Choosing the perfect printer can be overwhelming with so many options out there. In a saturated market, making the right choice is the hardest part.
Choosing the perfect printer can be overwhelming with so many options out there. In a saturated market, making the right choice is the hardest part. But finding a printer that is both high-quality and affordable is crucial.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 printer stands out as a top printer choice for several reasons. While it may not be ideal for a large office environment, it is (almost) the perfect printer for a small office.
This machine can print high-quality, vibrant color photos and standard monochrome documents with crisp text, in addition to excellent scanning and photocopying capabilities. It also prints borderless photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches (for photos up to 13 x 19 inches, you might consider the ET-8550) and even personalizes your home media collection with CD/DVD printing functionality.
The ink-free design offers significant long-term savings. The cost of printing photos is very low per image, while an ink cartridge can last up to two years (equivalent to 6,200 color pages). Ultimately, this design means the printer is also more environmentally friendly by saving ink and reducing waste from discarded cartridges.
Canon Pixma MG3620
For an affordable all-in-one home printer, you might consider the Canon Pixma MG3620. This reliable 3-in-1 inkjet printer also scans and copies, delivering surprisingly crisp, detailed documents and vibrant color photos. While print speeds are only adequate, you can't expect much more at this price point. However, it does have a 100-sheet capacity and automatic duplex printing.
Thanks to affordable ink cartridges, low cost per print, and support for multiple connectivity options including USB, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria (for Android), and the Canon PRINT app, it's a great choice. It also features Alexa integration, which not only supports voice printing but also notifies you when the ink is low and even automatically reorders ink through Amazon.
Brother MFC-J6955DW
The high demands of a busy office are often met by laser inkjet printers. However, the Brother MFC-J6955DW stands out in this respect as a comprehensive inkjet printing solution suitable for busy workplaces.
This all-in-one machine supports printing, scanning, photocopying, and even faxing, performing all tasks efficiently and effectively. With a printing speed of 30 pages per minute and a resolution of 1200 x 1200dpi (1200 x 2400dpi for scanning), the speed is good, and documents are sharp and clear.
The MFC-J6955DW supports newspaper-size sheets (A3), making it an excellent choice for double-sided printing and scanning for large-format tasks such as posters or flyers.
Each double paper tray can hold 500 sheets of A3 paper, with even greater capacity in the automatic document feeder (ADF). This reduces the need for frequent reloading, minimizing disruptions.
However, the printer's high-yield inkjet system is what makes it a popular option. Standard cartridges can print up to 3,000 black and white pages and 1,500 color pages, and optional XL cartridges further increase efficiency.
Epson SureColor P900
For professional photo printing, you'll need a professional photo printer. While the Epson SureColor P900 is expensive, the image quality it delivers is exceptional. Vibrant colors and deep blacks across a wide range of media make it a good choice for professional photographers and artists seeking top-quality prints with long-lasting durability.
The SureColor P900 delivers premium prints up to A2 size using 10 pigment-based inks for superb color and monochrome output. Additionally, the printer boasts a dedicated ink channel for each color, which not only improves image quality and efficiency but also reduces maintenance.
However, the P900 is a more expensive and appealing printer for professionals. If you simply want a high-quality, mobile printer for printing photos from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, consider the Kodak Step printer. It uses Zink (inkless) technology and delivers high-quality 2 x 3 inch images on durable paper. It connects to any iOS or Android device and isn't much larger than a small paperback book. It easily fits in a pocket and is ideal for parties and travel.
Zebra GK420d
The Zebra GK420d is a versatile printer suitable for a variety of label types, including barcodes, name and address labels, letterhead labels, or cover labels. It's also a great choice for printing standard 4 x 6 inch shipping labels.
Compact and easy to use, with good print quality. The printer uses direct thermal technology (applying heat to the paper to create text) on direct thermal label paper. It's not designed for high-volume printing, but the printing speed is still good at 5 ips (inches per second).
However, if you're looking for a machine with sufficient resolution to print complex graphics on labels, you'll need a higher resolution than the 203dpi that this simple label printer offers.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a dedicated shipping label printer, the Rollo USB is fast, reliable, compact, and requires little maintenance.