It wasn’t that long ago that the only people who needed printers were business owners and teachers. But, with so many people working from home over the past few years, the demand for home printers has skyrocketed.
Not all printers are created equal, however. And with such a wide variety of prices, features, and capabilities on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
Whether you need a basic printer for printing documents or a more sophisticated model for your home office or small business, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post we will go over the different types of printers, the factors you should consider when purchasing a printer, and give you our recommendations for the ten best printers on the market today.
What are the different types of printers?
The first step in choosing the best printer is to decide which type of printer you need. The three most common types of printers are inkjet, laser, and all-in-one.
Inkjet printers use small jets of ink to print on paper. They are typically less expensive than laser printers and are good for printing photos and documents.
Laser printers use a laser beam to print on paper. They are faster than inkjet printers and usually have lower printing costs. Laser printers are better for large-volume printing.
All-in-one printers are inkjet or laser printers that also include features like copying, scanning, and faxing. They take up more desk space than a single-function printer but can be more convenient if you need multiple office machines in one.
What are the different features of printers?
Once you’ve decided which type of printer is right for your needs, you can start to narrow down your choices by looking at the different features each printer offers. Here are some of the features you may want to consider:
Print speed:
This is how fast the printer can print a document. Depending on your needs, you may want a printer that can print quickly or one that takes a little longer but produces higher-quality prints.
Print quality:
This is measured by the dots per inch (dpi) the printer can print. The higher the dpi, the better the print quality.
Paper capacity:
This is how much paper the printer can hold. If you plan on doing a lot of printing, you may want a printer with a higher paper capacity so you don’t have to reload it as often.
Connectivity:
This is how you connect the printer to your computer. Most printers now have wireless connectivity so you can print from anywhere in your home.
Cost of ink:
This is the ongoing cost of the ink or toner that you will need to keep the printer running. Some printers have higher printing costs than others.
What media you will be printing:
This includes the type of paper, cardstock, labels, envelopes, etc. you will be printing on. Not all printers can handle all media types, so it’s important to check that the printer you’re considering can print on the type of media you need.
Color accuracy:
This is especially important if you plan on printing photos or graphics. Some printers have better color accuracy than others.
Special features:
Some printers offer special features like duplex printing, which prints on both sides of the paper, or an automatic document feeder (ADF), which scans or copies multiple pages at once. Others have touch screens or LCDs that allow you to preview the document before you print it. And some printers even come with built-in scanners and copying machines.
Top 10 Printers for Home Office Use
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e (Best Overall Home Office Printer)
- Ecotank ET-2720 (Best Sustainable Printer)
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 (Best Photo Printer)
- Expression Home 4100 (Best Budget Printer)
- Canon imageCLASS MF445dw (Fastest Printer)
- Brother HL-L2350DW (Best Laser Printer)
- HP DeskJet 3755 (Best Compact Printer)
- Canon Pixma TR150 Wireless Mobile Printer (Best Portable Printer)
- Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation printer (Best Art Printer)
- Epson WorkForce WF-7720 (Best Wide Format Printer)
Now that we’ve gone over the different types and features of printers, let’s take a look at our top 10 picks for the best printers on the market today, based on your individual needs.
1. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e
Best Overall Printer
If you’re looking for a printer that can do it all without a super high price tag, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is our pick. It’s an all-in-one printer that offers print, scan, copy, and fax functions. This printer has a print speed of up to 22 pages per minute and a maximum dpi of 4800×1200. It comes with wireless connectivity and can connect to mobile devices using the HP Smart app.
It has a 250-sheet paper capacity and can handle a variety of media types, including envelopes, labels, and cardstock. It also has an automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning or copying multiple pages at once. It also comes with a 2-year extended warranty and 6 months of free ink if your sign up for HP+.
2. Ecotank ET-2720
Best Sustainable Printer
The Ecotank ET-2720 is a great choice for those looking for a sustainable printer. This printer uses cartridge-free printing, instead using ink bottles that you can refill yourself, so there’s less waste. Each replacement ink bottle set includes enough ink to print up to 4, 500 pages, which is the equivalent of buying about 80 ink cartridges. Not only is this an eco-friendly option, but you also save up to 90 percent on lower-cost ink bottles instead of traditional ink cartridges. This printer also offers scanning and copying, and wireless printing and includes a 2-years supply of ink in the box. The only downside is the printing speed is a bit slower, at 10 pages per minute, so if you have large projects you need to print quickly, this may not be the one for you.
3. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Best Photo Printer
If you’re looking for a printer that produces high-quality photo prints, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is our top pick. This printer has a maximum dpi of 4800×2400 and can print on a variety of media types, including glossy paper, luster paper, and fine art paper. It comes with a 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system that produces accurate colors and fine detail.
This printer is on the expensive side, but it’s worth the investment if you need professional-quality photo printing.
4. Expression Home 4100
Best Budget Printer
If you’re looking for a printer that won’t break the bank, the Expression Home 4100 is a great option. This all-in-one printer offers print, scan, and copy functions. It has a print speed of up to 10 pages per minute. It comes with wireless connectivity and can connect to mobile devices using the Epson iPrint app. It has a 100-sheet paper capacity and can handle a variety of media types, including envelopes, labels, and cardstock.
The biggest downside of this printer is its lack of an automatic document feeder (ADF), which means you’ll have to scan and copy pages one at a time. But overall, it’s a great budget-friendly option.
5. Canon imageCLASS MF445dw
Fastest Printer
If you need a printer that can handle high-volume printing, the Canon imageCLASS MF445dw is our top pick. This printer has a print speed of up to 40 pages per minute and supports double-sided printing. It comes with wireless connectivity and can connect to mobile devices using the Canon PRINT Business app. It has a 250-sheet paper capacity and can handle a variety of media types, including glossy paper, luster paper, and cardstock. It also has an automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning or copying multiple pages at once.
The only downside is that it’s on the heavier side, so it is difficult to move and make room for.
6. Brother HL-L2350DW
Best Laser Printer
If you’re looking for a fast and reliable laser printer for black-and-white printing, the Brother HL-L2350DW is our top pick. This printer has a print speed of up to 32 pages per minute and a maximum dpi of 2400×600. It has a 250-sheet paper capacity and can connect wirelessly to your devices. It also comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
7. HP DeskJet 3755
Best Compact Printer
If you’re looking for a compact printer for tight spaces that doesn’t sacrifice features, the HP DeskJet 3755 is our top pick. This all-in-one inkjet printer has a print speed of up to 19 pages per minute and a 60-sheet paper capacity. And, it can connect wirelessly to your devices. It also comes with HP Instant Ink, which delivers ink to your door for a monthly fee.
8. Canon Pixma TR150 Wireless Mobile Printer
Best Portable Printer
If you’re someone who likes to work remotely in coffee shops or different co-working spaces, you might be looking for a printer that you can take on the go. The Canon Pixma TR150 is one of the most portable best portable printers with a sleek, compact design made to fit in a backpack. It has wireless connectivity and can connect to mobile devices using the Canon Print app.
Just be sure to purchase the bundle kit which includes the battery for mobile printing without an AC power outlet.
9. Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation printer
Best Art Printer
If you’re an artist or graphic designer who wants to print your own designs, the Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer is our top pick. This printer uses heat transfer to print vibrant and full-color images onto a variety of materials, including t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. It comes with a one-year warranty and a variety of starter kits that include everything you need to get started.
While this printer is on the expensive side, it’s a great investment for anyone who wants to start their own business or print their own designs.
10. Epson WorkForce WF-7720
Best Wide Format Printer
The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is our top pick for the best wide-format printer. This printer can print borderless prints up to 13″x19″ and has a maximum dpi of 4800×2400. It’s an all-in-one printer that offers scan, copy, and fax functions in addition to printing. It has a 500-sheet paper capacity and can connect wirelessly to your devices. It also comes with a one-year limited warranty.
This is the perfect printer for anyone who needs to print A3 format, large documents, or photos on a regular basis. It’s quick, reliable, and produces high-quality prints.
Bottom line
When it comes to choosing a printer, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider what type of printer you need. If you’re looking for a photo printer, make sure to choose one with a high dpi. If you need a budget-friendly printer, look for one with low-cost ink cartridges. And if you need a printer that can handle larger print jobs, make sure to choose a wide format printer.
Once you’ve considered your needs, take a look at our top picks and find the perfect printer for you. If you need additional help selecting a printer for your home office needs, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
If you’re enjoying our top picks, be sure check out our blog on the best wi-fi extenders for 2023.
Further Reading
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8 Best Windows Tablets for 2023
What is the best printer for a home office?
It depends on your needs. If you need a fast printer that can handle large volumes, then a laser printer is probably the best option. If you need a printer that can print high-quality photos, then an inkjet printer is a better choice. And if you need multiple office machines in one, then an all-in-one printer is a good option.
No matter what type of printer you choose, make sure to read the reviews before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money.
What type of printer has the highest print quality to print photos?
Inkjet printers have the highest print quality for photos. They use a process of spraying tiny droplets of ink onto the paper to create a high-quality image.
Some other examples of photo printers include the Canon Pixma TS9120, the Canon Pixma MG7720, and the HP Envy Photo 6255. These printers are all high-quality printers that are designed specifically for printing photos. They offer a variety of features, such as wireless connectivity, high dpi resolutions, and large paper capacities, that make them perfect for printing photos at home.
What is Google Cloud Print?
Google Cloud Print is a service that allows you to print from any device with a Google Chrome browser, even if your printer is not connected to the computer. You can print documents, photos, and web pages from any device to your home or office printer. Google Cloud Print is free to use and easy to set up.
