Buying a printer for the first time, or replacing an old one, can feel like a daunting task. There are dozens of models, different ink systems and varying price points. This guide will help you make the right decision.
Step 1: What Will You Use It For?
The first question to ask is what you will mostly print. If you mostly print text documents for work or study, a laser printer is the most economical choice in the long run. If you want to print photos at home, an inkjet printer with multiple colour cartridges will give better results.
Step 2: How Often Will You Print?
If you print every day, you need a printer with a reasonable monthly duty cycle and affordable ink. High-volume office printers often have a lower cost per page. If you only print occasionally, a compact inkjet is fine and the upfront cost will be lower.
Step 3: Do You Need Wireless?
Almost all modern printers include Wi-Fi. This lets you print from your phone, tablet or laptop without plugging in a cable. If you have multiple people in your household or office using the printer, wireless is extremely convenient.
Step 4: All-in-One or Print-Only?
An all-in-one printer also scans and copies. If you need to scan documents or make copies of paperwork, an all-in-one is worth the small extra cost. If you only ever print, a print-only model is simpler and often cheaper.
Step 5: Consider the Running Costs
The purchase price is only part of the cost. Check the price of replacement ink cartridges and how many pages each one prints. A cheap printer with expensive cartridges can cost more over time than a slightly pricier model with economical ink.
Our Recommendations
For home use on a budget, we recommend the HP DeskJet range. For a home office that prints frequently, consider the Epson EcoTank series which comes with enough ink for up to 2 years. For a small business, the Brother MFC laser range offers outstanding reliability and low running costs.