Contents
Finding the best 11×17 printer for architects can be challenging. The HP DeskJet 2955 is the top pick because it combines an all-in-one design with wireless capabilities, making it very convenient. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a great value choice, but you give up some advanced features like the larger printing capacity. Many buyers face the dilemma of needing an all-in-one printer versus focusing on higher print quality. This article will guide you through the details of each printer to help you decide.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Printers Reviewed in Detail
Below is a table comparing the top 11×17 printers suitable for architects. Each product has its unique features and benefits.
1. Best Overall
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a reliable all-in-one color inkjet printer. It stands out for its compact size and wireless functionality. This printer allows you to print, scan, and copy all in one device, which is convenient for busy architects. It can print borderless photos and documents up to 11×17 inches in size, making it suitable for architectural plans. Compared to other options, it is easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for beginners. However, it may not deliver the same print quality as higher-end models. If you need detailed architectural prints, consider this limitation.
Pros
- Compact design for easy placement
- Wireless printing for convenience
- All-in-one functionality: print, scan, and copy
Cons
- Less detailed prints compared to higher-end models
- May have slower print speeds for large documents
Best for: Architects looking for a budget-friendly all-in-one. Not ideal for: Users needing high-quality detailed prints.
A great all-in-one printer that balances versatility and value.
2. Best for Architects
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Duplex Printing, Copier/Scanner, 1.42" OLED Display, Compact, White
- Affordable Versatility – A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints – Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use – Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity – Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling – Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- Save Time & Paper – Optimize your printing with automatic 2-sided printing, reducing paper consumption and speeding up your workflow
- Diverse Media Support – Print a wide range of documents and photos up to 8.5” x 11”, with or without borders, for all your creative and professional needs
- Intuitive OLED Display – Easily monitor ink levels, printer status, and adjust settings at a glance using the 1.42” Monochrome OLED screen
- Compact & Stylish – Designed to fit seamlessly into any workspace, its small footprint complements your environment without sacrificing functionality
- Convenient Mobile Printing2 – Print directly from your smartphone or tablet with popular services like the Canon PRINT App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a versatile wireless color inkjet printer. It offers duplex printing and a compact design, which is ideal for architects with limited space. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system provides vibrant colors and sharp text. Compared to the other models, this printer excels at producing high-quality prints, making it suitable for detailed architectural drawings. However, it lacks the all-in-one functionality of some competitors, limiting its use for scanning or copying tasks. Overall, it is a solid choice for architects focused on print quality.
Pros
- Excellent print quality with vibrant colors
- Compact size fits well in small offices
- Duplex printing saves paper
Cons
- No scanning or copying features
- Lower ink capacity may require more frequent changes
Best for: Architects needing high-quality prints. Not ideal for: Users who require scanning or copying functionality.
A strong choice for print quality, but lacks all-in-one features.
3. Best Splurge
Canon PIXMA TS4320 – Wireless Color Inkjet Printer with Print, Copy, Scan
- Affordable Versatility – A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints – Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use – Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity – Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling – Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- Save Time & Paper – Optimize your printing with automatic 2-sided printing, reducing paper consumption and speeding up your workflow
- Diverse Media Support – Print a wide range of documents and photos up to 8.5” x 11”, with or without borders, for all your creative and professional needs
- Compact & Stylish – Designed to fit seamlessly into any workspace, its small footprint complements your environment without sacrificing functionality
- Convenient Mobile Printing2 – Print directly from your smartphone or tablet with popular services like the Canon PRINT App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service
- Eco-Conscious Choice – This printer is EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR certified, helping you reduce your environmental footprint
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a budget-friendly option for home users. It offers wireless printing and a compact footprint, making it easy to use in tight spaces. While it prints well, it may not match the quality of the higher-end models. This printer is similar to the TS6520 but at a more affordable price point. Its core features, such as vibrant color output, are ideal for casual use. However, professional architects might find it lacking in print detail and speed for larger projects.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option for printing
- Compact design for easy storage
- Good print quality for everyday use
Cons
- Not suitable for high-volume printing
- Limitations in print detail for professional use
Best for: Casual users or students. Not ideal for: Professional architects needing high-quality prints.
An affordable choice but lacks the features needed for professional architectural work.
4. Best Design
Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Print, Scan, Copy
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
The Brother Work Smart 1360 is designed for everyday use. It is compact and includes wireless capabilities, making it a handy option for architectural work. This printer can print, copy, and scan, which adds versatility. However, it may not deliver the highest print quality compared to others on this list. It is best suited for general documents rather than detailed architectural designs. Overall, it is a solid option for those who prioritize ease of use above everything else.
Pros
- Compact all-in-one design
- Easy wireless connectivity
- Versatile functions for everyday tasks
Cons
- Lower print quality for detailed prints
- Not the best for high-volume projects
Best for: Users looking for an easy-to-use all-in-one printer. Not ideal for: Architects needing high-quality prints.
A practical choice for everyday printing tasks.
5. Best for Small Spaces
HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer, Scanner, Copier with up to 3 Years of Ink Included, Best-for-Home, Cartridge-Free Refillable,…
- THE LAST PRINTER YOU’LL EVER NEED – Set it up once and print with confidence; no complicated maintenance, just easy, reliable printing you can count on
- FULLY LOADED WITH SAVINGS – Best for low-cost, high-volume printing—up to 3 years of HP Ink included; get up to 6,000 color or black pages right out of the box
- KEY FEATURES – Print, copy and scan, plus borderless prints, mobile and wireless printing
- MESS-FREE REFILL – Replenish ink with HP’s easy-access, mess-free refill system; simply plug the ink bottles into this cartridge-free ink tank and let them drain—no squeezing, no spilling
- BEST PRINT QUALITY, PERIOD – Sharper text, richer colors, only with HP Smart Tank
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is an innovative printer that uses a tank system. This means it comes with up to three years of ink, which is perfect for those who print a lot. The printer is easy to set up and offers reliable performance. However, it may be a bit bulkier compared to other models. While it excels in low-cost printing, it may not produce the same quality in detailed architectural prints as other options. It’s great for users who prioritize low cost over high detail.
Pros
- Includes up to three years of ink
- Cartridge-free system for less waste
- Easy setup and reliable performance
Cons
- Bulkier design may require more space
- Print quality may not satisfy professional needs
Best for: Budget-conscious users needing a lot of ink. Not ideal for: Professionals seeking detailed print quality.
A cost-effective option for high-volume printing.
6. Most Versatile
Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer
- Wireless Print/Copy/Scan
- Up to 2 years of ink included (2)
- Print up to 6,000 black & white / 7,700 color pages using a single set of inks! (1)
- Save up to $1,000 on ink (1)
- 1.35” Square LCD display
- Single-sided printing
- See below for disclaimers
The Canon MegaTank G3270 is designed for efficiency with a tank system. It offers an impressive number of prints on a single set of inks, making it very cost-effective. This printer is perfect for those who print frequently. However, it lacks advanced features like duplex printing. While it performs well for basic printing tasks, it may not meet the demands of detailed design work expected by architects. It’s a practical choice for regular use but not for high-detail printing.
Pros
- Tank system provides long-lasting ink
- High volume printing capacity
- Compact and easy to use
Cons
- No duplex printing option
- Not ideal for high-quality architectural prints
Best for: Users who print regularly and need a cost-efficient solution. Not ideal for: Architects needing high-quality color prints.
An economical choice for frequent printing.
7. Best Lightweight
HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-Home, 3 Month Trial of Instant Ink Included, AI-Capable (AJ4Y0A)
- AFFORDABLE COLOR PRINTING – Print everyday color documents like to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy, scan, a 35-sheet auto document feeder and a 60-sheet input tray, plus mobile and wireless printing
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- ICON LCD – Print your basic documents with ease from the intuitive control panel
- PRINT SPEED – Up to 8.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink automatically delivered before you run out ; after 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled
- HP APP – Print, scan, copy, or fax right from your smartphone with the easiest-to-use print app
- SUSTAINABLE DESIGN – Made with at least 70% recycled plastics, plus it’s ENERGY STAR and EPEAT certified
- COMPACT DESIGN – Made to fit any home
The HP DeskJet 4355 is a lightweight and compact printer. It offers wireless printing and an auto document feeder, which adds convenience. While it is great for everyday color documents, it may not be the best for more intricate architectural work. Compared to many other models, it is easy to set up and operate. However, its print speed may not be fast enough for larger print jobs. It is best for everyday tasks rather than professional architectural designs.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design
- Auto document feeder for convenience
- Wireless printing capability
Cons
- Slower print speeds for larger documents
- Limited print detail for professional use
Best for: Casual users needing portability. Not ideal for: Professionals requiring high detail in prints.
Good for everyday use but not for architectural details.
8. Best for Beginners
HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, Scan, Copy, ADF, Duplex Printing Best-for-Home Office, 3 Month Trial of Instant Ink…
- FROM AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The OfficeJet Pro 8125 is perfect for home offices printing professional-quality color documents like business documents, reports, presentations and flyers. Print speeds up to 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink; after 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled
- KEY FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 225-sheet input tray
- 2.7-INCH TOUCHSCREEN – Quickly navigate your printer with a large color touchscreen and a phone-like user interface
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- HP APP – Print, scan, copy, or fax right from your smartphone with the easy-to-use print app
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- PROTECTS YOUR DATA – HP Wolf Essential Security bolsters security and helps keep your network protected from cyber threats
- SUSTAINABLE DESIGN – Made with more than 45% recycled plastic content
- This printer is intended to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry and will block cartridges using non-HP chips or circuitry. Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 is a feature-rich all-in-one printer designed for home offices. It offers fast print speeds and a range of functions like scanning and copying. This model is excellent for producing professional-quality documents. Compared to others, it excels in overall performance and print quality. However, it may be overkill for those who only print occasionally. It is especially suitable for users who need to produce high-quality prints regularly without compromising on speed.
Pros
- Fast print speeds for high-volume tasks
- Complete all-in-one functionality
- High-quality color printing
Cons
- May be too advanced for casual users
- Larger size requires more space
Best for: Users needing fast and high-quality prints. Not ideal for: Casual users who print infrequently.
A strong choice for those who need high performance in a printer.
Printers Compared Side by Side
The table below compares key specifications of the best 11×17 printer for architects. Look at the columns to see details like brand, features, and specific strengths. This will help you find the right printer for your needs.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Best Overall | HP | $49.99 | Check |
| 2 | Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer | Best for Architects | Canon | $79 | Check |
| 3 | Canon PIXMA TS4320 | Best Splurge | Canon | $69 | Check |
| 4 | Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One… | Best Design | Brother | $99.98 | Check |
| 5 | HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer | Best for Small Spaces | HP | $189.99 | Check |
| 6 | Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer | Most Versatile | Canon | $159 | Check |
| 7 | HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Best Lightweight | HP | $69.99 | Check |
| 8 | HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet… | Best for Beginners | HP | $109.99 | Check |
| 9 | Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome… | — | Brother | $209.99 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered data from trusted sources like manufacturer websites and customer reviews. This included details about features, specifications, and user experiences with the printers.
How we built this shortlist
The shortlist includes printers specifically designed for architects and large format printing. We reviewed over 30 options and focused on those that print 11×17 size documents.
What we ruled out and why
We did not include printers that did not support 11×17 printing or those with poor reviews. Models lacking important features like wireless connectivity were also excluded.
What we did not do
No products were tested by hand, and no lab measurements were taken. We did not create scores or ratings; instead, we summarized available public information.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated monthly to reflect any changes in available models, features, or recent user feedback. We aim to keep the information current and reliable.
How to Choose Printers
Print Size
Make sure the printer can handle 11×17 paper. This is essential for most architectural designs. Not all printers can print this size, so check the specifications carefully.
Wireless Capability
Look for printers with wireless options. Being able to print from your phone or tablet is a big plus. It adds convenience for busy architects working on the go.
Print Quality
Consider the print resolution. A higher resolution delivers sharper images and text. Look for printers with at least 1200×1200 dpi for crisp and clear prints.
Ink System
Evaluate the ink system. Many printers use cartridges, but some have tank systems that offer more ink for less cost. This can save money in the long run.
All-in-One Features
An all-in-one printer can copy and scan in addition to printing. This feature is useful for architects who need to reproduce documents or sketches regularly.
What to look for
Printing Speed
Printing speed is important for busy architects. Most printers list speeds in pages per minute (ppm). Aim for a printer that offers at least 10 ppm for black and white prints.
Paper Handling
Check the input tray capacity. A larger capacity means less frequent refills. Many printers hold 50 to 100 sheets, which can be convenient for larger projects.
Connectivity Options
Look for various connectivity options. USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are common. Multiple options give you flexibility in how you print from different devices.
Durability
Consider the printer’s build quality. A durable printer can handle regular use without problems. Look for user reviews that mention reliability over time.
Size and Design
The size and design of the printer matter, especially in small offices. Ensure the printer fits your workspace. Compact models can save valuable desk space.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best 11×17 printer for architects?
The best 11×17 printer for architects is the HP DeskJet 2955. It offers wireless printing and all-in-one functions. This makes it perfect for handling various tasks.
Can I use a regular printer for 11×17 paper?
No, not all printers support 11×17 paper. You need a dedicated wide-format printer for this size. Check the specifications before purchasing.
Are all-in-one printers good for architects?
Yes, all-in-one printers can be very useful for architects. They combine printing, scanning, and copying. This saves space and adds functionality.
What features should I look for?
Look for wireless capability, print quality, and paper handling. Additional features like an all-in-one function can also be beneficial.
How much ink do these printers use?
Ink usage varies by model. Some printers use cartridges, while others have refillable tanks. Choose one that fits your printing volume needs.
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