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How to Choose the Best Printers?

Type

This is where you start, understanding types of printers.

There are three main types: laser printers, inkjet printers, and continuous ink printers.

This is the output paper tray of a MFC printer model.
This is an MFC printer model (Image: The Printer Hub)

First, laser printers. Laser printers use toner powder instead of dye or pigment-based ink. These use toner cartridges and are perfect if you print a lot of documents. They are fast, reliable, and produce clean, professional-looking text. If you often print reports, forms, or presentations, this type will serve you well.

Next, inkjet printers. These use ink cartridges and are great for printing images. If you want vibrant colors, and high resolution for photos or designs, an inkjet printer is a good choice. They work well both at home and in the office.

Finally, continuous ink printers. Instead of cartridges, they use refillable ink bottles, which makes them much cheaper to run if you print in large volumes. They can produce high-quality color prints, and many models come with enough ink in the box to last up to two years.

This is a Canon black ink cartridge.
A Canon black ink cartridge (Image: Fstoppers)

Speed

How fast do you need your printer to be? Print speed is measured in pages per minute, or ppm for short. The higher the number, the faster it prints. If you print often, it’s worth looking for a model with a higher speed so you are not waiting around for your documents.

Connectivity

Most printers today can connect wirelessly to your network, which is super handy if you want to share the printer with multiple people.

A wireless connection means any Wi-Fi enabled device, like your laptop, tablet, or even your phone, can send a print job straight to it. No cables, no fuss.

Functionality

A few extra features can make a big difference.

For example, automatic two-sided printing lets you print on both sides of the paper without having to flip it yourself. It saves paper, looks more professional, and is just more convenient.

Paper Size

Most printers are designed for standard A4 paper. But if you often need larger prints, there are models that can handle sizes from A3 all the way up to A1.

Having that flexibility can be a big plus for creative projects or home offices.

Paper Tray

The more paper your printer can hold, the less often you will have to refill it. If you are running a business or doing a lot of printing, it might be worth getting a printer with multiple trays. For light home use, one tray is usually enough.

Resolution

Print resolution is measured in dots per inch, or DPI. The higher the DPI, the sharper and more detailed your prints will be. If you want top-quality photos, aim for a higher DPI.

A projector is an office tool that works just as well at home as it does in the workplace, and it’s worth choosing carefully. The best portable projectors make it easy to share ideas anywhere. When presenting something important, both your printer and your projector should perform well so everyone can clearly see and understand the information.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right printer comes down to knowing what you print, how often you print, and the features that matter most to you. We’ve explored options that excel in speed, connectivity, and ink savings so you can choose confidently.

Among them, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9 stands out for its all-around performance, delivering both quality and efficiency for home or office use. The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 also deserves praise for its incredible ink savings, a smart choice for anyone who prints in high volumes.

FAQs

Which kind of printer is the best?

Monochrome laser printers are the best choice for frequent document printing. They deliver sharp, professional text and cost less per page than inkjets, making them perfect for everyday office or school use.

How often should you replace your printer?

Printers typically last between 3 to 5 years, but their lifespan can be affected by usage, maintenance, and the type of printer.

Which is better, an inkjet or laser printer for home use?

For most homes, an inkjet printer is the better choice because it costs less upfront and produces high-quality photos. A laser printer is better if you need to print large volumes of documents quickly and efficiently.