Thinking about getting your first wall printer? You’re not alone. With more artists, entrepreneurs, and workshops stepping into the wall printing business, choosing the right machine matters more than ever. Should you go for the beginner-friendly Maxwave or invest in the high-end WallPen? In this practical comparison, we’ll break down what each brand really offers — so you can make a smart choice before you spend a dollar.
My Guide: Maxwave vs. Wallpen for Your First Wall Printer
| Feature | Maxwave | Wallpen |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,450–$10,200 | $40,000–$60,000 |
| Print Speed | 6–10 m²/h | ~3 m²/h |
| Resolution | Up to 2880 dpi | High-quality (“razor-sharp” results) |
| Max Height | 3.5–4 m | Adaptable to height |
| Print Width | Unlimited | Any size (no foils/waste) |
| Ink System | Solvent-free UV, 7+ colors | Eco-friendly UV, water/scratch/fire resistant |
| Support | Pre-installed SW, easy calibration | Full tech & marketing support/training |
| Ideal Buyer | Startups, design, print shops | Agencies, ad firms, premium/brand-focused users |
1. Price Comparison: Maxwave vs WallPen Wall Printers
Let’s compare the price of Maxwave and WallPen wall printers. The cost difference is huge. I’ll break down what your money gets you, especially if you’re buying for the first time.
Maxwave Wall Printer Pricing Breakdown
Maxwave models wall printing machine start at $4,500 USD, with advanced units like the MW-GP200L priced between $6,450–$7,300 USD. They offer 2880 DPI photo-quality, solvent-free UV ink, dual Ricoh heads, and print up to 4 meters high at 6 m²/hour. Efficient electric ink pumping and auto-cleaning keep costs low—one ink set covers 120–200 m². Weighing 43–70 kg, they’re lightweight, making shipping easier and cheaper.
WallPen Wall Printer Pricing and Features
The WallPen E2 costs between $40,000 and $60,000 USD, reflecting its premium German engineering, advanced automation, and strong brand reputation. It prints at 3 m²/hour, slower than most Maxwave models. While WallPen emphasizes its automation and all-in-one design, it provides less info on ink cost-efficiency compared to Maxwave.
My Take: Value for First-Time Buyers
In my opinion, Maxwave is the clear choice if your budget and flexibility are important. You get professional-level quality, faster print speeds, and lower running costs for a small part of the price.
If you have a large budget and need premium automation, WallPen is an option. It has brand recognition and advanced features, but the initial price is very high. For most new wall printer business owners, I suggest Maxwave. Its pricing helps you make a profit faster and with less risk from the start.
2. Technical Specs: Maxwave vs. Wallpen Wall Printers
When comparing the tech specs of Maxwave and Wallpen wall printer machine, I think a few things matter most for new buyers. Let’s look at print quality, reliability, ease of use, and running costs.
Print Resolution & Quality
Maxwave delivers very high detail. It has a print resolution up to 2880 dpi (some models reach 720×2880 dpi). This gives you sharp, pro-level images. I find it works well for both large murals and fine art on walls.
Wallpen prints up to 1440 dpi. It still makes crisp and nice-looking graphics. However, its max resolution is lower than Maxwave’s.
Print Speed & Format Flexibility
Maxwave prints at 8 square meters per hour in its standard mode. Based on my experience, this speed is great for getting large jobs done quickly.
Wallpen runs at a similar speed in its class, but the exact numbers can change depending on the model.
Print Size: Both brands give you a lot of freedom. You can print with an unlimited width. Maxwave prints up to 4 meters high, while Wallpen reaches up to 3.5 meters. This means you can work on almost any wall size.
Ink System & Printhead Technology
Maxwave
It uses an efficient ink system — 1 liter covers 60–100 m² — and supports CMYK or CMYK+White for bright, vivid prints with lower running costs. Equipped with Epson double heads or optional dual Ricoh seven-color heads, it uses solvent-free UV ink cured instantly by UV-LED, making prints durable.
Wallpen
WallPen supports CMYK+White and advanced UV inks, with double printheads for versatile surface printing. Its standout feature is the option for 3D and 5D effects, ideal for creative wall art.
Maintenance, Usability & Durability
Maxwave
As a wall art printer, it features automatic ink cleaning, nozzle care, and anti-rust linear rails for long printhead life. With pre-installed software, a touchscreen, and one-click printing, it’s easy for beginners. Steel gears, quiet belts, and a built-in leveling system ensure reliable performance.
Wallpen
It offers simple maintenance for reliable operation, and its standout feature is the ability to print complex 3D/5D graphics — perfect for clients seeking unique, eye-catching artwork.
Key Model Highlights
Maxwave MW-GP200L: This model wall printer has dual Ricoh heads and prints at a photo-quality 2880 dpi. It has a 4m print height, features touchscreen controls, and costs between $6,450 and $7,300.
Wallpen 3D/5D Model: This one uses a double head setup and prints at 1440 dpi with a 3.5m print height. It uses CMYK+W ink and is built for creating special 3D/5D effects.
What Stands Out
My take on Maxwave: It focuses on top-tier resolution and low printing costs. It is also very easy to use. I recommend it as a dependable choice for new businesses.
My view on Wallpen: It centers on special 3D printing and creative graphic effects. I suggest it for anyone who wants to offer unique, high-end wall art.
3. Reliability & Maintenance: A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Maxwave vs. WallPen Wall Printer
Choose your first wall printer, I’ve found that reliability and easy maintenance directly impact your daily business. Both Maxwave and WallPen focus on dependable performance, but they get there in different ways.
Build Quality and Maintenance Frequency
- WallPen is known for its German industrial engineering. Its printers have a strong build for commercial use. From my experience, this means you will have very low maintenance needs. I think it’s a strong pick if you need a machine you can trust for big, long-term jobs. The high quality does come with a higher price tag.
- Maxwave machines (like the MW-GP200 and MW-GP200L) focus on a smart design that makes upkeep simple. The Epson printhead has a self-cleaning function. Maintenance is often just cleaning or swapping out basic parts. You don’t need deep technical knowledge. I find that new users can keep things working well without stress.
Automated Features That Increase Reliability
I like that Maxwave has built-in systems to reduce daily problems:
– Electric ink pumping and automatic ink cleaning keep the print system clear and ready to go.
– Low ink alerts help you plan and stop you from running out of ink mid-job.
– Double UV lamps provide strong ink curing for prints that last longer.
– Ricoh printheads are made for a long life and steady quality.
– Solvent-free UV-LED ink clogs less and is safer for you and the environment.
– Touchscreen controls make troubleshooting and setup much faster.
Additionally, the MaxWave wall printer can quickly switch to ground printing, making it a versatile machine for more applications.
Longevity and Consumables
From my experience, high-quality wall printers can last over 8 years with proper maintenance. For both Maxwave and WallPen, replacing consumables like ink filters on schedule keeps printheads clear and print quality high. Common issues like clogging, wear, or printing on rough surfaces are managed with their advanced sensors, durable parts, and solid support.
Practical Maintenance Tips & Data
For Maxwave, I recommend following routine cleaning and changing ink system parts when prompted — its automatic ink cleaning helps reduce downtime, making it great for beginners. WallPen has a tougher industrial build with less frequent basic checks, though at a higher cost. For both brands, printheads will eventually need replacing, but Maxwave’s Ricoh heads are known for durability.
For anyone new to wall printing, my best advice is to stick to the recommended maintenance plan. Use the automated cleaning systems. Replace parts just when needed. This is the best way to get the longest, most reliable service from your digital wall printer, regardless of the brand you select.
4. Ease of Use & Applications: A First-Timer’s Look at Wall Printers
If you’re buying your first wall printing printer, I think two things matter most: how easy it is to use and what you can do with it. Maxwave and Wallpen have different ideas on this. This is important for anyone new to printing on walls.
Maxwave: Easy to Use and Works for Many Jobs
In my opinion, Maxwave built this printer for beginners. It arrives with all software installed and set up at the factory. You can just unbox it and start printing right away. I find this perfect for new companies and small businesses. I also like the touchscreen control system. It has a clean, modern look. It makes it simple to see a preview of your print, check how long it will take, and monitor your ink levels.
What I find very useful is its mobility. The wall printer has wheels and a track system, so moving it around for indoor jobs is easy. It works well on different kinds of walls. It also has automatic cleaning. This means less work for you and helps stop the printhead from getting clogged. Based on my experience, this really helps the printer last longer, which is great if you’re not a technical expert. The wall printer ink system is also simple. It pumps ink on its own and tells you when it’s low, so refilling is no problem.
Application Flexibility:
– Prints up to 4 meters high with no width limit. This covers everything from small café walls to giant office murals.
– It handles custom graphics and art with up to 2880 dpi resolution. Your prints will look sharp and professional, no matter the size.
– The running costs are low. One liter of ink covers 60–100 m², which helps your profit on large or repeat projects.
Key Usability Benefits:
– Ready to use right out of the box
– Easy to move and reposition
– Touchscreen for managing jobs and scheduling maintenance
– Automatic cleaning and simple ink/parts replacement
– Great for murals, business branding, home decor, and store graphics
Wallpen: High Automation for a Higher Price
Wallpen is a different story. I see it as a choice for users who want high-tech automation and a trusted brand name. The price reflects this, costing between $40,000 and $60,000. The print quality is excellent. But the high price and slower print speed of 3 m²/hour can be tough for new users or those on a tight budget. I’d say Wallpen is for big companies or agencies. They often need its advanced features and support to fit into their existing work systems.
Best Suited For:
– Top-tier users who need full support and advanced automatic features
– Projects where a big brand name is more important than the budget
– Situations that need a reliable printer for long-term use and have a large initial budget
Which One Should You Choose?
I’d recommend Maxwave if you want:
– A quick and easy setup process
– Controls that are simple but effective
– A reliable machine with little maintenance for many different jobs
– Low running costs for big or custom projects
Wallpen, I believe, is for people with the money to invest in a top-of-the-line experience. They value its advanced automation and support more than a low starting price or how easy it is to move.
My Final Thoughts: For anyone buying their first wall printer, I suggest Maxwave. It gives you a good mix of a low price, many uses, and simple operation. It helps you grow a business and be creative. Wallpen is for those who want the best performance and support and are willing to pay a luxury price for it.
Summary
Whether you’re starting your first wall printing business or upgrading your workshop, Maxwave and WallPen both bring unique strengths. Maxwave stands out for its affordable pricing, easy operation, and low running costs, making it ideal for first-time buyers. WallPen offers premium engineering and creative effects, suited for those seeking high-end performance. Choose the one that fits your goals — and start turning walls into profit. Ready to learn more? Contact us now for expert advice on wall printers.