Which printer is best?
Printers have become one of the most common home office appliances, especially for those who work remotely. Regardless of what you plan to print, from important documents to class notes to high-quality photographs, there is likely a printer to meet your needs.
Many printers available today also feature other convenient functions, such as copying, faxing, and scanning. If your goal is to find a reliable all-in-one option, the HP LaserJet-Tank MFP 2604sdw Wireless Black & White Printer is a top choice.
What to know before you buy a printer
Printer type
When it comes to printers, there are two main styles available — laser printers and inkjet printers.
- Laser printers are often much quicker at printing large quantities than inkjet options and can produce clear and precise lines of text. Since laser printers use toner, a powder form of ink, their replacement cartridges can be more expensive. However, a laser printer’s toner will last significantly longer than traditional liquid ink.
- Inkjet printers are slightly slower but still provide a decent output rate for everyday home office use. This style of printer is preferred for those who plan to print images more often than text, as the final result will be of higher quality. Replacement inkjet cartridges are cheaper than toner but won’t last nearly as long.
While the price difference overall isn’t huge between laser and inkjet models, laser printers tend to be more expensive.
Connectivity
If you enjoy the convenience of wireless connection, you’ll want to choose a printer with Wi-Fi capabilities, which will allow you to print from your computer, phone, tablet or other smart device without a wired connection.
For those who prefer a wired connection, many newer printers feature both Wi-Fi connectivity and USB ports, allowing you to choose the most convenient method.
Color vs. monochrome
Another decision you’ll need to make is whether to opt for a full-color printer or a black-and-white monochrome model. If you plan on printing images, photographs or documents that require colored graphs, titles or other necessary sections, a color printer is definitely your best bet.
For those who primarily intend to print large volumes of black-and-white text, a monochrome printer can prove to be a more compact and efficient option. Most monochrome models will be laser printers.
Size
Depending on where you plan to store your printer, you’ll want to take the overall size into account. Modern printers are relatively compact and won’t take up too much space on or underneath a desk, but if your space is limited, there are plenty of compact models available.
What to look for in a quality printer
Multifunctionality
The best printers will not only be able to print but will also have the ability to copy documents, scan files directly to your devices and even act as a fax machine when needed. Some basic printers without any extra features may be cheaper, but spending a bit more for the multifunctionality aspect can be worth the extra money.
Tray capacity
If you anticipate using your printer frequently throughout the day, you’ll likely want to invest in a model with a high tray capacity. Some printers may even include more than one paper tray, so you can complete large print jobs without interruption.
Double-sided printing
Printers that sport a double-sided printing feature can help save you paper, ultimately saving you money in the long run. Double-sided printing also leads to less waste, making it more environmentally friendly.
Printing speed
Printing speed will be measured in pages per minute, or PPM. As mentioned, laser printers will generally have a higher printing speed than inkjet printers. If you’re someone who only prints a couple of pages at a time, printing speed likely won’t be a major factor.
How much you can expect to spend on a printer
The cheapest printers generally cost between $30-$100, though they may lack reliability and other important features. High-end models can cost well over $300, but you can usually find quality options for somewhere in between.
Printer FAQ
What other costs are associated with owning a printer?
A. Other than the initial upfront cost for the printer itself, you should also consider the cost for replacement ink or toner and the cost for printer paper, which can vary depending on quality and finish. Some people prefer to use ink subscription services, which will automatically send ink refills when the printer is running low.
Which type of printer is best for printing photographs?
A. If you want to achieve the best quality when printing a photograph, you’ll almost certainly want to use a color inkjet printer. You can even find inkjet printers that are designed specifically for printing photos.
What’s the best printer to buy?
Top printer
HP LaserJet-Tank MFP 2604sdw Wireless Black & White Printer
What you need to know: This multifunctional HP laser printer is a heavy-duty workhorse made for those with high-volume printing needs.
What you’ll love: You can print from anywhere using the HP Smart app. The long-lasting toner cartridge will provide up to 5,000 pages before needing replacement. It’s prefilled with two years’ worth of toner. You can print a lot of pages at a lower cost.
What you should consider: Some users have experienced issues printing via Wi-Fi.
Top printer for the money
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
What you need to know: Simple yet reliable, this affordable color inkjet printer is ideal for a home office.
What you’ll love: It can print up to seven black and white pages or 5.5 color pages per minute. The paper tray can hold up to 60 pages at once. The HP app makes it easy to print things from your phone. It’s also pretty small, so it will fit well in compact spaces.
What you should consider: It’s only compatible with devices operating on a 2.5GHz wireless frequency, so it won’t work with 5GHz devices.
Worth checking out
Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless All-in-One Color Printer
What you need to know: The Epson EcoTank is a high-quality inkjet printer that features refillable ink tanks to help lower costs and reduce unnecessary waste.
What you’ll love: You can print, scan, copy and fax with this 4-in-1 printer that features a large touch screen and voice activation for easy printing. Plus, the paper tray can hold up to 250 pages, so you won’t be cut short halfway through an important print job.
What you should consider: As far as inkjet printers go, this model is relatively expensive.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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