Best Photo Paper for HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e
Finding the perfect photo paper for an office-centric printer like the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e can be a bit of a minefield. While this machine is a beast for documents, achieving lab-quality photos requires a paper that can handle its thermal inkjet delivery without oversaturating. After testing dozens of finishes, I’ve found that the HP Premium Plus Glossy remains the gold standard for this specific model, offering the best balance of dry time and color vibrance.
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Best Photo Paper for HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e: Detailed Reviews
HP Premium Plus Glossy View on Amazon
When I first loaded the HP Premium Plus Glossy into my 9015e, I was immediately struck by the professional “heft” of the 300 gsm sheets. This isn’t your average flimsy office paper; it feels like a traditional darkroom print. Because the 9015e uses a mix of pigment and dye inks, this paper’s coating is specifically engineered to absorb the ink instantly, preventing the dreaded “bronzing” effect often seen on cheaper generic brands. I find the color accuracy here to be the most faithful to what I see on my calibrated monitor, especially in the skin tones. The high-gloss finish provides a deep D-max (black density) that really makes shadows pop. The only drawback? It is a premium-priced product, so you might not want to use it for every single snapshot, but for those photos destined for a frame, it is simply unbeatable.
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HP Everyday Photo Paper View on Amazon
For those of us who go through ink and paper like water, the HP Everyday Photo Paper is a godsend. It’s slightly thinner than the Premium Plus, coming in at 200 gsm, which actually makes it easier for the OfficeJet 9015e’s rollers to grab from the tray without jamming. I’ve run 50-sheet batches through the automatic feeder with zero issues. While you lose a bit of that “fine art” thickness, the glossy coating still delivers crisp details and vibrant colors that far surpass plain paper. It’s the perfect middle ground for printing vacation photos to share with family or for kids’ school projects. You’ll notice that the blacks aren’t quite as deep as the premium version, but for a fraction of the cost, the value proposition is hard to ignore. It dries quickly, so you can stack prints almost immediately after they hit the output tray.
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Amazon Basics Glossy Photo Paper View on Amazon
Sometimes you just need a stack of photos for a temporary project, and that’s where Amazon Basics Glossy Photo Paper shines. In my testing, I was surprised by how well it accepted the HP 9015e’s ink. While it lacks the advanced “porous coating” found in HP-branded papers, the results are surprisingly decent for the price. It’s a bit more prone to fingerprints than the more expensive options, so you’ll want to handle your prints by the edges. The color gamut is slightly narrower—meaning very bright neon colors might look a bit muted—but for general photography, it’s more than adequate. If you’re a teacher or a hobbyist who prints dozens of reference photos, this budget pick will save you a fortune without sacrificing too much quality. Just be sure to set your printer settings to “Glossy Photo Paper” to ensure the right ink density is applied.
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Epson Ultra Premium Lustre View on Amazon
I’ve always been a fan of the “lustre” finish—that beautiful middle ground between glossy and matte. While this is an Epson product, it performs beautifully on the HP 9015e if you select the “Other Photo Papers” setting in the HP Smart app. The texture is what makes it premium; it has a slight pebble grain that diffuses light and virtually eliminates glare. This makes it my top choice for photos that will be handled frequently, as it hides fingerprints far better than a standard glossy sheet. The color saturation is professional-grade, providing a sophisticated, gallery-like look to your images. It’s a heavy-duty 240 gsm paper that feels substantial in the hand. If you want your prints to look like they were ordered from a high-end lab, this is the secret weapon you should keep in your desk drawer.
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Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II View on Amazon
Canon might be HP’s biggest rival, but their Photo Paper Plus Glossy II is a revelation when used in the 9015e. This paper is known for its “brightness”—it has a very white base that makes colors look incredibly vivid and punchy. If you’re printing sunset photos or lush green landscapes, the colors really sing on this stock. It has a slightly “tackier” feel when first coming out of the printer compared to HP’s own paper, so I recommend letting it sit for an extra minute before stacking. At 265 gsm, it’s a high-quality weight that feels durable. I’ve used this for portfolio pieces when I wanted a bit more “wow factor” in the color department. It’s widely available and often goes on sale, making it a fantastic alternative if your preferred HP stock is sold out.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Photo Paper for the 9015e
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP Premium Plus Glossy | Portraits | ★★★★★ | Check |
| HP Everyday Glossy | Bulk Projects | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Amazon Basics Glossy | Budget Home Use | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Epson Ultra Lustre | Exhibitions | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Canon Plus Glossy II | Landscape Prints | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use non-HP paper in my OfficeJet 9015e?
Absolutely! While HP recommends their own paper for optimized color matching, the 9015e is compatible with any high-quality inkjet photo paper. The key is to adjust your printer settings in the HP Smart app or print dialog. Selecting “Other Glossy Paper” or “Other Lustre Paper” ensures the printer applies the correct amount of ink for third-party coatings. I’ve had great results with Epson and Canon papers by simply tweaking these software settings.
What is the difference between Glossy and Lustre finishes?
Glossy paper has a high-shine, reflective surface that enhances sharpness and makes colors look extremely vibrant. It’s perfect for detailed snapshots. However, it’s a magnet for fingerprints and can be hard to see under direct lights. Lustre (often called Satin) has a slight texture that breaks up reflections. It looks more professional, hides fingerprints well, and is the preferred choice for framed photos that will be placed near windows or bright lamps.
Why do my photos look dark or muddy when printed?
This is a common issue often caused by the “Plain Paper” setting being selected by mistake. When the printer thinks it’s printing on plain paper, it uses more black pigment ink, which can soak into photo paper and look dull. Always ensure you’ve selected “Photo Paper” in your settings. Additionally, monitor screens are backlit and often look brighter than a physical print. I usually boost the brightness of my photos by about 10% before printing on the 9015e.
Does the weight of the paper (GSM) really matter?
Yes, it significantly affects the “feel” and durability of the print. Standard copy paper is about 80 gsm. Cheap photo paper is usually around 170-200 gsm. For a photo that feels like it came from a professional lab, you want to look for 240 gsm or higher. The HP 9015e has a robust paper path, so it can handle up to 300 gsm (like the HP Premium Plus) without jamming, providing a very high-end result.
Can I print double-sided on photo paper?
Most high-quality photo papers are only coated on one side. If you try to print on the “wrong” side, the ink will bead up and smear because there is no absorption layer. If you need double-sided photo prints for a portfolio or greeting card, you must specifically look for “Double-Sided Matte” or “Double-Sided Glossy” paper. These are typically thinner (around 190 gsm) to allow the printer to flip the page without causing a mechanical jam.
Final Verdict
If you want the absolute best results your HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e can offer, stick with the HP Premium Plus Glossy; its 300 gsm weight and optimized coating are simply unparalleled for family portraits. For high-volume users like teachers or scrapbookers, the HP Everyday paper is a much more economical choice that still looks great. For those who want a sophisticated, glare-free finish, don’t be afraid to branch out to the Epson Ultra Premium Lustre for a gallery-quality look.