Vinyl vs film vs paper stickers
Vinyl isn't the premium option on price: it was the cheapest material at 100 stickers in 2 of 3 sizes we checked. Here's how vinyl, film (BOPP) and paper compare on cost, durability and use.
By Supply Run · prices checked Nov 2, 2026 · shipping not included
The short answer
- Vinyl: the most durable and flexible. Best for stickers people keep: laptops, water bottles, giveaways, outdoor use.
- Film (BOPP): a smooth, water-resistant plastic. Great for product labels on jars and bottles, and often cheapest for big sticker runs.
- Paper: the cheapest label material, easy to write on and recyclable with the package, but it doesn't like water or rubbing.
Who uses what
| Material | Die-cut stickers | Roll labels |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Sticker Mule, StickerApp, UPrinting | StickerApp |
| Film (BOPP) | StickerGiant, Vistaprint, Avery WePrint | UPrinting, Avery WePrint |
| Paper | — | Sticker Mule, StickerGiant, Vistaprint |
Finishes vary too: most are glossy, Sticker Mule's die-cut stickers are matte only.
What each material costs
Cheapest price per sticker for each material, by size and quantity. Shipping not included.
| Die-cut sticker | Vinyl | Film (BOPP) |
|---|---|---|
| 2" × 2" × 100 | $0.35 UPrinting | $0.70 Vistaprint |
| 2" × 2" × 1,000 | $0.18 UPrinting | $0.20 StickerGiant |
| 3" × 3" × 100 | $0.64 UPrinting | $0.85 Avery WePrint |
| 3" × 3" × 1,000 | $0.33 StickerApp | $0.30 Avery WePrint |
| 4" × 4" × 100 | $1.04 UPrinting | $1.02 StickerGiant |
| 4" × 4" × 1,000 | $0.49 StickerApp | $0.45 StickerGiant |
| Roll label | Paper | Vinyl | Film (BOPP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" × 2" × 100 | $0.54 Vistaprint | $0.56 StickerApp | $0.67 UPrinting |
| 2" × 2" × 250 | $0.25 Vistaprint | $0.27 StickerApp | $0.34 UPrinting |
| 2" × 2" × 1,000 | $0.11 Vistaprint | $0.11 StickerApp | $0.13 UPrinting |
The takeaway: material barely moves the price. The supplier and the quantity matter far more, so pick the material for the job, then compare suppliers that offer it.
Which to choose
- Packaging seals and thank-you stickers: any material works. Paper is fine indoors and costs least.
- Stickers you hand out or sell: vinyl. It holds up on bags, laptops and water bottles far better than paper.
- Labels on candles, cosmetics, food or drinks: film (BOPP) or vinyl, which resist water, oil and condensation.
- Labels you write on (batch numbers, dates): uncoated paper takes pen best.
Not sure? Order the smallest run from two suppliers and test them on your actual product.
Compare stickers and labels
Every card in the comparison lists that supplier's material, next to its price.