Printers have come a long way since the Gutenberg press. Simply press a button, and a printer creates a replica of what’s on the screen—from documents and photos to 3D model prototypes. Many top-rated printers sync with smart devices to allow remote printing, and some are compatible with a virtual assistant for voice commands.
The best printer for your home office should satisfy family members’ business, schoolwork, and hobbying needs—such as being able to print reports, stamps, shipping labels, cards, and photos. Read on to learn about the types available and why the following are considered among the best printers in their respective categories.
- BEST OVERALL: Canon PIXMA TS9520 All-in-One Wireless Printer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
- BEST BUDGET: HP DeskJet 2755e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
- BEST PHOTO PRINTER: HP ENVY Photo 7855 All-in-One Printer
- BEST INKJET: HP OfficeJet Pro 8035e All-in-One Wireless Printer
- BEST PORTABLE: HP OfficeJet 200 Portable Printer
- BEST 3D: Comgrow Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer
- BEST SUBLIMATION: Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
- BEST ALL-IN-ONE: HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Wireless Printer
- BEST FOR SENIORS: HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless All-in-One Printer
Types of Printers
The three main types of printers are 3D, laser, and inkjet. When narrowing your search for the best printer for your home office, the first step is determining which type will suit your needs the best.
Inkjet
Inkjet printers spray ink onto paper, which absorbs the ink droplets to create images. These printers are typically the most affordable and easy to use. They can print text, graphics, and vivid full-color photos. Inkjet printers produce high-quality print jobs; they can range from 300 to 600 dots per inch (dpi) and are a suitable choice for smaller images and reports.
In terms of speed, inkjets print black-and-white documents between approximately 5 and 18 pages per minute (ppm), but color photos will take much longer. An 8-inch by 10-inch photo can take 4 minutes or longer, but if the printer is made for photo printing, the quality will show in the results.
Some inkjet printers use tanks instead of ink cartridges. These printers have refillable reservoirs that users top off with bottles of ink. Tank inkjet printers are often more expensive initially but offer long-term savings on ink-cartridge costs.
Laser
Laser printers are a traditional style of printer that, thanks to certain tech upgrades, now work with handheld devices. Laser printers produce high-quality documents with resolutions ranging from 600 to 1,200 dpi. Instead of ink, laser printers use a powder called toner, which makes print jobs crisp and smudge-free.
Laser printers suit high-volume printing, especially monochrome (black-and-white) text. Some laser printers fare quite well with color and graphics, but generally, laser printers are not the first choice for printing photos at home. Laser printers tend to be more reliable and have faster printing speeds than inkjets, with black-and-white text printing typically ranging from 9 to 25 ppm.
3D
Specialty models such as 3D printers can, in just a few hours, create 3D models or prototypes based on a 3D computer-aided design, or CAD, drawing made with computer software. Instead of using ink as traditional printers do, 3D printers deposit layers of thermoplastics, which melt when heated and become solid when cool.
Building from the bottom up, layer by layer, 3D printers use a method called fused depositional modeling, or FDM: They print a layer, allow it to dry, then print the next layer on top, fusing the layers with adhesive or ultraviolet light.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Printer
The best printer fits well in the user’s home-office setup and tackles print jobs that produce high-quality documents and graphics. Some things users should consider are the number and types of documents they print, the quality they need, and the maintenance requirements.
Nearly all manufacturers use standardized tests developed by the International Organization for Standardization, which substantiates printing capabilities and makes it easier for the consumer to compare each model’s speed and other features. Here are some of the key functions and features for users to consider when selecting the best printer.
Print Speed
Print speed is measured in the number of images per minute (ipm) or ppm a printer produces. There are variances between ppm for black-and-white printing versus ppm for color printing; for this reason, printer specs may show two different ppm speeds.
For black and white, the average ppm is 15 to 20 pages, and the average color printing is 10 to 15 ppm. Color printing for photos or graphics takes a bit longer due to multiple inks and more content, while black-and-white printing is usually just text. Print speed may be less important for home printing unless users print a lot of pages often or they’re in a time crunch.
Quality
Printing resolution is measured in dpi. The number of dots the printer can apply to a square inch of paper indicates how well the printer creates high-resolution, high-detailed images.
Laser printers melt dots of toner against the paper, and inkjet printers spray microdrops of ink from nozzles. The more dots, the sharper the image on the page, which is achieved with dots of different sizes, intensities, and shapes. Most printers have sufficient resolution to deliver quality images, though users should always check model specifications.
Consider the following dpi guidelines, as they apply to the user’s printing needs:
- For text documents, 300 to 600 dpi is typically adequate. High resolution isn’t considered necessary for text documents unless the user needs to print professional-quality handouts.
- For photos, 1,200 dpi provides a nice, sharp result.
- For professional photos, look for a minimum of 2,880 dpi by 1,440 dpi.
Some factors, such as software, type of ink, and paper type, can alter dpi. For best results, users should make sure to use ink and paper made for their specific printer.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle refers to the maximum number of pages per month the printer produces at the rated print quality. Part of the manufacturing process involves doing a stress test on the device and pushing it to the limits to determine its maximum capacity without any errors or jams. Users need to make sure that their use falls well below the duty-cycle number, as doing so avoids wear and tear on the machine.
If the user’s expected use is close to the duty cycle of a printer they’re considering, it may be worth upgrading to a model with a higher duty cycle. The duty cycle is important if the user will do a lot of printing in their home office, but it’s usually a more prominent factor when purchasing a printer for a work office.
Although the duty cycle is what a printer is capable of, recommended monthly print volume is the range in which the printer works best. For users who anticipate doing a lot of printing, search the manufacturer’s website for the recommended monthly print volume for the device. This is the sustainable range of pages that can be printed each month without causing extra wear and tear to the device.
Maintenance Costs
Before purchasing a printer that seems like a good deal, research what kind of ink it takes and price out the ink to get the true cost of that printer. Buying an inexpensive printer only to spend more on ink later may not make it such a good deal after all.
Money spent on ink varies depending on how often the printer is used and what kind of print jobs the user puts it through—users will spend less on ink if they use a monochrome printer for text documents versus a color printer for photos.
Regular cleaning and maintenance help ensure that the printer continues printing high-quality documents and could prevent problems that require professional repair. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for the printer to extend its years of service. Tip: Constantly turning the printer on and off decreases its lifespan, so do so only when necessary.
Automatic Document Feeder
An automatic document feeder (ADF) is in many all-in-one devices, letting the user scan both sides of the page as the paper feeds through the printer. This handy feature enables the user to put a stack of paper to be scanned or copied into the printer without being on hand to feed pages manually. Without an ADF, the user would need to place and flip each page in the machine.
There are two types of ADFs:
- Reverse ADFs scan one side of the page, then flip the paper over to scan the second side.
- Duplexing ADFs scan both sides of the page simultaneously in a single pass through the printer.
Document Copying and Speed
Some of the best printers allow users to scan and replicate hard copies of documents, such as pages from a printed book. Some models use scanning glass, on which users place the document face down. If it’s a two-sided document, the menu screen on the printer indicates when to flip it over to scan the other side. Other types of printers feed into the machine and automatically scan both sides using an ADF.
Copying speed refers to the time it takes for the printer to produce copies after scanning. A copy speed of about 25 ppm is a good starting point. If the user won’t be in a rush to get their print jobs, copy speed may not be a deciding purchasing factor. On the other hand, if the user is often up against deadlines, waiting a long time for copies may affect productivity; in that case, the user should check the copying speed to see if it meets their needs.
Connectivity
Most new printers can connect through Wi-Fi and sync with other smart devices—so keep your Wi-Fi login information handy during the printer setup. Wi-Fi makes it easy to print wirelessly from across the room or potentially communicate with the printer from virtually anywhere in the world. With Wi-Fi integration, users can print items from cloud-based platforms such as Google Drive—a function that is unavailable to printers that are not connected to the internet.
In addition to Wi-Fi connectivity, many printers enable users to connect a single computer using a (USB) port for a wired connection—a handy option if the Wi-Fi is spotty. Some printers enable users to print without a computer by using a USB device or a secure digital (SD) card. Insert the card or device and follow the prompts on the printer’s navigation screen to print specific files or documents.
Our Top Picks
The above considerations should help users find the best printer for their home office. To further assist with the search, check out the models below, which are all considered top-rated printers and categorized by specific qualities and functions.
Photo: amazon.com
For those looking for a printer that can handle tasks from various household members, this Canon model is a great option to consider. It’s an all-in-one color inkjet solution for printing, scanning, and copying for professional and creative use. It supports various paper types and sizes, so users can print high-quality photos, make greeting cards, print on T-shirt transfer paper, or make CD labels.
The printer connects easily through Wi-Fi with any wireless device and has a USB port to connect to a local computer. Use the touch pad to print and scan photos from cloud-based platforms such as Instagram or Facebook. Link Alexa to this printer to operate it with voice commands.
A five-color individual ink system enables users to replace only the ink that runs out. Other features include an oversize 4.3-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screen for easy navigation, an SD memory card reader for photo printing, oversize scanning, and automatic duplex printing.
Product Specs
- Type: Inkjet
- Print speed: Black and white: 15 ipm; color: 10 ipm
- Print resolution: Up to 4,800 dpi by 1,200 dpi
Pros
- Supports various paper types and sizes
- 5-color ink system
- Connects with Wi-Fi, USB, or cloud-based platforms
- LCD touch-screen navigation
Cons
- Takes about 30 seconds to warm up after cooling down
Get the Canon printer on Amazon or at Office Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
This monochrome Brother laser printer is a quality option for those who print a lot of text or documents that don’t require color. With an impressively fast printing speed of 32 ppm, 250-sheet paper capacity, and automatic duplex printing, this device offers an affordable, efficient home-office solution. The printer features flexible paper-handling options, including a manual-feed slot for a variety of paper sizes beyond letter or legal size. It’s a compact printer, suitable for small desks and spaces.
Smart technology within the printer detects low levels of toner; users can choose to set up the printer to order ink automatically that’s then delivered before the toner runs out. The two-line LCD display offers easy-to-read text for simple navigation. Users can connect their devices, including Alexa, via Wi-Fi to print wirelessly from their mobile devices or computer, or use the high-speed USB port to connect the printer to a single computer.
Product Specs
- Type: Laser
- Print speed: 32 ppm
- Print resolution: 2,400 dpi by 600 dpi
Pros
- Very fast printing speed
- 250-sheet capacity
- Low-level toner detection
- Various ways to connect
Cons
- Prints in black and white only
Get the Brother printer on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Everyday printing needs do not require a printer with all the bells and whistles. Many homes need a printer that does the basic functions well, rather than a device with specialized functions that go unused. This humble HP DeskJet 2755e all-in-one desktop printer does everything one typically needs in a basic home printer, including print, scan, and copy. The monthly duty cycle on this printer is up to 1,000 pages, which is more than sufficient for most households.
The input paper tray holds 60 sheets, and the output tray holds 25. Though print and copy jobs come out a little bit more slowly, the quality is comparable to some of the top-rated printers out there, with up to 4,800 dpi by 1,200 dpi. One drawback is that there are only two ink cartridges, so if one of the tricolor inks runs out, users need to replace the entire cartridge. Because it’s a smaller printer, however, replacement ink is affordable.
The name of the game with this printer is the ease of use and quality output. From the simple and intuitive LCD display to the dual-band Wi-Fi connection, users can be up and running with this printer very quickly. Printer jobs can be sent via USB or wirelessly through a computer or the HP Smart app for other devices, offering simple and reliable printing.
Product Specs
- Type: Inkjet
- Print speed: Black and white: 7.5 ppm; color: 5.5 ppm
- Print resolution: Up to 4,800 dpi by 1,200 dpi
Pros
- All-in-one printer with quality output
- Intuitive, simple design
- Monthly duty cycle of 1,000 pages
Cons
- Slower ppm than other models
- Only 2 print cartridges
Get the HP DeskJet printer on Amazon or at Best Buy.
Photo: bestbuy.com
The HP Envy Photo 7855 is an excellent photo printer to integrate into a smart home. This multifunctional printer is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa-enabled devices for function control via a simple voice command. As an all-in-one printer, it can help create high-quality photo prints as well as print, scan, copy, and fax documents up to 8 inches by 10 inches.
This pick also has a 125-page intake tray, a 25-sheet standard tray, and a 35-sheet auto document feeder for versatile, fast printing. A 2.65-inch color graphic display (CGD) touch screen allows for easy manual control of the printer.
For those without Google Assistant or Alexa-enabled devices, the HP Smart app is a suitable alternative, useful for setting up the printer, scanning documents, using a phone camera, and printing from social media or the cloud. Other connectivity options include Apple AirPrint, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the built-in USB and SD card slots.
Product Specs
- Type: Inkjet
- Print speed: Black and white: 15 ppm; color: 10 ppm
- Print resolution: Up to 4,800 dpi by 1,200 dpi
Pros
- Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa-enabled devices
- 2.65-inch CGD touch screen
- 125-page intake tray
- Ample connectivity options
Cons
- Works only with ink cartridges that have HP circuitry
Get the HP Envy printer at Best Buy.
Photo: bestbuy.com
With its multifunctional ability, impressive paper yield, and cutting-edge smart features, this all-in-one printer from one of the giants in business brands is well suited for the home office. This model functions as a printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine in one unit, making it ideal for tight office spaces.
Controls on this printer are cutting edge, with a smartphone app that communicates with the printer and reports on ink levels while letting the user scan documents and perform printing tasks. The OfficeJet Pro 8035e also prints faster than most inkjet printers with an output of 20 pages per minute.
The app also allows the user to print photos from the phone directly to the printer, eliminating the need to transfer the photos to a computer first. Likewise, it will also send scanned images directly to the printer.
Product Specs
- Type: Inkjet
- Print speed: Black and white: 20 ppm; color: 10 ppm
- Print resolution: 4,800 dpi to 1,200 dpi
Pros
- Compatible smartphone app
- Touch-screen control panel
- Extremely fast printing speed
- Comes in multiple colors
Cons
- Does not provide portable printing
- Heavy weight compared to similar products
Get the HP OfficeJet 8035e printer at Best Buy.
Photo: amazon.com
Whether users work from home or on the go, this HP OfficeJet 200 color printer can get the job done. It fits easily into a computer bag or backpack for easy portability yet still has a 50-sheet input capacity and the ability to print glossy, borderless photos.
Setup takes mere minutes, and the fast-charging battery saves users from the hassle of finding a power outlet. Simply recharge the battery using the included USB cord so it’s ready to print the next time it’s needed. Users can print from their mobile devices or computers through Wi-Fi using HP Auto Wireless Connect.
Follow the instructions on the 2-inch mono display to print at speeds of 9 ppm for black and white and 6 ppm for color. This Energy Star–certified printer is small but sufficient, especially for those on the move.
Product Specs
- Type: Inkjet
- Print speed: Black and white: 9 ppm; color: 6 ppm
- Print resolution: Up to 4,800 dpi by 1,200 dpi
Pros
- 50-sheet input capacity
- Fast-charging battery
- Energy Star certified
- Wireless connection
Cons
Get the HP OfficeJet 200 printer on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
For 3D printing at home, this Comgrow model comes partially assembled, so you can start 3D printing after a few minutes of setup. This 3D printer uses a stable and consistent Mean Well power supply that heats the hotbed to 110 degrees Celsius within 5 minutes. This printer comes with an upgraded extruder design for a consistent, clog-free model print. Once the print job is finished, the removable build service plate that the printed objects stick to protects the heated bed and makes it easy to remove models after the area cools down.
This printer comes with a fully open-source code printing software, similar to open source in software development: It’s a decentralized means of making or improving the printer’s software through a community of contributors. All users can view, modify, enhance, and use the 3D printing software to tailor their printer’s performance. By going directly into the code, users can improve their printer software (and therefore the resulting models) and share these discoveries or improvements with the Comgrow 3D printing community.
The power supply comes with Underwriter Laboratories certification, indicating that this printer meets the applicable power standards that protect it from unexpected power surges. If users do experience an unexpected power outage without power protection, this printer has a resume-print function, so it can pick up from the last recorded extruder position—no need to scrap the current print job and restart. Though this printer is suitable for 3D beginners, more experienced and tech-savvy users may prefer a more complex model.
Product Specs
- Type: 3D
- Print speed: ∓0.1 mm
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
Pros
- Heats up in 5 minutes
- Open-source code printing software
- Underwriter Laboratories certification
- Resume-print functionality
Cons
- Best suited for beginners
Get the Comgrow 3D printer on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Crafters need a special kind of printer for sublimation. The space-saving design of this Epson printer lends more counter space for crafting projects. With the purchase of sublimation ink—which does not come with the printer—users can start personalizing mugs, T-shirts, tote bags, and more with a resolution of up to 5,760 dpi by 1,440 dpi. The printer’s design uses integrated high-capacity ink tanks and individual replacement ink bottles that are good for up to 4,500 pages. One thing to note: Once users start using sublimation ink in this printer, they shouldn’t revert to regular ink.
More than an affordable sublimation printer, this Energy Star-certified all-in-one device has a high-resolution flatbed printer scanner and copy functionality, making it even more useful. Convenient wireless printing enables users to print any number of designs, including borderless printing for some projects. The 1.44-inch color display is easy to follow; however, the screen may be a little small for those using reading glasses. That can be sidestepped by setting up voice-activated printing through an Alexa or Google Assistant device.
Product Specs
- Type: Inkjet
- Print speed: Black and white: 10.5 ppm; color: 5 ppm
- Print resolution: Up to 5,760 dpi by 1,440 dpi
Pros
- Individual ink bottles with high capacity
- Borderless-printing capability
- Wireless connectivity and voice-assistant integration
- High-quality print resolution
Cons
- Once used for sublimation printing, can’t revert to regular ink
- Small screen may be difficult to read
Get the Epson printer on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Home offices require tech devices that are convenient and efficient. The HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 model is a worthy addition, no matter how tech savvy the user. Both beginners and computer experts can get up and running easily using this all-in-one device to print, copy, scan, and even fax. Connect with USB, ethernet, or wirelessly from a computer, phone, or tablet with the HP Smart app, and marvel at the automatic functions of this printer, including two-sided printing.
This printer boasts a 35-sheet automatic document feeder for all functions, making it much faster and easier than using a flatbed scanner. Once scanned, documents can be sent to email, USB, network folders, or the cloud using the 2.65-inch CGD color touch screen.
This printer is built for business capabilities, but it works great in a home environment—especially one in which work, school projects, photos, and other documents need to be printed constantly. The printer works with many types of print media, including envelopes, glossy photo prints, labels, and more, ensuring that the household printer needs can be met in one handy device.
Product Specs
- Type: Inkjet
- Print speed: Black and white: 20 ppm; color: 11 ppm
- Print resolution: Up to 600 dpi by 1,200 dpi
Pros
- Automatic document feeder
- Sends scans digitally to email, network folders, or the cloud
- Suited for several types of print media
- Easy to use, even for beginners
Cons
- Decent document quality but not as sharp as other options
Get the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printer on Amazon or at Best Buy.
Photo: bestbuy.com
Many seniors want technology that’s easy to use and not intimidating. The HP OfficeJet 8025e wireless printer is a wonderful option for older folks who need a printer but not a ton of high-tech gadgetry. This compact all-in-one printer/copier/scanner/fax comes with a large 2.7-inch touch screen, making the modest number of commands easy to understand and select.
A 225-sheet paper-tray capacity holds either letter- or legal-size paper, but users can also print on card stock, envelopes, photo paper, and more. Users can operate the printer wirelessly or with a USB, so they can connect the way they’re most comfortable.
Google Assistant or Alexa devices can also be hooked up, with the option of voice control if that’s easiest. With a quick tutorial, users can scan documents and photos through the HP Smart app, making it easy to share photos with family.
Product Specs
- Type: Inkjet
- Print speed: Black and white: 20 ppm; color: 11 ppm
- Print resolution: 4,800 dpi by 1,200 dpi
Pros
- Automatic document feeder
- Large, simple touch screen
- HP Smart app compatibility
- Available tech support for consumers
Cons
- Slower print speeds for black-and-white text pages
Get the HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e printer at Best Buy.
Our Verdict
The Canon printer is one of the best printers, as it’s a terrific option that suits both creative endeavors and professional purposes. This printer has a reasonable print speed with great resolution and works with both cloud-based platforms and Alexa.
Users looking for efficiency and high-tech functionality will appreciate the high ppm of the Brother printer. It’s the fastest printer on our list, and it uses smart technology and simple navigation to meet the needs of both tech enthusiasts and tech avoiders.
How We Chose the Best Printers
Everyone’s home-office needs are different; therefore, we had to consider what home-run businesses, remote workers, seniors, and creatives all value in the best printer. Our printer reviews covered a lot of ground.
First, we set out to review printers’ capabilities, looking at features such as page resolution, efficiency, and print speed. Our preference is always for faster print speeds, but we weighed resolution a bit heavier in most instances, especially for printers that are used to print photos. Most of our top-rated printers have separate ink tanks or cartridges to reduce waste, as combined color cartridges need to be replaced, even if only one color runs out.
Next, we looked at the brands behind the printers. Many of our picks are HP, as it is a leader in printing technology and has been in business since 1939. Aside from longevity, we assessed the reputation of the brands, favoring companies that create long-lasting products and have well-regarded customer service.
Of course, we had to determine the value of each additional feature printers have. Whether it’s connectivity through a voice assistant, ADFs, faxing capabilities, ink-level monitoring, or something else, we looked at the usefulness of each of the features to determine how it affects the overall user experience.
FAQs
Today’s top-rated printers are full of technology to make them more user-friendly and convenient. If you still have questions about the best home printers and how they work, consider the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Q. Which type of printer is better: laser jet or inkjet?
It depends on your printing needs. Laser printers are more efficient for printing text and handle graphics well, but inkjet printers produce better photos.
Q. Which printer should I use for high-quality color photos?
For high-quality photos, get a printer with 1,200 dpi or higher.
Q. How long do printers last?
The average lifespan of a home printer is 3 to 5 years. Regular maintenance and cleaning may increase a printer’s longevity.
