The Canon brand has been confirmed for decades as one of the safest in terms of electronic products. Canon offers numerous models of printers, to meet the needs of everyone, from those who are looking for a professional printer to those who are looking for an easy model to use at home, there are various models of Canon multifunction printers for home, solutions for all budgets. and needs.
Canon offers both inkjet and laser printers, all models are excellent value for money and guarantee optimal and long-lasting performance.
Here are the 9 best Canon multifunction printer models on the market and their main technical characteristics.
Also Read: Best MICR Printer For Checks
Best Canon Printers For Home 2024
Table of Contents
Which Canon printer to buy
If everything is clear so far, I would say to put the gossip aside and see, therefore, which are the best Canon printers currently available on the market. You will find them listed below, divided by type.
Best Canon inkjet printers For Home use
Let’s start with the inkjet printers which, as already mentioned above, are all in color. Many of them are multifunctional and support photo printing. Choose the one that seems to suit you best.
Best Canon Printers For Home | Comparison Table 2024
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon TR8620 All-In-One Printer For Home Office | Copier |Scanner| Fax |Auto Document Feeder | Photo and Document Printing | Airprint (R) and Android Printing, Black | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Canon IP8720 Wireless Printer, AirPrint and Cloud Compatible, Black, 6.3" x 23.3" x 13.1" | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Canon Image Class D1650 | All-in-One, Wireless Laser Printer with AirPrint, Black scales print only | Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Canon TS9120 Wireless Printer with Scanner and Copier: Mobile and Tablet Printing, with Airprint and Google Cloud Print compatible, Gray | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer with Mobile Printing, Black, Works with Alexa | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Professional Photographic Inkjet Printer, 17 x 22-Inches | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Canon TS8320 All In One Wireless Color Printer For Home | Copier | Scanner | Inkjet Printer | With Mobile Printing, Black, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer with AirPrint and Cloud Compatible, Black, 23.0” (W) x 12.3” (D) x 6.3” (H) | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer, 12X12 Printing, White, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready | Canon | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Canon Printers For Home | 2024 Products Overview
1. Canon TR8620 All-In-One
Product Overview:
In the realm of home office essentials, the Canon TR8620 All-In-One printer stands out as a versatile companion, designed to handle a variety of tasks efficiently. Whether you need to print documents, scan receipts, or copy important paperwork, this multifunctional device promises to streamline your workflow with its array of features and user-friendly interface.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon TR8620 boasts a sleek and compact design that blends seamlessly into any workspace. Its dimensions are thoughtfully crafted to maximize desk space without compromising on functionality. The quality of materials used ensures durability, while the 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen offers an intuitive control panel for easy navigation and operation.
Print Quality
Equipped with impressive print resolution capabilities, the TR8620 delivers crisp and clear documents with every printout. Whether you’re producing vibrant color images or sharp black-and-white text, this printer maintains excellent clarity and color accuracy. It handles various paper sizes and types efficiently, catering to both everyday printing needs and creative projects.
Features
The Canon TR8620 supports a range of printing capabilities, including wireless connectivity for hassle-free printing from smartphones, tablets, and computers. Its Auto 2-Sided Printing feature helps reduce paper usage by up to 50%, making it a cost-effective choice for environmentally conscious users. Additionally, the printer includes convenient extras like a 20-sheet Auto Document Feeder for quick scanning and copying of multi-page documents, and compatibility with SD memory cards for direct photo printing.
Ease of Use
Setting up and operating the TR8620 is straightforward, thanks to its easy-to-follow instructions and seamless connectivity options. Whether you prefer using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria, you can print effortlessly from your preferred mobile device. The printer’s user-friendly interface ensures that even complex tasks such as scanning and faxing can be performed with minimal effort.
Software and Compatibility
Canon enhances the TR8620’s usability with its suite of software solutions, including the Easy-PhotoPrint Editor app and Canon Creative Park App, which offer creative printing options and editing capabilities. The printer is compatible with various operating systems, ensuring broad compatibility and ease of integration into existing home office setups.
Paper Handling and Capacity
With versatile paper handling capabilities, the TR8620 accommodates a range of paper sizes from 3.5 x 3.5 inches up to legal size (8.5 x 14 inches). Its input tray capacity allows for efficient printing of both standard documents and specialty media, minimizing interruptions during high-volume tasks.
Reliability and Durability
Designed for durability, the Canon TR8620 is built to handle frequent use without compromising on performance. Its robust construction and reliable printing technology ensure consistent results over time, making it a dependable choice for home offices seeking long-term efficiency.
- All-in-one functionality for printing, copying, scanning, and faxing.
- Auto Document Feeder for fast and easy multi-page document handling.
- Compatibility with various mobile printing options, including the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, and Mopria.
- Auto 2-Sided Printing feature saves on paper costs.
- Includes a variety of creative printing options through the Easy-PhotoPrint Editor app and Canon Creative Park App.
- No mention of print speed or resolution in the provided product description.
- No mention of the size of paper that can be used with the printer.
- It is not mentioned if it supports wireless printing or not.
Also Read: Best Epson Printer For Sublimation
2. Canon IP8720 Best Wireless Printers
Product Overview:
Introduction
If you're looking for a versatile printer that can handle everything from everyday documents to stunning, large-format photos, the Canon IP8720 deserves a close look. This printer is designed with photographers and creatives in mind, offering impressive print quality and a range of connectivity options to suit modern homes and offices.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon IP8720 boasts a sleek and modern design that fits seamlessly into any workspace. It's larger than your average printer, reflecting its capability to handle prints up to 13 inches by 19 inches. The quality of materials used is evident, ensuring durability and a professional feel. The user interface is intuitive, featuring a well-laid-out control panel that makes navigation simple even for beginners.
Print Quality
Equipped with a 6-color ink system including gray ink, the Canon IP8720 delivers exceptional print resolution of up to 9600 x 2400 dots per inch. This results in incredible detail and vivid colors, whether you're printing black & white photographs or color images. The printer is notably quiet during operation, with a noise level of approximately 43.5 dB(A), making it suitable for home environments.
Features
The IP8720 excels in its printing capabilities, supporting wireless printing from any Wi-Fi enabled device within your home network. It also supports duplex printing for convenient double-sided prints. Connectivity options include USB for direct connections and Wi-Fi for wireless convenience. Although it focuses primarily on printing, it does not support scanning, copying, or faxing functionalities.
Ease of Use
Setting up and using the Canon IP8720 is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly design and intuitive controls. It integrates seamlessly into existing home networks and can be operated wirelessly, eliminating the hassle of cables and connections.
Software and Compatibility
Canon provides comprehensive software support for the IP8720, ensuring compatibility with both Windows and macOS platforms. The printer is also compatible with a variety of photo printing software, allowing for easy editing and enhancement of your images before printing.
Paper Handling and Capacity
With its ability to print up to 13" x 19" prints, the Canon IP8720 supports a wide range of paper sizes and types, including glossy and matte photo papers. It features a rear tray that can hold up to 150 sheets of plain paper, which is adequate for most home and small office needs.
Reliability and Durability
Known for its reliability, the Canon IP8720 is built to handle regular use and offers consistent print quality over time. Canon's commitment to durability ensures that this printer will continue to perform well even with extended use.
- Able to print borderless photos up to 13 inches x 19 inches
- 6-color ink system including gray ink for amazing detail
- Compatible with AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Pixma Printing Solutions
- Fast print speeds for both documents and photos
- My Image Garden software for easy organization and printing
- Noise level of 43.5 dB(A)
- Only available in black color
- Expensive compared to other printers in the same category.
Also Read: Best Printer For Infrequent Use
3. Canon Image Class D1650 Canon PIXMA printer
Product Overview:
Introduction
The Canon imageClass D1650 is a robust multifunction printer designed for efficiency and reliability in home and small office environments. With its impressive print speeds and versatile features, it caters to users looking for high-performance printing solutions.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon imageClass D1650 boasts a professional yet compact design, measuring 19.5 inches wide, 18.3 inches deep, and 17.8 inches high. It weighs 54 pounds, indicating its sturdy build quality and durability. The materials used ensure longevity, while the intuitive user interface and well-laid-out control panel make operation straightforward.
Print Quality
Equipped with a print resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi, the D1650 delivers sharp text and clear graphics consistently. It excels in producing documents with excellent clarity and legibility, complemented by swift print speeds of up to 45 pages per minute. Whether printing text-heavy reports or detailed images, this printer maintains quality and speed.
Features
The Canon D1650 offers comprehensive features, including duplex printing for convenient two-sided printing and wireless connectivity for seamless integration into home or office networks. It supports USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity options, along with additional functions like scanning, copying, and faxing. Its expandable paper capacity, up to 2,300 sheets with optional cassettes, ensures uninterrupted workflow.
Ease of Use
Users will appreciate the straightforward setup process and the user-friendly interface of the Canon D1650. Its intuitive controls and responsive touchscreen facilitate easy navigation and operation, making it accessible for all users, regardless of technical expertise.
Software and Compatibility
Compatible with various operating systems and equipped with Canon's extensive software suite, the D1650 ensures compatibility and functionality across different platforms. This includes mobile printing capabilities, allowing users to print from smartphones and tablets with ease.
Paper Handling and Capacity
With a versatile paper handling capability that supports sizes ranging from 4.1" x 5.8" to 8.5" x 14", the D1650 accommodates diverse printing needs. Its high paper capacity and optional accessories like additional cassettes and a cabinet stand enhance productivity by reducing the frequency of paper replenishment.
Reliability and Durability
Built to handle demanding printing tasks, the Canon imageClass D1650 demonstrates reliability through its robust construction and consistent performance. It is designed to meet the needs of a busy office environment, ensuring durability and minimal downtime.
- Fast first-print-out time of 6.2 seconds.
- Print speed of 45 pages per minute.
- 3-year warranty.
- AirPrint compatibility for easy mobile printing.
- Built-in 5-inch color touchscreen for an intuitive user experience.
- Designed for smaller print jobs, may not be suitable for larger print jobs.
- Security settings can only be set by an administrator.
- Only supports monochrome printing.
Also Read: Best Dtg Printer For Small Business
4. Canon TS9120 Best budget Printers
- Inspire your creativity with prints that will impress; From stunning photographs to detailed documents, put the 6 color individual ink system to work and never compromise on speed or quality
- Enjoy the simplicity of connecting your smartphone, tablet and all your favorite devices with ease; Print hassle free whether from the cloud, through Bluetooth, from social media or even on the go
- The PIXMA TS9120 Wireless printer is the all in one that fits perfectly anywhere in the home, and looks great with any decor thanks to its two tone design and multiple color options
- With intuitive features like the 5.0 inches LCD touchscreen and enhanced user interface, Bluetooth printing, & document removal reminder, its clear to see why the Pixma TS9120 makes printing a breeze
- The Pixma TS9120 is always ready to print with its Auto Expandable Output Tray; Print Resolution (Up to): Up to 4800 x 1200 dots per inch
Product Overview:
The Canon TS9120 is a wireless all-in-one printer that comes with a scanner and copier. It is compatible with mobile and tablet printing and can work with Airprint and Google Cloud Print. The printer has a gray color and can be controlled by Alexa. With the 6-color individual ink system, you can achieve stunning photographs and detailed documents without compromising on speed or quality. The printer is designed to fit perfectly in any home and has a two-tone design and multiple color options.
The printer is easy to connect to your smartphone, tablet, and other devices. It offers hassle-free printing, whether from the cloud, through Bluetooth, from social media or even on the go. The intuitive features like the 5.0" LCD touchscreen and enhanced user interface, Bluetooth printing, & document removal reminder make printing a breeze. The printer has an AUTO EXPANDABLE OUTPUT TRAY and has a print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi.
- 6-color individual ink system for high-quality prints.
- Compatible with mobile and tablet printing, including Airprint and Google Cloud Print.
- Intuitive features like the 5.0″ LCD touchscreen and enhanced user interface for easy use.
- Can be controlled with Alexa for added convenience.
- Auto expandable output tray for easy printing.
- May be more expensive than another all-in-one printer.
- Could have limited paper capacity.
- Some users may find it difficult to set up.
5. Canon PIXMA TR4520 Best all-in-one printer
- With wireless connect and the Canon Print app, use your smartphone to quickly and easily set up your printer and print right from your smartphone or tablet
- With features like AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, auto power On/Off, a built in ADF, and Wi-Fi its easy to see why Pixma printers are so simple to use
- Connectivity technology: USB. Printer technology: Inkjet. Mobile Operating Systems- iOS, Android, Windows 10 Mobile, and Fire OS (Amazon Fire) devices
- Save 10 percentage on all ink reorders with Dash Replenishment; Upon activation your printer measures ink levels and places smart reorders when you are running low; No subscription fees; Cancel anytime
- WORKS WITH ALEXA: Ask Alexa to print your shopping list, to-do list, crosswords, coloring pages, and more; To set up, say “Alexa, discover my printer;” Alexa can also detect when ink or toner is running low and orders more when you need it. Save 10 percentage on all ink or toner smart reorders; Restrictions may apply
Product Overview:
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer is a versatile and user-friendly printer that can be easily set up and controlled using your smartphone or tablet. With wireless connectivity and the Canon Print app, you can quickly and easily set up your printer and print directly from your mobile device. Additionally, the printer offers a range of convenient features, including AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and auto power On/Off, as well as a built-in automatic document feeder (ADF) and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy to use and perfect for any home office.
This printer also offers a range of connectivity options, including USB, and is compatible with a variety of mobile operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows 10 Mobile, and Fire OS (Amazon Fire) devices. With the added convenience of Dash Replenishment, you can save 10% on all ink reorders and have your printer automatically place smart reorders when your ink levels are low, without any subscription fees and the ability to cancel anytime.
- Easy to set up and control using a smartphone or tablet
- Wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities
- Convenient features such as AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and auto power On/Off
- Built-in automatic document feeder (ADF) and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Save 10% on all ink reorders with Dash Replenishment
- Only compatible with certain mobile operating systems
- Alexa compatibility may have restrictions
- Dash replenishment may not be suitable for all users.
Also Read: Best Printer For Waterslide Decals
6. Canon imagePROGRAF
- Anti-Clogging Technology: The Fine print head institutes a tubular ink delivery system, this generates faster print speeds and reduces the possibility of clogging.
- Air Feeding System: The Canon Air Feeding System prevents each page from skewing for accurate ink placement, regardless of paper type. A series of openings located on top of the platen vacuum-grip the paper as it feeds through the printer.
- Lucia Pro Ink System: The Lucia Pro 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system satisfies the demands of the most critical photographer or graphic artist. Denser droplet placement provides a broader color gamut for superb glossiness/anti-bronzing.
- Wide Color Gamut: This 11-color and Chroma Optimizer ink system helps to achieve an improvement in color-reproduction, image clarity, and enhanced darker areas. It faithfully reproduces colors and dark areas crucial for printing works of art.
- Black Density and Dark Shadow Areas: Deep blacks, which make the image crisp, and precise gradation can be attained across all media types. 17 x 22 Bordered Photo
Product Overview:
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is a professional photographic inkjet printer that can print up to 17 x 22 inches. It features anti-clogging technology with a Fine print head that institutes a tubular ink delivery system, resulting in faster print speeds and reducing the possibility of clogging. Additionally, the canon Air Feeding System prevents each page from skewing for accurate ink placement, regardless of paper type.
The printer also includes the Lucia Pro 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system which is designed to meet the demands of the most critical photographers or graphic artists. The system provides denser droplet placement for a broader color gamut, resulting in superb glossiness and anti-bronzing. The wide color gamut of the 11-color and Chroma Optimizer ink system helps to achieve an improvement in color-reproduction, image clarity, and enhanced darker areas.
- Anti-clogging technology for faster print speeds and reduced clogging
- Air feeding system for accurate ink placement
- Lucia Pro 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system for superior color reproduction
- Wide color gamut for improved image clarity and enhanced darker areas
- Black density and dark shadow areas feature for deep blacks and precise gradation.
- Expensive
- requires a high-quality paper to get the best results
- Large in size and heavy, making it difficult to move around.
Also Read: Best Printer for Vehicle Wraps 2024
7. Canon TS8320
- The large and intuitive 4.3” LCD touchscreen makes it easy to print, copy, scan, and operate the Pixma TS8320
- Dual band Wi-Fi allows you to connect your preferred devices with ease; 1 connect your Pixma TS8320 to either a 2.4 or 5 GHz wireless network for seamless printing without interruption
- Enjoy stunning print quality from a six individual ink system including a photo blue ink tank; The photo blue ink helps increase image detail by improving shadows and reducing gradation; Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Low energy)
- With an auto expandable output tray, this printer is made for smartphone & tablet printing; Even when the printer is powered down: Simply press print and the Pixma TS8320 will power on and output tray automatically extend ready to ‘catch’ your prints
- Paper size: 3.5 X 3.5 (Square), 4 X 6, 5 X 5 (Square), 5 X 7, 7 X 10, 8 X 10, letter (8. 5 X 11), legal (8.5 X 14), U.S. #10 envelopes
Product Overview:
The Canon TS8320 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer is a versatile and user-friendly option for home printing, copying, and scanning needs. The 4.3” LCD touchscreen makes it easy to operate and navigate the various functions of the printer. Additionally, the dual-band Wi-Fi allows for seamless and uninterrupted printing from your preferred devices.
One of the standout features of the Pixma TS8320 is its six-individual ink system, which includes a photo blue ink tank. This helps to increase image detail by improving shadows and reducing gradation, resulting in stunning print quality. The printer also has Bluetooth 4.0 LE for added connectivity options.
The TS8320 is designed with convenience in mind, featuring an auto-expandable output tray that automatically extends when the printer is powered on, making it easy to print from smartphones and tablets. Additionally, it can handle a variety of paper sizes, including 3.5 X 3.5 (Square), 4 X 6, 5 X 5 (Square), 5 X 7, 7 X 10, 8 X 10, letter (8. 5 X 11), legal (8.5 X 14), and U.S. #10 envelopes. The package includes a wireless inkjet all-in-one printer, a photo paper sample pack, a setup CD, a manual, standard ink cartridges and a power cord.
- Large and intuitive 4.3” LCD touchscreen for easy operation.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for seamless and uninterrupted printing.
- Stunning print quality from a six-individual ink system including a photo blue ink tank.
- Auto expandable output tray for easy printing from smartphones and tablets.
- Can handle a variety of paper sizes.
- May be expensive for some users.
- May require frequent ink replacement with individual ink tanks for each color.
- No automatic duplex printing.
8. Canon Pixma iX6820
- OS compatibility: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 , Windows 7 SP1, Windows Vista SP1, Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 32 bit13; Mac compatibility: Mac OS X v10.6.8 v10.913
- Utilizes Air Print, Google Cloud Print and Pixma Printing Solutions (PPS)
- Fine print head technology (Full photolithography inkjet nozzle engineering)
- High performance 5 individual ink tank system. Auto sheet feeder 150 sheets
- 9600 x 2400 dots per inch maximum print resolution; Print resolution (up to): Black: 600 x 600 dots per inch, number of nozzles: Color: 4,096, black: 1,024, total: 5,120
Product Overview:
The Canon Pixma iX6820 is a wireless business printer that is compatible with Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X v10.6.8. It utilizes AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Pixma Printing Solutions (PPS) for easy printing from mobile devices. The printer uses Fine print head technology and a high-performance 5 individual ink tank system for exceptional printing detail and color.
It has a maximum print resolution of 9600 x 2400 dots per inch and an Auto sheet feeder that holds up to 150 sheets. Other features include downloadable Solution Templates, My Image Garden software for organizing and printing photos and Creative Park Premium for access to exclusive creative projects and content.
- High-resolution printing of 9600 x 2400 dots per inch.
- High-performance 5 individual ink tank system.
- Auto sheet feeder that holds up to 150 sheets.
- Exclusive downloadable Solution Templates.
- My Image Garden software for organizing and printing photos.
- Not compatible with Windows XP SP3 32 bit.
- May be expensive for home or personal use.
- May be too large for small office spaces.
Also Read: How To Make Prints of Watercolor Paintings
9. Canon TS9521C
- The PIXMA TS9521C has 5 Individual Inks that are ready for craft projects & everyday needs; ChromaLife100 protects photos from fading; 100 years; Album, 30 years; Behind glass, 20 years; Without glass
- Print from all your favorite devices, whether that is a smartphone, tablet, memory card or computer; With Air Print, Morea Print Service, and Wi Fi the PIXMA TS9521C is ready for all your devices
- With 12x12 inches paper support, booklet layout copy, oversized scanning and Auto Document Feeder for multi-page documents, the PIXMA TS9521C is extremely versatile and ready to handle lots of projects
- For numbers listed in product description see “Specification sheet” in technical specification section below
Product Overview:
The Canon PIXMA TS9521C is an all-in-one wireless crafting photo printer that is perfect for scrapbooking and other craft projects. This printer has 5 individual inks that are ready to go for all your crafting needs. ChromaLife100 technology protects your photos from fading, ensuring that they will last up to 100 years in an album, 30 years behind glass, and 20 years without glass.
The printer is also versatile and can print from all your favorite devices, including smartphones, tablets, memory cards, and computers. With Air Print, Morea Print Service, and Wi-Fi capabilities, the PIXMA TS9521C is ready for all your devices. Additionally, it has 12x12 inches paper support, booklet layout copy, oversized scanning, and an Auto Document Feeder for multi-page documents making it perfect for a variety of projects.
In addition, this printer also works with Alexa. You can ask Alexa to print your shopping list, to-do list, crosswords, coloring pages, and more. It also has the ability to detect when ink or toner is running low and order more when you need it. With this feature, you can save 10% on all ink or toner smart reorders. However, restrictions may apply.
- 5 individual inks for crafting projects and everyday needs
- ChromaLife100 technology protects photos from fading
- Can print from all devices with Air Print, Morea Print Service, and Wi-Fi
- 12×12 inches paper support, booklet layout copy, oversized scanning, and Auto Document Feeder
- Works with Alexa, can detect low ink and order more
- Restrictions may apply for smart reorders
- No information about the cost of ink
- No mention of print speed or quality.
How to choose a Canon printer For Home Use | Unrivaled Guide 2024
If you want to avoid wrong purchases, you absolutely must learn to evaluate the technical characteristics of a printer. Below you will find the most important ones listed.
Printing technology
The first characteristic that must be taken into consideration is that relating to the printing technology on which the printer of interest is based. The printers can be inkjet, laser, or thermal sublimation.
The printer's inkjet (inkjet) is most common in consumers, because they offer great value for money and reproduce graphical content, such as photos, brochures, and colored documents impeccably (if the print resolution is high, but we will talk more about this shortly). They are always in color and often include scanners and/or faxes as well. Their main weaknesses are the print speed - lower than that of laser printers - and the need to frequently replace cartridges with ink.
Laser printers are generally more cumbersome and expensive than inkjet printers but offer a very high printing speed and less "greedy" ink. This translates into lower running costs for replacing toners (which are used instead of cartridges in laser printers). They can be monochrome or color and are ideal for printing large volumes of documents. For graphic content, on the other hand, inkjets are still preferred, as they ensure better quality (we are obviously talking about printers of the same level: a cheap inkjet will never print better than a mid-range or high-end laser printer).
Laser printers can also be LEDs. In this case, they have no moving parts to keep aligned (we are talking about focusing lenses, lasers, and moving mirrors) and therefore they are more compact and robust than classic laser printers, although generally more expensive.
Finally, there are thermal sublimation printers in which color, in the form of solid-state polymer, is imprinted on paper via color. Thermal sublimation is mainly used in portable printers.
To find the type of printer that suits you best, you have to rely on your needs: if you need to print mainly text documents, you would probably do well to buy a laser printer (perhaps monochrome, so as not to spend too much), while if you need to print photos too and other graphic content you would do well to opt for an inkjet.
Also Read: Best Printer For Giclee Prints
Monochrome or color printing
Inkjet printers are all color, while laser printers can also be monochrome. Monochrome printers can only print in black and white, while color printers print in both color and black and white.
In the case of multifunction printers (which I will talk about in a little more detail in the next paragraph of this guide), even when the printing is monochrome, the scanning of documents through the scanner is in color.
The choice between monochrome and color printers is very simple: if you have to print exclusively text documents, you can consider monochrome printers, otherwise, you have to focus on color printers.
Multifunction printers and portable printers
We talked about it just now. The multifunction printers are distinguished from single-function to those that include one scanner and sometimes even a fax. Using the scanner it is possible not only to digitize documents and photos but also to create photocopies.
In contrast to multifunction printers, portable printers, which are extremely essential, usually perform only one task (print) and do it very well thanks to rechargeable batteries that allow them to be used even on the move.
I recommend multifunction printers especially in the inkjet field, where they are very cheap and are not very bulky. In the laser sector, on the other hand, the prices of multifunctional printers are higher than those of single-function printers. In addition, they are very bulky and heavy - think carefully before making such a purchase.
Also Read: Best Printer For Barcode Labels
Wireless connectivity
The wireless connectivity allows you to use the printer without physically connecting it to your PC. It also allows you to send print content to the printer from devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Many wireless printers also have support for technologies such as Wi-Fi Direct and NFC, which allow direct communication with other wireless devices (e.g. smartphones and tablets) without using a router as an intermediary, and Apple AirPrint, which instead allows printing wirelessly from Apple devices.
Not strictly related to wireless support is support for cloud printing services, such as Google Cloud Print, thanks to which it is possible to send printing commands remotely over the Internet.
Net of what has just been said, I remind you that it is possible to transform a traditional printer into a Wi-Fi printer simply by connecting it to a router via USB ports or network ports.
Print speed and resolution
The performance of a printer is judged by its printing speed and the resolution of the documents it can generate. Print speed is measured in ppm (pages per minute) using an A4 size sheet as a reference point, or in ipm (images per minute) . Generally, the print speed of black and white pages is faster than that of color pages.
As for the printing resolution, this is measured in dpi (dots per inch, therefore dots per inch) and, consequently, a greater number of dpi equates to a greater definition of the printed content. However, it is good to know that there are two resolutions: one "real" generated by the mechanics of the printer (eg 600 x 600 dpi) and one "increased" thanks to image enhancement technologies (eg 1200 x 1200 dpi). The same goes for multifunction printer scanners, which have a basic resolution and a resolution, called interpolated, which is artificially increased thanks to image enhancement algorithms.
The processor (CPU) and RAM also affect print performance. In many laser printers, the RAM is upgradeable. This means that you can take action on the printer later and improve its performance without buying a new one.
Supported paper sizes
The vast majority of printers, whether laser or inkjet, support sheets up to A4 size. If you need to print documents in a larger format (eg A3) or you need to print photos, make sure that the printer you are looking at has support for these paper sizes.
Also, find out about the capacity of the paper tray (therefore the number of sheets it can hold and the weight of the paper it can handle) and whether or not there are multipurpose trays to handle the various types of paper loaded in the printer.
Two other very important features in paper handling are automatic two-sided printing, thanks to which it is possible to print on two sides of a sheet without turning the paper manually, and the presence of an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) for automatic loading. of sheets in the scanner of multifunction printers.
Other characteristics
Other features that you must take into consideration before buying a printer are the size and weight of the latter (as already mentioned, laser printers can be very bulky and therefore there is the risk of buying very large and/or heavy devices. unintentionally), software compatibility with the operating system installed on the PC, the energy consumption of the product (essential information if you intend to use your printer for long work sessions today) and its noise level.
It also searches for information on the costs of replacement cartridges or toner (sometimes cheaper printers cost less than their replacement cartridges or toner), checks for a display to adjust the print settings without going through the PC, and checks the values relating to the monthly duty cycle of the printer, i.e. the number of prints that can be made each month without the device being affected.
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