Inkjet or laser? Need just printing, or have to scan and copy, too? Seeking low-cost ink, or a low-cost printer? Here’s how to choose the right printer for home or work, backed by our top lab-tested picks.
Choosing a printer may sound easy. But once you dive into printer features, it gets daunting. Do you need a basic model just for printing, or for scanning and copying, too? What about faxes? How do you choose between inkjets and lasers? What’s the real difference between a $100 and a $500 model? Don’t fret: This guide will help. As PCMag’s resident printer expert, I’ve been evaluating home and office printers for nearly four decades. PC Labs evaluates printers based on image quality, design, usability, ink cost, and overall value, and runs each printer through rigorous, repeatable speed and imaging tests. Below is detail on our current top printer for most people, Brother’s MFC-J4335DW, along with vetted picks for more specialized needs. (We stand behind them all.) See the pros and cons of each one, plus key points to know when shopping for the best printer for you.
Our Top Tested Picks
Best All-in-One Home Printer for Most Users
Brother MFC-J4335DW
$329.99 at Amazon
Best Ink Tank Printer for Business
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850
$219.99 at Amazon
The Best Printer Deals This Week*
- Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer — $69.00 (List Price $79.99)
- Epson Expression Home XP-5200 Wireless All-in-One Color Printer — $79.99 (List Price $129.99)
- HP LaserJet MFP M234dw Wireless All-in-One Monochrome Printer — $159.00 (List Price $239)
- HP Smart-Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer — $179.99 (List Price $249.99)
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw All-in-One Laser Printer — $349.00 (List Price $449.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
