack keeps the paper fresh and flat. If you run a small business or print in batches, a bulk pack of 160 or 200 sheets makes more sense.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Sheet Count | Paper Weight | Finish | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Glossy II (Pack of 2)★ Best Overall | Vibrant lab-style color | 40 | 69 lb | Glossy | Amazon |
| KODAK SnapshotBest Value | Budget-friendly snapshots | 50 | 48 lb | Glossy | Amazon |
| Lokunn Variety PackMost Versatile | Multiple sizes in one box | 110 | 180 gsm | Glossy | Amazon |
| Reastar Glossy | Bulk 5×7-only printing | 160 | 48 lb | Glossy | Amazon |
| Pikapoka Variety Pack | Heavy mixed-size packets | 150 | 200 gsm | Glossy | Amazon |
| Canon Glossy II (20 Sheets) | Frame-worthy home prints | 20 | 69 lb | Glossy | Amazon |
| HP Advanced | Professional handling durability | 60 | 10.5 mil | Glossy | Amazon |
| ZBEIVAN Variety Pack | Multi-size dye-ink projects | 150 | 200 gsm | Glossy | Amazon |
| Magecubiku Heavyweight | Postcards and cake toppers | 200 | 260 gsm | High Gloss | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. CanonInk Photo Paper Plus Glossy II 5″ x 7″ (Pack of 2)
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 12,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The heavyweight Canon that turns home prints into sharp, frame-worthy keepsakes
This Canon paper is the crowd favorite — with 4.8 stars across 12,500+ ratings, it holds the highest score on this list by a clear margin. The defining feature is its weight: at 69 lb, it is noticeably heavier than standard glossy sheets, which is exactly why prints come out sharper with richer color. As buyers report, “The Canon Glossy Photo Paper Plus II is alot heavier then the standard Cannon glossy paper and prints are sharpen with great color.”
Quality is the thing everyone raves about — over 600 owners single it out as the paper’s best trait, with value for money coming in second at more than 300 mentions. It works well beyond Canon printers too, with owners confirming crisp, smudge-free results on Epson ET-series models. The pack gives you 40 sheets total (two 20-sheet packs), and the paper is biodegradable.
The only real trade-off is price per sheet — this genuine Canon option costs more than generic brands, and it arrives in a paper bag that can leave minor corner bumps in transit. For prints you plan to frame or give as gifts, the extra cost buys noticeably better color depth.
Why It Wins
- Heavier 69 lb stock resists curling and holds ink better
- Higher rating than any other pick on this list
- Consistent results across Canon and Epson printers
Consider Before Buying
- Costs more per sheet than generic glossy options
- Arrives in a soft paper bag, so corners may bump
Reach for this if: you want lab-quality color depth and don’t mind paying a little more per sheet for it.
Look elsewhere if: you need maximum bulk for the lowest cost, since the sheet count here is modest at 40.
2. KODAK Photo Paper Gloss 5 X 7 SNAPSHOT (50 Count)
Instant-dry Kodak gloss that keeps everyday snapshots smudge-free on any inkjet
Kodak’s Snapshot paper is the budget-conscious pick that promises “instant dry” prints, so you can grab a photo straight off the printer without smearing. The 48 lb weight is lighter than the Canon above (69 lb), which keeps the cost down while still delivering glossy, crisp results. As owners mention, it “Work great and no smudges using my inkjet printer.”
Print quality is the most-mentioned strength, with owners finding the gloss level “perfect” and the images clear for the money. It’s explicitly guaranteed to work with any inkjet printer, and the 180 gsm thickness gives it a stiffness that feels more premium than its price suggests. Some owners actually find it quite thick, while others call it thin — the experience varies by printer settings.
The color feedback is genuinely mixed: some customers note outstanding vibrancy, while others find the output less punchy than pricier brands. One hard warning in the listing: this paper is NOT compatible with the Kodak Dock printer, so if that’s your device, look elsewhere.
Smart budget gloss: Kodak delivers solid, smudge-free snapshots at a per-sheet cost that undercuts the premium brands, with the understanding that color pop is good but not exceptional.
Grab it when: you want a reliable, economical glossy for everyday family prints and your printer is a standard inkjet.
Skip it for: projects where maximum color vibrancy is the goal, since some owners find the output less vivid than higher-end sheets.
3. Lokunn Glossy Photo Paper (110 Sheets, 4 Sizes)
Four sizes in one box so you never need a separate pack per project
Lokunn’s set solves the “wrong size” problem by bundling 110 sheets across four dimensions: 40 sheets of 3.5″x5″, 30 sheets of 4″x6″, 20 sheets of 5″x7″, and 20 sheets of 8.5″x11″. That flexibility is the standout here, and it’s why owners use it for everything from photos to school display boards. The paper quality earns the most praise — 17 owners call it out — with image quality and value close behind.
The gloss coating is waterproof, and the ink absorbs so fast that prints come out dry to the touch. Reviewers point out, “Photos turned out great, ink was instantly dry so little toddlers pulling it out of printer did not effect the gloss.” The sheets are cut cleanly with no ragged edges, and a printed word on the back tells you which side faces up, so you won’t waste a sheet on a misprint.
Paper sizes do draw mixed feedback — some owners love the variety, while others wish one size had more sheets. If you print almost everything at 5×7, you’ll burn through only 20 sheets from this pack quickly. It’s made for dye-ink inkjet printers, and the maker notes dye ink makes colors more vivid.
One-box convenience: If your printing spans multiple sizes, this avoids buying four separate packs, and the waterproof coating adds durability for long-term use.
Perfect for: families and light crafters who print photos, recipe cards, and calendar pages in different sizes throughout the year.
Not ideal for: heavy 5×7-only users, who will use up the 20-sheet 5×7 stack in one sitting.
4. Reastar Glossy Photo Paper 5×7 in (160 Sheets)
A 160-sheet 5×7 stack that feeds smoothly and dries ink before you touch it
Reastar goes big on quantity, packing 160 sheets of 5×7 glossy into a single box, compared to the Kodak’s 50 sheets. At 48 lb / 180 gsm it sits in the mid-weight range, thick enough to feel substantial while still feeding smoothly through home inkjets. The advanced cast coating is the selling point, making ink dry fast without smearing or jamming.
Paper quality is the most-praised trait with 90 owners mentioning it, and value for money is a close second at 45. Prints come out clear and bright, and the glossy finish is described as similar to HP photo paper in quality. The back is left blank so you can write dates or notes on the reverse, and the coating resists fingerprints.
The honest catch here is mixed feedback on smudge resistance and glossiness — some owners get quick-dry, high-gloss results while a few report ink smearing. The back side is a matte finish, which surprised some buyers expecting gloss on both sides. It’s built for dye ink, and a semi-professional photographer owner reports “surprisingly high quality” for the price.
What Stands Out
- 160 sheets is the most 5×7-only volume on this list
- Blank back is handy for notes or postcard addresses
- Compared to HP photo paper by multiple owners
Keep in Mind
- Smudge and gloss results vary between printers
- Back side is matte, not glossy
Choose this when: you print 5×7 in volume and want the lowest per-sheet cost with decent quality.
Think twice if: you need the absolute highest gloss, since a few owners found the shine less intense than expected.
5. Pikapoka Glossy Photo Paper (150 Sheets, 3 Sizes)
A thick 200 gsm multi-size pack that prints instantly dry with no smudging
Pikapoka’s 52 lb / 200 gsm stock is one of the heavier options here, giving prints a smooth, professional feel that resists curling. The box holds 150 sheets split as 50 each of 3.5″x5″, 4″x6″, and 5″x7″, with no watermark on any sheet. Print quality is the top praise at 10 mentions, with value for money close behind.
Shoppers say it works cleanly with an HP Envy 6100e series printer, producing easy-to-use, clear pictures across all three sizes. The gloss coating dries instantly for vibrant results with no smudging, and it handles both home and office jobs like brochures, catalogs, postcards, and scrapbooking.
The trade-off is that 200 gsm is heavier than budget glossy, so if your printer struggles with thick paper, you may need to adjust the media setting. The pack also splits its 150 sheets across three sizes, meaning you get 50 sheets of each rather than a huge 5×7 stack.
Heft you can feel: the 200 gsm thickness delivers a premium snap, and the instant-dry coating means prints are ready to handle immediately.
Reach for it if: you want thick, professional-feeling paper for mixed-size projects and don’t mind adjusting your printer setting.
Pass if: you print exclusively 5×7 and want more than 50 sheets of that one size.
6. Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II (20 Sheets)
The single-pack Canon that owners call near-lab quality when framed
This is the 20-sheet single pack of the same Plus Glossy II line as our top pick, but at an even higher 69 lb weight. It’s the go-to for owners who want frame-worthy prints of family and pets, with paper quality mentioned 128 times as the standout trait. One owner running a Canon Pixma PRO-100 notes results are “more than acceptable” though not quite Pro Platinum level.
Print quality earns 52 mentions, and compatibility with Canon printers is a strong point at 46. The glossy finish captures ink colors extremely well, producing vibrant colors and great contrast. Owners describe the prints as “sharp as a tack” with razor-crisp lines and no smudging or jams on Canon Pixma machines.
The honest limitation is the price per sheet — at 20 sheets, this is the smallest count on the list, and the cost per print runs higher than bulk options. For occasional special prints rather than high volume, that premium is the point.
Its Strengths
- Heaviest Canon gloss on this list at 69 lb
- Buyers report near-lab quality when framed
- Excellent color capture on Canon Pixma printers
Its Limits
- Only 20 sheets per pack
- Higher per-sheet cost than bulk glossy options
Best for: special prints you plan to frame, gift, or keep in keepsake boxes where color depth matters most.
Not for: bulk printers who will blow through 20 sheets in one afternoon.
7. HP Advanced Photo Paper, Glossy (60 Sheets)
Water-resistant HP gloss that survives repeated handling without losing its finish
HP’s Advanced paper is built for durability, with a 10.5 mil thickness that stands up to frequent handling and resists water and smudges. The maker positions it for long-lasting results when photos sit behind glass or in albums for months or years. Paper quality is the most-discussed strength at 85 mentions, with print quality at 40.
Owners call the finish a nice soft gloss with good color definition, and it works well even with cheaper inkjets — one owner notes it doesn’t cause wear-and-tear on printers. The instant-dry inkjet coating prevents unwanted smudges, and the paper feeds without jamming where cheaper brands hang up. Framed prints are described as indistinguishable from store prints.
The recurring catch is flatness: one art-printing business owner received a recent batch that arrived warped, making framing and matting difficult. It’s an occasional issue rather than a pattern, but if you need perfectly flat sheets for professional matting, this is the risk to weigh.
Built to last: the 10.5 mil thickness and water resistance make this the most durable sheet on the list, ideal for keepsakes and professional display.
Pick this for: prints that will be handled repeatedly or displayed long-term, where durability beats cost.
Be cautious if: you need perfectly flat sheets for professional framing, since occasional batches arrive warped.
8. ZBEIVAN Glossy Photo Paper (150 Sheets, 3 Sizes)
Bright 200 gsm sheets with a scratch-resistant gloss that keeps portraits clean
ZBEIVAN offers 150 sheets split evenly at 50 each across 4″x6″, 5″x7″, and 8.5″x11″, with a solid 200 gsm weight and 100 brightness rating. That brightness number is the highest on this list, which translates to a very white base that makes colors pop. Paper quality leads the praise at 35 mentions, with value for money at 13.
Owners mention clear, clean images on Canon printers, and one notes it’s perfect for portraits. The scratch-resistant glossy surface is single-sided, and the paper dries fast with anti-staining properties.
The one shipping concern: this paper arrives without a box, just floppy sheets in plastic, so edges can be at risk in transit. In that case the edges survived, but it’s worth knowing if you’re particular about pristine corners.
Why It Works
- 100 brightness rating gives a very white print base
- Scratch-resistant gloss protects the finished photo
- Three sizes with 50 sheets each for flexible projects
Watch For
- Ships in plastic without a box, risking edge damage
- Older printers may struggle to feed 200 gsm stock
Grab it for: portrait prints and creative projects where scratch resistance and a bright white base matter.
skip it if: you run an older printer that may not handle thicker 200 gsm media.
9. Magecubiku Inkjet Photo Paper 5×7 (200 Sheets)
The thickest sheet here at 260 gsm, built for postcards and cake toppers that must stand firm
Magecubiku goes heavier than anyone else on this list at 70 lb / 260 gsm, delivering the sturdy, premium snap of traditional lab-developed photos. The heavy cardstock-like weight prevents curling and jams, making it a favorite for DIY postcards, professional portfolios, and even cake toppers. Paper quality is the top praise at 13 mentions, with glossiness and weight tied for second.
The high-gloss surface makes colors pop with rich blacks, and the advanced microporous coating absorbs ink instantly so prints come out dry and smudge-proof. The back is left uncoated and matte, which owners love because it prints well on both sides and takes pen ink and toner for addresses. One owner uses it for cake toppers and reports images always come out great.
The honest catch is that it might be too thick for some users — one owner called the quality “above expectation” but said they’d buy a lighter weight next time. It’s tune for dye ink only, with a note that pigment ink is not recommended, so check your printer’s ink type first.
Maximum substance: at 260 gsm this is the sturdiest, most premium-feeling sheet on the list, ideal when a photo needs to stand up on its own.
Perfect for: postcards, cake toppers, and displays that need rigid, self-supporting paper that won’t curl.
Not for: pigment-ink printers or anyone who finds 200 gsm already thick enough.
Understanding the Specs
Paper Weight: lb vs gsm
Weight is listed two ways: pounds (lb) and grams per square meter (gsm). Higher numbers mean a thicker, stiffer sheet that holds ink better and resists curling. Standard budget glossy runs around 48 lb / 180 gsm, while premium options hit 69-70 lb / 260 gsm. Heavier paper feels closer to a lab print but can be harder for older printers to feed.
Instant-Dry Coating
Instant-dry photo paper has a microporous or cast coating that pulls ink into the sheet immediately. This means you can handle the print right off the printer without smearing. If you print in batches or have kids around, this feature prevents ruined prints. It also matters for dye ink, which soaks in differently than pigment ink.
FAQ
Will 5×7 photo paper fit my printer?
What does gsm mean for photo paper?
Can I use glossy photo paper with a pigment ink printer?
How long does glossy photo paper last before fading?
Why do my prints come out smudged?
Is thicker photo paper always better?
What’s the difference between glossy and high gloss finish?
How many 5×7 sheets come in a bulk pack?
Can I print on the back of single-sided photo paper?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the 5×7 photo paper winner is the CanonInk Glossy II Pack of 2 because it pairs the highest rating on this list with genuinely heavier stock that makes colors look richer. If you want instant-dry glossy for the lowest per-sheet cost, grab the KODAK Snapshot 50-pack. And for the thickest, sturdiest 5×7 sheet available, the Magecubiku 260 gsm is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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