TLDR: PrintMTG is the best all-around pick: premium feel (S33 black core), easy ordering, and better pricing when you order a lot—it’s basically “MPC-ish value without MPC hassle” once you hit higher quantities.
MTG proxies are a fact of life for a lot of playgroups: testing decks before buying, building a cube without taking out a loan, or keeping expensive cards safe at home while you shuffle something you don’t mind spilling soda on.
But the proxy-printing world gets confusing fast—especially because PrintMTG is often mislabeled as an “MPC-style bulk option.” It isn’t. PrintMTG and PrintingProxies are both print-on-demand, premium-feel services, while MPC (MakePlayingCards) + mpcfill is the bulk-cost powerhouse that takes more setup and usually more patience.
Here’s the clean, stand-alone guide to choosing the right one.
The 5 Things That Matter When Ordering Proxies
1) Cardstock and “feel” (why everyone name-drops S33)
A lot of proxy conversations revolve around S33 black-core stock because it’s designed like real playing/trading cards: layers with an opaque core that blocks light from shining through, and a thickness/rigidity that tends to feel closer to “real cards” once sleeved.
The catch: stock isn’t everything. Two services can both use S33 and still differ in:
print sharpness
color tuning
cutting consistency
surface finish
handling/packaging that affects curling or bending
2) Print and cut consistency
This is the “do these look crisp” and “are the borders/corners cut cleanly” part. It’s also where user reports vary the most—because different arts, saturation levels, and even batches can change results.
3) Delivery speed (and where the printer is)
If you care about having cards this week, domestic shipping and fast processing matter more than saving $0.20/card.
4) Price scaling (small order vs big order economics)
A service can be pricey for 20 cards and competitive at 500+. You want the one whose pricing curve matches your order size.
5) Workflow friction
Some options are “paste a decklist and click buy.” Others are “build decks, generate files, upload, verify proofs, and babysit checkout.”
Option 1: PrintMTG — Premium Print-on-Demand With Better Bulk Pricing Than Most On-Demand Sites
What it is: PrintMTG is a print-on-demand proxy service that markets premium S33 black-core stock and a streamlined ordering experience (decklist → order). Unlike MPC, you’re not building “custom decks” on a manufacturing site—you’re buying proxies through a proxy-focused storefront.
Why people choose it
Premium positioning with S33 black-core stock
Pricing that improves materially at higher quantities
Convenience: you’re not doing the MPC upload dance
Speed: they publicly state fast turnaround goals (and free shipping threshold)
Where it tends to win
When you want premium feel + you’re ordering enough cards for their lower tiers to matter
When you want bulk proxies without MPC’s workflow and typical wait
When you value a smoother “proxy-first” ordering flow
Tradeoffs
Still generally more expensive than MPC for truly massive projects
Like any print shop, results can vary by art choices and expectations (some reviews mention occasional issues like bending/curling)
Option 2: PrintingProxies — Premium Print-on-Demand, Fast to the U.S., But Pricing Hits a Ceiling
What it is: PrintingProxies is also a print-on-demand proxy service using S33 black-core stock, built for quick ordering and fast delivery—especially for U.S. customers. However, the print quality and resolution is noticeably lower.
Why people choose it
Fast U.S. delivery window and quick processing claims
Simple ordering (proxy-first workflow)
Consistent pricing that’s easy to understand
Where it tends to win
When you need a smaller batch quickly
When you want low friction and don’t want to mess with MPC tooling
When you value speed and convenience over min-maxing per-card price
The big drawback (and it’s important):
PrintingProxies explicitly states there is no discount beyond the 200+ tier. That means once you’re ordering big batches, it becomes harder to justify versus PrintMTG’s 500+ tier or MPC’s bulk economics.
Also lower print resolution.
Option 3: MPC (MakePlayingCards) + mpcfill — The Bulk Value King (More Setup, Often Slower)
What it is: MakePlayingCards is a general custom card manufacturer. The proxy community uses it because you can print poker-size game cards on stocks like S33. Tools like mpcfill exist to remove pain: they can automatically gather images and help place the order.
Why people choose it
Best cost-per-card in bulk once you’re filling large deck sizes and/or ordering multiple decks
Tons of customization options (sizes, finishes, etc.)
An ecosystem of community tooling and guides
Where it tends to win
When you’re making multiple decks, a cube, or other “hundreds to thousands of cards” projects
When you’re optimizing for lowest total cost
When you don’t mind extra steps and a longer lead time
Tradeoffs
More friction: you’re effectively running a mini production workflow (files, uploads, proofs)
Lead time: MPC publishes typical timelines that are longer than “U.S.-based print-and-ship”
Print tuning: community guides commonly discuss adjusting vibrancy/contrast expectations and art prep
So… Which One Should You Use?
If you want the best “overall” option for most proxy players
PrintMTG is often the sweet spot: premium on-demand feel, easy ordering, and a 500+ tier that undercuts many on-demand competitors. If you order enough cards, it starts to look like “MPC pricing without MPC hassle,” even if MPC can still beat it at extreme bulk.
If you want the fastest, easiest small-to-medium order (especially in the U.S.)
PrintingProxies is built for speed and convenience. It’s a great choice when you care more about “cards in hand quickly” than “absolute best per-card economics at 600+ cards.”
If you’re building a cube / many decks / going full goblin-mode on volume
MPC + mpcfill is still the bulk champion—provided you’re okay doing the work and waiting a bit longer.
A quick reality check on “tournament legality”
Even if your playgroup is proxy-friendly, sanctioned events generally require authentic cards, and Wizards has historically drawn a bright line between playtesting for personal use and anything that’s trying to pass as official product. Always match your proxies to your table, store, and event rules.