The Best Multifunction Printer

Whether you’re running a home office, managing a small team, or just need a single device that can print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax, a multifunction printer (MFP) is the most space- and cost-efficient solution.

Instead of juggling separate machines, one compact unit handles your daily document workflow.

But with so many models on the market, ranging from budget inkjets to high-speed laser workhorses, finding the right fit requires careful consideration of your print volume, color needs, and connectivity preferences.

At BestProducts, we evaluate each multifunction printer through comprehensive research: we analyze specifications, aggregate expert review consensus, study verified buyer feedback, and consult published data from trusted sources.

Every product receives a BP Score on our 0, 10 scale based on consistent criteria. Below you’ll find our curated list of top-rated models, followed by a detailed buying guide, final recommendations with award titles, and answers to common questions.

Best Multifunction Printer Buying Guide

Print Technology: Laser vs. Inkjet

The first major decision is whether you need a laser or inkjet engine. Laser printers use toner powder and excel at producing crisp, smudge‑resistant text at high speeds, ideal for monochrome document‑heavy offices.

Color laser models, like the Brother HL‑L3300CDW, deliver vibrant graphics without the risk of smearing, though they tend to be pricier upfront.

Inkjet printers, such as Canon PIXMA TR7120, offer lower initial cost and superior photo quality, making them a strong choice for mixed home use.

However, running costs can be higher unless you choose a super‑tank model like the Epson EcoTank ET‑4800, which uses refillable ink reservoirs to dramatically lower cost per page.

For color‑critical tasks like marketing materials or photo prints, an inkjet or color laser is necessary.

If your workflow is primarily black‑and‑white documents, a monochrome laser (e.g., Brother DCP‑L2640DW) offers the best balance of speed and economy.

Consider your monthly print volume and whether you need color at all before choosing a technology.

Print Speed and Duty Cycle

Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). For a small office or busy home, look for at least 20 ppm in monochrome.

Laser printers typically lead here: the Brother MFC‑L5915DW reaches 50 ppm, making it suitable for high‑volume environments. Inkjet speeds vary; the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 manages around 22 ppm for black documents.

Duty cycle (recommended monthly pages) tells you how much the machine can handle without excessive wear. A small office printing 1,000, 3,000 pages per month should choose a model with a duty cycle of at least 30,000 pages.

For lighter home use, 5,000, 10,000 pages is sufficient.

Don’t overlook first‑page‑out time, laser printers often deliver the first page in under 10 seconds, while inkjets may take 15, 20 seconds. If you print many short documents, a fast first‑page‑out makes a noticeable difference in daily productivity.

Connectivity and Mobile Printing

Modern multifunction printers should support Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing protocols like Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and the brand’s own app. Dual‑band Wi‑Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) helps maintain stable connections in crowded networks.

Many models now include Alexa or Google Assistant integration for voice‑activated printing. If you share the printer among multiple users, Ethernet or a robust wireless connection is essential.

For on‑the‑go printing, consider a mobile printer for iPhone, compatible model, though most MFPs already support AirPrint. A front USB port is handy for direct printing from a flash drive without a computer.

Some printers, like the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw, include advanced security features for sensitive documents. Check whether the model supports WPA3 encryption and secure print release if you work with confidential information.

Paper Handling and Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)

An automatic document feeder (ADF) lets you scan or copy multi‑page stacks without manual intervention. For any office that regularly processes contracts, invoices, or multi‑page forms, a 50‑sheet ADF is a must.

Some MFPs offer duplex (two‑sided) scanning, which saves time when digitizing double‑sided originals. Paper input capacity matters too: a 250‑sheet tray is standard for home offices, while high‑volume models may offer 500+ sheets or expandable trays.

The Canon imageCLASS MF465dw II supports expandable paper capacity up to 900 sheets, ideal for busy workgroups.

Also consider output tray capacity and whether the printer supports different media types like envelopes, labels, or cardstock. If you frequently print on specialty media, look for a rear straight‑through paper path to avoid curling.

Cost Per Page and Total Cost of Ownership

Printing costs can quickly exceed the purchase price. For laser printers, check the yield of the starter toner cartridge (often lower than standard) and the price of replacement cartridges.

Some Brother models, like the DCP‑L2640DW, offer high‑yield toners that keep cost per page below 2 cents for monochrome. Inkjet users should consider subscription services like HP Instant Ink, which automatically delivers ink when levels are low.

The HP DeskJet 2955 includes a 3‑month trial, but be aware of long‑term subscription fees. For the lowest running costs, refillable tank printers such as the Epson EcoTank ET‑4800 can reduce cost per page to fractions of a cent.

Read our guide on printer cost per page to compare long‑term expenses.

Don’t forget energy consumption: look for Energy Star certification and automatic duplex printing to save paper. A printer that seems cheap upfront may cost more in toner and paper over three years, so calculate total cost of ownership before buying.

Why You Should Trust Us

BestProducts has been helping shoppers make informed decisions since 2019. Our review methodology is built on thorough research, not physical product trials.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.

Each multifunction printer is scored using our proprietary BP Score (0, 10), which weighs factors such as print quality, speed, connectivity, paper handling, cost efficiency, and reliability.

We analyze specifications from manufacturers, cross‑check them with professional reviews from multiple sources, and aggregate real‑user experiences to ensure balanced recommendations.

Our team of editors and researchers stays current with market trends, new releases, and long‑term durability reports. We update our roundups regularly to reflect the latest models and price changes.

BestProducts is an independent publication supported by affiliate commissions, we never accept free products or payment for positive reviews. Our goal is to provide unbiased, actionable advice that saves you time and money.

Final Thoughts

• Best Overall: Brother DCP‑L2640DW, This compact monochrome laser MFP earned a top BP Score for its exceptional print speed, automatic duplexing, reliable wireless connectivity, and remarkably low cost per page. It’s the perfect all‑around choice for home offices and small teams that print mostly black‑and‑white documents.
• Best Color Multifunction Printer: Brother HL‑L3300CDW, With vibrant laser quality, fast color output, and a generous 2‑month Refresh subscription trial, this model stands out for offices that need occasional color graphics without sacrificing speed or reliability. Its BP Score reflects strong performance across all criteria.
• Best Budget Pick: Canon PIXMA TR7120, At an accessible price point, this wireless inkjet offers duplex printing, an ADF, and solid scan/copy functions. It’s ideal for light home use where initial cost matters more than volume. The BP Score of 9.8 confirms its value.
• Best for High‑Volume Printing: Brother MFC‑L5915DW, With a blazing 50 ppm speed, a 500‑sheet paper capacity, and advanced networking, this professional laser MFP is built for busy offices. Its BP Score of 9.5 reflects its robust build and low running costs.
• Best for Home Office with Ink Efficiency: Epson EcoTank ET‑4800, The super‑tank design slashes ink expenses, making it a wise long‑term investment for home offices that print frequently in color. Its BP Score of 9.5 highlights excellent cost efficiency and solid performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best multifunction printer for a small office?

For most small offices, we recommend the Brother DCP‑L2640DW for monochrome or the Brother HL‑L3300CDW if color is needed. Both offer fast printing, reliable networking, and low cost per page.

If your office prints over 3,000 pages per month, consider the high‑capacity Brother MFC‑L5915DW.

Should I buy a laser or inkjet multifunction printer?

Choose laser if you print mostly text documents and need fast, smudge‑free output, especially for high volumes. Inkjet is better for photo‑rich prints and lower initial cost.

For mixed use, a color laser like the HL‑L3300CDW balances both worlds. Also consider running costs: laser toner lasts longer, but ink tank systems like the Epson EcoTank can be cheaper per page than standard inkjets.

How important is an automatic document feeder (ADF)?

An ADF is essential if you regularly scan or copy multi‑page documents. It saves you from manually feeding each page. For home use, a 20‑sheet ADF may suffice; for offices, look for 50‑sheet capacity.

Some models also offer duplex ADF for two‑sided scanning, which is a huge time‑saver.

What is the difference between a multifunction printer and an all-in-one?

They are essentially the same thing. “Multifunction printer” (MFP) and “all-in-one” (AIO) both refer to a device that combines print, scan, copy, and often fax capabilities. Some manufacturers use “MFP” for business models and “AIO” for consumer models, but the terms are interchangeable.

Can I use a multifunction printer for photo printing?

Yes, but photo quality varies. Inkjet MFPs like the Canon PIXMA TR7120 or HP Envy 6155 can produce vibrant photo prints on glossy paper. Laser printers generally offer less vivid color for photos.

For serious photography, consider a dedicated photo printer or a high‑end inkjet MFP with multiple ink cartridges. Our guide to printers for scanning photos can help you choose.

How to reduce printing costs with a multifunction printer?

Use duplex printing to cut paper usage in half. Choose high‑yield toner or ink cartridges whenever possible. Consider a subscription service like HP Instant Ink or a refillable tank printer.

Also, set your default quality to “draft” for internal documents. For detailed cost comparisons, see our printer cost per page guide.

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