Updated: Best printer: our recommendations for inkjets and lasers

Overview and inkjets #1-5

This article was recently updated.

In choosing the right printer, your first decision should be whether to go for a standard printer, or a multifunction device that includes a scanner and that can also work as a standalone copier. These aren’t much larger than regular printers, but they’re a whole lot more versatile, especially when you need to keep a copy of a letter, a bill or any other important document.

You should also think carefully about whether to invest in an inkjet or a laser. Lasers are usually associated with office environments, where they produce sharp, smudge-free printouts quickly, quietly and economically, but this can be just as useful at home or in a home office.

With that being said, here are our picks for the best printers in each class.

Inkjet printers

1. Canon Pixma MG7520

Print speed: 15 black ipm | Nozzles: 5,632 | Print resolution: 9600 x 2400 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to Legal | Paper capacity: 145 | Dimensions: 17.2″ (W) x 14.6″ (D) x 5.9″ (H) | Weight: 17.4 lbs.

The Canon Pixma MG7520 is a steal for photography enthusiasts who don’t need to print large documents or in high-volume. This 17.4 pound printer is only 17.2″ wide and 5.9″ tall, so it isn’t exactly compact, but it is pound-for-pound a solid device. The prints it produces are exact replicas of their digital files. You’ll spend hours printing photos and loving every minute of it.

Read the full review: Canon Pixma MG7520

2. Brother MFC-J4620DW

Print speed: 35 black ipm | Print resolution: 6000 x 1200 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to 11″ x 17″ | Paper capacity: 150 | Dimensions: 18.9″ x 11.4″ x 7.4″ | Weight: 20.6

Brother has packed a lot of features into this device, and it has also managed to keep the price low. Ink prices aren’t too frightening if you go for the high capacity cartridges, and like Brother’s other inkjets it can perform at very high speeds if you’re not too bothered about print quality, or produce high quality output if you’re willing to be patient.

Read the full review: Brother MFC-J4620DW

3. Epson WorkForce WF-100

Print speed: 6.7 black ipm | Print resolution: 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi | Paper sizes: Up to A6 | Paper capacity: 20 sheets | Dimensions: 12.2″ x 9.1″ x 8.5″ (W x D x H) | Weight: 3.5lbs.

The Epson WorkForce WF-100 is perfect for the user who travels, or even for the space-conscious or low-printing consumer. The built-in WiFi makes it easy to print on multiple devices and the built-in rechargeable battery is very impressive.

Read the full review: Epson WorkForce WF-100

4. Canon Maxify MB5320 review

Print speed: 23 black ipm | Nozzles: 3,072 | Print resolution: 600 x 1200 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to Legal | Paper capacity: 250 | Dimensions: 18.3″ (W) x 18.1″ (D) x 13.9″ (H) | Weight: 28.8

The MB5320 is a wireless inkjet all-in-one printer that is available in the US only for $399.99. It comes with a stacked feature set and robust paper handling that should limit paper jams and spills. The price is a bit steep for the target market (small businesses), and users looking to get high-quality graphic and photo creation, might be disappointed by the quality.

However, the Canon MB5320 would be a sound addition to any small or home office looking for an efficient printer that can handle large volumes of paper without a ton of maintenance.

Read the full review: Canon Maxify MB5320

5. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4630

Print speed: 20 black ipm | Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi | Paper sizes: value | Paper capacity: 330 sheets | Dimensions: 18.1″ x 25.8″ x 15.1″ (W x D x H) | Weight: 31.3

There’s a lot to love about this multifunction printer – it superbly handles office print jobs, and print quality rivals those of color laser printers. The automatic document feeder can handle double-sided scans and copies, and a specialty rear paper tray offers added convenience to the front-loading 250-sheet tray. If you need massive amounts of ink, a similar version of this printer is available in Epson’s EcoTank line.

Read the full review: Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4630

Laser printers

Laser printers

1. Sharp MX-C301W

Print speed: 30 black ipm | Print resolution: 600 x 600 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to A6 | Paper capacity: 300 sheets | Dimensions: 16 57/64″ x 22 13/32″ x 18 21/32″ | Weight: 72.8lbs.

This compact unit is a great, multi-purpose device for small-to-medium-sized enterprise use. With a straightforward out of the box set up, quick and easy color printing, speedy scanning, and standard copying features, the Sharp MX-C301W is a competitive addition to the enterprise market.

It might be a little too much to handle for the home office user, but if you’re interested in bulk printing and speed, this is a safe bet.

Read the full review: Sharp MX-C301W

2. HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M553X

Print speed: 40 black ipm | Print resolution: 3600 x 3600 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to A6 | Paper capacity: 1100 sheets | Dimensions: 18 x 18.9 x 22.9 in | Weight: 73.6

This is a big printer for small businesses with big ideas – it’s great for producing striking marketing materials, brochures and other colorful documents without making the finance director cry. It isn’t cheap, but its support for all kinds of wired and wireless printing, its cavernous paper trays and low running costs make the 553X an investment you’re unlikely to regret. Just don’t drop it on your foot.

Read the full review: HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M553X

3. Samsung Multifunction Xpress C460FW

Print speed: 19 black ipm | Print resolution: 600 x 600 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to 8.5″ x 14″ | Paper capacity: 40 sheets | Dimensions: 16″ x 14.3″ x 13.1″ | Weight: 30.82

If you’re after a high-quality text printer that can do the odd image too, the Samsung Multifunction Xpress C460FW won’t disappoint, but its photo printing lets it down. There’s a lot to like about this low-cost all-in-one laser printer, but we don’t think it will be the model to crack the home market.

Read the full review: Samsung Multifunction Xpress C460FW

4. Brother HL-L9200CDWT

Print speed: 32 black ipm | Print resolution: 2400 x 600 dpi | Paper sizes: Up to B6 | Paper capacity: 750 sheets | Dimensions: 16.1″ x 19.5″ x 17.5″ | Weight: 61.6

The HL-L92000CDWT is a capable, affordable option for everyday home of heavy office use. It’s wireless functionality, including AirPrint and Cloud Print, and high capacity toners make for excellent performance no matter how and what you’re printing. Unfortunately, it’s a giant beast of a machine, so make sure you have the room for it before you make a purchase.

Read the full review: Brother HL-L9200CDWT