Home printers have evolved from bulky, noisy machines to sleek, highly capable peripherals perfect for today‘s home office or family needs. With so many models on the market featuring the latest in printing, scanning and connectivity tech, how do you choose? We‘ve done the research to identify the top 7 home printers standing above the rest in 2023.
Overview of the Top Models
Before diving into the details on each exceptional home printer, here‘s a high-level look at why these 7 rise above the competition:
HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e – The best overall choice delivers fast print speeds up to 24ppm, smart app connectivity, generous "ink" subscriptions and robust scanning/copying capabilities.
HP DeskJet 3755 – Compact and ultra-affordable, this WiFi printer is idea for tight spaces and basic black & white and color printing needs.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Cartidge-free printing and stunning photo quality up to 5760 x 1440 dpi make this an unbeatable photo printer.
Canon PIXMA MG3620 – Despite the low price, this Canon inkjet model packs WiFi, mobile printing and even voice activation via Amazon Alexa.
Canon PIXMA G1220 – For those focused strictly on affordable black & white printing with extremely high page yields, Canon‘s refillable megatank delivers.
Epson EcoTank ET-3850 – Want scanning, copying and auto 2-sided printing too? Epson‘s feature-packed cartridge-free all-in-one is built to handle it all.
HP OfficeJet 250 – HP takes printing on the go to a new level with this lightweight portable model packing big performance.
Now let‘s explore what exactly makes each of these home printers a standout option for different needs in 2023.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e – Best Overall
Claiming the title of best overall home printer is no small feat, but the superb HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e earns its place. This inkjet printer was built to breeze through standard letter or legal document printing with speeds up to 24 black & white and 20 color pages per minute. Even high-quality color presentations with photos, charts and more print quickly.
It truly excels by incorporating HP‘s latest smart printing innovations. Manage and print directly from your mobile device thanks to built-in WiFi and compatibility with HP‘s Smart app available on iOS and Android. Or take advantage of HP‘s Instant Ink subscription which automatically delivers fresh ink to your door before you run out, while saving up to 50% versus buying cartridges. You‘ll receive enough ink each month to print around 700 pages.
Scanning and copying are a cinch too with the 9025e‘s 35-page automatic document feeder, while print quality reaches up to 4800 x 1200 enhanced dpi. For home offices or families needing to churn through all types of print jobs, the total package of speed, smarts and savings afforded by the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e make it a leading choice.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: 24ppm black, 20ppm color
- Print Quality: Up to 4800 x 1200 enhanced dpi
- Paper Capacity: 225 sheets
- Connectivity: WiFi, WiFi Direct, USB, Bluetooth LE
- Scan/Copy: Yes, 35-page auto feeder
- Instant Ink Ready: Yes + 6 months free
Price: $429.99
Buy the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e on Amazon
HP DeskJet 3755 – Best Compact
Many home printer shoppers are tight on space, making a compact model like the HP DeskJet 3755 an ideal solution. Measuring just 16 x 7 x 5.5 inches, it‘s small enough to fit into the most crowded home office nook or apartment. The sleek, low-profile design also adds a touch of modern tech style perfect for contemporary homes.
Of course, the petite form factor does mean you‘ll need to temper print speed expectations. At 8ppm for black & white and 5.5ppm for color pages, the DeskJet 3755 makes sense for light home users focused on things like school assignments, basic letters or the occasional photo. Those handling heavier weekly printing should look for a faster model.
Limited real estate also translates to a 60-sheet main paper tray capacity and just 25-sheet output. But the basics like WiFi connectivity, black & tri-color ink cartridges and compatibility with HP‘s Instant Ink subscription are all included. For frugal homeowners who only occasionally need to print or copy in spaces with little room to spare, the HP DeskJet 3755 packs an impressive punch.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: 8ppm black, 5.5ppm color
- Print Quality: Up to 1200dpi black, 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi color
- Paper Capacity: 60 sheets
- Connectivity: WiFi, WiFi Direct, USB 2.0
- Scan/Copy: Yes
- Instant Ink Ready: Yes + 4 months free
Price: $104.99
Buy the HP DeskJet 3755 on Amazon
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best Photo Printer
Serious photo buffs and families capturing countless memorable moments need a home printer that reproduces images in vivid, true-to-life quality. The cartridge-free Epson EcoTank ET-2800 delivers with its revolutionary ink delivery system and advanced 5-color printing.
Rather than wasteful cartridges, the ET-2800 uses high-capacity refillable ink tanks filled with Epson‘s specially formulated Claria ET inks. The result? Gorgeous borderless photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches boasting resolutions as fine as 5760 x 1440 dpi. Blacks are deep and rich while color tones seem to leap from the page. Even documents with photos or graphics make a lasting impact.
An integrated scanner with impressive 48-bit color depth handles converting printed photos or items like older film negatives into digital files your can edit or share online. Or dress up school assignments, family newsletters and more with borderless graphics and images offering magazine-quality pops of color.
When the time comes to replenish your ink supply, the eco-friendly refill bottles generate enough ink to print thousands of pages and cost up to 90% less than cartridges. Keep the ET-2800 stocked and it will deliver photo prints and documents your whole family can take pride in.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: 10ppm black, 5ppm color
- Print Quality: Up to 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
- Connectivity: WiFi, WiFi Direct, USB
- Scan/Copy: Yes
- Ink System: Refillable Claria ET color ink tanks
Price: $199.99
Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 on Amazon
Canon PIXMA MG3620 – Best Budget
Printers can often carry premium price tags, but for simple black & white documents and the occasional photo, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 packs impressive value. Despite costing around $100, conveniences like WiFi, auto 2-sided printing and crisp color screens don‘t get left out.
This capable Canon printer can whip through homework assignments and other letter or legal sized documents at approximately 10 pages per minute. Vibrant graphics and photos output at nearly 6ppm don‘t leave you waiting long even for more complex jobs. Print quality reaches 4800 x 1200 dpi using Canon‘s FINE print head technology and interchangeable individual ink tanks.
Getting set up is a breeze with the PIXMA MG3620 supporting wireless connectivity over standard WiFi networks, WiFi direct or wired over USB. Use Canon‘s mobile app to send print jobs from iOS and Android phones or tablets. An automatic document feeder assists by supporting convenient unattended copying or scanning tasks as well.
With many printers in this price bracket relying on manual duplexing and wired network connections, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 modern touch-ups grant it an edge while keeping costs extremely reasonable.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: 9.9ppm black, 5.7ppm color
- Print Quality: 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
- Connectivity: WiFi, WiFi Direct, USB
- Scan/Copy: Yes, auto feeder
- Ink System: 2 individual ink cartridges
Price: $99.99
Buy the Canon PIXMA MG3620 on Amazon
Canon PIXMA G1220 – Best Refillable Ink
One pain point that comes part and parcel with home printing is the ever-looming need to replace expensive ink cartridges. Canon tackles this drawback head-on with the PIXMA G1220 and its high-capacity refillable ink tanks. Through an ingenious MegaTank system, this printer can output an astounding 6,000 pages from a single black ink fill up.
Forget about frequent ink runs to the office supply store and saving each half-finished cartridge in hopes of squeezing out a few more prints. The G1220 instead relies on 135ml ink bottles that dramatically lower replacement costs by allowing you to pour extra fluid into the existing tank. Canon estimates a typical user could save up to 90% over traditional cartridges across the 3-year lifespan.
The flip side of a specialty ink system is that functionality gets streamlined on certain fronts. The G1220 focuses exclusively on black & white document printing rather than color. Print speeds cap out around 9ppm for letter-sized output. There‘s also no scanner, automatic document feeder or display panel. Yet for many home users focused on contracts, tax forms and other document prints, the unbeatable ink savings make it easy to overlook the absent features.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: Approx. 9ppm
- Print Quality: Up to 600 x 1200 dpi
- Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
- Connectivity: WiFi, USB
- Scan/Copy: No
- Ink System: Refillable high-capacity black mega tank
Price: $189.99
Buy the Canon PIXMA G1220 on Amazon
Epson EcoTank ET-3850 – Best All-In-One
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 comes loaded with capabilities making it more than qualified to serve as your home office’s central hub. Need to print contracts with crisp black text? Check. Want to scan stacks of expense receipts to create digital copies? It can handle that too. This AIO powerhouse delivers on all fronts.
It starts with the same game-changing reimagined ink delivery system that Epson is quickly becoming renown for. Instead of cartridges, the ET-3850 has integrated high-capacity refillable tanks filled with enough pigment-based black ink and dye-based color inks to churn through thousands of documents. Replenishing your supply is as easy as pouring from a affordable ink bottle.
The cost savings over traditional cartridges allows you to maximize the generous feature set including auto 2-sided printing to save paper, 20-page auto document feeder for the scanner, large 250-sheet front paper tray and both WiFi and USB connectivity. Convenient cordless printing from your mobile device saves time as well.
Why settle for only a printer when this space-saving Epson lets you print, copy, scan and fax? It puts all the must-have office tools within arm‘s reach.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: 10ppm black, 5ppm color
- Print Quality: 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Paper Capacity: 250 sheets
- Connectivity: WiFi, WiFi Direct, USB
- Scan/Copy/Fax: Yes + 20-page feeder
- Ink System: Refillable color ink tanks
Price: $365
Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 on Amazon
HP OfficeJet 250 – Best Portable
Printing from a home office desktop is second nature, but what happens when you‘re traveling or working remotely? HP lets you take compact printing power anywhere with the uniquely portable OfficeJet 250. Weighing under 8 pounds, this lightweight model slips easily into briefcases, backpacks and more.
Despite its small size, performance remains brisk with the OfficeJet 250 churning through 19 color and 20 black & white pages per minute. Print quality reaches up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for professional documents you would be proud to share in any setting. A 10-page automatic feeder assists by effortlessly scanning or copying multi-page reports or graphics.
The 2.65-inch touchscreen color display provides intuitive control for walk-up printing, copying and scanning tasks. But you can also print directly from your mobile devices thanks to built-in WiFi Direct and Bluetooth LE. A 50-sheet input tray even accommodates standard letter and legal paper.
Don‘t let its portable design fool you. The OfficeJet 250 stands ready to deliver workhorse production whether you‘re home for the day or headed out for a week on the road.
Key Features:
- Print Speed: 19ppm color, 20ppm black
- Print Quality: Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Paper Capacity: 50 sheets
- Connectivity: WiFi Direct, Bluetooth LE, USB
- Scan/Copy: Yes + 10-page feeder
- Ink System: 2 HP cartridges + auto-switch
Price: $399.99
Buy the HP OfficeJet 250 on Amazon
How To Choose The Right Home Printer
With so many home printer options on the market, it can get overwhelming trying to select just the right one. Let‘s recap 5 key buying considerations to think about as you evaluate models:
Print Speed
Faster print speeds lead to greater productivity and less waiting around. For basic document printing focus on speeds of at least 10 pages per minute (ppm) or higher. High-volume 20ppm+ speeds are better for handling longer reports or presentations.
Operating Costs
Ink and toner supply expenses can really add up over time. Seek out printers with extra-high yield cartridges or refillable tank systems to maximize savings. Automatic ink subscription and delivery programs are also worth considering.
Print Quality
Entry-level models print fine for basic black & white documents. But photos, graphics and marketing materials demand enhanced color depth and ultra-high 2400+ dpi resolutions. Make sure to match print quality to your expected print jobs.
Size/Weight
The available space in your home office plays a major role. Bulky printers need ample surface area while more compact models can fit neatly on shelves. If you‘ll take your printer on trips, keep weight under 10 pounds.
Connectivity
At minimum, grab a printer with wireless networking over WiFi so you can print anywhere around the house. Mobile printing from phones and tablets is also convenient. Models with WiFi Direct allow cordless printing minus a wireless router.
Making prints at home or on the go is easier today than ever thanks to continually advancing printer technology. Do some planning around your expected usage and feature needs using the guidance above and you’re sure to find just the right fit.
