Last year I had to transform my spare room into a makeshift office. I was not prepared. I had somehow tragically overlooked the most essential item in an office: a printer.
Finding a printer that suits your specific needs can be a headache. I did some research so you don’t have to.
Best for Home-Office
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e All-in-One Printer
| Functions: Print, Scan, Copy, Fax Print Speed: 22 pages-per-minute (b&w), 18 pages-per-minute (color) Capacity: 250 sheets/60 sheets Warranty: 2 years with HP+ Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 4.4/5 |
Best Budget Option
Epson Expression XP-7100 Wireless
| Functions: Print, Scan, Copy Print speed: 15.8 pages-per-minute (b&w) / 11.3 pages-per-minute (color) Screen: 2.4″ color touchscreen LCD Ink: 5-color Claria Ink Borderless Prints: up to 8.5″ x 11″ Warranty: 90 days Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 4.3/5 |
Best for High Speed Printing
Brother HL-L6400DW
| Functions: Print Printing Speed: 52 pages-per-minute Color: Monochrome Printing Tech: Laser Printer Connection Type: Ethernet, USB, Wireless, NFC Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 4.7/5 |
Best Smart Printer
HP Tango X
| Functions: Print, Scan, Copy Printing Speed: 8-11 pages-per-minute Scanner Tech: Smartphone Scan Connection Type: Wifi Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 4.6/5 |
Best Colored Laser Printer
Lexmark MC2535adwe
| Functions: Print, Scan, Copy Printing Speed: 35 pages-per-minute Scanner Tech: Flatbed with ADF 1,200by 1,200 Connection Type: Ethernet, USB, Wireless Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 3.9/5 |
Budget Option
HP LaserJet Pro M15w
| Functions: Print Printing Speed: 19 pages-per-minute Print Tech: Laser Printing Connection Type: Wireless Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 4.5/5 |
Best For Photo Printing
Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Photo Printer
| Functions: Print Imaging Tech: Carbon Black Mode Software: Fully Color-Managed iOS App Connection Type: USB 3.0,Wireless 2.4 and 5 GHz Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 4.1/5 |
Best Portable Printer
Canon Pixma TR150 Wireless Printer
| Functions: Print Printing Speed: 5-9 pages-per-minute Print Tech: Ink Jet Connection Type: USB, Wireless, PictBridge Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 4.7/5 |
Best for Scanning
HP Officejet Pro 9015
| Functions: Print, Scan, Copy Printing Speed: Up to 22 pages-per-minute Print Tech: Ink Jet Scanner: 2-sided scanning Connection Type: USB, Wireless Virtual Assistance: Works with Alexa Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 4.4/5 |
Best Printer For Writers
Brother HL-L2300D
| Functions: Print, Scan, Copy Printing Speed: Up to 27 pages-per-minute Print Tech: Laser Max Resolution: 2400 x 600dpi Print media: Envelopes, Paper (plain), Labels Connection Type: USB, Wireless Average Satisfaction Rating By Users: 4.4/5 |
Final Word
If this is the first time you are picking out a printer for yourself, here’s a little guide to help you in your search.
After considering your day to day needs, one of the biggest factors to really think about is whether you want an inkjet or laser printer.
The difference is that laser printers use powder ink and specialize in b&w, while inkjet printers use liquid ink and generally make colored prints.
A lot of people prefer inkjet printers because they’re often cheaper. However, they tend not to be as durable as their laser counterparts. You also need to factor in the cost of frequent ink refills required for inkjet printers. Generally, laser printers are faster and offer all-around superior print quality — especially in monochrome. If your daily activities involve color-printing, inkjets are probably your best bet.
