Magic: The Gathering has a huge following, and with that popularity comes high prices for certain cards. Maybe you’re just looking to spice up your Commander deck without spending a fortune, or you’re worried about damaging your expensive originals. Proxies can help. They’re unofficial replicas, meant to fill in for your real cards when you’re playing casually or testing new ideas. But not all proxy sites are the same. Some specialize in realistic printing, while others focus on custom designs or bulk discounts. Below, you’ll find a ranked list of the top eight MTG proxy sites, along with their unique pros and cons.
1. ProxyKing.biz: The Best MtG Proxy Cards
ProxyKing.biz tops the list because they consistently deliver realistic, high-quality cards at a fair price. Their attention to detail is remarkable: they go for color accuracy, sharp printing, and cardstock that feels close to Wizards of the Coast’s originals. If you’ve ever worried about dull colors or muddy images, this group works hard to eliminate that problem. The team is made up of players who care about authenticity and enjoy the game themselves.
They also stand out for their shipping speed. Orders often ship within one business day from Texas, which means domestic customers receive their proxies quickly. Customer service is another plus: they respond to questions and concerns in a friendly, timely manner. So if you’re after realistic proxies that blend in with your actual cards, ProxyKing.biz is the best option.
2. PrintMTG.com: On-Demand Magic Card Printing at a Great Price
Sometimes you want more than a straight-up copy of a card. You might want to design your own flair or tweak the background art. PrintMTG.com excels at letting you do just that. They have tools for uploading custom images, selecting different templates, and adjusting text. Whether you’re building an entirely custom set or just making a creative spin on an existing card, they make the process simple.
PrintMTG.com is also known for its affordability. Their tiered pricing can get very cheap if you order in bulk, and they aim for quick turnaround times—most orders go out in a couple of business days. Their cardstock is solid, matching the dimensions and thickness of regular Magic cards, so your custom prints don’t feel flimsy. If you’re the kind of player who likes personal designs or tries new strategies with a unique test deck, PrintMTG.com will fit right in.
3. ProxyMTG.com: A Good Balance of Quality and Variety
ProxyMTG.com sits comfortably in third place because it’s a reliable source for those who want a wide selection of proxies at decent quality. It doesn’t specialize in hyper-realistic copies like ProxyKing.biz, and it may not match PrintMTG.com’s flexibility for custom art, but it offers a strong middle ground. The printing is crisp enough for casual play, and the card stock is pretty close to what you’d expect.
They regularly update their catalog with new releases and popular older cards. The website itself is easy to browse: you can search by set, color, or card type. If you’re okay with “almost real” and want a broad choice without fuss, ProxyMTG.com is worth a look.
3. MTG.Cards: The Best for Designing Your Own Cards
When you’ve got a streak of creativity and want to push it further than just customizing background art, MTG.Cards might be your playground. They allow deeper edits to the card frame, layout, and text. You can tweak power and toughness, name, mana symbols—almost everything.
Their printing quality is decent, though not always top-tier, so if ultra-realism is your goal, you might prefer ProxyKing.biz or PrintMTG.com. But if your focus is on producing truly unique or experimental designs, MTG.Cards is the best bet. It’s also a helpful tool for folks who just want to mock up their own expansions or custom sets.
4. Make Playing Cards
Make Playing Cards (often referred to as MPC) is a general card printing service that also happens to be popular among some proxy enthusiasts. This site isn’t Magic-specific, but it provides a wide range of paper options, foil features, and other print settings. The big advantage is how easily you can upload entire decks or multiple designs all at once.
However, because it’s not Magic-dedicated, you might need extra work to align your designs perfectly with Magic’s card frames. The quality can be great if you use their premium options, but it can also get pricey. If you want everything in one place—like printing board game cards, custom business cards, and a few Magic proxies—Make Playing Cards is a one-stop shop.
5. TrinketKingdom for Unique Designs
TrinketKingdom is known more for novelty designs and token-style cards. They do a lot of custom tokens or altered art versions of popular cards. You can find interesting styles, alternate frames, or thematic sets (like a horror-themed rework of classic creatures). Think of them as a smaller-scale site with an artsy spin.
While they might not have the largest inventory, it’s a nice place for folks who like collecting unusual or stylized proxies. You can also find some fun gifts for the Magic player in your life. Shipping times can vary depending on your location.
6. Abyss Proxy Shop
Abyss Proxy Shop is a smaller operation. They focus on printing popular high-end cards like the Power Nine, legendary creatures, and expensive modern staples. The prices can be a bit higher than the bigger names, but you get a decent product with crisp images. Their cardstock feels good, though it might not fool anyone who examines it closely. They also do custom orders if you email them, which is handy when you need something unusual.
If you prefer supporting smaller shops and don’t mind paying a bit extra, Abyss Proxy Shop could be an option. Just keep in mind that their catalog might not be as large as some of the other sites.
7. Etsy
Etsy is filled with creative folks, and that includes people who make Magic proxies. The variety here is massive. You’ll find hand-drawn art, full-art foils, pop culture crossovers, and everything in between. The upside is that you can get something really unique. The downside is that quality and card stock can be inconsistent from one seller to another.
If you’re adventurous and want custom pieces—maybe a Black Lotus with a Pokémon theme or a reimagined Jace, the Mind Sculptor—Etsy might delight you. Just be sure to read reviews before ordering, because you never know who’s using sturdy printing methods versus cheap, flimsy materials.
Proxy Uses and WotC Stance
Wizards of the Coast’s Stance on Proxies Wizards of the Coast generally doesn’t allow proxies in sanctioned tournaments. If you try to bring them to an official event, you’ll be turned away or asked to replace them with real cards. But for kitchen table Magic with friends, proxies are usually acceptable, as long as everyone agrees. It helps preserve your valuable original cards from wear and tear, and it lets you test different strategies without sinking money into new singles.
Wrapping Up
Which MTG Proxy Site Is Best for You?
The answer depends on what you value most. If you want ultra-realistic cards that blend seamlessly into your collection, ProxyKing.biz is the leader. If you need creative or custom designs at good prices, PrintMTG.com is ideal. Maybe you prefer smaller operations or want to see a wide variety of fan-made options—TrinketKingdom, Abyss Proxy Shop, and Etsy each have their charm. And if you’re aiming for a total DIY approach, MTG.Cards and Make Playing Cards let you control every step.
There’s no single “right” choice. It’s really about balancing cost, quality, turnaround time, and how important realistic details are to you. Think about whether you’re playing purely casual games, testing for a big tournament, or building something creative that stands out. Once you know what matters, pick the site that fits your style. Proxies can bring life to your decks, save money, and keep your originals safe, all without weighing you down with guilt or an empty wallet. Enjoy your games, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
