Printers are a staple in many households, whether you need to print out a recipe or a work document. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the best printer for home use. In this article, we will explore the different types of printers and what to look for when making a purchase.
When it comes to home printers, there are two primary types: inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers use liquid ink to print on paper, while laser printers use toner and a heated fuser to fuse the toner to the paper. Inkjet printers are generally more affordable and better for printing photos, while laser printers are faster and better for printing text documents.
When choosing a printer for home use, it’s essential to consider your printing needs. Do you need to print in color or just black and white? How often do you need to print? Do you need a scanner or copier function? These are all critical questions to ask yourself before making a purchase.
The most important factor to consider when buying a printer is the cost of ink or toner. Some printers may be cheaper upfront, but their ink or toner cartridges may be expensive or need to be replaced frequently. It’s essential to research the cost of replacement cartridges before making a purchase to avoid any surprises down the line.
In this article, we will review and test various printers to identify the best printer for home use. We will consider factors such as print quality, speed, cost of ink or toner cartridges, and additional features like scanning and copying. With our comprehensive research and testing, you can feel confident in your printer purchase and find the perfect printer for your home.
Best Printers for Home
We understand how important it is to have a reliable printer in your home. Whether you need to print out documents for work, school assignments, or simply want to print out your favorite photos, having a printer that can handle all your needs is crucial. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best printers for home use. Our team has thoroughly researched and tested each of these printers to ensure they meet our standards for quality, reliability, and affordability. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best printers for home use.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable printer for your home, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a great option.
Pros
- The innovative cartridge-free printing system makes it easy to refill ink and saves you money in the long run.
- The impressive print quality produces sharp text and impressive color photos on any paper type.
- The built-in scanner and copier make it a versatile all-in-one device for your home office needs.
Cons
- The paper tray setup can be frustrating to use.
- The printer can be slow to print large documents.
- The small display screen can be difficult to read.
We’ve been using the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 for a few months now and we’re impressed with its performance. The high-capacity ink tanks mean we don’t have to worry about constantly replacing tiny, expensive ink cartridges. The EcoFit ink bottles make it easy to refill the ink without any mess or fuss. We also appreciate the dramatic savings on replacement ink bottles, which can save up to 90% compared to traditional ink cartridges.
The printer produces sharp text and impressive color photos on virtually any paper type. We’ve printed everything from documents to photos and have been pleased with the results. The Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text and impressive color photos, making it a great option for home use.
The built-in scanner and copier make it a versatile all-in-one device for your home office needs. We’ve used it to scan documents and copy pages, and it works seamlessly. The color display makes it easy to navigate the device and select the function you need.
However, the paper tray setup can be frustrating to use. It’s not always easy to load paper, and we’ve had a few instances where the paper has jammed. The printer can also be slow to print large documents, which can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry. Additionally, the small display screen can be difficult to read, especially if you have poor eyesight.
Overall, we would recommend the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable printer for their home. It’s a great option for those who want to save money on ink and need a versatile all-in-one device for their home office needs.
Canon PIXMA TR8620a – All-in-One Printer Home Office|Copier|Scanner|Fax|Auto Document Feeder | Photo, Document | Airprint (R), Android, Black, Works with Alexa
If you are looking for a reliable printer for your home office, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a great option. It offers a variety of features that make it a versatile and convenient choice for your printing needs.
Pros
- The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a wireless printer that allows you to print, scan, copy, and fax from anywhere in your home or office.
- With a print speed of 15 pages per minute for monochrome and 10 pages per minute for color, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a fast and efficient printer.
- The printer has a 200-sheet capacity, which means you won’t have to refill the paper tray as often.
Cons
- The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a bit bulky and may take up more space on your desk than other printers.
- While the printer offers a variety of features, some users may find it overwhelming to navigate the menu and settings.
- The printer’s ink cartridges can be expensive to replace, especially if you print frequently.
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a reliable and versatile printer that offers a variety of features for your home office needs. With its wireless capabilities, fast print speed, and large paper capacity, it is a great choice for those who need to print frequently. However, its size and complexity may not be suitable for all users, and the cost of ink cartridges may be a consideration for some. Overall, we recommend the Canon PIXMA TR8620a for those looking for a reliable and efficient home office printer.
HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
If you’re looking for a powerful printer that can handle all your home office needs, the HP OfficeJet 8015e might be just what you need.
Pros
- Fast print speeds for both black and color documents
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable wireless connectivity
- Automatic document feeder for easy scanning and copying
Cons
- Printing can be noisy and slow
- Ink cartridges can be expensive to replace
- Some users have reported issues with paper jams
We’ve been using the HP OfficeJet 8015e for a few weeks now, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The printer is fast and reliable, with print speeds of up to 18 pages per minute in black and 10 pages per minute in color. The dual-band Wi-Fi is a nice touch, as it ensures a strong and stable connection to your home network.
One of the standout features of the HP OfficeJet 8015e is its automatic document feeder, which makes it easy to scan and copy multi-page documents. We’ve found this feature to be especially useful when working with contracts and other legal documents.
That said, the printer can be a bit noisy when it’s printing, which might be a concern if you’re working in a shared space. We’ve also noticed that printing can be slow at times, especially when you’re printing color documents or photos.
Finally, it’s worth noting that replacement ink cartridges can be expensive, so you’ll want to factor that into your purchasing decision. However, the printer comes with six months of free ink when you sign up for HP+, which can help offset some of the cost.
Overall, we think the HP OfficeJet 8015e is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable all-in-one printer for their home office. Just be aware of its limitations when it comes to noise and print speeds, and factor in the cost of replacement ink cartridges when making your decision.
HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
If you are looking for a basic and affordable printer for your home, the HP DeskJet 4155e might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The printer is easy to set up and use, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
- The HP+ Smart Printing System is a great feature that keeps the printer updated and ready to print from anywhere at any time.
- The printer includes a 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink, which can save you money in the long run.
Cons
- The printer is not suitable for heavy-duty printing tasks, as it has a relatively slow printing speed.
- The printer’s ink cartridges are relatively small, which means that they will need to be replaced frequently.
- The printer is not compatible with non-HP ink cartridges, which can limit your options and increase your costs.
Overall, the HP DeskJet 4155e is a decent printer for basic home use. It is affordable, easy to use, and includes some useful features like HP+ and Instant Ink. However, if you need a printer for heavy-duty tasks or want more flexibility with your ink cartridges, you may want to consider other options.
Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer
If you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective printer for your home, the Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The integrated ink tanks can print up to 6,000 pages of black and white and 7,700 pages of color, making it a great option for those who print frequently.
- The wireless 3-in-1 feature allows you to print, copy, and scan from anywhere in your home.
- The printer is easy to use with an intuitive 1.35” square LCD screen and the ability to print from your favorite mobile devices using the free Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service.
Cons
- The printer only prints single-sided, which may not be ideal for those who need to print double-sided documents.
- The printer can be a bit noisy when printing large documents.
- The printer is a bit bulky and may take up more space than other home printers.
Overall, we highly recommend the Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer for its cost-effectiveness and reliability. With its integrated ink tanks and wireless 3-in-1 feature, it’s a great option for those who need to print frequently and from anywhere in their home.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a printer for your home, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. In this buying guide, we will go over the key features to look for when selecting a printer.
Print Quality
One of the most important things to consider when buying a printer is print quality. You want to make sure that the printer you choose produces high-quality prints with sharp text and vibrant colors. Look for a printer with a high resolution, measured in DPI (dots per inch), as this will ensure that your prints are crisp and clear.
Connectivity
Another important feature to consider is connectivity. You want to make sure that your printer is compatible with your devices, whether that be your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Look for a printer that offers multiple connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB.
Paper Handling
The paper handling capabilities of a printer are also an important consideration. You want to make sure that the printer can handle the size and type of paper you need for your projects. Look for a printer that offers a variety of paper handling options, such as automatic duplexing (double-sided printing), multiple paper trays, and the ability to print on specialty media like cardstock or labels.
Cost
Of course, cost is always a factor when making a purchase. When selecting a printer, consider both the upfront cost as well as the ongoing cost of ink or toner. Look for a printer that offers high-yield cartridges and consider opting for a printer with individual color cartridges, as this can help you save money by allowing you to replace only the colors that run out.
By considering these key features, you can select a printer that meets your needs and produces high-quality prints for all your home printing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to look for in a home printer?
When looking for a home printer, there are a few key features to consider. First, you’ll want to consider the type of printer you need. Inkjet printers are great for printing high-quality photos and color documents, while laser printers are better for printing text-heavy documents. You’ll also want to consider the print resolution, print speed, and connectivity options.
Which all-in-one printers offer the best value for home use?
All-in-one printers are a great option for home use, as they combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing capabilities in one machine. Some of the best all-in-one printers for home use include the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e, Canon Pixma TR8620a, and Brother MFC-J895DW.
How do I choose a printer for home with cost-effective ink usage?
If you’re looking for a printer with cost-effective ink usage, you’ll want to consider the cost of replacement ink cartridges and the number of pages you can print with each cartridge. Some printers, like the Epson EcoTank ET-3760 and HP Envy Pro 6455e, come with refillable ink tanks that can save you money in the long run.
What should I consider when selecting a color printer for home projects?
When selecting a color printer for home projects, you’ll want to consider the print resolution, color accuracy, and the type of ink or toner used. Some of the best color printers for home use include the Canon PIXMA TS9521C, HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e, and Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000.
What are the advantages of wireless printers for home use?
Wireless printers offer several advantages for home use, including the ability to print from anywhere in your home without the need for cords or cables. They also allow you to easily print from your smartphone or tablet, and some models even support voice commands through virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
How do laser printers compare to inkjet printers for home use?
Laser printers are generally better for printing text-heavy documents, as they produce sharp, clear text at a faster speed than inkjet printers. However, inkjet printers are better for printing high-quality photos and color documents. When deciding between a laser printer and an inkjet printer for home use, it’s important to consider your specific printing needs.