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Best Printers Under $600 in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs

For most buyers, the best printer under $600 is the Brother MFC-L3780CDW, a color laser all-in-one that prints, scans, copies, connects wirelessly and duplexes automatically. It balances office features with a compact footprint. We shortlisted 15 models from a pool of 19 priced listings, comparing only the stated specifications, maker information and the live prices shown on each card. Nobody on this site has tested these units.

15 picks from 22 printers that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 18 makers. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.

Quick picks

#PickPrinterPrice
1Best overallBrother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One Printer

$569.98 price as of 2026-10-06 04:58 UTC (Details)

2Best ink tank all-in-oneEpson EcoTank Pro ET-5150 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer

$529.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

3Best color laser MFP with faxHP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser

$539.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

4Best for professional photo printingCanon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13" Wireless Inkjet Photo

$599.00 price as of 2026-10-06 05:01 UTC (Details)

5Best high speed monochrome all-in-oneBrother Professional Laser Printer All-in-One with Scanner and Copier

$589.99 price as of 2026-10-06 04:59 UTC (Details)

6Best single function color laserHP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer

$549.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

7Best for dye based photo printingCanon PIXMA PRO-200S Wireless Photo Printer

$589.95 price as of 2026-10-06 05:01 UTC (Details) Typical price: $639.95, 8% off

8Best business color laser MFPBrother MFC-L8730CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer

$599.99 price as of 2026-10-06 04:59 UTC (Details)

9Best wide format inkjetWorkForce WF-7210 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer

$559.98 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)

10Best for events and partiesHP Sprocket Photo Booth Machine Instant Color Photo Printer

$599.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)

11Best ink tank all-in-one with LCDCanon Megatank GX6120 Wireless All-in-One Printer

$599.99 price as of 2026-10-06 05:01 UTC (Details)

12Best compact monochrome all-in-oneBrother Premium MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer

$508.00 price as of 2026-10-06 04:59 UTC (Details)

13Best for simple monochrome printingHP LaserJet Pro M404n Monochrome Printer with Built-in Ethernet

$565.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)

14Best for fax and copy in a laser MFPCanon imageCLASS MF642Cdw

$566.99 price as of 2026-10-06 05:01 UTC (Details) Typical price: $625.00, 9% off

15Best monochrome MFP with fax and duplexBrother MFC-L2690DW Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer

$508.00 price as of 2026-10-06 04:58 UTC (Details)

The best fit for you

  • For the home office that prints everything: A color laser all-in-one with wireless and duplex is the most versatile. The Brother MFC-L3780CDW covers print, scan and copy without needing separate devices. See pick 1
  • For a photographer or artist: A dedicated photo printer with pigment ink matters more than speed. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 produces 13 inch prints with a nine colour ink set. See pick 4
  • For a busy office that prints mostly text: A high speed monochrome laser keeps costs and interruptions low. The Brother Professional Laser Printer is stated at 50 pages per minute. See pick 5
  • For a small team that wants low running costs: Ink tank models avoid cartridges and use refillable bottles. The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5150 is a wireless all-in-one built around that idea. See pick 2

Our 15 picks

1 Best overall

Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One Printer

Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One Printer

Color
Color
Prints, scans and copies
Yes
Wireless
Yes

$569.98 price as of 2026-10-06 04:58 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a color laser all-in-one with wireless and duplex printing, covering the three tasks most home offices need. It sits above the single function HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw because it adds scan and copy in the same box.

Pros

  • Color laser with all-in-one print, scan and copy
  • Wireless connection is built in
  • Duplex printing is listed as standard

Cons

  • No fax function is stated by the seller
  • Heavier and larger than a compact mono printer

Good fit if

  • Home offices that print color documents, not photos
  • Households that want one device instead of a printer and a separate scanner

Skip if

  • You need a single function printer to save desk space
  • You print mostly black text and want the lowest possible running cost

Verdict: A well rounded color laser all-in-one for a home office, with wireless and duplex as stated specs.

2 Best ink tank all-in-one

Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5150 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer

Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5150 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer

Type
Ink tank
Color
Color
Prints, scans and copies
Yes
Wireless
Yes

$529.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5150 uses refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges, which typically lowers the cost per page over time. It is a wireless all-in-one, so it competes directly with the Canon Megatank GX6120 in this list, but the Epson adds a Pro label in the name.

Pros

  • Ink tank system avoids cartridge replacement
  • Wireless all-in-one with print, scan and copy
  • Epson is a member of the ENERGY STAR imaging equipment program

Cons

  • Not all functions are specified by the seller, such as fax
  • The initial purchase is higher than cartridge based inkjets

Good fit if

  • Offices that print high volumes of color pages
  • Users who want a lower per page cost than standard inkjets

Skip if

  • You print occasionally and prefer a cheaper upfront printer
  • You need a fax machine built into the device

Verdict: A sensible ink tank all-in-one for high volume color printing, with wireless and a refillable system.

3 Best color laser MFP with fax

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser

Type
Laser
Color
Color
Prints, scans and copies
Yes
Wireless
Yes
Two-sided printing
Yes
Fax
Yes

$539.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is an all-in-one color laser that adds fax and auto duplex to the usual print, scan and copy. It is one of a few picks on this list with fax stated by the seller, alongside the Canon PIXMA MX892.

Pros

  • All-in-one with print, scan, copy and fax
  • Auto duplex printing is listed
  • Wireless connection is built in

Cons

  • No stated wide format support
  • Heavier than a basic mono laser

Good fit if

  • Small offices that still send and receive faxes
  • Teams that want a single color laser MFP for shared use

Skip if

  • You never use fax and can save space with a smaller unit
  • You prefer a dedicated photo printer for image work

Verdict: A feature complete color laser MFP with fax and duplex, suited to a small shared office.

4 Best for professional photo printing

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13" Wireless Inkjet Photo

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13" Wireless Inkjet Photo

Type
Inkjet
Color
Color
Wireless
Yes

$599.00 price as of 2026-10-06 05:01 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the only pick in this list with a 13 inch print width and a nine color pigment ink set, aimed at photographers and artists. It is a single function inkjet, so it stays focused on output quality rather than office tasks.

Pros

  • Prints up to 13 inches wide, the widest in this list
  • 9 color pigment ink system for photo work
  • Wireless connection is built in

Cons

  • Single function, no scanner or copier
  • Large footprint for a small desk

Good fit if

  • Photographers who want gallery grade pigment prints
  • Artists who need a wide format paper path

Skip if

  • You need an all-in-one for daily documents
  • You only print letter size photos occasionally

Verdict: The clearest choice for serious photo printing under $600, with wide format and a full pigment ink set.

5 Best high speed monochrome all-in-one

Brother Professional Laser Printer All-in-One with Scanner and Copier

Brother Professional Laser Printer All-in-One with Scanner and Copier

Type
Laser
Color
Monochrome
Prints, scans and copies
Yes
Wireless
Yes
Two-sided printing
Yes

$589.99 price as of 2026-10-06 04:59 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Brother Professional Laser Printer is stated at 50 pages per minute, the fastest monochrome speed in this list. It includes scan and copy, and adds duplex and wireless, making it a strong workhorse for text heavy offices.

Pros

  • Stated 50 ppm, the fastest print speed in this list
  • All-in-one with scan and copy
  • Duplex and wireless are listed

Cons

  • Monochrome only, no color output
  • No fax function is stated

Good fit if

  • Offices that print large text documents daily
  • Users who want a fast all-in-one without color

Skip if

  • You need color printing for charts or photos
  • You rarely print more than a few pages a day

Verdict: A fast text printing all-in-one for a busy office, with duplex and wireless as stated.

6 Best single function color laser

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer

Type
Laser
Color
Color
Wireless
Yes

$549.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw is a straightforward color laser printer without scan or copy, which keeps the price lower than the MFP models. It still offers wireless and is built for office use according to the official name.

Pros

  • Color laser output for a lower price than MFPs
  • Wireless connection is built in
  • Described as best for office use in the product name

Cons

  • No scanner or copier
  • No duplex is stated in the pool specs

Good fit if

  • Users who already have a scanner
  • Offices that print color documents and want a compact single function unit

Skip if

  • You need an all-in-one to save desk space
  • You require automatic duplex printing

Verdict: A practical color laser printer for offices that do not need scan or copy on the same box.

7 Best for dye based photo printing

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Wireless Photo Printer

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Wireless Photo Printer

Type
Inkjet
Wireless
Yes

$589.95 price as of 2026-10-06 05:01 UTC (Details) Typical price: $639.95, 8% off

View on Amazon

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is a wireless photo inkjet with a bundle included, aimed at enthusiasts who want a compact alternative to the wider PRO-310. It is lighter and smaller while still producing professional grade prints according to the maker's product line.

Pros

  • Wireless photo printer from the PRO series
  • Bundle is included in the listing
  • Smaller footprint than the 13 inch model above

Cons

  • No scanner or copier
  • Print width is not stated in the pool, so it may be smaller than 13 inches

Good fit if

  • Photographers who want a dedicated photo printer in a tight space
  • Users who prefer dye based output for colorful prints

Skip if

  • You need wide format above 8.5 inches
  • You require an all-in-one device

Verdict: A compact wireless photo printer from Canon's PRO line, best for print only users.

8 Best business color laser MFP

Brother MFC-L8730CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer

Brother MFC-L8730CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer

Type
Laser
Color
Color
Prints, scans and copies
Yes
Wireless
Yes
Two-sided printing
Yes

$599.99 price as of 2026-10-06 04:59 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Brother MFC-L8730CDW is a business color laser all-in-one that adds duplex, wireless and advanced security to the standard print, scan and copy functions. It is one of the most office oriented models in this list.

Pros

  • All-in-one with print, scan and copy
  • Duplex and wireless are listed
  • Advanced security is mentioned in the product name

Cons

  • No fax function is stated
  • Similar specs to the cheaper MFC-L3780CDW

Good fit if

  • Business users who need secure printing features
  • Teams that want a full featured color laser MFP

Skip if

  • You are on a tighter budget and can use the MFC-L3780CDW
  • You need fax capabilities

Verdict: A capable business color laser MFP with security and duplex, for a slightly higher price than the entry level model.

9 Best wide format inkjet

WorkForce WF-7210 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer

WorkForce WF-7210 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer

Type
Inkjet
Color
Color
Wireless
Yes
Wide format
Yes

$559.98 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Epson WorkForce WF-7210 is the only pick with wide format listed, printing up to ledger size sheets. It adds wireless, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet, making it a flexible choice for spreadsheets and posters.

Pros

  • Wide format printing is stated
  • Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet all listed
  • Color inkjet for a mix of charts and graphics

Cons

  • No duplex or all-in-one functions are stated
  • Ink tank running costs are not available with cartridge based ink

Good fit if

  • Offices that print large spreadsheets or posters
  • Users who want multiple connection options

Skip if

  • You only print letter size documents
  • You need an all-in-one with a scanner

Verdict: A wide format color inkjet with strong connectivity, for users who need bigger pages.

10 Best for events and parties

HP Sprocket Photo Booth Machine Instant Color Photo Printer

HP Sprocket Photo Booth Machine Instant Color Photo Printer

Type
Photo
Color
Color

$599.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The HP Sprocket Photo Booth Machine is a specialised instant photo printer with a 10.1 inch touchscreen and an LED ring light, designed for events rather than document work. It is the only pick with a photo booth form factor.

Pros

  • 10.1 inch touchscreen for interactive control
  • LED ring light is included
  • Instant photo output, no ink cartridges to match in this pool

Cons

  • Not a document printer, no text quality specs are given
  • No wireless connection is stated in the pool, despite the name

Good fit if

  • Event planners who want a portable photo booth
  • Hosts who want a fun activity for weddings or parties

Skip if

  • You need a printer for office documents
  • You are looking for a standard photo printer with a paper tray

Verdict: A niche instant photo printer for events, not a general purpose machine.

11 Best ink tank all-in-one with LCD

Canon Megatank GX6120 Wireless All-in-One Printer

Canon Megatank GX6120 Wireless All-in-One Printer

Type
Ink tank
Prints, scans and copies
Yes
Wireless
Yes

$599.99 price as of 2026-10-06 05:01 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Canon Megatank GX6120 is a wireless all-in-one with a 2.7 inch LCD touch screen and an auto document feeder, which is not listed on the Epson ET-5150. The ink tank design keeps refill costs low.

Pros

  • Wireless all-in-one with print, scan and copy
  • 2.7 inch LCD touch screen is stated
  • Auto document feeder is mentioned in the name

Cons

  • No duplex is stated in the pool
  • No fax function is listed

Good fit if

  • Small offices that scan multi page documents
  • Users who prefer a touch screen interface

Skip if

  • You need automatic duplex printing
  • You must send faxes

Verdict: A wireless ink tank all-in-one with a touch screen and ADF, well suited to document heavy work.

12 Best compact monochrome all-in-one

Brother Premium MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer

Brother Premium MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer

Type
Laser
Color
Monochrome
Prints, scans and copies
Yes

$508.00 price as of 2026-10-06 04:59 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Brother MFC-L2690DW is a compact monochrome all-in-one with print, scan and copy, priced lower than most color models in this list. It is a simple, space saving choice for basic text printing.

Pros

  • Compact monochrome all-in-one
  • Lower upfront cost than color lasers in this range
  • Print, scan and copy in one unit

Cons

  • Monochrome only
  • No wireless or duplex is stated in the pool

Good fit if

  • Dorm rooms or small home offices with limited desk space
  • Users who need a reliable no frills text printer

Skip if

  • You need color output
  • You want wireless printing from your phone

Verdict: A basic monochrome all-in-one for simple printing tasks at a modest price.

13 Best for simple monochrome printing

HP LaserJet Pro M404n Monochrome Printer with Built-in Ethernet

HP LaserJet Pro M404n Monochrome Printer with Built-in Ethernet

Type
Laser
Color
Monochrome

$565.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The HP LaserJet Pro M404n is a single function monochrome laser with built in Ethernet, aimed at offices that just need fast text output. It is one of the most straightforward picks in this list.

Pros

  • Single function monochrome laser is easy to set up
  • Built in Ethernet is stated
  • HP is a member of the ENERGY STAR program for imaging equipment

Cons

  • No wireless connection is stated
  • No scanner, copier or duplex listed

Good fit if

  • Offices with a wired network
  • Users who want a very simple, dedicated text printer

Skip if

  • You need to print from a laptop wirelessly
  • You require scanning or copying

Verdict: A no unnecessary parts monochrome laser with Ethernet, for basic print jobs.

14 Best for fax and copy in a laser MFP

Canon imageCLASS MF642Cdw

Canon imageCLASS MF642Cdw

Type
Laser

$566.99 price as of 2026-10-06 05:01 UTC (Details) Typical price: $625.00, 9% off

View on Amazon

The Canon imageCLASS MF642Cdw is a color laser all-in-one, and while the pool does not list its full feature set, the model name indicates wireless, duplex and fax. It is a solid multi function choice alongside the HP 3301fdw.

Pros

  • Color laser all-in-one from the imageCLASS line
  • Canon is a well known maker in the ENERGY STAR certified product list
  • Compact naming suggests desktop MFP use

Cons

  • Exact functions like fax are not stated by the seller
  • No wireless is explicitly listed in the pool

Good fit if

  • Offices that want a Canon MFP for text and color documents
  • Users who prefer a familiar office brand

Skip if

  • You need a specific feature that is not listed, like duplex
  • You require a dedicated photo printer

Verdict: A Canon color laser MFP that meets the price range, though some features are not confirmed by the seller.

15 Best monochrome MFP with fax and duplex

Brother MFC-L2690DW Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer

Brother MFC-L2690DW Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer

Type
Laser
Color
Monochrome
Prints, scans and copies
Yes
Wireless
Yes
Two-sided printing
Yes
Fax
Yes

$508.00 price as of 2026-10-06 04:58 UTC (Details)

View on Amazon

The Brother MFC-L2690DW is a monochrome laser all-in-one that includes fax, duplex and wireless, all confirmed in the pool. It is the only pick with all three stated together, making it a reliable option for a traditional office setup.

Pros

  • Includes fax, duplex and wireless in one unit
  • All-in-one with print, scan and copy
  • Monochrome laser keeps costs predictable

Cons

  • Monochrome only
  • Similar to the MFC-L2690DW compact model but with fewer stated specs here

Good fit if

  • Small offices that still rely on fax
  • Users who want a single device for text documents and copying

Skip if

  • You need color printing
  • You are looking for a wide format or photo printer

Verdict: A complete monochrome MFP with fax, duplex and wireless, for text focused needs.

Specifications side by side

#PrinterTypeColorPrints, scans and copiesWirelessTwo-sided printingFax
1Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One Printernot statedColorYesYesnot statednot stated
2Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5150 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank PrinterInk tankColorYesYesnot statednot stated
3HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color LaserLaserColorYesYesYesYes
4Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13" Wireless Inkjet PhotoInkjetColornot statedYesnot statednot stated
5Brother Professional Laser Printer All-in-One with Scanner and CopierLaserMonochromeYesYesYesnot stated
6HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Wireless Color Laser PrinterLaserColornot statedYesnot statednot stated
7Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Wireless Photo PrinterInkjetnot statednot statedYesnot statednot stated
8Brother MFC-L8730CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One PrinterLaserColorYesYesYesnot stated
9WorkForce WF-7210 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet PrinterInkjetColornot statedYesnot statednot stated
10HP Sprocket Photo Booth Machine Instant Color Photo PrinterPhotoColornot statednot statednot statednot stated
11Canon Megatank GX6120 Wireless All-in-One PrinterInk tanknot statedYesYesnot statednot stated
12Brother Premium MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser PrinterLaserMonochromeYesnot statednot statednot stated
13HP LaserJet Pro M404n Monochrome Printer with Built-in EthernetLaserMonochromenot statednot statednot statednot stated
14Canon imageCLASS MF642CdwLasernot statednot statednot statednot statednot stated
15Brother MFC-L2690DW Monochrome Laser All-in-One PrinterLaserMonochromeYesYesYesYes

How the picks were chosen

We started with a pool of 19 printers priced under $600, read from the store listings at the time of writing. To shortlist, we required a clear use case, a recognisable maker, and a specification set that fits an office, a home studio or a dedicated role such as photo or wide format printing. We kept 15 picks and removed near-duplicates where the same model appeared twice with different names. Filtering was done on the specs in the pool: print technology, colour or monochrome, all-in-one or single function, duplex and wireless support. Prices shown on this page are live and read from the store; they can change. Nobody at this site has tested any of these machines, and we do not quote or rely on customer reviews.

Picking the right one for you

Laser, inkjet or ink tank: what changes for you

Laser printers use toner powder and a drum, which suits text heavy documents with sharp edges. Inkjets use liquid ink and can handle color photos and graphics better at the same price, but the cartridges may need replacing more often. Ink tank models such as the Epson EcoTank and Canon Megatank replace cartridges with refillable bottles; the upfront price is higher, but the per page cost tends to be lower over time. Pick a laser for an office that prints mostly letters, an inkjet for a home that mixes photos and documents, and an ink tank for the highest volume color work.

Color is not optional in every office

Monochrome laser models like the Brother MFC-L2690DW or HP LaserJet Pro M404n are fine for contracts, invoices and drafts. If you print charts, product images or anything where color matters, look at a color laser or a color inkjet. Color lasers in this price range, such as the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301fdw or the Brother MFC-L3780CDW, handle documents well but are not designed for photo quality. A dedicated photo printer like the Canon PRO-310 will do better for images but will not scan or copy.

All-in-one or single function: what you give up

An all-in-one printer adds scan and copy, and sometimes fax, in the same footprint as a basic printer. That is convenient for a home office or a small team. A single function printer, such as the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S or the HP LaserJet Pro M404n, is often cheaper and smaller, but you will need a separate scanner. If you already own a scanner, a single function model can be the better trade off. If you do not, an all-in-one saves desk space and avoids an extra device.

Duplex printing saves paper, but check it is listed

Automatic duplex printing flips the page for two sided output without manual reinsertion. It is listed on the Brother MFC-L3780CDW, the HP 3301fdw, the Brother MFC-L8730CDW and a few others in this list. ENERGY STAR criteria for imaging equipment also require automatic duplexing on certain models, which is one reason to look for that label. If you print many documents, a duplex model will halve paper use. If you only print a few pages a week, it is a nice extra rather than a requirement.

Wireless and mobile printing are the norm now

Most picks in this list state wireless support, including the Brother MFC-L3780CDW, the Epson ET-5150 and the Canon Megatank GX6120. Wireless means you can print from a laptop or phone on the same network. Standards like IPP Everywhere from the Printer Working Group allow computers and mobile devices to print to networked printers without vendor specific drivers. Mopria certification covers printing from Android, Windows and other clients. If you plan to print from a phone or a laptop without a cable, make sure wireless or Ethernet is listed in the specs.

Paper size and wide format matter for posters and spreadsheets

Most printers in this range handle letter or A4 paper. The Epson WorkForce WF-7210 is the one pick that explicitly states wide format, which allows ledger or larger pages. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 goes up to 13 inches wide, which is the largest in this list, aimed at photo prints. If you need to print architectural plans, posters or large spreadsheets, check the stated paper size before buying. For standard office documents, a letter or A4 printer is sufficient.

Questions

What is the difference between laser and inkjet printers?

Laser printers use toner powder fused to paper by heat, which gives crisp text and is faster for many pages. Inkjet printers spray liquid ink onto the paper, which can produce smoother color gradients and photo quality. Laser machines are usually more expensive upfront but cheaper per page for text. Inkjets cost less to buy but the ink cartridges run out and can be pricey. Ink tank models are inkjets with refillable bottles for a lower running cost per page.

Are ink tank printers cheaper to run?

Ink tank printers use refillable bottles instead of cartridges, and the ink per page is typically lower than with standard inkjet cartridges. You pay more for the printer itself, as the Epson EcoTank ET-5150 and Canon Megatank GX6120 show in this price range. Over a few years of high volume printing, the savings can offset the initial price. For occasional printing, a cartridge inkjet may still be a better value because the higher per page cost does not add up quickly.

What does duplex printing mean?

Duplex printing is automatic two sided printing. The printer flips the paper itself and prints on the other side, so you do not have to reinsert the sheets manually. It saves paper and postage for double sided documents. ENERGY STAR criteria for imaging equipment require automatic duplexing capabilities on certain product types, so it is becoming a common feature. In this list, models such as the Brother MFC-L3780CDW and the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301fdw state duplex printing.

Can I print from my phone or tablet?

Most of the printers in this list have wireless support, which means they can connect to your home or office network. With IPP Everywhere, a standard from the Printer Working Group, personal computers and mobile devices can print to networked printers without vendor specific software. Mopria is another standard used by Android, Windows and Chromebook clients. If a printer states wireless in the specs, you can usually print from a phone or tablet on the same network. For Wired Ethernet, a router connection allows shared printing over the network.

Revision notes

  • : First published.

Sources

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