Best Printer Scanner 2018 For Mac
- Best Home Office Printers 2018
- Best Home Printer Copier Scanner 2018
- Best Printer For Mac
- Best Printer Scanner 2018
- Best Printer Scanner 2018 For Mac
- Best Home Printers Reviews 2018
- Best Home Printers For 2018
- Best Photo Printers 2018
Table of Contents
The Best Printers for MacBook Pro in 2018: Our Picks. Please note: all the printers below are chosen based on the factors listed above, plus our our own personal take. They are by no means intended to rank in this order. Ultimately, Epson Expression Home XP-330 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner and Copier is a first-rate printer regardless of where you use it. It comes with fantastic offers, and you shouldn’t miss them.
Finding a Mac Compatible Printer
For a lot of Apple desktop and laptop users, having the best printer for Mac ensures the ability to print on demand. It is important to check the product beforehand to see if it is compatible with the operating system that is on your computer.
Otherwise, this would mean that the print device will not be able to understand the commands sent to it by your Apple computer, ending up in frustration and having to return the item and start your search over again.
The great thing is, thanks to the popularity of Apple products, a lot of technology companies are making sure that whatever they manufacture is able to accommodate one of the most popular brands in the world.
These are our picks.
The table shows our selection for each of the major printer categories. We include the important features and technical specifications of each of the products.
- Rating: (3.5 / 5)
- B/W Speed: 8.7 ppm
- Max. B/W Resolution: 5760 x 1440
- Features: scanner, copier
- Rating: (4.0 / 5)
- B/W Speed: 9.7 ppm
- Max. B/W Resolution: 600 x 600
- Features: USB, scanner, copier, fax, ADF
- Rating: (4.5 / 5)
- B/W Speed: 27 ppm
- Max. B/W Resolution: 2400 x 600
- Features: high speed, duplex
- Rating: (4.0 / 5)
- B/W Speed: 15 ppm
- Max. B/W Resolution: 5760 x 1440
- Features: scanner, copier, fax, duplex, ADF
- Rating: (4.2 / 5)
- B/W Speed: 51 sec./page
- Max. B/W Resolution: 4800 x 2400
- Features: photo quality output, wide format (13 x 19) printing
At the end of this article, we review the these picks to give a better picture of their capabilities.
Top 10 Best Printers for Mac Reviews
Now that we know the different types of printing categories, we pick out the best of each class, allowing you to focus on the features that make them stand out among their peers.
1. Brother HL-L2340DW Compact Laser Printer and Brother TN660 High Yield Toner
On top of our list of the best printer for MAC is the Brother HL-L2340DW Compact Laser Printer and Brother TN660 High Yield Toner. It allows for quick and high-quality printing. In a matter of one minute, your printer can produce 27 prints. This is an efficient printer since it can be connected via wireless network or with the use of USB interface. You can even print from your Smartphone with the use of Brother iPrint and Scan, Air Print, Google Cloud Print, Cortado Workplace, or Wi-Fi Direct. Installation can be tricky at first and pairing the printer with your device can take up time. However, once the hard part is over, operating the printer becomes a breeze.
Compared to the traditional printer, this laser printing allows for automatic two-sided printing. It allows you to save up on paper, time, and effort. Moreover, it also ensures that you can print accurately without having to check the paper individually. Apart from the flexibility in connection of this printer, it also offers flexibility in paper handling. You can print on legal or letter paper and you can use this for envelope and letterhead printing. The paper tray can also hold 250 sheets at once and you can adjust it depending on the size of the paper you will be using. There is also a separate feed slot for your envelope and letterhead.
Due to the manual feed slot and the rear paper exit, your printed material will appear perfectly since it prevents paper jams. In addition to this, due to the straight-through paper path, the printing will look better. Since it prints with a 2400 x 600 dpi, the printed materials from this printer will contain better images and texts that are more readable and clearer. It also operated with a Toner Save mode that you could opt to use for less important materials since it uses a minimal amount of toner. Finally, it comes with a full year of warranty for your peace of mind.
Our Rating: (4.0 / 5)
2. HP Envy 4520 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer with Mobile Printing, Instant Ink ready
The next printer for MAC that we have on the list is the HP Envy 4520 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer. It is available with Mobile Printing and it is designed to be Instant Ink ready. This printer is multi-functional since it can function as a photocopier, a scanner, and for wireless printing. You can operate with the touch screen buttons that are not too sensitive. You can be able to operate the printer quickly based on your functional preference. Purchasing this printer for MAC also provides you with a limited hardware warranty of one year.
In addition to this, there are several features on this printer that makes it more convenient for you to use. First, it allows for duplex printing, which means that you can print on both sides of the paper. Due to this feature, you can save up on printing time and printing paper. When printing photos, you can choose to print with the borderless photo feature that ensures each space is covered. You do not have to cut the edges your photo and accidentally cut off important parts because you can maximize the photo paper that has a size of 4 x 6 inches. In terms of printing speed, you can print ten pages of paper with black printing per minute and seven papers when you use colored ink.
In terms of device pairing, this is truly a printer for MAC since you can pair it with your iPhone or iPad. You can do this with the use of AirPrint. In addition to this, you can also use this for other tablets and smartphones with the use of the HP ePrint App. Moreover, with the Wireless Direct printing, you can still print without any cables attached to the printer. Another feature of this printer that provides convenience for the user is the Instant Ink Ready feature. This provides you with the luxury of limitless printing that ensures that you will never be out of ink when you need it the most. This feature allows you to place an order using your printer and it also provides a discount on your ink purchase. It is also more economical since the original HP ink can print more than other cartridge refill.
Our Rating: (4.0 / 5)
3. Brother DCPL2540DW Wireless Laser Printer and Brother TN660 High Yield Toner
The Brother DCPL2540DW Wireless Laser Printer and Brother TN660 High Yield Toner is another printer for MAC that we have decided to review. It results in a speedy print of 30 ppm and high quality printed materials of 2,400 x 600 dpi. In terms of scanning, the dpi resolution can reach 19,200 x 19,200. The scanned documents can be sent to your e-mail directly for maximum convenience. You are provided with several connectivity options with this laser printer. Apart from using the USB interface, you can also connect with the use of the integrated wireless 802.11b/g/n. Moreover, you can use the Ethernet network interfaces to ensure that several users can use the printer. Another connectivity option for this printer is the pairing with your mobile device with the use AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint and Scan, Cortado Workplace and Wi-Fi Direct.
You can also scan wirelessly and send it to your mobile device with the use of Brother iPrint and Scan applications. Similar to other printers for MAC on the list, it allows for duplex printing. This allows you to conserve on paper and money. Similar to other Brother laser printers, you can use this as a printer for legal or letter size paper. Moreover, you can use it as well as for envelopes and for printing labels and letterheads. The paper tray has a capacity to hold 250 sheets of papers. In addition to this, you can use a manual feed slot for thicker materials. However, it is only able to holds one sheet at a time. Apart from printing and scanning, you can use this to reduce or enlarge your documents from 25% to 400%.
Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)
4. HP Officejet 4650 Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer with Instant Ink Bundle
The next printer for MAC that we have reviewed is the HP Officejet 4650 Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer with Instant Ink Bundle. This printer can serve several purposes, which allows you to use it in a variety of ways. It can be used a photocopier, a scanner, and a fax machine as well. In addition to this, you can use this printer without the use of any USB interface. However, you can pair it with your mobile phone or tablet with the use of the HP ePrint app. If you have an iPhone or an iPod, you just need the AirPrint to print directly from your device to your printer. With the use of the Wireless Direct feature, you can even print your documents without a network.
One benefit that is provided by most HP printer is the Instant Ink Ready feature. This allows you to order ink directly from your printer. With this feature, ordering an ink will be a breeze and it is extremely convenient since you will never run out of ink. With the touch screen display, you can operate this printer better and with great ease. Additionally, you can choose to use the dual-sided printing option to ensure that you can use your papers to a maximum. You can use this feature to help conserve the environment and your resources. In terms of paper compatibility, you can use this printer for printing letter and legal size document and for no. 10 envelopes. There is also a one-year limited hardware warranty for your purchase.
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
5. Canon MX492 Wireless All-IN-One Small Printer
Another printer for MAC that has caught our eye is the Canon MX492 Wireless All-IN-One Small Printer with Mobile or Tablet Printing, AirPrint and Google Cloud Print Compatible. Compared to most printers on the list, it comes with rather limited features and a smaller size. This is because the size of this printer has been reduced by 30% when compared to the previous model. When you purchase this printer, you also get FINE cartridges, a CD-ROM for installation, and a telephone line cable. Moreover, you are also provided with the instruction manuals necessary for operation. Moreover, this wireless printer can also be used for a variety of purposes like copying, scanning, and faxing. With AirPrint, you can print your documents from your Apple devices without using drivers. In addition to this, you can use the Canon Print App for printing and scanning the pictures or files from your mobile phone.
This printer is designed with the Auto Document Feeder that holds twenty sheets of paper. In addition to this, you are also provided with the option of using an XL cartridge. This will allow you to print several more documents that a regular cartridge. Another feature of this printer is that it comes with the Scan to Cloud option for easier sharing to other users. On the other hand, the fax option of this printer is equipped with nineteen coded speed dials. In terms of fax memory, it can hold fifty incoming pages, which allows for supreme functionality. Parents with infant children can enjoy the use of this printer since it operates quietly. This is also beneficial for people who prefer a printer that operates quietly. Similar to the other printer for MAC on the list, the Canon MX492 Wireless All-IN-One Small Printer provides a one-year limited warranty, along with the Instant Exchange Program.
Our Rating: (3.8 / 5)
6. Brother HL-2270DW Monochrome Laser Printer
When it comes to laser printing, consumers often balk because of the higher upfront costs of around $200 or above. One exception is this offering from Brother, which costs below $200.
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
Brother isn’t as well known as Epson and HP in this field, but is quickly gaining ground. This black and white printing device is compact and doesn’t come much in regard to design. There are no digital screens or lots of blinking lights, instead it focuses on performance.
What you get is good overall value. At 14” x 14” it is shaped like a square that is 7 inches tall. It is fastest when printing text documents, which reaches up to 27 pages every minute, though pages with charts and pictures aren’t as fast.
Both letters and numbers come out sharp and clear while images appear good in different scales of gray. The HL-2270DW also comes with the ability to print on both sides of a sheet of paper automatically, and can be placed anywhere in the home or office because it can use Wi-Fi to connect to computers or network router.
While wireless, it isn’t equipped to handle mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, and its output is limited to black and white.
Nevertheless, thanks to its affordability, high speed and good quality outputs, it makes our list for best printer for Mac. The new apple macbook pro for 2018 in india.
7. Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Professional Photo Printer
Inkjet printers are the preferred mode of printing photographs. But if you want very detailed and precise professional image quality outputs, you’ll need to look at photo printers. These machines are often large and don’t come with the multifunction features.
Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)
Well constructed, you’ll need to clear a table or at least a side of a table to fit this Pixma PRO-100 picture printing device. It spans 27 inches in length, with a depth of 15 inches and 8.5 inches tall. Also make sure to leave some room behind it because that’s where the paper is inserted.
Print quality is superb with colors coming out vivid and well saturated. A favorite of photographers and designers for its ability to replicate the images seen on the computer monitor as closely as possible. It also provides a quick way for them to present a copy of the photographs to their customers.
The PRO-100 uses 8 different ink sets at a resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi. While the print head, which releases the drops of ink onto the paper, are very fine allowing for very delicate and clear results.
Black & white photos come out sharp as it uses 3 different black ink cartridges to get the exact contrast and shading.
It is also possible to directly send pictures from Apple and Android mobile devices for printing, although size of the output in these cases are limited to 4” x 6” and 5” x 7” to preserve the quality of the image.
8. Epson Expression Home XP-400
This stacks up as the best cheap printer for Macbook Pro. It’s been known that one of the first things people take note of when buying any item is the price. And for most computer peripherals this is the case too.
Our Rating: (3.5 / 5)
Priced around $100, the XP-400 offers color printing along with the ability to scan and photocopy documents. Made by one of the pioneers in the printing industry, it is designed for home users and has one of the smallest footprints at 15” by 11” by 6”. It weighs 9 pounds making it easy to carry around the house between rooms.
One of its strongest suits is its connectivity, as it is compatible with computers that run on both Windows and Mac. Its wireless capability also lets users connect to their home computer networks, AirPrint devices like the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone.
Setting up the XP-400 can be done using the CD that comes with the product or by downloading the drivers from Epson’s website, which is recommended in order to get the latest versions.
9. Canon PIXMA MX432 Inkjet Printer
This feature filled printing device is well suited for personal and home use, although it has some of the more advanced features that make it a worthy office tool including a 30 page automatic document feeder.
Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Best Home Office Printers 2018
As an all in one printer, it comes with a scanner, photocopier and fax. Many of the new printer models now come with multiple functionality such as these. While you may not always need them, they do come in handy once in a while.
Best Home Printer Copier Scanner 2018
The design is very similar to many of the Canon photo and office printing products where access to paper and the ink cartridges use the FastFront System, which is a flip open front panel.
Connecting this device is simple and can be done through a Wi-Fi connection. It accommodates PCs, Macbook Pro computers and laptops, mobile devices like iOS and Android.
The Pixma MX432 uses Canon’s ChromaLife100 system that allows photo printouts to last up to 100 years without deteriorating.
Priced competitively, it produces fast, good quality outputs, making it ideal for personal or small office use. However if you need to print a lot, or need something with high volume capacity, the Epson WorkForce below will be better suited for that purpose.
10. Epson WorkForce WF-3540 Wireless – best all in one printer for Mac
The main difference between home printers and those labeled for office work has to do with the amount of printouts they can handle. Microsoft office 2019 for mac download. There are also accessory features that employees often look for in order to facilitate their duties.
Our Rating: (4.0 / 5)
Our Rating: (4.0 / 5)
For high performance text and color printing, this heavy duty machine gets the job done. It is fast, quiet and produces excellent graphics and color outputs, making it our choice for the best all in one printer for Mac.
With a maximum monthly capacity of 12,000 printouts a month, it is capable of taking on high volume workload. It also comes with duplex printing capability, dual paper trays that hold up to 500 sheets, a fully functional copier and 2,400 dpi scanner that can send the digitized copies to file, image, email or pdf.
One of the few things not to like about this is its size. At 17.7 inches by 16.8 inches by 12.1 inches, it is larger than most all in one printers on the market, and easily outweighs the two items mentioned above.
Choosing the Best Printer for Your Needs
All the choices listed above have are excellent performers and if you’ve had some experience with printing devices and how they work it will be easy for narrow the products to focus on. However, we know not everyone is a techie, so in the following section we break down some the difference between the multiple types of printers available in the market today, making the search for the best printer for Mac easier.
1. Inkjet Printer
These are the most common types of print gadgets available. This is the case because they are the cheapest and most versatile of the group. These make use of ink droplets that are slowly sprayed on the the paper forming the words and pictures you want printed.
The main benefits of these types of machines is that they are able to create both black and white copies or colored pictures. Because they can produce color documents, you’ll need to buy the black ink as well as the color cartridges. This often means you’ll need 4 different ink tanks to be replaced when they’re all out.
Some brands are now producing non colored inkjets for people who don’t have the need for printing in color. What this does is let users print pages faster and save themselves the cost of the extra ink cartridges, which can be expensive.
Inkjets are often the best options for home use, and those on a budget. Because the item costs less and can cater to the needs of those who are studying or working.
2. Laser Printer
The next major category of printing mechanisms is the laser. Unlike the inkjet, the laser uses a toner and a drum where the ink is heated into the paper. The main difference between this technique and the process used in inkjets is when the paper comes out from a laser device, the printed matter is already embedded in the paper and is dry. Whereas for the inkjet, you’ll want to make sure the text and colors have dried before touching the paper or else have the possibility of smudging the ink.
This type of printers is recommended for people who write a lot and don’t need color. That’s because most of these are monochrome, which means they produce only black and white copies. Although there are color laser variations, these are a lot more expensive.
Offices often use these because of the speed they are capable of achieving. They are substantially faster then inkjets and even though their ink toners are more expensive compared to inkjet cartridges, when taken on a cost per page basis, ink costs for laser printers are much cheaper.
3. Photo Printer
Because multimedia now plays such a big part in how we use computers today, it became inevitable the people would start reproducing pictures, graphics and photographs using their printers.
For this, a specialized type of inkjet was developed and they are called photo printers. While they are generally inkjets, what they have is the ability to be able to create crisp replicas of photos such that these come out like they were developed in a photo lab.
Here is where it gets a bit more complex. In the case of these types of products, there is a great degree of variation. You can have the budget photo printing box that is priced between $100 to $200 that delivers excellent photos, all the way to those that are professional grade used by large advertising agencies, that cost $800 and above.
If you’re a photographer, designer or someone who expects to get nice vibrant and precise photo prints, making sure that the inkjet you get is a photo printer is a must. That’s because aside from the better image quality, these often come with USB, microSD or memory card ports which let you easily transfer your photos from the camera or mobile device and have them printed out.
4. Multifunction Printer
The last class to consider is the multifunction printer or MFP. What this means is that aside from the ability make printouts, you also get a scanner, copier and fax machine in one package. Take note that you can have a laser or inkjet that are MFPs.
Many of our picks for the best printer for Mac fall under this category because they offer the best value for money.
These are slightly thicker than the print only inkjets because of the need to accommodate the other machines. However, these can save you extra cash because they eliminate the need to purchase the others separately.Small business owners and entrepreneurs are among those most helped by this type of device.
More often, you’ll see the term All in One (AIO) instead of Multifunction. The main distinction between the two is all in one printers have all four functions, namely printing, scanning, photocopying and faxing, where are MFPs often miss one of the other three, usually the fax.
Best Printer For Mac
While these devices have become more complicated, we are seeing more categories and sub classes of printing machines. However, these four are the main types.
Ready to Choose?
Now that you’ve seen some of the viable candidates, you have a better feel of what characteristics top rated products have. And so when choosing your own best printer for Mac, you know what to look for.
- 4.7/5
- 6 ratings
| Very bad! | Bad | Hmmm | Oke | Good! |
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| 0% | 0% | 0% | 33.3% | 66.7% |
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Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
- Best Overall:Brother MFC-J985 at Amazon, “a good choice, thanks to its low running costs.”
- Best High Speed:Brother MFC-L6800DW at Amazon, “capable of printing at a max speed of 48 pages per minute.”
- Best Photo Printer:HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 at Amazon, “boasts impressive connectivity options and borderless photo printing.”
- Best Budget:HP OfficeJet 5255 at Amazon, “With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily set this printer up in any room.”
- Best for Ease of Use:Epson XP-830 Small-in-One at Amazon, “versatile, wireless and offers excellent photo quality printing.”
- Runner-Up, Best High Speed:Brother MFC-L5800DW at Amazon, “a quick monochrome printer and scanner.”
- Best Value:Brother MFC-J895DW at Amazon, “it’s simple, shuttable design helps it keep from being an eyesore.”
- Best for Small Businesses:Samsung ProXpress at Staples, “this is a straightforward and capable option with killer speeds.”
- Best for Versatility:Epson Expression Premium at Amazon, “more high-quality prints than you'd expect from your typical printer.”
- Best High Capacity:Epson workForce Pro at Amazon, “when it comes to high-capacity printing, it is both capable and upgradable.”
- Best Compact:Canon Pixma TR4520 at Amazon, “the Canon Pixma TR4520 is on the small side for a printer of its class.”
- Best Design:Canon Pixma TS9120 at Amazon, “a versatile all-in-one printer with scanning and copying.”
Our Top Picks
Best Printer Scanner 2018
Best Overall: Brother MFC-J985DW with INKvestment Cartridges
The Brother MFC-J985DW all-in-one inkjet printer is a great choice, thanks to its low running costs. With its high-capacity ink refills as part of Brother's INKvestment series, you're getting one of the best cost-per-page value of any home inkjet on the market. Operating costs are less than 1 cent per black and white page, and less than 5 cents per color page.
It also has great features for the office, including duplex (two-sided) printing, and wireless printing from devices via AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Wi-Fi Direct. Networking is enabled via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, or you can print directly from USB. Paper capacity is 100 pages, and this printer can handle up to legal-sized paper (8.5” x 14”). You can print up to 12 black-and-white pages or 10 color pages per minute.
Best High Speed: Brother MFC-L6800DW
When it comes to speed, Brother makes a mighty impressive, monochrome all-in-one model. Whether you want to print or scan, the Brother MFC-L6800DW will floor it, offering incredible speed no matter your project. It’s capable of printing at a max speed of 48 pages per minute, and it can scan 50 single-sided or 100 double-sided documents per minute.
The Brother MFC-L6800DW can fit 570 sheets of paper in its main and multi-purpose trays, and it can be fitted with an even larger tray to expand the capacity up to 1,610 sheets if needed. Considering how fast it can print documents, business customers printing high volumes may find that extra capacity useful.
On top of its high speeds, the Brother MFC-L6800DW supports auto-duplex printing and faxing, can scan directly to the cloud or mobile devices, and has Wi-Fi connectivity. Plus, it comes with a number of business-oriented features, like Secure Print — to ensure no one gets your documents — and Setting Lock — to keep people from messing with your preferred settings. Whatever you need to print, copy, or fax, the Brother MFC-L6800DW can help you do it quick.
Best Photo Printer: HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 Wireless Printer
This all-in-one color inkjet printer from HP boasts impressive connectivity options and borderless photo printing, making it an ideal option for standard tasks, copying, faxing and photography. You can manage your printing jobs via a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, which has an intuitive tap and swipe feature. Wireless printing is facilitated by AirPrint for Apple devices and NFC touch-to-print for other smart devices. Some users have commented they have had difficulty setting up wireless functionality, but once up and running it offers a seamless and convenient way to bring your documents to life.
Impressive print management options are buoyed by high speeds, with ultra-fast automatic two-sided printing and a 50-page automatic document printer and 250-sheet paper tray. HP claims the specs are 24 pages per minute for black and white printing and 20 pages per minute for color. The high volume trays and efficient ink model result in up to 50 percent lower cost per page compared to laser printers. Documents scan at 1200 dpi resolution, while borderless photos print in standard 4 x 6-inch size.
Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best photo printers.
Best Budget: HP OfficeJet 5255
HP’s OfficeJet 5255 is probably exactly what you’d think of when you imagine a budget printer in 2018. But, when you need something affordable that can handle basic printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, the OfficeJet 5255 does the job. And a few extra features make it even more compelling.
With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily set this printer up in any room in your house and print from wherever you are. You’ll also have an easy time printing documents from a variety of devices, since you can print from computers, your mobile phone, tablet, and cloud-based storage services like Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox.
The OfficeJet 5255 also has handy features like an auto document feeder with a 35-sheet capacity, as well as automatic duplex printing. If you’re expecting to do a lot of printing, you’ll also be able to save on ink by using Amazon Dash replenishment to automatically order ink refills when your printer detects it’s running low, so you'll never be out when you need it most.
Best for Ease of Use: Epson XP-830 Small-in-One
The Epson XP-830 all-in-one is versatile, wireless and offers excellent photo quality printing. You can print, copy, scan or fax from this compact AIO, and the automatic document feeder is capable of holding 30 pages. Two-sided printing is available, and print speeds are rated at 9.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white pages, and 9ppm for color pages, making for a rather slow printer, but photo printers aren't usually fast. The XP-830 has the additional ability to print on pre-surfaced optical discs.
This Small-in-One is a great option for someone who doesn’t have heavy usage demands and wants an inexpensive all-in-one with superior print quality. Mobile printing options, such as printing directly from your phone or tablet, are a snap thanks to Epson Connect software and other mobile printing options. A 4.3-inch touchscreen makes it easy to use. And it’s small, at 15.4” x 13.3” x 7.5”, so it’ll fit just about anywhere.
Runner-Up, Best High Speed: Brother MFC-L5800DW
The smaller sibling of the Brother MFC-L6800DW, Brother’s MFC-L5800DW model is also a quick monochrome printer and scanner — just with a more palatable price. This machine can spit out documents at a maximum speed of 42 pages per minute while scanning 28 impressions per minute. This model has a base capacity of 300 sheets of paper but has an auto document feeder that's also able to fit 70 pages.
Since the Brother MFC-L5800DW is significantly cheaper than its sibling, it does miss out on some perks, namely the bigger touchscreen display and duplex copying, but it still offers plenty of speed. And, like other printers in this Brother series, its paper capacity can be greatly expanded with add-ons, ultimately allowing users to stow as many as 1,340 sheets.
The Brother MFC-L5800DW can connect to Wi-Fi and supports printing from and scanning to iOS and Android devices, as well as Kindle Fire and even Windows Phone devices. You can also link the printer with Evernote, Google Drive, and Dropbox and scan documents to those cloud storage services or print files from them for convenience.
Best Value: Brother MFC-J895DW
The impressive Brother MFC-J895DW offers a comparable experience to it's XL sibling (literally called the MFC-J985DW XL), but at a much more budget-friendly price point. Since it blends great all-around performance and features with a price tag that is not painfully high, it gets our top pick for best value printer.
The Brother MFC-J895DW offers color printing, copying, and scanning along with faxing. And, it’s simple, shuttable design helps it keep from being an eyesore — something particularly nice for those using it at home. Like its larger sibling, it can print a maximum of 12 pages per minute, and 10 pages per minute in color. It can hold 150 sheets of paper and has an auto document feeder that can hold 20 sheets.
Best Printer Scanner 2018 For Mac
The Brother MFC-J895DW supports automatic duplex printing. Plus, thanks to its Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, it supports a host of other features. You can print from or scan to the cloud, you can connect to your computer wirelessly, and you can connect to mobile devices with NFC without needing to sign on to a Wi-Fi network. Amazon Dash Replenishment support will also help you keep your ink stocked so you never run out in the middle of a job.
Best for Small Businesses: Samsung ProXpress SL-M3870FW
It may not be the prettiest, but the Samsung ProXpress M3870FW printer gets the job done — and fast. If your small business does a lot of printing and you don’t need color, this is a straightforward and capable option with killer speeds.
The Samsung ProXpress M3870FW can print up to 40 pages per minute, and warms up quickly, with the first page ready in as few as 6.5 seconds. For heavy printing loads, this printer has a duty cycle up to 80,000 pages per month. You’ll be able to put in a lot of paper, too, with a 250-sheet input tray, a 50-sheet multi-purpose tray, and a 50-sheet auto document feeder. With auto-duplex printing, you’ll get more from each sheet as well.
So, to summarize, you’ll get plenty of use out of the Samsung ProXpress M3870FW in a business setting, plus you'll get some of the handy modern features of an internet-connected printer. You can print documents from anywhere using Google Cloud Print or the Samsung Mobile Print App and Apple users can use Apple AirPrint. Best of all, it won't run you much more than your average consumer printer.
Best for Versatility: Epson Expression Premium ET-7750 EcoTank
The Epson Expression Premium ET-7750 EcoTank takes the versatility of an all-in-one printer and does consumers one better. If you can do without faxing — the machine's one caveat — and are looking for a printer that, beyond regular document printing, delivers brilliant photo prints, then this is the unit for the job.
The Epson Expression Premium ET-7750 EcoTank can handle wide-format printing, supporting sizes of up to 11' x 17'. That — combined with a high DPI, three ink colors, and two separate black ink types — can make for much more high-quality photo and document prints than you'd expect from your typical printer. Plus, you can still get solid printing and copying performance with auto-duplex printing and speeds of up to 13 pages per minute.
This EcoTank model doesn’t use regular ink cartridges. Rather, you can fill it back up with bottles of ink, and Epson includes an estimated two-years worth of extra ink right in the box. You also get handy options for printing from smartphones and the cloud using the printer's internet connection. So, whether it’s documents or photos, the Epson Expression Premium ET-7750 EcoTank is a flexible pick.
Best High Capacity: Epson workForce Pro ET-8700 EcoTank
Epson’s various EcoTank models have a lot going for them, and when it comes to high-capacity printing, the Epson WorkForce Pro ET-8700 EcoTank is both capable and upgradable. While the base model’s main paper tray has a capacity of 250 sheets and an additional rear tray can hold 80 sheets, there’s the option of adding on an additional tray with a 500-sheet capacity.
All that flexibility in capacity is balanced out with strong printing and copying performance. The WorkForce Pro ET-8700 EcoTank can print documents at up to 24 pages per minute, and it can scan documents just as fast. Helping you take advantage of the high sheet capacity is the EcoTank line’s ink, which doesn’t come in a typical cartridge. Epson boasts including enough ink to deliver 16,000 monochrome pages or 11,000 color pages.
The WorkForce Pro ET-8700 EcoTank also has a number of features for ease-of-use, such as a 4.3' color touchscreen and auto-duplex printing. It can also connect to wireless networks, use Wi-Fi direct, or NFC, giving you plenty of options for printing files from a variety of devices.
Best Compact: Canon Pixma TR4520
It might not look it, but the Canon Pixma TR4520 is on the small side for a printer of its class. Plenty of others come smaller, but the Canon Pixma TR4520 supports printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, while its competition may focus on just printing. Despite its smaller size, it can still hold 100 sheets of paper and features an auto document feeder and automatic duplex printing.
At a printing speed of 8.8 pages per minute, it’s not the fastest all-in-one printer, but it wins on size, measuring just 17.2' x 11.7' x 7.5' when closed. Best yet, it packs quite a few bonus features on top of its basic functionality.
The Canon Pixma TR 4520 can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, and supports wireless printing and scanning. You’ll be able to print documents from the cloud, scan documents to the Canon Print App, and create multi-page PDFs. This printer even supports Amazon Alexa natively along with IFTTT (If This Then That) and Google Assistant through IFTTT. This means you’ll have extensive automation options available to you. All that comes in a small package with a similarly small price tag.
Best Design: Canon Pixma TS9120
The Canon Pixma TS9120 may lack faxing functionality, but it still proves a versatile all-in-one printer with scanning and copying, and it boasts a number of other valuable features that round out its performance. Plus, on a more superficial level, what the printer really does best is look pretty. So, if you don’t have a dedicated home office where you can hide your printer away, this is a great option that will blend pretty seamlessly with your decor.
The Pixma TS9120 has a simple, box-shaped design, and a metallic gold, gray, or red finish on top. The rear paper feed and front tray for catching your printed documents pop out when needed, and tuck away when not in use. Both the rear and bottom paper trays can hold 100 sheets of paper each, which is helpful since this can print 15 pages per minute.
On the front, there is a large, 5' LCD touchscreen display that makes navigation easier. The Canon Pixma TS9120 also offers plenty of connectivity options, with USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and even Bluetooth. You’ll have plenty of ways to print files from your devices, and, you won’t be limited to just documents, either, as this is a capable photo printer, and even can print special CD/DVD/Blu-ray cover images.
Tested by
How We Tested
We bought five top-rated all-in-one printers that our reviewers tested for more than 40 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these printers, from their supply costs to their networking capabilities. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in an All-in-One Printer
Inkjet vs. laser -If you’re looking for a printer that can handle a combination of text, graphics, and photos, an inkjet is the way to go. However, if you’ll mostly be printing and scanning black-and-white text documents, a laser printer makes more sense.
Supply costs -While AIO printers themselves might not cost a lot, the printer cartridges can really add up. Research those costs before you make your purchase, as in some cases a more expensive printer can end up being cheaper in the long run. Also look into the possibility of refilling your own cartridges.
Networking capability -Connection via USB has been standard in printers for years, but for an office environment, it’s essential that it supports Wi-Fi. This makes it easy for several devices to connect and many even offer one-click wireless setup. Some printers even offer near-field communication (NFC) connectivity, which let you connect a smartphone just by tapping it on a specific area on the machine.
Test Results: Brother MFC-J985DW (Best Overall)
What We Like
Sharp, quick text printing
Super efficient ink usage
Fast scanning and copying
What We Don't Like
Best Home Printers Reviews 2018
Slow color printing
Subpar graphics and photos
No direct USB to PC connection
Our tester said this printer 'stands out for having the lowest long-term operating costs of any comparable printer because of its efficient and inexpensive ink.' In terms of print quality, however, our reviewer noted that 'it's better geared toward text than images.' Still, he found the setup 'fast and straightforward,' the scanner 'adequate,' and the fax quality to be 'solid.' Overall, our tester recommended this printer for anyone looking for 'long-term value for a reasonable up-front price.'
Best Home Printers For 2018
Test Results: Brother MFC-L6800DW (Best High Speed)
What We Like
High capacity and speed
Accessible price
Universal connectivity
Fast and effective scanner
What We Don't Like
Monochrome printing
Lost detail on high-resolution images
Calling it “an ideal all-in-one for high-volume printing and scanning,” our tester was impressed by this printer’s “smart, focused features” and “relatively accessible price.” He noted “text documents were of reasonably high and consistent quality,” but cautioned that it “handles images less well.” However, our reviewer explained that the real highlight of this printer is “the top-mounted automatic document feeder, which can scan double-sided documents on a single pass at an impressive clip.” The takeaway? “The Brother MFC-L6800DW strikes a perfect balance between speed, features, and cost for a printer for any budget-minded small-business or home office,” he said.
Test Results: HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 Wireless Printer (Best Photo Printer)
What We Like
Scanning is crystal clear
Duplex automatic document feeder
High-speed printing
Rich color printing
What We Don't Like
Large footprint
Some inconsistency in printing text
“For color printing, the OfficeJet Pro 8720 was fast, producing rich and consistent colors that matched the screen image very well,” our tester raved. Other pluses, according to our reviewer, include the “fast, easy, and high-quality” scanner, super easy setup, and functional design. While he did notice “tiny, stray ink spots showing up in large text documents,” he felt this wasn’t a huge concern. And although our tester didn’t like its bulkiness, he still called this model “the best middle ground between a consumer-grade inkjet printer and a small-business-ready all-in-one.”
Test Results: HP OfficeJet 5255 (Best Budget)
Best Photo Printers 2018
What We Like
Inexpensive
High-quality color printing
Automatic duplex printing
What We Don't Like
Ink gets pricey
Spotty wireless connectivity
“HP has managed to cut costs in such a way that combines all of the basic business hardware features at an acceptable quality with an exceedingly low price,” our tester said of this budget-friendly printer. He called the printing speeds “more than adequate” and said the overall printing quality was “fairly impressive.” The downsides? Our reviewer said the scanner is just “mediocre” and setting up the wireless feature was a “stubborn” process. And while the price of the printer itself is ideal, our tester warned that “ink operating costs are not the best.”
Test Results: Epson XP-830 Small-in-One (Best for Ease of Use)
What We Like
Small size
Great print quality
Easy to use
“For a small printer, I thought it packed a lot into one,” one of our reviewers said about the Epson XP-830. She liked the multi-page paper feeder, the ability to scan, and the scan-to-email functionality. Plus, she thought the touchscreen made it easy to flip from one function to the next. “Set up to my laptop was pretty easy and setting it up to a phone was even easier,” she added.
During some of our other printer tests, Lifewire reviewers noticed that the printed colors sometimes ended up duller than expected—but not with this model. “I've printed out text documents and high-color photos and everything looks great,” one person said. Color-heavy print jobs will come out a bit slower, but the end result will impress you.
Our writers spent 10 hours researching the most popular all-in-one printers on the market. Before making their final recommendations, they considered 90 different laptops, screened options from 9 different brands and manufacturers, and read over 40 user reviews (both positive and negative). All of this research adds up to recommendations you can trust.