Printer Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Printer for You in 2024
In today’s digital age, finding the right printer can be as unique as your personal or organizational needs. From compact home devices to high-speed office workhorses, the printer market offers a wide array of options. While the choice may seem overwhelming, focusing on key features will significantly impact your long-term satisfaction with your purchase.
This guide will help you navigate the printer buying process by focusing on essential features and common use scenarios. We’ll cover:
- Different printer uses
- Top features to consider
- Printer types: inkjet, laser, and tank
- Paper handling and capacity
- Energy efficiency and overall costs
- Ink and toner considerations
What are the different printer uses?
1. Home
For families, a home printer often becomes a central hub for various tasks. Low-noise features minimize distractions during big school projects, while multifunction capabilities handle family photos, medical records, and travel documents. Even for solo households, all-in-one printers can offer great value without taking up much extra space.
2. Home office
With the rise of remote work, home office printers face increasing demands. Balancing print speed and paper capacity is crucial. Multifunction printers can help avoid extra costs and trips to print shops.
3. Small-to-medium office
Small to medium-sized offices benefit from expanded administrative features like job queuing. Laser printers’ speed and capacity help prevent bottlenecks. Look for larger options with multifunction features in this setting.
4. Enterprise
Large businesses require printers with robust workflow and administrative features. These printers often need to handle various tasks for an entire office, including faxing, photo printing, copying, scanning, and color printing. Many organizations prefer laser printers for large-scale operations.
Top features to focus on when shopping for a new printer
1. Print speed
Print speed, measured in pages per minute (ppm), varies widely between printer models. While home users might not mind slower speeds for occasional printing, professionals and businesses should prioritize higher ppm numbers for efficiency.
2. Color or B&W
Consider whether you need color printing capabilities. Color prints typically take longer and cost more per page, but are essential for many home and business applications.
3. Single or multifunction
Single-function printers offer only printing capabilities, while multifunction (all-in-one) printers include scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing. Multifunction printers often provide better value and space efficiency for most users.
4. Inkjet, laser, or tank printer
Each type of printer technology has its strengths:
- Inkjet printers excel at color and photo printing
- Laser printers offer fast, high-volume printing, especially for text documents
- Tank printers provide very low cost per page for high-volume users
5. Paper handling
Consider the printer’s paper capacity, supported paper sizes, and whether it offers features like duplex (double-sided) printing.
6. Duty cycle and recommended monthly page volume
Check the printer’s maximum monthly duty cycle and recommended monthly page volume to ensure it can handle your printing needs without excessive wear.
7. Energy efficiency
Look for energy-efficient models with certifications like ENERGY STAR® to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
8. Overall costs
Factor in the initial purchase price, ongoing ink or toner costs, energy consumption, and potential maintenance when calculating the total cost of ownership.
9. Support for high-yield cartridges
Printers that support high-capacity ink or toner cartridges can significantly reduce your per-page printing costs.
10. Subscription ink services
Consider printers compatible with ink subscription services, which can provide convenience and cost savings for regular printing needs.
Recommended Printers for Different Use Cases
HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer
The HP Smart Tank 5101 is an excellent choice for home and small office users looking for extremely low running costs. This tank-style printer offers exceptional value with its high-capacity ink tanks that can print thousands of pages before needing a refill.
- Print speed up to 12 ppm black, 5 ppm color
- Up to 6,000 black pages or 8,000 color pages per ink set
- Print, scan, and copy functionality
- Mobile and cloud printing
With its high-yield ink system and versatile functionality, the Smart Tank 5101 is perfect for families or home office users who print frequently. Its mobile printing capabilities and easy-to-use design make it a convenient choice for various printing needs.
HP ENVY Inspire 7255e All-in-One Printer
For users seeking a versatile home printer with excellent photo printing capabilities, the HP ENVY Inspire 7255e is an outstanding option. This all-in-one device offers high-quality printing for both documents and photos, making it ideal for families and creative professionals.
- Print speed up to 15 ppm black, 10 ppm color
- Two-sided printing
- 2.7" color touchscreen
- Mobile and cloud printing
The ENVY Inspire 7255e’s intuitive touchscreen interface and mobile printing options make it easy to use for the whole family. Its ability to produce high-quality photos and documents, combined with its scanning and copying features, make it a versatile choice for home users with diverse printing needs.
HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw Wireless Printer
For small to medium-sized offices prioritizing fast, high-volume printing, the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw is an excellent monochrome laser printer. Its compact design and impressive speed make it perfect for busy work environments.
- Print speed up to 40 ppm
- Automatic two-sided printing
- 250-sheet input tray
- First page out in as fast as 6.9 seconds
The LaserJet Pro 3001dw’s fast print speeds and large paper capacity make it ideal for offices with high print volumes. Its energy-efficient design and low running costs make it an economical choice for long-term use in professional settings.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e All-in-One Printer
For small businesses or home offices needing a robust, feature-rich printer, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e offers advanced functionality in a compact package. This all-in-one device provides professional-quality prints, scans, and copies to support various business needs.
- Print speed up to 22 ppm black, 18 ppm color
- 35-page auto document feeder
- 250-sheet input tray
- Self-healing Wi-Fi
The OfficeJet Pro 9015e’s fast print speeds and large paper capacity make it suitable for busy small offices. Its self-healing Wi-Fi ensures a stable connection, while robust mobile printing options allow for easy printing from various devices. The automatic document feeder and two-sided printing features enhance productivity for business users.
FAQs
What’s the difference between inkjet and laser printers?
Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are better for color printing and photos. Laser printers use toner powder and excel at fast, high-volume black and white printing. Inkjets are typically cheaper upfront but have higher per-page costs, while lasers are more expensive initially but offer lower running costs for high-volume printing.
How important is print speed for home use?
For occasional home printing, speed may not be crucial. However, if you frequently print large documents or have a home office, faster print speeds can significantly boost productivity. Consider your typical print volume and how often you print when evaluating speed requirements.
Are all-in-one printers worth the extra cost?
All-in-one printers often provide excellent value, especially for home and small office use. They combine printing, scanning, and copying functions in one device, saving space and potentially money compared to buying separate devices. However, if you only need to print, a single-function printer might be more cost-effective.
How can I reduce my printing costs?
To reduce printing costs:
- Choose a printer with low cost-per-page ratings
- Use high-yield or XL ink/toner cartridges
- Print in draft mode when possible
- Use duplex printing to save paper
- Consider ink subscription services for regular printing needs
What should I look for in a photo printer?
For high-quality photo printing, look for:
- High resolution (measured in dpi)
- Support for photo paper
- Individual ink cartridges for each color
- Wide color gamut
- Borderless printing capability
Conclusion
Choosing the right printer involves carefully considering your specific needs, budget, and long-term usage plans. Whether you prioritize photo quality, print speed, or low running costs, there’s a printer model suited to your requirements. Remember to factor in both upfront and ongoing costs when making your decision.
For more information on printers and other computer accessories, check out our full range of printers and printer supplies.
