Whether you prefer laser or inkjet, all-in-one or task specific, there are plenty of home printer options to suit any situation. From photobook junkies to home-based small businesses, finding the right home printer is key for ensuring quality results. Finding the best home printer for your home means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available styles and configurations. With the right home printer, keeping all your document ducks in a row can become a quick, over-and-done-with task.
We reviewed dozens of home printers to identify the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews, how well they performed in tests, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated home printers people can purchase to ensure they can easily print from the comfort of home.
We’ve identified Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless All-in-One Printer as the best home printer out there. With a 250-sheet paper tray, easy setup, and 2.4″ color touchscreen this home printer is one that will easily meet all your printing needs. These benefits allow you to maximize productivity, with less hassle.
The 5 Top-Rated Home Printers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Home Printer Overall | Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless All-in-One Printer | 4.1 |
| Best Home Photo Printer | Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer | 3.9 |
| Best Budget Home Printer | HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Printer | 3.9 |
| Best Home Inkjet Printer | Brother Inkjet Printer MFCJ6945DW | 3.9 |
| Best Home Laser Printer | HP LaserJet Pro M15w Wireless Laser Printer | 4.1 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Home Printer Overall: Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless All-in-One Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless All-in-One Printer took the top spot on our list of the best home printers, thanks to a number of smart features that help to maximize productivity. It boasts a 250-sheet paper tray, along with a 30-sheet auto document feeder. The 2.4″ color touchscreen makes it easy to navigate and control your jobs, and the all-in-one design allows for printing, copying, scanning, faxing, borderless printing, and 2-sided printing. Each replacement ink set includes enough ink to print up to 7,500 pages black and 6,000 color — or about two year’s worth of print jobs!
Those who purchased and reviewed this home printer appreciated that it was easy to set up and use, and that the ongoing ink costs were minimal. While some people found it slow and loud, for most home printing jobs, it was more than up to the task. Many reviews said that the print quality was very good, for both black and white and color jobs.
With a price tag of about $469, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has consistently high ratings with hundreds of people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Wireless All-in-One Printer Key Features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- Suitable for wired or wireless networking
- Voice-activated, and smartphone/tablet printing
Best Home Photo Printer: Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer took the runner-up spot on our list of the best home printers, and is a great option for those who are looking for a dedicated home photo printer. It boasts multiple connection options that allow you to conveniently print photos from many sources, including the Canon Print app, AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and more. It includes an automatic on/off function to help save on electricity and offers both wired or wireless connectivity.
Those who purchased and reviewed this home printer appreciated that the print quality was second to none, with users saying their photos were clear and bright with vibrant colors. People did say that the control panel could be difficult to read unless they were directly above it, but found the mobile app to be decent for setting up print jobs. Users really liked the ability to print from tablet/mobile devices.
At a cost of around $49, it’s a really affordable option, and the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has pretty good ratings all around, with thousands of people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer Key Features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- Prints 8.8 pages per minute black and white, 4.4 color
- Voice printing compatible
Best Budget Home Printer: HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Printer
The HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Printer is an excellent choice for those looking for a home printer that won’t break the bank. It boasts a compact and lightweight design that is easy to set up where you need it. The all-in-one design lets you copy, scan, fax, and print documents with ease, and it can be connected wired or wirelessly for added convenience. There is a 35-sheet automatic document feeder and a 60-sheet paper tray.
Those who purchased and reviewed this home printer appreciated that it offered the ability to print over WiFi or AirPrint, and that the HP ePrint app allowed for wireless direct printing even without an internet connection. While some people were disappointed in the lack of automatic 2-sided printing and 8.5 ppm black/6 ppm color speed, they found the print quality to be good. Most reviews commented that setup was quick and easy, and the 2.2” touchscreen was intuitive to use.
With a cost of approximately $60, this home printer is a good choice for those looking for a home printer option on a budget. It has solid ratings across the board with thousands of people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at meeting their printing needs as its more expensive counterparts.
HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Printer Key Features:
- Energy Star certified
- Includes a 1-year warranty and 24/7 customer support
- Supports letter, legal, 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, and No. 10 envelope paper sizes
Best Home Inkjet Printer: Brother Inkjet Printer MFCJ6945DW
The Brother Inkjet Printer MFCJ6945DW is an excellent option for those looking specifically for an inkjet printer. The INKvestmentTank holds up to 1 year’s worth of ink, based on an average monthly print volume of approximately 180 black and white and 120 color pages. There are two paper trays to choose from, with a total capacity of 500 sheets. The 100-sheet multipurpose tray makes it easy to print documents and photos of varying sizes.
Those who purchased and reviewed this home printer appreciated that it offered good print quality and an easy-to-use intuitive touchscreen. Those who needed to access customer support found them very helpful and found this printer easy to set up. Some users were annoyed that borderless copy/scan was not an option, but borderless printing is available, and the paper tray can accommodate up to legal-size documents.
With a price tag of about $350, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has decent ratings with hundreds of people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
Brother Inkjet Printer MFCJ6945DW Key Features:
- NFC “touch to connect” print and scan lets you print and scan without an internet connection
- Maximum print speed of 22 ppm back/20 ppm color
- WiFi, Ethernet, and USB 2.0 connection options
Best Home Laser Printer: HP LaserJet Pro M15w Wireless Laser Printer
The HP LaserJet Pro M15w Wireless Laser Printer is a solid pick for people who prefer a laser printer over an inkjet, and boasts the most compact size of any printer in its class. It features an intuitive integrated control panel, and comes complete with a pre-installed toner cartridge. The paper input tray holds 150 sheets, while the output tray can hold 100 sheets. It offers both wired and wireless connectivity for added convenience, including mobile device printing and scanning via the HP Smart app.
Those who purchased and reviewed this home printer appreciated that it was easy to set up and use, and found the print quality to be very good. People also liked the energy-saving sleep mode, and compact design.
At a cost of around $109, it’s not super expensive but is still a bit of an investment. Still, the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has high ratings from hundreds of reviewers, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
HP LaserJet Pro M15w Wireless Laser Printer Key Features:
- Energy Star certified, with automatic on/off technology
- Ideal for 1-3 user, up to 1,000 pages per month
- Compatible with Mac and Windows machines
Who Should Buy a Home Printer
A home printer is an ideal choice for those who want to print documents and photos from the comfort of home. For example, families with children will find a home printer a handy tool for printing off all those school forms that need to be signed, as will anyone who wants to display photos around the home.
A home printer is also a handy tool for those with a small business, as it allows them to produce documents quickly and easily, without the hassle of heading to the library or a document store. People who run a home-based small business might also appreciate the capabilities of an all-in-one printer, which allows them to scan important documents and receipts, fax contracts, or make copies of documents for clients.
Finally, a home photo printer is very useful for someone who wants to display photographs, with specific photo printer options available for this task. Some prints will be less expensive at home, while other times it’s simply more convenient to print at home.
And if you’re looking for information on other home electronics, such as finding the best digital cameras for kids, the best electronic gifts for men, the best waterproof digital cameras, or the best photo printers, we have in-depth buying guides that can help make your decision easier.
Important Features to Consider
Not all home printers are created equal. A home printer should be easy to set up and use, and create high-quality printouts. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best home printer for your needs:
- Laser vs inkjet. Arguably the most important consideration when it comes to choosing the best home printer for your needs is whether it is a laser or an inkjet. Laser printers are best suited for those who plan to mainly print text-heavy documents without any, or with minimal, graphics, whereas inkjet printers are ideal for people who plan to print a combination of text, graphics, and photos. Both inkjet and laser printers are available in color printing options, with laser printers also available that only print black and white.
- Printer only vs all-in-one. Another important factor when shopping for home printers is whether you need a unit that is only for printer, or an all-in-one model. All-in-one printers allow you to print, scan, fax, and photocopy documents and images for added convenience.
- Connection options. While the majority of home printers use cables to connect to your computer or router for printing, there are many models that allow for WiFi or Bluetooth connection in order to print. Some printers will also have the option to plug in a memory card directly, or use a USB cable to connect to print.
- Ink/Toner costs. While inkjet printers tend to cost much less than their laser counterparts, the cost of replacement ink is pricier than replacement toner cartridges. That said, supertank inkjet printers offer a more economical choice, thanks to their large, refillable reservoirs. While they may be a little more costly upfront, a supertank printer is less expensive to operate on an ongoing basis after about 2 years of ownership.
- PPM. While less important than the other features on our list, PPM (or pages per minute) refers to how fast a printer can print. If you’re concerned about speed or don’t want to be hanging around the printer waiting for a document or photo to finish, look for models with a higher PPM number. Most inkjets can print about 5-18 black-and-white text pages per minute, with color photos taking anywhere from about 1.5-4 minutes for an 8×10 photo. Laser printers, on the other hand, can crank out black-and-white pages at a rate of 9-25 pages per minute.
- Price point. Finally, consider how much you are willing to spend on a home printer. Home printers vary in price from $40-$500 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of printers?
There are a few different types of printers, including laser, inkjet, photo, and all-in-one. Inkjet printers are best suited for those who plan to print a combination of text, graphics, and photos. Inkjet printers place tiny drops of ink onto paper in order to create text and images. Laser printers are best suited for those who plan to mainly print text-heavy documents without any, or with minimal, graphics. Laser printers use a laser beam to create electricity, creating an electrical charge in the shape of your print. Special ink-like product called toner is then melted via the printer’s fuser unit in order to create the print.
While some printers simply print documents, there are others that are solely for printing photos. Finally, there are all-in-one printers that allow you to print, scan, fax, and photocopy documents and images.
Is an inkjet or laser printer better for home use?
Most people will find that an inkjet printer is better for home use, as it allows them more options in terms of printing capabilities. As previously mentioned, inkjet printers excel at printing photos, graphics, and documents both in color and black and white, whereas laser printers are better suited to black and white, text-heavy documents.
How can I print from my smartphone?
Printing from your smartphone is as simple as connecting to your printer, usually via a WiFi or Bluetooth connection. First, ensure the printer is turned on. Then, select the photo you wish to print, and then look for the options button. Press the options button, choose “print,” and then locate the printer under available devices. Continue following the prompts and then voila! Your photo or document should pop out of your printer.
How much does printer ink cost?
The cost of printer ink varies depending on the style of printer. On average, inkjet printer ink cartridges break down to a cost of about 2-10 cents per page for black-text pages, or $0.50-$2 for an 8×10 photo. Laser toner cartridges work out to a cost of about 1-6 cents per black-text page. Toner cartridges typically cost anywhere from $50-$100, but can easily print thousands of pages.
Other Home Printers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other home printers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best home printers list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your printing needs. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Home Inkjet Printers
Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-In-One Color Inkjet Printer
This home inkjet printer boasts wireless connectivity, and prints in high resolution 4800×1200 maximum color dots per inch. It has a print speed of 9.9 IPM black and 5.7 IPM color.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- Compatible with mobile devices
- Compact, space-saving design
Cost: $40
HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer
This home inkjet printer boasts the ability to print, scan, copy, and fax efficiently, and comes complete with a 35-page auto-document feeder, automatic two-sided printing, and touchscreen.
Key Features:
- Supports a wide range of paper sizes
- Mobile print app compatible
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $70
Canon TS5120 Wireless All-In-One Printer
This home inkjet printer boasts a compact, wireless design and offers the ability to enlarge or reduce size with ease. It features front and rear paper support, as well as borderless printing.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- Compatible with mobile devices
- Includes a full set of ink cartridges
Cost: $60
HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 All-in-One Wireless Printer
This home inkjet printer boasts an all-in-one design with the ability to scan, copy, and print wirelessly. It features a compact design and syncs to Quickbooks, Google Drive, and more using Smart Tasks.
Key Features:
- Mobile print app compatible
- Built-in security essentials
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $120
Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
This home inkjet printer boasts an all-in-one design with the ability to scan, copy, and print wirelessly. It features a large tank with enough ink to print up to 4,500 pages black or 7,500 color.
Key Features:
- Multiple connection options to print from many sources
- Available in a choice of colors
- Includes a 2-year warranty
Cost: $200
HP Deskjet 3639 Wireless All-in-One Printer
This home inkjet printer boasts a compact, wireless design, and comes complete with the ability to print, scan, and copy right out of the box.
Key Features:
- Mobile print app compatible
- Borderless printing
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $40
Epson Workforce WF-7710 Color Inkjet Printer
This home inkjet printer boasts automatic double-sided print, copy, scan, and fax, and comes complete with a 35-page auto document feeder.
Key Features:
- Uses up to 80% less power vs. color laser printers
- Supports a wide range of paper sizes
- Ink cartridges included
Home Laser Printers
Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer HL-L2350DW
This home laser printer boasts a compact design, and offers the ability to print single or double-sided wirelessly. It features a print speed of up to 32 pages per minute.
Key Features:
- Amazon Dash replenishment enabled
- Paper capacity of 250 sheets
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $100
Canon Color imageCLASS MF644CDW
This home laser printer boasts an all-in-one design that allows you to print, copy, scan, and fax wirelessly. The 5-inch intuitive color touchscreen offers smartphone-like usability.
Key Features:
- Amazon Dash replenishment enabled
- Prints in as little as 10.3 seconds
- Integrated security settings
Cost: $300
Brother Monochrome Laser Printer Multifunction Printer MFCL2710DW
This home laser printer boasts a multifunction, all-in-one design, and offers print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute. It comes complete with a 50 sheet automatic document feeder, and a 250 sheet paper tray.
Key Features:
- Operates at less than 50 dB
- Wireless print capable
- Amazon Dash replenishment enabled
Cost: $130
HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction M479FDW
This home laser printer boasts a multifunction, all-in-one design that is ideal for use at home or in home offices. It comes complete with a 2.4-inch color touchscreen.
Key Features:
- Automatic document feeder up to 50 pages
- Dual band WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $449
Lexmark C3224DW Color Laser Printer
This home laser printer boasts a compact design and features a 250-page paper tray. It offers print speeds of up to 24 pages per minute and includes 256 MB of onboard memory.
Key Features:
- Rated EPEAT Silver
- Energy Star Certified
- Toner recycling program available
Cost: $118
HP Color Laserjet Pro M180NW All in One Wireless Color Laser Printer
This home laser printer boasts an all-in-one functionality, with the option of mobile printing or ethernet connectivity. It comes complete with a set of toner cartridges, and an installation guide.
Key Features:
- Amazon Dash replenishment enabled
- Amazon Alexa enabled
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $239
Xerox WorkCentre 6027/NI Wireless Color Multifunction Printer
This home laser printer boasts built-in Wi-Fi with one-touch setup for quick setup out of the box, and comes complete with a large, intuitive 4.3-inch color touchscreen for ease of operation.
Key Features:
- Print speed of up to 18 ppm
- Toner cartridges included
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Home Photo Printers
Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Color Photo Printer
This home photo printer boasts borderless printing, to create beautiful, high-quality 4″x6″ or 5″x7″ photos right at home. The ultra-compact design easily fits anywhere, and is lightweight for portability.
Key Features:
- Prints photos in as little as 36 seconds
- Multiple connection options let you print photos from many sources
- Includes ink cartridge and five photo paper glossy sheets
Cost: $229
Brother VC-500W Versatile Compact Color Label and Photo Printer
This home photo printer uses adhesive-backed ZINK paper for inkless printing, and prints labels, photos, stickers, and more. Wireless connectivity is compatible with a number of devices.
Key Features:
- Mobile print app compatible
- Lightweight, portable design
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $150
HP Envy Photo 7155 All in One Photo Printer
This home photo printer offers the ability to print, scan, and copy, with borderless and wireless printing. Connectivity options include an SD card slot, plus wireless.
Key Features:
- Mobile print app compatible
- Available in a choice of colors
- Supports a wide range of paper sizes
Cost: $90
Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer
This home photo printer boasts a lightweight and compact design with wireless printing capability. It comes complete with a sample of ink and paper, as well as a compact power adaptor.
Key Features:
- Prints last for up to 100 years
- Mobile print app compatible
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $157
Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi Portable 4×6” Instant Photo Printer
This home photo printer boasts convenient one-touch printing and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It prints photos in standard 4”x6” borderless style, and the D2T2 thermal transfer technology means prints won’t bleed or fade.
Key Features:
- Mobile print app compatible
- Waterproof prints
- Charge up to two devices simultaneously
Cost: $129
Polaroid ZIP Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer
This home photo printer offers the ability to connect a smartphone or tablet via WiFi for ease of printing your favorite snaps. It uses ZINK zero ink technology to quickly create prints that won’t transfer or bleed.
Key Features:
- Mobile print app compatible
- Makes 25 prints per charge
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $85
