Finding the right printer can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of choices available. The market is flooded with options, making it tricky to select one that fits your needs. The primary goal is to find a printer that offers both quality output and value for money.
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 emerges as our top pick for a printer for various reasons. Though it may not be the best fit for corporate environments, it excels as an all-in-one (AIO) household printer.
This model is capable of producing high-quality, vibrant color photos and crisp monochrome documents, along with delivering excellent scanning and photocopy results. It can print borderless photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches, and for larger images up to 13 x 19 inches, you might consider the ET-8550. It even adds a personal touch by allowing you to print directly onto CDs and DVDs for family collections.
Its cartridge-free design results in substantial long-term savings. Printing photos can cost as little as four cents each, and the ink bottles can last up to two years with a yield of up to 6,200 color pages. This design also benefits the environment by minimizing waste from discarded cartridges.
Best Overall
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500
$634 $700 Save $66
Excellence as a household all-in-one printer, with vibrant color photo output, borderless printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches, and eco-friendly ink bottles.
- User-friendly, 4.3-inch touch interface
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Prints via Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi, or SD card
- High-resolution, double-sided scanning
- Print speeds of 12ppm for color and 16ppm for monochrome
- Automatic duplex printing
- Not suitable for large office spaces
- Larger size may be inconvenient
- Higher initial investment
If you’re in the market for an affordable AIO home printer, the Canon Pixma MG3620 is an excellent choice. This reliable 3-in-1 inkjet printer not only scans and photocopies but also produces sharp, detailed documents along with surprisingly vibrant color photos. Though the print speed is only adequate, its price point is more than reasonable. It features a 100-sheet capacity and automatic double-sided printing.
With economical cartridges, the cost-per-print remains low. The printer supports various connectivity options, including USB, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria for Android, and the Canon PRINT app. An added benefit is Alexa integration, which enables voice-activated printing and notifications when ink levels are low, along with the capability to reorder ink through Amazon automatically.
Best Budget
Canon Pixma MG3620
$60 $80 Save $20
An excellent budget option for anyone seeking a cost-effective all-in-one printer. This inkjet offers superb print and scan quality with crisp, accurate colors. Although it is slightly slower in print speed, the cost per print remains appealing due to its economical cartridges, along with wireless capabilities via Wi-Fi and compatibility with various wireless printing apps.
- Exceptional value with cost-efficient printing
- ENERGY STAR certified
- High color accuracy with 48-bit color depth
- 4800 x 1200 resolution for sharp text
- Not designed for large office use
- Lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF)
- No duplex scanning available
For busy offices, laser printers are usually the go-to option. However, the Brother MFC-J6955DW sets itself apart as a versatile inkjet printer designed for demanding work environments.
This AIO device offers printing, scanning, photocopying, and faxing, excelling in both quality and efficiency. With a speed of 30ppm and a resolution of 1,200 x 1,200dpi (and up to 2,400dpi for scanning), it performs admirably, producing clear, professional documents.
It supports up to A3-sized sheets, making it a great choice for large-format tasks like posters or brochures. Dual paper trays can hold up to 500 sheets each, coupled with additional capacity in the multipurpose tray and automatic document feeder (ADF), effectively minimizing the need for frequent reloading.
The standout feature of this inkjet model is its high-yield ink system. Standard cartridges can print 3,000 black-and-white pages and 1,500 color pages, with optional XL cartridges that enhance efficiency.
Best AIO
Brother MFC-J6955DW
A versatile inkjet printer tailored for busy offices, excelling in efficient printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. It supports large-format printing along with high-capacity paper trays and a cost-effective ink system.
- Easy to set up
- Multiple connectivity options, including NFC
- Cost-effective ink cartridges
- Supports A3/tabloid printing
- Single-pass duplex scanning capabilities
- Decent printing speeds
For high-quality photo printing, investing in a professional-grade printer is essential. Although the Epson SureColor P900 carries a significant price tag, the stunning image quality justifies the cost. It produces vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it an ideal option for professional photographers and artists seeking long-lasting prints.
With the capability to print up to A2 in size, the SureColor P900 utilizes ten pigment-based inks that deliver exceptional results in both color and black-and-white outputs. A unique feature is its dedicated ink channel for every color, enhancing image quality and operational efficiency while minimizing maintenance concerns.
While this printer is on the pricey side and tailored for professionals, those solely seeking a compact, high-quality device to print images from their smartphone or tablet may consider the Kodak Step Printer. Utilizing Zink (zero ink) technology, it produces high-quality 2 x 3-inch prints on durable, sticky-backed paper. Compact and easy to transport, it’s perfect for parties and travel.
Best for Photo Printing
Epson SureColor P900
$1229 $1349 Save $120
A top-of-the-line choice for professional photography, the Epson SureColor P900 offers unmatched image quality with rich colors and deep blacks.
- User-friendly 4.3-inch touchscreen
- Internal lighting for easy monitoring
- Dedicated nozzles for both photo and matte black inks
- Simple setup process
- High cost
- Slower printing in top-quality mode (yet worth it)
Best Printer for Label Printing: Zebra GK420d
The Zebra GK420d is a versatile label printer designed for printing a variety of labels, such as barcodes, name tags, and shipping labels. Compact and user-friendly, it excels at producing standard 4 x 6-inch shipping labels.
This printer utilizes direct thermal technology, applying heat to create text on direct thermal label stock. Although not built for high-volume outputs, it maintains a good print speed of 5 inches per second.
However, if you need a printer capable of printing intricate graphics on labels, you’ll have to consider options beyond the 203dpi resolution provided by this straightforward label printer.
If a dedicated shipping label printer is what you require, the Rollo USB printer stands out as a fast, reliable, compact choice that requires minimal maintenance.
Best Label Printer
Zebra GK420d
$390 $639 Save $249
Lightweight, compact, and user-friendly, the Zebra GK420d produces high-quality shipping labels rapidly. It offers versatility with the ability to print different label types via USB, Serial, and Parallel connections.
- Multiple connectivity options: USB, Serial, and Parallel
- Solid print quality
- Straightforward setup
- Quick printing speeds
- Lacks wireless connectivity
- Mac calibration might be complicated
FAQs
Q: Do I need Wi-Fi to connect my printer to my computer?
Typically, a wireless printer will require a Wi-Fi connection for setup unless it supports Bluetooth. Alternatively, you can opt for an Ethernet cable if your printer has that option, which allows for faster and more stable connections. Additionally, a wired printer can be connected directly to your computer via USB, and if both devices support Wi-Fi Direct, they can connect without an external Wi-Fi network.
Q: Can I print from my smartphone? If so, how?
Yes, direct printing from your smartphone is possible. You can use Wi-Fi Direct for a direct link between your smartphone and printer, bypassing the need for a Wi-Fi network.
Moreover, if both devices share the same network, you can print from supported apps on your smartphone. Many printers also offer cloud printing services such as Apple AirPrint or their specific mobile apps for remote printing.
Q: Can I connect to a printer via Bluetooth?
Connecting to a printer using Bluetooth is feasible only if the printer has Bluetooth capabilities. It’s advisable to verify that the printer you’re purchasing includes this feature. While less common in printers, Bluetooth can be a convenient option, offering wireless connectivity at a shorter range.
