Printers have become essential household and office equipment for printing photos, finishing work for the office, or helping kids with schoolwork. Even though the core technology behind printers hasn’t witnessed much change over the years, the exciting new features are what make the printers attractive.
However, selecting a printer aligning with your demands and budget might be confusing, given the vast possibilities out there!
Don’t worry, our ultimate printer guide will enable you to pick the best printer for office and home by gauging the factors impacting your choice and printer quality!
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Let’s begin!
An Increasing Demand - Need for Printers at Home & Offices
It’s no news that printer demand has risen since e-learning, WFH culture, and study from home culture have taken off. The printer dependency has significantly increased for academic purposes, office work, hobbies, and common home use.
Most industries and sectors involve paperwork that requires hard copies, even though digitization has deep-rooted. It is simpler to read and review hard copies than soft copies for professionals like lawyers and chartered accountants (CAs), who must sift through large volumes of text.
Top Printer Brands to Consider for Home & Office Use
Printing is a need in today’s tech-savvy world, but which brand to go for? Here are the best printer brands you should check out for the best office or homeprinters!
Apart from printers, you could also buy other essential electronics from Amazon Business.
Best Printers for Home Use
Why do you need a printer at home, you ask? Well, documents aren’t the only things you can print at home. Calendars, pictures, paper pads, stationery, stickers, and more can all be printed. With your own printer, you can print your documents whenever you want.
Here are some of the best printer for home use:
Best Printer for Office Use
An office printer is a necessity. Without printers, the necessary paperwork cannot be processed! Especially in legal offices, publication houses, printing facilities, etc., tonnes of prints are taken out daily!
If you are looking for the best printer for office use, we have some suggestions to make:
Printer Model
|
Printer type
|
Functionality
|
Printing
Speed/minute
|
Print Quality/
Resolution
|
HP Laserjet Pro
M1136 Printer
|
Laser Printer
|
All-in-one,
Print
Monochrome
|
18 pages
(Black & White)
|
Produce sharp text,
bold
blacks and crisp
graphics
with 600 x 600
dpi resolution
|
HP OfficeJet Pro 9020
All-in-One Wireless
Smart Color Printer
|
Inkjet
|
All-in-one,
auto-duplex
|
39 pages
(Black & White),
24 pages (color)
|
Up to 4800 x 1200
optimized
DPI (Color),
Up to 1200 x 1200
rendered DPI (Black)
|
Brother DCP-L2520D
Multi-Function
Monochrome
Laser Printer
|
Laser Printer
|
All-in-one,
Print Monochrome,
auto-duplex
|
30 pages
(Black & White)
|
600 x 600 dpi,
HQ1200
(2400 x 600 dpi)
quality pixels
|
HP Laserjet Pro
M126nw
Multi-Function
Direct Wireless
Network
Laser Printer
|
Inkjet
|
All-in-one,
Print Monochrome
|
20 pages
(Black & White)
|
1200 x 1200 DPI
|
Canon Pixma G2012
All-in-One Ink
Tank Color Printer
|
Ink Tank
|
All-in-one
|
8.8 pages
(Black & White),
5 pages (color)
|
4800 x 1200 DPI
|
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Different Types of Printers
Another key element in choosing the best printer for office use or home is a basic idea about the different types of printers. Let’s take a look at it:
1. Inkjet Printers
The inkjet model is one of the most popular printers in the office and home settings. They have built-in print heads that utilize a color ink cartridge to print on paper. The print head sprays tiny color droplets from the cartridge onto the paper. Although these printers are less expensive than laser printers, their printing speed is low.
2. Laser Printers
Large offices frequently use laser printers because they are more effective than inkjet printers. Laser printers use lasers to print by melting the toner powder. These printers are pricey but effective and can effortlessly print out large volumes. Laser printers are the best printers for office use for small to medium-sized businesses.
3. Multifunctional Printers
If you are looking for a printer and scanner for home, a multi-function or all-in-one printer is your way to go. With functions like printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, making them ideal for home or office. Decorate your home with photos that glow memories and fun moments with family and friends this Diwali!
Factors to Consider while Purchasing Best Printer for Home & Office Use
Searching for the best home use printers requires picking one meeting everyone’s demands. A family has different needs, like scanning-old pictures, official/ personal documents, printing- photos, essays, reports, or budgets.
However, you should also pick one with minimal per-print expenses to stay within your budget. In short, the best printer for home use is a combination of muti-functionality at an affordable price.
Consider these factors while you pick the best printer for home use or official purpose:
1. Types of Connectivity
The first question you need to ask yourself is what kind of connectivity you are looking for? Is it a USB connection, network/ Wifi printing, or both want? If you print our photos frequently, then you may need one that reads memory cards or smartphones.
Wifi capabilities come in handy to print your document from anywhere and they do not need an ethernet connection. Some printers have a little display that you may use to preview or modify photos before printing.
Here are some other types of connectivity to pick from:
Mobile printing applications
|
Enables users to print documents,
photos, webpages, etc., from their
smartphones or tablets.
|
Cloud printing
|
Users can print from mobile devices, laptops,
tablets, smartphones, and desktops connected
to a wireless network (wired or wireless).
|
iOS Print
|
iOS printing (AirPrint) enables users to print any
document from their iPhone, iMac, iPad, iPod, and MacBook.
|
2. Input and Output Capacity
A printer’s Input and Output capacity are the total pages it can print. Commercial printers can hold at least 250 sheets of paper. Other expensive versions can accommodate 500 to 1000 pages or more.
Personal printers typically have one tray with a storage capacity of 100 - 150 sheets of paper, and it’s not normally upgradeable.
3. Color VS B/W
The next deciding factor is whether you need color or black and white printer. Color printers are relatively expensive, given their color cartridges (usually four colors). However, b/w printers are economical and less expensive. However, if photo printing is something you enjoy, then you have to go for color printers.
4. All-in-One vs. Single Function
All-in-one printers play the role of a printer, scanner, copier, and frequent fax. If you need one piece of equipment to take care of all your needs, then go for AIO. However, Single-purpose printers are a safe bet if you want to focus on just printing function with two-sided printing, USB connections, memory card slots, and multifunctional paper trays.
5. Print Speed
What are you printing (text or photos)? What type of cartridges do you use (black or color)? The print quality and the type of paper all affect the printing speed. Homeprinters with 12 pages per minute (ppm) speed are regarded as satisfactory.
The speed of 20 ppm is sufficient for office printers. However, go for a printer with a more print speed if you routinely print huge documents or photographs.
6. Page Yield
Page yield is the number of pages a printer can produce with a set amount of ink or toner. Depending on your printing habits, that number can range from a couple hundred to a couple thousand. Higher-volume printers generally have higher page yields. Ink type, print quality, and printer models inform the page yield.
7. Cost Per Print (CCP)
CCP refers to the costs of printing a page on a printer. The ink type, the size of the cartridge, how much ink is used, and other variables all affect how much it costs to print. Due to the more significant printing expenses, several brands offer their printers lower pricing.
8. Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
ADF function in printers, photocopiers, fax machines, or scanners allows users to print, scan, or copy without manually loading each page into the device. A stack of paper is placed into the machine and automatically fed through it. ADF comes in handy for bulk printing.
9. Duplex Printing
Duplex printing enables printers to print on both sides of the pages, either automatically or manually. Simplex printing only permits printing on one side of the paper. Double-sided printing ensures full paper utilization.
10. Print Resolution
Print resolution is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a printer. It’s measured in dots per inch (dpi), and the higher the dpi, the better the quality of the print. However, higher resolutions come at a cost, both in terms of money and in terms of time, as it takes longer to print at higher resolutions.
11. Warranty and Service Support
Make sure to check the warranty and service support before buying a printer. As the warranty’s provisions stipulate, warranties offer clients legally guaranteed service replacement or issue a correction for the warranty period. Before you pick a printer, check the service center availability within India.
12. Usage Frequency
Using printers at least twice a week is important for their smooth operation. Even if you purchase the best wifi printer or wireless printer for home use but rarely use it, that beats the purpose.
How to choose the best printer for you?
To comprehend printer specifications, you don’t need to be an expert in technical jargon, and there are typically fewer specs to think about than when purchasing a computer.
Here are various types of printers to pick from:
1. InkJet VS Laser Printers
A laser printer prints on paper using a laser, whereas an inkjet printer prints documents using ink. Pretty basic, yes?
The various printing processes impact each printer’s speed, features, and picture quality. Let’s take a look at the difference between InkJet and Laser Printer:
InkJet Printers
|
Laser Printers
|
InkJet Printers use ink cartridges
|
Laser Printers use toner powder
instead of inks that contain dyes
or pigments.
|
If you want to create high-resolution photos,
graphics, or images for your documents,
InkJet printers work well for images that
are vividly colored.
|
Laser printers provide sharp
monochrome and vibrant color printouts.
|
Used in homes and home offices
where lower print volume is required.
|
Various types of Laser printers are
the best printer for office use
|
2. All-in-One Printers (AIO)
AIO is the solution for multiple needs like printing, copying, and scanning. Most individuals don’t require an AIO. Intermittent scanning could be done with a scanning program, and a cheap laser printer can do the rest. However, AIO makes sense with children’s school work or job that demands frequent copying and scanning.
For both large and small businesses, AIO is required for document management. They are also the best printer for office use. AlOs are categorized by PPM speed and prices varying with usage and output quality.
3. Photo Printers
A photo printer is made to print on coated, exceptionally white photo paper to prevent ink smearing. Photo printers support all photo paper sizes. They are also one of the best colour printer for home use.
Some of the best printer brands and models for Photo Printers in India:
- EPSON EcoTank L805 wifi InkTank Photo Printer
- Canon PIXMA G570 Single Function 6-Colour Inktank wifi Photo Printer
- Kodak Mini 3 Retro 3x3 Portable Photo Printer
- Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Photo Printer
- HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer
4. Portable Printing
A portable printer is an accessory that enables users to create tangible copies of the data stored or gathered using digital devices via Bluetooth or the USB. Smaller, more portable printers are wireless and are simple to move and carry from one location to another.
Best Portable Printers in India:
- Fujifilm Instax Share Wireless Instant Photo Printer
- Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Photo Printer
- Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Mobile Instant Photo Printer
- HP Sprocket Portable 2x3” Instant Photo Printer
- Polaroid ZIP Mobile Printe
5. Print Speed
What you are printing (text or photos), the type of cartridges you use (black or color), the print quality, and the type of paper all affect how quickly you can print. Make sure to buy printers that offer maximum speed. They are also one of the best color printer for office use.
Here are some top printers with great print speed:
- Epson M100 Printer
- HP Laserjet Pro M126nw Laser Printer
- Brother HL-L2321D Laser Printer
- Epson Eco Tank L3250 All-in-One Ink Tank Printer
6. Print Quality
Printing your documents, photos, and other hard copies is simple with the best printers. A printer that suits your needs, from basic document printing for homework assignments, high-quality photo printing for framed portraits to scanning, copying, and faxing.
Do you prefer a monochrome laser printer or an all-in-one inkjet? Print quality is the highest priority, right?
Let’s look at the best color printers offering high-quality prints:
- Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW
- Brother MFC-L2750DW XL
- Canon Pixma TR8620
- Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850
- Canon ImageClass MF743Cdw
How to Test the Best Printers?
You should keep a few things in mind when testing printers to find the best printer for business:
- Ask yourself what type of printer you need. Do you require a laser or inkjet printer? What size documents do you typically print? Will you be printing mostly text or graphics-heavy documents?
- Consider the printing speed. How quickly do you need your documents printed? A laser printer may be your best option if you require high-speed printing for large projects. However, an inkjet printer may suffice if you only need to print smaller documents occasionally.
- Consider printing quality. Do you need high-quality prints for professional use or is average print quality sufficient? This will largely depend on the type of documents you typically print. If you require high-quality prints, look for a printer with a high resolution.
- Finally, the cost of the printer. Printers can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. Determine how much you are willing to spend on a printer before making your final decision.
What Paper Types and Sizes Do You Print On?
Depending on the printing purpose and office space, printing could be done on different papers. The following table lists different types of paper with their benefits:
Paper Type
|
Benefit
|
Plain Paper
|
A most common type of paper is suitable
for most printing needs. It’s inexpensive and
produces good quality prints.
|
Glossy Paper
|
Glossy paper is ideal for printing
photos and images. It produces high-quality
prints with vibrant colors. However, it is
more expensive than plain paper.
|
Matte Paper
|
Matte paper has a non-glare finish making
it ideal for printing text. Although it’s less
expensive than glossy paper, it fails
to provide high-quality prints.
|
Cardstock
|
Cardstock is thicker than regular paper and
is often used for business cards, postcards,
and invitations. It is more expensive than
regular paper but durable.
|
Waterproof Paper
|
Waterproof paper is ideal for printing
documents that will be exposed to
moisture or water.
|
Regarding paper sizes, there are a variety of standard paper sizes used for different purposes, so it’s important to know which one is right for your project. Here is a list of the most common paper sizes and their uses:
Paper Size
|
Utility
|
Letter Size: 8.5" x 11"
|
The most common size for printer
paper and the standard size for office use.
|
Legal Size: 8.5" x 14"
|
Commonly used for legal documents,
this size is slightly longer than letter size.
|
Tabloid Size: 11" x 17"
|
This larger size is often used for posters,
flyers, and other marketing materials.
|
A4 Size: 8.27" x 11.69"
|
This is the standard paper size in Europe
and many other countries, including India
|
A3 Size: 11.69" x 16.54"
|
This is a larger version of the A4 size and
is often used for posters and other large prints.
|
How Are You Going to Connect Your Printer?
Nowadays, there are multiple connectivity options for your printer. Most printers connect via a USB cable, but some use an old-fashioned parallel port. You may need an adapter to connect a USB printer if you have an older computer. All you need to decide is how you want to connect to your printer.
However, wireless printers are becoming more and more popular. They enhance your printing and are convenient for you to print from anywhere in your home or office. If you’re looking for the best printer for office use, go with a wireless model.
Do we Need Printer Security Features?
As our reliance on technology grows, so do the security risks. Thus, the security of printers (homeprinters or office printers) and other network devices becomes important. While it may seem like a low-risk target, printers can be a goldmine for hackers looking to gain access to corporate or sensitive information.
That’s why many businesses are now looking for printers with built-in security features that can help protect against attacks.
But what exactly should you be looking for in a secure printer?
Here are some of the key features to look out for:
● Encryption: Encryption ensures the data sent from the device to the printer is coded, making it much harder for hackers to intercept and read.
● Authentication: Ensures only authorized users can access the printer. Common authentication methods include password protection and fingerprint scanners.
● Activity logs: Useful feature allows you to track who has accessed the printer and when. It can identify any suspicious activity.
● Firewalls: Having a built-in firewall can ensure your data is protected
|
Must Have Printer Accessories
Now, you know how to identify the best printer for home or office use. Let’s talk about the recommended accessories to keep handy. Here are some of the must-have printer accessories:
The list of accessories expands or contracts based on the product you use. For instance, a laser printer doesn’t require ink tanks. Find all the accessories on Amazon Business with other office supplies.
Top Things to Consider while Purchasing Best Printer for Home
Do you know what to look for and consider identifying the best printer for home use? We will tell you which factors to consider to buy best printer for home use:
- Jot down your needs with the printer to understand what you are looking for
- Printer connections- wired, wireless, or PictBridge
- The ink/toner/ cartridge cost as it’ll be a recurring cost
- The printing volume
- The color factor- whether you need to print photographs or documents?
- The types of printers- inkjet or laser, All-in-one or single?
- The printer cost
- Printing speed
Top Things to Consider while Purchasing Best Printer for Office Use
Narrowing in on the best printers for office use could be easy if you know what factors to consider. Look out for these things when you are buying a printer for office:
- Fix and budget
- Ink type and capacity of the cartridge (i.e., two or three ink)
- Printing speed
- Print Quality
- Paper size and compatibility
- Connectivity (wired or wireless)
- Printer size and portability
- Types of printers: all-in-one or single? Inkjet or laser? Impact or non-impact?
Maintenance and Service Cost for Home & Office Printers
Printers’ maintenance and service costs depend entirely on the brand and model. For instance, inkjet printers with ink cartridges cost relatively less, but the printing cost is far higher than ink tank printers and laser printers. The ink cartridges, in comparison, are easy to replace, whereas refilling the ink tanks requires skill and practice.
If you do not use inkjet printers with ink cartridges, the ink on the print head tends to dry out. At the same time, inkjet printers with ink tanks use an air-tight tube to move them. The system eliminates any chances of the color drying out even after being idle for quite some time.
And best laser printers have a relatively lower running cost. But the toner used in the laser printers is relatively expensive, and replacing or refilling
Amazon Business Top Picks for Home & Office Printers
You can visit multiple shopping sites to find the best printer for home use or best printer for office use, or you can visit Amazon Business to find the best options under one category.
Finding everything you need, from the best colour printer for office use to best wireless printer for home use, on a single platform. But this is not the only benefit of shopping from Amazon Business.
Some of the best printer for office use and best printer for home use on our online store are mentioned below for your reference: