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There is no single best printer for every household. If you print color documents regularly, start with a refillable ink-tank all-in-one such as the Epson EcoTank ET-3950. If you mostly print text—or may leave the printer unused for weeks—a monochrome laser such as the Brother HL-L2460DW is usually a better fit. For frequent photo printing, consider a six-color photo inkjet such as the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500.
The right choice depends on what you print, how often you print it, and whether you need scanning, copying, or specialty paper handling. These recommendations are for US buyers; prices and availability can change.
Best printers at a glance
| Need | Printer to consider | Type | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular color printing at home | Epson EcoTank ET-3950 | Refillable ink-tank all-in-one | Households and home offices printing documents in color | Higher upfront cost than a basic cartridge printer; not ideal for very light use |
| Budget-friendly color tank | Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290 | Refillable ink-tank all-in-one | Buyers wanting low-cost color printing without small cartridges | Check that its paper handling and office features meet your needs |
| Occasional black-and-white documents | Brother HL-L2460DW | Monochrome laser | Text, forms, homework, and users who print infrequently | Print-only; no color |
| Black-and-white printing, scanning, and copying | Brother MFC-L2820DW | Monochrome laser all-in-one | Text-focused homes and small offices needing an MFP | No color or photo printing |
| Photo printing at home | Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 | Six-color photo ink-tank all-in-one | Photos and creative projects alongside home-office tasks | Costs more than a general-purpose printer; photo paper adds expense |
| Large photo prints | Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | Six-color wide-format photo ink-tank printer | Borderless prints up to 13×19 inches | Specialist, higher-cost choice—not a default document printer |
| Higher-volume small-office inkjet | Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 | Business ink-tank all-in-one | Offices needing more capacity and frequent printing | Likely overkill for occasional household use |
| Durable color office documents | Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Color laser all-in-one | Frequent charts, presentations, and business documents | Color laser output is not the right choice for premium photos |
These are category recommendations, not a universal ranking. RTINGS recommends the ET-3950 among all-in-one inkjets and the MFC-L2820DW among monochrome laser all-in-ones; it also highlights the ET-8500 for home photo printing. RTINGS’ all-in-one printer picks and home printer picks offer details on its testing. Tom’s Guide separately points to the G3290 as a value option, the ET-5850 for business use, and the MFC-L3780CDW as a color laser choice. Tom’s Guide’s printer picks and its all-in-one recommendations explain those categories.
Our recommendations
Best for most homes printing color: Epson EcoTank ET-3950
The ET-3950 is the strongest starting point for a household or home office that prints color often enough to justify a tank printer. It prints, copies, and scans; Epson lists automatic two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, and a 250-sheet tray. Its refillable tanks avoid the routine of replacing small cartridges, making the ownership model more attractive as page volume rises.
#1 Best Overall
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
Avoid it if: You print only a few pages a month, need only black text, or do not want an inkjet that may need maintenance after sitting unused. Epson’s “up to three years” included-ink claim is an estimate, not a guarantee; actual use depends on print volume and content. See Epson’s ET-3950 specifications and its home-office EcoTank lineup. Prices in Epson search results have varied, so check the live listing rather than relying on a past price.
Best budget-oriented color tank: Canon MegaTank Pixma G3290
The G3290 is worth comparing if you want refillable ink but do not need a business-class machine. Tom’s Guide names it a value pick and reports low estimated color-print costs from its own testing. That is an editorial test result, not a promise of your cost per page: ink use depends on coverage, cleaning, paper, and print habits.
Avoid it if: You require office features such as a larger tray, fax, Ethernet, or more capable document handling without first confirming the exact US configuration. Review the recommendation and its testing context, then verify the model number, stock, warranty, and current specifications before buying.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBest for infrequent black-and-white printing: Brother HL-L2460DW
A monochrome laser is a sensible option for forms, schoolwork, invoices, and shipping paperwork when color is unnecessary. Toner is a dry powder, so it does not dry out in the same way liquid ink can when a printer is idle. The HL-L2460DW is a print-only choice highlighted in RTINGS’ home-printer coverage.
Avoid it if: You need to scan or copy; look at the Brother MFC-L2820DW instead. Check the exact regional model’s duplex, Wi-Fi, and mobile-printing support, and factor replacement toner and drum costs into your budget. Read RTINGS’ home printer recommendations and its inkjet-versus-laser guide.
Rank #2
Best monochrome all-in-one: Brother MFC-L2820DW
Choose the MFC-L2820DW if you want the text-focused benefits of laser printing but also need a scanner and copier. It is a more practical fit than a print-only laser for document-heavy homes and small offices. RTINGS includes it among its leading all-in-one laser options.
Avoid it if: You need color graphics or photo output. Before purchase, check the model suffix, included toner, duplex-scanning capability, and replacement consumable prices; “all-in-one” does not mean every model has the same feeder or scanning functions. See RTINGS’ all-in-one recommendations.
Best home photo printer: Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500
The ET-8500 is aimed at people who print photos and creative work, not just everyday letters. Epson lists a six-color Claria ink system and borderless printing up to 8.5×11 inches. Its photo-oriented inks and paper handling make it a more suitable choice than a basic four-color document tank when photo output is a priority.
Avoid it if: You mostly print black text or rarely make photos. The printer costs more than a basic all-in-one, and suitable photo paper is an ongoing cost. For only a few prints each year, compare ownership with using a photo-printing service. See Epson’s photo ink-tank lineup and RTINGS’ home-printer picks.
Best for wide-format photos: Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
The ET-8550 is the specialist choice for creators who need six-color printing and borderless output up to 13×19 inches. That larger format is useful for artwork and display prints, but it also means larger sheets and a more specialized purchase.
Rank #3
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
Avoid it if: Your routine jobs are forms, homework, or ordinary letters. Hardware and paper costs make it difficult to justify as the default household printer. Epson’s category page has listed a $749.99 price, but promotions and stock change; check the current Epson photo-printer page.
Best for a busy small office: Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850
The ET-5850 is a business-oriented tank all-in-one for higher-volume work, rather than a casual home printer. RTINGS names it a leading inkjet overall, while Tom’s Guide also identifies it as a business choice. Compare its current capacity, duty-cycle guidance, warranty, and ink-bottle details with your expected workload before committing.
Avoid it if: You print occasionally and do not need office-oriented capacity; you may not recoup the higher initial outlay. See RTINGS’ inkjet recommendations, Tom’s Guide’s printer picks, and Epson’s lineup.
Best for frequent color office documents: Brother MFC-L3780CDW
A color laser all-in-one is worth considering when a small office prints charts, presentations, and other durable color documents regularly. It is less affected by long idle stretches than an inkjet and can suit frequent multi-page jobs. Tom’s Guide lists the MFC-L3780CDW among its all-in-one laser choices.
Avoid it if: Your priority is glossy photographs or fine-art color. A good photo inkjet is generally the better tool for that output. Account for replacement toner costs and check the exact configuration and current availability. See Tom’s Guide’s all-in-one coverage.
Rank #4
- The OfficeJet Pro 8125e is perfect for home offices printing professional-quality color documents like business documents, reports, presentations and flyers. Print speeds up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 225-sheet input tra
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
Choose a printer type before choosing a model
| Type | Good fit | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge inkjet | Low upfront price, occasional color, mixed documents and casual photos | Cartridges can make regular printing costly; liquid ink may clog or dry during long idle periods |
| Refillable ink tank | Regular color printing and moderate-to-high page volume | Higher initial cost; still needs inkjet maintenance; low-volume users may not break even |
| Monochrome laser | Text-heavy work, occasional printing, fast document jobs | No color or strong photo output; toner and drum replacements matter |
| Color laser | Frequent office graphics and durable color documents | Higher hardware and consumable costs; generally not the photo-quality choice |
| Photo inkjet | Glossy photos, creative work, borderless or larger prints | Higher hardware, ink, and paper costs; poor value for routine text-only work |
Tank printers generally make more financial sense as color volume rises, while a laser can be a better match for black text and sporadic use. Neither is automatically cheaper for every buyer. RTINGS explains the maintenance and running-cost trade-offs in its inkjet versus laser guide. Consumer Reports also cautions that a very low purchase price can conceal higher long-term cost or reliability risk in some inkjets. See its printer buying guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose the right printer
1. Estimate pages per month
Use your actual printing pattern, not an optimistic guess. As a rough starting point:
- Under 20 pages a month: If almost everything is text, a monochrome laser often makes more sense. If color is essential, a low-cost cartridge inkjet can work for light use, but do not confuse the low purchase price with low lifetime cost.
- About 20–300 pages a month: A refillable tank is often a practical all-purpose color choice. Compare its purchase price with expected cartridge costs.
- More than 300 pages a month: Compare business ink tanks and laser printers using rated duty cycle, paper capacity, replacement ink or toner, drum and maintenance costs, and expected job size.
These are decision ranges, not hard technical cutoffs. A page of dense graphics or a photograph consumes more ink than a page of ordinary text. Frequent multi-page jobs also make an automatic document feeder, larger tray, duplex printing, and sustained speed more valuable.
2. Be honest about color and photos
If nearly all your work is black text, do not pay for color just because it seems more versatile. A monochrome laser may be simpler and a better match. If you need inexpensive color documents, a four-color tank is usually more relevant than a six-color photo model. If you care about skin tones, gradients, or larger borderless prints, shop specifically for photo quality and supported paper sizes.
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3. Check scanning, copying, and paper handling
For an all-in-one, confirm whether it has a flatbed, an automatic document feeder (ADF), and the type of duplex scanning you need. An ADF can save time when scanning multipage documents, but not every feeder scans both sides automatically. Also check tray capacity, envelope support, a rear or manual feed for thicker media, automatic duplex printing, borderless output, and maximum paper size. For cardstock, envelopes, or specialty stock, the supported media path and weight limit can matter more than the headline speed.
Best Value
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Seamless Multi-Page Handling - Tackle multi-page documents with ease using the Auto Document Feeder (ADF) for quick scanning and copying
4. Check connections and account requirements
Look for the connections you will actually use: Wi-Fi, USB, or Ethernet. For phones and tablets, check AirPrint or Mopria support as well as the manufacturer’s app. Chromebook and Windows/macOS support should be verified for the exact model. Ask whether basic printing works without a cloud account or subscription.
Terms can vary by model and service. RTINGS warns that some HP+ models may require a constant internet connection and restrict third-party cartridges; that is not a blanket description of every HP printer. Before choosing any subscription-linked model, verify the current terms for the exact model, including what happens if you cancel, whether third-party supplies are accepted, and whether firmware updates can change cartridge compatibility. See RTINGS’ inkjet coverage.
5. Compare the full cost, not just the box price
Estimate ownership cost over the period you expect to keep the printer:
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPrinter price + replacement ink or toner + drum and maintenance parts + paper + subscription fees − resale value.
Page yields are estimates, not promises. Standardized test pages may not represent photos, large color graphics, cleaning cycles, or your duplex habits. Cost-per-page results also depend on the prices and yields used by the tester. For photo printing, include suitable paper; it can be a meaningful part of the cost.
A tank printer’s higher purchase price only pays off if your savings on replacement ink outweigh that initial difference. If you print very little, the break-even point may never arrive. Likewise, do not evaluate a laser only by the included toner: check replacement toner and drum prices for the exact model.
Common situations that change the recommendation
- You print only once every few months: For black text, favor a laser. If you need color, an inkjet may need periodic use or maintenance to reduce clogging risk. No model should be assumed immune to problems from extended idleness.
- You print photos but few documents: A photo inkjet can make sense if you print often enough. For occasional photos, a print service may cost less than owning and maintaining a six-color printer.
- You need shipping labels: Distinguish standard letter-size adhesive sheets from 4×6 rolls. A thermal label printer may be the better specialist tool for roll labels, but it does not replace a general-purpose printer.
- You print envelopes or cardstock: Check supported sizes, weights, and feed paths in the manufacturer’s specifications. A rear or manual feed may be important.
- You need fax: Confirm fax is included on the exact model. Many otherwise capable home printers omit it; do not pay for a fax-capable machine unless you need that feature.
- You share the printer with a family: Prioritize a useful paper tray, automatic duplexing, simple mobile printing, and an ADF if multiple people scan paperwork. A tank can reduce refill frequency when the household prints regularly.
Before you buy
- Confirm the exact US model and suffix; similar names can hide different features.
- Check current stock, price, warranty, and included supplies. Printer prices and promotions change.
- Verify duplex printing separately from duplex scanning.
- Check consumable numbers for the exact model rather than assuming similar-looking ink or toner will fit.
- Confirm setup and platform requirements, including whether a vendor account or internet connection is necessary for core printing.
- For a photo printer, price the paper you intend to use as well as the ink.
Quick decision: Mostly text and infrequent jobs? Start with monochrome laser. Regular color documents? Compare refillable tanks. Photos or wide-format output? Choose a photo inkjet. Frequent color business documents? Compare a business tank with a color laser based on volume, consumables, and photo needs.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
