Best Printer Reviewed: What to Look For Before You Buy 2024

Choosing the right printer is an essential decision for both personal and professional needs. With so many models available, from basic inkjets to high-end laser printers, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming.

The right printer can streamline your work, enhance productivity, and even save money in the long run, while the wrong choice may lead to unnecessary costs, frustration, and inefficiency.

In this article, Best Printer Reviewed: What to Look For Before You Buy, we will guide you through the critical factors to consider when selecting a printer. From print quality and speed to connectivity options and operating costs, understanding these features will help you make a well-informed choice.

One of the common challenges buyers face is balancing their budget with the features they need. Another issue is deciding between an inkjet or laser printer, as each type offers distinct advantages.

Moreover, factors like long-term maintenance, paper handling, and compatibility with different devices often add to the complexity of the decision-making process. By exploring these challenges and reviewing top-rated printers, you’ll be better equipped to make the right purchase that suits your specific requirements.

Table of Contents

Types of Printers

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are the most common choice for home use and are especially popular for printing photos and color documents. They work by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper, which makes them highly versatile for different types of printing.

Best for: Photo printing and general home use.
Pros:
- Excellent color and photo quality.
- Generally affordable upfront cost.
- Compact design, ideal for small spaces.
- Versatile, can handle various paper types and sizes.
Cons:
- Ink cartridges can be expensive and run out quickly.
- Slower printing speed compared to laser printers.
- Requires frequent maintenance, such as cleaning print heads.

Laser Printers

Laser printers use toner cartridges and a laser beam to produce text and images on paper. They are known for their speed and efficiency, making them ideal for office environments and high-volume printing tasks.

Best for: Office use and high-volume printing.
Pros:
- Faster printing speed, ideal for large print jobs.
- Higher yield from toner cartridges, leading to lower cost per page.
- Crisp, clear text quality, excellent for professional documents.
- Minimal maintenance is required, and no ink to dry out.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to inkjet printers.
- Typically less effective for high-quality photo printing.
- Larger and bulkier, taking up more space.

All-in-One Printers

All-in-one printers combine multiple functions, including printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing. These multifunction printers are ideal for users who need more than just printing capabilities, such as home offices or small businesses.

Best for: Home offices and small businesses.
Pros:
- Versatile functionality—combines several machines into one.
- Saves space and reduces clutter in a home office.
- Can handle a variety of tasks, reducing the need for multiple devices.
Cons:
- Higher cost than single-function printers.
- May not perform each function as well as a dedicated device.
- Bulky compared to regular single-function printers.

Portable Printers

Portable printers are designed for users who need to print on the go. These compact, lightweight printers are perfect for business professionals, students, or anyone who needs a mobile printing solution.

Best for: Designed for mobile use, compact and easy to carry.
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly portable, easy to carry in a bag or briefcase.
- It is ideal for printing documents on the move, such as during travel or meetings.
- Wireless printing options allow for convenience with mobile devices.
Cons:
- Limited paper handling capacity.
- Slower printing speed and lower resolution compared to full-sized printers.
- The higher cost is relative to its compact size and features.

By understanding the pros and cons of each type, you can choose the best printer that suits your specific needs, whether it’s for home use, office work, or portability on the go.

Key Features to Consider Before Buying Best Printer

Print Quality

Print quality is one of the most important factors when choosing the best printer for home use or office environments. Print resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI), directly impacts the sharpness and clarity of your documents and photos. Higher DPI results in better photo prints, making it crucial to look for a printer that excels in photo quality if you’re interested in the best home scanner printer or the best printer copier for home use. If you’re printing mainly text documents, a lower DPI may suffice, but for high-quality images, look for a printer with at least 1200 x 1200 DPI.

Print Speed

Print speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and can significantly affect productivity, particularly for those needing the best printers for home use that involve frequent or large print jobs. If you primarily need a printer for office use, you’ll want a model with a higher PPM. For home use, a printer with around 15-20 PPM is generally suitable. For business environments or high-volume printing, speeds upwards of 30 PPM would be ideal.

Connectivity Options

The way you connect to your printer can make a huge difference in ease of use. For modern households, the best wireless home printers offer great convenience by allowing multiple devices to print without messy cables. Look for options with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. Additionally, small wireless printers are a great fit for compact spaces. On the other hand, some users may prefer best-wired printers for home use, which offer stable connections via USB. Cloud printing features also allow remote printing from anywhere, adding to the flexibility of your setup.

Paper Handling

Not all printers handle paper the same way. If you plan to use various paper sizes or print on specialty media like envelopes, cardstock, or photo paper, it’s essential to check paper handling capabilities. A good best printer brand for the home will support multiple sizes and types. Features like an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and duplex (double-sided) printing are also important, especially for users looking for the best printer copier for home use, as these functions make it easier to handle larger print or copy jobs efficiently.

Cost of Ink or Toner

One of the most significant long-term costs of owning a printer is ink or toner replacement. While the initial price of a printer may be low, you’ll want to factor in the cost per page when calculating total ownership costs. Consider whether the printer uses traditional ink cartridges or refillable ink tanks. Refillable tanks are more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you’re looking for the best printers for home use with lower ongoing costs.

Operating System Compatibility

Before purchasing, ensure that the printer is compatible with your operating system, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or mobile platforms like iOS and Android. Most modern wireless home printers are designed to work with all major platforms, but it’s always best to confirm compatibility. For users with more specific needs, like wired printers, ensuring your printer functions smoothly across your devices is key to making the best printer brand choice.

By focusing on these essential features, you’ll be well-equipped to find the best printer brand for home use that meets all your printing, scanning, and copying needs.

Best Printer Brands to Consider

When selecting a printer, especially if you’re looking for the best printer scanner copier for home use, it’s essential to consider the leading brands known for their quality and reliability. Here’s a look at some top choices in the world of printers for 2024:

HP

HP is renowned for its versatile printing machines, offering an array of all-in-one devices that combine printing, scanning, and copying functionalities. They are particularly noted for their affordable ink solutions, making them a popular choice for those seeking a good quality printer without breaking the bank.

Canon

Canon is celebrated for its exceptional photo printing capabilities, ensuring that your images come out with vivid colors and sharp detail. If you prioritize high-quality prints, Canon’s models are among the best for 2024 printing, offering reliable performance for both photos and documents.

Epson

Epson has made a name for itself with its eco-tank printers, which are designed to lower ink costs significantly. These printers are ideal for users who need a cost-effective solution with high print volumes. The eco-tank models are particularly recommended for those looking for the best printer scanner copier for home use, balancing efficiency and affordability.

Brother

Known for its robust laser printers, Brother focuses on delivering solutions suited for small businesses and office environments. Their printers are recognized for their durability and efficiency in handling high-volume tasks, making them a solid choice for those who need reliable printers machines.

Samsung

Samsung is known for its compact designs and multifunction laser printers. Their models often integrate multiple functions in a sleek, space-saving form, making them a great option for home offices or small workspaces. If you’re in the market for a good quality printer that doesn’t compromise functionality, Samsung’s offerings are worth considering for 2024.

By exploring these top brands, you’ll be able to find a printer that meets your specific needs, whether it’s a versatile all-in-one model or a specialized device for high-quality photo printing.

Best Printers for Different Use Cases

Best for Home Use

When looking for the best home printer/scanner for home use, prioritize features such as affordable ink, reliable color printing, and wireless connectivity. The ability to print from multiple devices without the hassle of cables is a major convenience. Consider models that also offer scanning and copying functions to maximize their utility in a home setting. For example, the best Bluetooth printer or models with built-in wireless capabilities can simplify printing tasks from various devices.

Example Models:
- HP DeskJet Plus 4155: Known for its affordability and multifunction capabilities.
- Canon PIXMA TR8620: Offers color printing, scanning, and wireless features.

Best for Office Use

For office environments, focus on high-speed, durable printers with multifunction capabilities. These printers should be capable of handling large volumes of printing and include features like wireless fax printing to streamline communication. Durability and efficiency are key factors for offices that demand consistent performance.

Example Models:
- Brother MFC-L8900CDW: A high-speed, color laser printer with robust features for office use.
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790: Known for its fast printing speeds and multifunction capabilities.

Best for Students

Students need affordable, compact, and easy-to-use printers that fit into small dorm rooms or apartments. The best small printer should be budget-friendly and straightforward to operate, ideally with wireless printing options to handle assignments and projects efficiently.

Example Models:
- HP Tango X: A compact and stylish printer with wireless capabilities, ideal for students.
- Canon PIXMA TR150: A portable and affordable option with good print quality.

Best Printer for Photographers

Photographers should look for high-resolution color printers that excel in photo printing. These printers are designed to deliver stunning image quality and color accuracy, making them ideal for printing high-quality photos and artwork.

Example Models:
- Epson SureColor P600: Offers exceptional color accuracy and is perfect for professional photo printing.
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000: Known for its impressive color range and high-resolution output.

By understanding these use cases and features, you can select a printer that best meets your specific needs, whether it’s for home use, office tasks, student projects, or professional photo printing.

Budget Considerations For Buying The Best Printer

When selecting the best printer for your needs, it’s essential to consider your budget and the features you require. Printers come in various price ranges, each offering different capabilities and performance levels.

Entry-Level Printers (Under $100)

Entry-level printers are ideal for users seeking a low-cost printer with basic features and performance. These models are perfect for occasional use, offering essential functionalities such as printing, copying, and scanning without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for an affordable solution, these printers generally provide good value for money.

Example Models:
- HP DeskJet 3755: A compact desktop printer with basic features, suitable for light home use.
- Canon PIXMA MG3620: Offers wireless printing and decent performance at a budget-friendly price.

Mid-Range Printers ($100–$300)

Mid-range printers strike an ideal balance between features, quality, and cost. These printers often include additional functionalities such as faster printing speeds, better print quality, and more robust build quality. They are well-suited for home offices or small businesses that need reliable performance without the high cost of premium models.

Example Models:
- Brother MFC-J995DW: Known for its high-yield ink cartridges and versatile functionality.
- Epson EcoTank ET-2760: Features refillable ink tanks that reduce the cost per page and are great for frequent printing.

High-End Printers (Above $300)

For those who require advanced technology and premium features, the most expensive printer options provide the highest performance and capabilities. These models often include advanced features such as high-resolution photo printing, larger paper capacities, and enhanced connectivity options. If you need a desktop printer for professional use or high-volume tasks, investing in a high-end printer can be worthwhile.

Example Models:
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000: A top-tier printer offering exceptional photo quality and advanced features.
- Epson SureColor P800: Known for its large-format printing capabilities and superior color accuracy.

Additional Factors to Think About

When selecting a printer, beyond the essential features and budget, several additional factors can influence your decision. These include energy efficiency, warranty and support, and sustainability. Considering these aspects can help you make a more informed choice and ensure long-term satisfaction with your purchase.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important consideration for both environmental and cost reasons. Many modern printers come with energy-saving features such as automatic sleep modes and low power consumption during idle periods. By choosing a printer with good energy-saving features, you can reduce your electricity bills and lower your environmental footprint. Look for models with ENERGY STAR certification, which indicates they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.

Warranty and Support

A solid warranty and reliable customer support are crucial for addressing any issues that may arise with your printer. A good warranty provides peace of mind, covering repairs or replacements in case of malfunctions or defects. Additionally, reliable customer service can assist with troubleshooting and resolving any problems that may occur. Before purchasing, check the warranty terms and available support options to ensure you have access to help if needed. This is especially important for high-end printers where the investment is significant.

Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in today’s world. Many printers now come with eco-friendly features and participate in recycling programs. Look for printers that use recyclable materials, have energy-efficient designs, and offer options for eco-friendly ink or toner cartridges. Some manufacturers also have take-back programs where you can return used cartridges for recycling. Choosing a printer with strong eco-friendly printing solutions helps reduce waste and minimizes your environmental impact, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Choosing the right printer requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure you get the best device for your needs. Here’s a recap of what to keep in mind: