Overview and inkjets
In choosing the right printer, your first decision should be whether to go for a normal printer, or a multifunction device that includes a scanner and that can also work as a standalone copier. These aren’t much larger than regular printers, but they’re a whole lot more versatile, especially when you need to keep a copy of a letter, a bill or any other important document.
You should also think carefully about whether to invest in an inkjet or a laser. Lasers are usually associated with office environments, where they produce sharp, smudge-free printouts quickly, quietly and economically, but this can be just as useful at home or in a home office. If you use a ton of ink, manufacturers like HP are offering services that mail you new ink cartridges every month.
With that being said, here are our picks for the best printers in each class.
Inkjet printers
1. Brother MFC-J6925DW
An inkjet that’s cost-efficient
Print speed: 22 black ppm; 20 ppm color | Print resolution: 6000 x 1200 dpi optimized dpi | Paper sizes: Up to A3 or ledger | Paper capacity: 550 sheets | Dimensions: 21.8 x 17.0 x 12.2 inches (W x D x H) | Weight: 36.4 pounds
See more Brother MFC-J6925DW deals
Dual ledge paper trays Economical print costs No borderless A3 printing Small tray capacity
Brother’s INKvestment technology helps the MFC-J6925DW deliver economical prints with low up-front ink investment costs. Smart Cloud Apps, the ability to scan and print 11 x 17-inch projects and a simple touchscreen UI make this printer a versatile multifunction business printer.
2. HP Officejet X576dw
An inkjet with laser performance
Print speed: 70 black ipm | Print resolution: 2400 x 1200 optimized dpi | Paper sizes: Up to A4 | Paper capacity: 50 sheets | Dimensions: 23 x 19 x 25 inches (W x D x H) | Weight: 61.65 pounds
See more HP Officejet X576dw deals
Fast print speeds Economical print costs Large size No built-in stapler
For many small businesses, more affordable print costs alone should be enough to make the Officejet X576dw a top contender when shopping for a new printer, but this inkjet delivers exceptional performance at tremendous value, if you can afford its high up-front cost of ownership.
3. HP Deskjet 3630
A great printer for occasional use, but ink can be pricey
Print speed: 8.5ppm black; 6ppm color | Print resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to A4 | Paper capacity: 25 | Dimensions: 18.6 x 7.6 x 13.8 inches (W x D x H) | Weight: 11.2 pounds
See more HP Deskjet 3630 deals
It’s really cheap Decent quality and speed Looks and feels flimsy Shop-bought cartridges are expensive
Although it doesn’t ship complete with all the fixings of a luxury laserjet, the HP Deskjet 3630 will only set you back a reasonable £40 (about $80, AU$70) to conduct all the basic tasks you would require from a printer of this range. What’s more, even without the inclusion of a touchscreen, you’ll be able to print from your devices wirelessly with the help of either a router or a Wi-Fi Direct connection. Sure, the design isn’t quite top-end and its functionality is barebones, but does it really matter when you only print a modest amount each month?
4. Canon Maxify MB5320
The only All-in-One you’ll need
Print speed: 23 black ipm | Print resolution: 600 x 1200 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to Legal | Paper capacity: 250 | Dimensions: 18.3 x 18.1 x 13.9 inches (W x D x H) | Weight: 28.8 pounds
See more Canon Maxify MB5320 deals
High paper volume Connectivity Photo & graphic printing Poor resolution
The MB5320 is a wireless inkjet all-in-one printer that is available in the US only for $399.99. It comes with a stacked feature set and robust paper handling that should limit paper jams and spills. The price is a bit steep for the target market (small businesses), and users looking to get high-quality graphic and photo creation, might be disappointed by the quality.
However, the Canon MB5320 would be a sound addition to any small or home office looking for an efficient printer that can handle large volumes of paper without a ton of maintenance.
5. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4630
Economical print costs for volume printing
Print speed: 20 black ipm | Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi | Paper sizes: value | Paper capacity: 330 sheets | Dimensions: 18.1 x 25.8 x 15.1 inches (W x D x H) | Weight: 31.3 pounds
See more Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4630 deals
Fast print speeds Cloud-connected Loud Uninspiring design
There’s a lot to love about this multi-function printer – it superbly handles office print jobs, and print quality rivals those of color laser printers. The automatic document feeder can handle double-sided scans and copies.
Plus, a specialty rear paper tray offers added convenience to the front-loading 250-sheet tray. If you need massive amounts of ink, and don’t mind slow print speeds, a similar version of this printer is available in Epson’s EcoTank line.
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article
Laser printers
Laser printers
1. Sharp MX-C301W
The best of the best
Print speed: 30 black ipm | Print resolution: 600 x 600 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to A6 | Paper capacity: 300 sheets | Dimensions: 16 57/64″ x 22 13/32″ x 18 21/32″ | Weight: 72.8lbs.
See more Sharp MX-C301W deals
Speed Security Giant Expensive
This compact unit is a great, multi-purpose device for small-to-medium-sized enterprise use. With a straightforward out of the box set up, quick and easy color printing, speedy scanning, and standard copying features, the Sharp MX-C301W is a competitive addition to the enterprise market.
It might be a little too much to handle for the home office user, but if you’re interested in bulk printing and speed, this is a safe bet.
2. HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M553X
Print speed: 40 black ipm | Print resolution: 3600 x 3600 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to A6 | Paper capacity: 1100 sheets | Dimensions: 18 x 18.9 x 22.9 in | Weight: 73.6
See more HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M553X deals
Superb print quality Fast performance Pricey Rather large
This is a big printer for small businesses with big ideas – it’s great for producing striking marketing materials, brochures and other colorful documents without making the finance director cry. It isn’t cheap, but its support for all kinds of wired and wireless printing, its cavernous paper trays and low running costs make the 553X an investment you’re unlikely to regret. Just don’t drop it on your foot.
3. Samsung Multifunction Xpress C460FW
A dominant laser printer
Print speed: 19 black ipm | Print resolution: 600 x 600 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to 8.5″ x 14″ | Paper capacity: 40 sheets | Dimensions: 16″ x 14.3″ x 13.1″ | Weight: 30.82
See more Samsung Multifunction Xpress C460FW deals
Great mobile printing options Very good text printing Great mobile printing options Very good text printing
If you’re after a high-quality text printer that can do the odd image too, the Samsung Multifunction Xpress C460FW won’t disappoint, but its photo printing lets it down. There’s a lot to like about this low-cost all-in-one laser printer, but we don’t think it will be the model to crack the home market.
4. Brother HL-L9200CDWT
Print speed: 32 black ipm | Print resolution: 2400 x 600 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to B6 | Paper capacity: 750 sheets | Dimensions: 16.1″ x 19.5″ x 17.5″ | Weight: 61.6
See more Brother HL-L9200CDWT deals
Good performance Easy setup and operation Big, bulky and very heavy Some software issues
The HL-L92000CDWT is a capable, affordable option for everyday home of heavy office use. It’s wireless functionality, including AirPrint and Cloud Print, and high capacity toners make for excellent performance no matter how and what you’re printing. Unfortunately, it’s a giant beast of a machine, so make sure you have the room for it before you make a purchase.
Source: techradar.com