The Best Printer

Choosing the right printer can feel overwhelming with so many models on the market, from budget-friendly inkjets to high-speed laser workhorses.

Whether you need a machine for occasional home use, a busy home office, or a small team, the options vary widely in print technology, running costs, and features.

This guide helps you navigate the key factors and highlights the top-rated models we’ve identified through extensive research and analysis.

At BestProducts, we evaluate each printer against consistent criteria, analyzing specifications, expert review consensus, verified buyer feedback, and published data.

We score every model on our 0 to 10 BP Score to help you find the right fit for your needs and budget. Below, you’ll find our top picks, followed by a detailed buying guide and answers to common questions.

Best Printer Buying Guide

Print Technology: Laser vs. Inkjet

The first major decision is whether to go with a laser or inkjet printer. Laser printers use toner cartridges and are generally faster, with lower cost per page for high-volume black-and-white printing.

They are ideal for offices that print mostly text documents. Inkjet printers, on the other hand, excel at color printing and photo reproduction, making them a better fit for home users or creative professionals.

Many modern inkjets, like those from Epson and Canon, now offer refillable tank systems that dramatically reduce running costs.

For most home offices, a color inkjet all-in-one offers the best balance of versatility and affordability. If your primary need is fast, crisp black-and-white prints, a monochrome laser printer such as the Brother DCP-L2640DW can be a smart investment.

Consider your typical print volume and whether you need color when choosing between the two technologies.

Connectivity and Mobile Printing

Modern printers should support Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing protocols like Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print. Wireless connectivity allows you to place the printer anywhere and print from multiple devices without cables.

Many models also include a USB port for direct connection. If you often print from smartphones or tablets, look for a printer with a dedicated app and support for cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Some printers offer NFC tap-to-print or Bluetooth for quick pairing. For a home office or small team, a printer with robust wireless features can streamline workflows. Our multifunction color printer guide covers models with excellent connectivity options.

Print Speed and Volume

Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). For home use, 8, 12 ppm for color and 15, 20 ppm for black-and-white is usually sufficient. Office printers often exceed 30 ppm.

Also consider the recommended monthly duty cycle; a printer rated for 5,000 pages per month will be more durable than one rated for 500. If you print frequently, a higher-duty model can prevent wear and tear.

Duplex (automatic two-sided) printing is a valuable feature for saving paper and reducing bulk. Most all-in-one printers now include duplex printing, but it’s worth verifying. Fast duplex speed is especially useful in busy environments.

Total Cost of Ownership: Ink vs. Toner

The initial purchase price is only part of the equation. Inkjet printers with standard cartridges can have high running costs, often exceeding the printer’s price after a few refills.

Supertank or ink tank printers, such as the Epson EcoTank series, come with refillable reservoirs that can print thousands of pages before needing more ink, drastically lowering cost per page.

Laser printers use toner cartridges, which are more expensive upfront but last longer, especially for black-and-white printing.

Some manufacturers offer subscription services (like HP Instant Ink) that deliver ink automatically and charge per page. While convenient, these plans can lock you into a brand.

Calculate your estimated yearly print volume to determine which system offers the best long-term value. For a deeper look at cost-saving options, explore our computers & office section.

All-in-One vs. Dedicated Printer

Most home and small office users benefit from an all-in-one (AIO) printer that includes scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing. AIOs save desk space and eliminate the need for separate devices.

A dedicated printer (print-only) is lighter and often cheaper, but you’ll need a separate scanner if you digitize documents. If you occasionally need to copy or scan, an AIO is the practical choice.

Many AIO models also feature an automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning or copying, which is a huge time-saver. The Canon PIXMA TR7120 and HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw both include ADFs.

For a compact home setup, a small AIO without ADF can still handle basic tasks.

Why You Should Trust Us

BestProducts is an independent review site that does not accept payment for coverage.

We evaluate each printer using a consistent methodology: we analyze detailed specifications, aggregate expert review consensus from trusted industry sources, and incorporate verified buyer feedback from major retailers.

We also review published data such as independent lab reports and manufacturer claims. Every product is scored on our 0 to 10 BP Score based on how well it meets our criteria for performance, value, reliability, and user satisfaction.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. Our goal is to provide transparent, data-driven recommendations that help you make an informed purchase.

We clearly disclose when we earn a commission through affiliate links, which does not affect our rankings or reviews.

Final Thoughts

After evaluating dozens of models, these printers stand out for their combination of performance, value, and user satisfaction.

Best Overall: Epson EcoTank ET-2800, This supertank model delivers exceptional print quality with ultra-low running costs, thanks to its refillable ink system. It earned the highest BP Score in our lineup for its balance of features, reliability, and long-term value.

Best for Home Office: Brother DCP-L2640DW, A compact monochrome laser all-in-one that offers fast printing, automatic duplex, and a robust duty cycle. Its BP Score reflects strong performance and low cost per page for black-and-white documents.

Best Budget Pick: Canon PIXMA TR4720, An affordable color inkjet AIO that covers the basics without breaking the bank. It includes a document feeder and mobile printing, making it a great entry-level choice for students or light home use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ink tank and a cartridge printer?

Ink tank printers use refillable reservoirs that hold a large volume of ink, allowing you to print thousands of pages before refilling. Cartridge printers use replaceable cartridges that are smaller and more expensive per page.

Ink tank models have a higher upfront cost but lower long-term running costs, making them ideal for high-volume printing.

Do I need a printer with Wi-Fi Direct?

Wi-Fi Direct lets you connect your device to the printer without a network router. It’s useful for printing from a laptop or phone when you’re away from your home network.

If you often print on the go or have a spotty Wi-Fi, this feature adds convenience.

How often should I replace the drum unit in a laser printer?

The drum unit is separate from the toner cartridge in many laser printers. It typically lasts for 10,000 to 20,000 pages, depending on the model. Some printers combine toner and drum in one cartridge, simplifying replacement. Check your printer’s specifications to know when to replace the drum.

Can I use third-party ink or toner to save money?

Third-party consumables are often cheaper, but they may void your warranty or cause print quality issues. Some manufacturers design printers to detect non-OEM cartridges and refuse to print.

If you want to save on supplies, consider a supertank printer that uses standard ink bottles, or subscribe to the manufacturer’s official ink plan.

What is the best printer for printing photos at home?

For high-quality photo prints, look for an inkjet printer with six or more ink colors (like a dedicated photo printer). Many all-in-one inkjets, such as the Canon PIXMA TS6520, produce excellent borderless photos up to 8.5×11 inches.

For best results, use genuine photo paper and high-resolution settings.

How do I set up a wireless printer?

Most modern printers guide you through setup via a touchscreen or app. Connect to your Wi-Fi network by selecting it from the printer’s menu and entering your password.

Then install the printer software on your computer or use mobile printing apps like AirPrint or Google Cloud Print. For detailed steps, refer to the manufacturer’s manual or our computers & office resources.

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