For all your home office needs.
A home printer can instantly upgrade your home office by providing the capability to take on your next project—whether that involves creating a cherished family photo album filled with memories or printing important forms and documents necessary for your work or personal life. However, with a wide range of makes and models available on the market, it can be quite challenging and overwhelming to land on the right home printer that suits your specific needs and preferences.
“The way we live and work has changed these last couple of years,” says Diana Sroka, the global head of HP Consumer Print Services. “But we have learned […] that print remains essential for everyone at home—whether that’s a remote worker, a student, or anyone in between who needs reliable printing solutions.” This statement underscores the importance of having a dependable printer that can adapt to various tasks, reflecting the evolving demands of our daily lives.
To find the best home printers available today, we rigorously tested25 different models in our Lab environment and evaluated them based on several criteria, including setup, ease of use, design aesthetics, speed of printing, overall effectiveness, and value for money. After our initial evaluations, we then took the top-performing home printers and subjected them to six months of real-world use, during which we carefully assessed their durability and performance over time. This thorough and in-depth testing process allowed us to narrow the list down to include only the best all-in-one, monochrome, and wireless options that truly stand out in the market. For additional expert advice on how to choose the perfect home printer that meets your individual needs and requirements, we spoke with Sroka, who provided valuable insights into the features to consider when making your decision.
Best Overall Home Printer
Canon Pixma TR8620a Printer
- What Stands Out : This printer demonstrated impressive performance across all tests and evaluations, showcasing its ability to handle a variety of tasks efficiently. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for both home environments and office settings, where reliability and quality are paramount.
- What Could Be Improved : While the printer’s overall functionality is commendable, the quality of the plastic construction could be enhanced for greater durability. However, it’s worth noting that this construction does not negatively impact its printing capabilities or quality, allowing it to continue performing well in its intended roles.
Upgrading your home office with a reliable printer doesn’t have to be costly. The Canon Pixma MG3620 offers essential home printer functionality at a fraction of the price of other models. We appreciate this wireless printer for its user-friendly design and ease of use, although it could improve in terms of speed and setup. It took nearly a minute to start printing a10-page document, and while the instructions weren’t very clear, the overall setup was relatively straightforward.
After six months of use, we still consider the Canon Pixma our best budget home printer. It produced high-quality black and white and color documents consistently during our testing. The scanner was also a great asset for archiving family photos, and when not in use, we could easily store the printer in a cupboard to save space. The only drawback is that photo printing could be better, as colors were slightly off and the resolution was not as high as desired.
Besides scanning, copying, and printing, this budget-friendly Canon model includes wireless connectivity, cloud printing, double-sided printing, and a compact design that fits most spaces. Given its quality, we expected it to be priced higher. With its affordable cost, ease of use, and high-quality output, this printer is one of the best value options available.
Technology: Inkjet | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Color: Yes | Size:17.7 x12 x6 inches
Best Color Home Printer
Epson Expression Home XP-4100
- What Stands Out : The color accuracy and vibrancy of prints, copies, and scans impressed us during testing.
- What Could Be Improved : This selection was more challenging to set up compared to others.
If vivid color is your top priority when choosing a new printer, we highly recommend the Epson Expression Home XP-4100 Small-in-One Printer. This printer is known for producing bright, well-saturated prints, copies, and scans that truly stand out. During our testing, when we printed images directly from our phone, the printer delivered a very sharp and clear output. In fact, we felt that the colors in the printed photo appeared even more vibrant than in the original image, which was quite impressive. While this printer was capable of producing photos in less than30 seconds on both plain paper and glossy photo paper, we found that the overall quality and accuracy of the images did not meet our expectations. Therefore, we primarily recommend this printer for document printing rather than for high-quality photo prints.
When it came to the setup process, we found ourselves needing to refer to the instruction manual multiple times, even though most setup tasks could be completed using the printer’s control panel. However, despite this minor inconvenience, the Epson Expression Home XP-4100 has received excellent ratings for its ease of use, thoughtfully designed structure, and overall value in the market. It tends to come equipped with several desirable features, including an LCD screen for user interaction, wireless compatibility for easy connectivity, and even voice control capabilities, all housed within a compact and space-saving design that fits well in any home office setting.
After using the printer for six months, we found that it continued to deliver high-quality black-and-white and color documents consistently without any issues. Additionally, we regularly utilized the scanning and copying functionalities, which also proved to be reliable throughout the duration. One potential downside we noted, however, is that this printer is only compatible with Epson cartridges. These original cartridges can be slightly more expensive compared to off-brand alternatives. Nonetheless, when considering value, we were quite impressed with the quality of the prints, copies, and scans, especially given the competitive price point of the printer.
Technology: Inkjet | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | Color: Yes | Size:6.9 x5.7 x2.9 inches
Best Small Home Printer
HP DeskJet 3755 Compact Printer
- What Stands Out : This printer is compact, budget-friendly, and simple to set up.
- What Could Be Improved : It lacks the ability to produce high-definition prints.
Whether you have a cramped home office, a makeshift WFH space, or a college dorm room, the HP DeskJet3755 All-in-One Printer is likely to fit well. Its super-slim profile measures approximately7 x16 x5.5 inches, making it ideal for small spaces.
The setup process took only about20 minutes, which impressed us during testing. Connecting to our phone, computer, and Wi-Fi network was seamless. In our Lab tests, the setup time was even reduced to just10 minutes. Additionally, this printer offers app and cloud connectivity, an LCD screen, and comes with both color and black cartridges.
While it performed well in our Lab tests, the HP DeskJet3755 truly impressed us in real-world use. Document printing was quick, with crisp and clear color outputs. Photo printing was remarkable as well—although it took around3-6 minutes for completion, the results on both matte and glossy paper were stunning. For users who want physical copies of their digital photos, the HP DeskJet3755 simplifies the process, allowing direct printing from your phone with customizable options for size, color, and quality. Overall, its compact size, affordability, and print quality make this printer one of the most versatile options on our list.
Technology: Inkjet | Connectivity: App, wireless | Color: Yes | Size:6.97 x15.86 x5.55 inches
Best Wireless Home Printer
HP OfficeJet Pro All-in-One Printer
- What Stands Out : This printer created high-quality, crisp prints during our tests and can be controlled via a connected app.
- What Could Be Improved : This printer is quite large, so it may not be suited to small spaces.
While it is true that most modern home printers now come equipped with wireless printing capabilities, it is important to note that not all printer models are able to connect with an app that enables users to print, scan, and copy from virtually any location. One standout option in this space is the HP OfficeJet Pro9025e All-in-One Printer. This impressive device can be effortlessly linked to your smartphone through the use of the HP+ app. Beyond simple connectivity, the app also provides cloud-based security features designed to encrypt your data, ensuring that your documents remain protected against unauthorized access.
During our examination of this wireless printer, we were particularly struck by its speed—it was remarkably rapid without compromising on print quality. In fact, it appeared as though it could rival, or at the very least come very close to, the speed typically associated with laser printers, which is quite an achievement for an inkjet model.
Furthermore, in our testing process, we were equally impressed by the user-friendly control panel and the innovative automatic edge-finder feature available for scanning documents. When we made copies, the pages produced were nearly indistinguishable from their originals, with no discernible loss of corners, edges, or even color. Additionally, when printing on photo paper, the results were flawless, as there were no visible margins or bleed edges to detract from the image quality.
This consistent level of quality was maintained throughout a rigorous six-month testing period. Printing on standard paper was high-quality and efficient; however, we did observe that color prints occasionally emerged with somewhat muted tones. In a similar vein, the quality of photo printing could certainly use improvement, as the colors were not as vibrant as one might hope for. While we firmly believe that this wireless model serves as an ideal choice for producing basic home office documents, including tasks like copying and scanning, it may not meet the requirements for those specifically seeking a printer optimized for color documents or high-quality photo prints. For such specialized needs, you might want to explore alternative options from our comprehensive list. Lastly, it’s worth noting that the footprint of the HP OfficeJet Pro9025e is considerably larger than that of many home printers we have previously encountered, which could be a factor to consider for those with limited space.
Technology: Inkjet | Connectivity: Wireless, app, USB | Color: Yes | Size:15.6 x17.2 x12.53 inches
Best Monochrome Home Printer
Brother HL-L2350DW Monochrome Laser Printer
- What Stands Out : One of the most notable features of this printer is its impressive speed; it prints documents quickly, making it an excellent choice for those who need to produce high volumes of printed material in a short amount of time. Additionally, we found the setup process to be remarkably straightforward and user-friendly, allowing users to get started without any unnecessary hassle or complications. Furthermore, the printer comes at a price point that is quite affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers looking for a reliable printing solution without breaking the bank.
- What Could Be Improved : Despite its many strengths, there are areas where this printer could certainly be enhanced. A significant limitation is that it lacks the capability to perform additional functions such as copying, scanning, or faxing documents. This absence of multifunctionality may be a drawback for users who require a versatile all-in-one device that can handle various tasks beyond just printing. As a result, those seeking a comprehensive solution for their document management needs might need to consider other options that do offer these essential features.
This home printer from Brother stood out as one of the top-performing models in our comprehensive tests, achieving perfect ratings across all evaluated categories. In contrast to the other printers featured on our list, this particular model is a laser printer, which means it is specifically designed to handle large print jobs with greater efficiency, allowing users to print more pages without the need for frequent cartridge replacements. While it is true that laser printers can sometimes come with a higher price tag compared to their inkjet counterparts, this Brother model is priced more affordably, making it a smart investment that aligns well with its overall value and effectiveness. One of the most impressive aspects of this printer is its remarkable speed; it consistently delivers prints without any noticeable decline in picture or document quality.
After two months of continuous use, we confidently assert that this is one of the fastest and most user-friendly home printers we have ever had the pleasure of trying. It produced crisp, clear documents in a mere second from the moment we pressed the print button, all without any overly complicated functionalities that often make the printing process more cumbersome than necessary.
During our rigorous Lab tests, we were able to set up this printer in just15 minutes, which is noteworthy as it represents one of the fastest recorded setup times among the25 different printers we evaluated. While this printer is an excellent choice for anyone who requires the ability to print a high volume of black-and-white documents efficiently, it is important to note that it lacks additional features such as scanning, copying, faxing, or the capability to print in color. This limitation may be a consideration for users seeking a multifunctional device that can handle a wider variety of printing tasks.
Technology: Laser | Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi | Color: No | Size:14.2 x14 x7.2 inches
Final Verdict
After careful consideration and thorough evaluation, our top pick for a multifunctional printer is undoubtedly the Canon Pixma TR8620a. This printer stands out due to its impressive ease of use, which allows users to navigate through its features without any hassle. Additionally, its sleek and modern design complements any workspace beautifully. The speed at which it operates is commendable, ensuring that both casual users and professionals can complete printing tasks efficiently. Furthermore, the Canon Pixma TR8620a boasts a wide range of versatile functions that enable it to perform various tasks, from producing high-quality photo prints to scanning important documents with ease. In our extensive lab testing, this printer achieved a near-perfect score across multiple categories, solidifying its reputation as an exceptional choice for any home office setup. Overall, its combination of functionality, design, and performance makes it a fantastic addition to any working environment.
Note：
Our articles are formed based on publicly accessible information from the internet, user comments, third-party evaluations, and other multidimensional data. The goal is to help users reduce the interference of irrelevant information and obtain the most valuable insights. Due to our limited capabilities, the viewpoints in the articles are for reference only.
