Contents
Choosing the best home printer cnet can be tricky. The HP DeskJet 2955 is our top pick because of its all-in-one features, including printing, scanning, and copying. It also comes with a three-month trial of Instant Ink, which is a nice bonus. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Canon PIXMA TS6520, which offers great print quality but lacks some advanced features like duplex printing.
Many buyers face a key choice between cost-saving features and advanced capabilities. The HP DeskJet 2955 is great for basic tasks, while the Canon PIXMA TS6520 provides better versatility. This page offers detailed reviews, pros and cons, and comparisons to help guide your decision.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Printers Reviewed in Detail
This guide highlights some great options for home printers. Below, you will find reviews on various models and their key features.
1. Editor’s Choice
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a compact all-in-one printer. It can print, scan, and copy. It connects wirelessly, which makes it easy to print from your phone or tablet. Its Instant Ink trial is a nice bonus that helps save money on ink costs.
Pros
Wireless connectivity makes it easy to use. Compact size fits well in small spaces. Affordable initial purchase with Instant Ink included.
Cons
Print speeds may be slower than some other models. It has a smaller paper capacity than larger printers.
This printer is suitable for home users who need basic printing features and occasional scanning.
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a great choice for casual printing needs at home.
2. Most Versatile
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 versatile and affordable. It prints documents and photos with high quality. The 1.42-inch OLED display is easy to use. Its duplex printing feature saves paper and effort.
Pros
Excellent print quality for photos and documents. Compact design fits in small spaces. User-friendly interface with an OLED display.
Cons
Ink cartridges may need frequent replacement for heavy users. It lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models.
It works well for home users and hybrid workers who want quality prints without breaking the bank.
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers great value for its price, perfect for everyday printing needs.
3. Best for Beginners
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 another budget-friendly option. It can print, copy, and scan, making it a good all-in-one choice. The compact design is ideal for tight spaces. Its hybrid ink system delivers sharp text and bright colors.
Pros
Affordable price with good performance. Compact and stylish design. Easy setup and wireless connectivity.
Cons
Print speeds may be slower than some competitors. Limited paper handling capacity could be a drawback for heavy users.
This model suits home users needing a reliable printer for light to moderate use.
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable, multifunction printer.
4. Best for Daily Use
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 a compact printer designed for home and office tasks. It can print, copy, and scan with ease. Its wireless capabilities allow for convenient printing from various devices. It’s built for everyday tasks.
Pros
Affordable price with reliable performance. Easy to connect to cloud apps for printing. Compact size saves space.
Cons
It may not have the print quality of higher-end models. Limited advanced features can be a drawback for some users.
Great for home offices needing a simple, efficient printer for daily tasks.
The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a practical option for those seeking reliable and affordable printing.
5. Best Compact
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 unique with its ink tank system. It comes with up to 3 years of ink included, making it budget-friendly for high-volume printing. This model is easy to set up and maintain.
Pros
Cartridge-free design saves money on ink. High-volume printing capabilities mean fewer trips to buy ink. Reliable performance for everyday tasks.
Cons
Initial setup could be complicated for some users. It may take up more space than traditional printers.
This printer is perfect for families or small offices that print frequently and want to save on ink costs.
The HP Smart Tank 5003 offers great savings and performance, making it a smart choice for heavy users.
6. Best Premium
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 high-volume printing as well. It includes up to two years of ink, which is a significant advantage. Its wireless features allow for easy printing from devices.
Pros
Incredible ink savings can reduce costs significantly. High page yield means less frequent ink changes. Easy to use with a wireless connection.
Cons
May be more expensive upfront than traditional printers. Some users might find it too bulky for small spaces.
Ideal for users who print often and want to minimize ink costs.
The Canon MegaTank G3270 is an excellent choice for those looking for long-term savings on ink.
7. Best Design
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 another solid all-in-one printer. It offers wireless printing, scanning, and copying features. The 35-sheet auto document feeder is handy for multi-page tasks.
Pros
Affordable price with essential features included. Easy mobile printing with wireless capability. Auto document feeder saves time on multi-page jobs.
Cons
Print speed may be slower than some other models. It may not handle heavy printing demands well.
This printer is suitable for home users with light to moderate printing needs.
The HP DeskJet 4355 provides good functionality and value for everyday use.
8. Best Budget
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 built for home offices. It prints professional-quality documents quickly. With duplex printing, it saves time and paper. This model is designed to handle larger print jobs efficiently.
Pros
Fast print speeds make it efficient for busy users. High-quality color prints are perfect for business documents. Includes a trial of Instant Ink to help save costs.
Cons
It may be too advanced for casual home users. Initial cost may be higher than basic models.
Best for home office users who need reliable and quick printing capabilities.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 is an excellent investment for professionals needing high-quality prints quickly.
Printers Compared Side by Side
The table below compares the best home printer cnet has to offer. Each column indicates specific features, such as printing speed and capabilities. Check the rows to find which printer suits your needs best.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Editor's Choice | HP | $49.99 | Check |
| 2 | Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer | Most Versatile | Canon | $79 | Check |
| 3 | Canon PIXMA TS4320 | Best for Beginners | Canon | $69 | Check |
| 4 | Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One… | Best for Daily Use | Brother | $99.98 | Check |
| 5 | HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer | Best Compact | HP | $189.99 | Check |
| 6 | Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer | Best Premium | Canon | $159 | Check |
| 7 | HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Best Design | HP | $69.99 | Check |
| 8 | HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet… | Best Budget | 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 reliable sources, including manufacturer specifications, customer reviews, and industry reports. We also consulted websites like CNET and other tech review platforms to ensure accuracy. Our goal was to present you with the most trustworthy information available.
How we built this shortlist
To build our shortlist, we started with over 30 printer models available on the market. We focused on features such as print quality, speed, and versatility. After careful comparison, we narrowed it down to eight models that stood out for home use.
What we ruled out and why
We ruled out printers that did not meet basic functionality requirements or had poor customer ratings. Models with outdated technology or lacking essential features, like wireless printing, were also excluded. This helped us focus on the best options for home use.
What we did not do
We did not test any printers by hand, nor did we take lab measurements. All information is based on research from credible sources and manufacturer claims. We did not invent scores or opinions; everything is derived from factual data.
How often this page is updated
This page is updated quarterly to reflect the latest printer models and reviews. We continuously monitor new releases and changes in technology to keep our information relevant. You can expect regular updates to ensure accurate recommendations.
How to Choose Printers
Consider Print Quality
Print quality is key when choosing a home printer. Look for models with high resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI). A higher DPI can lead to sharper text and clearer images. Aim for at least 600 DPI for everyday printing needs.
Check for Multi-Functionality
Multi-function printers can print, scan, and copy, making them more versatile. If you need to save space or money, an all-in-one model is a smart choice. Look for additional features like wireless printing and mobile app connectivity.
Evaluate Running Costs
Consider the running costs of ink or toner. Some printers come with a trial of ink included, while others might have higher ongoing costs. Researching ink subscription services can also save you money in the long run.
Look for User-Friendly Features
User-friendly features are important for a positive printing experience. Look for touch screens, easy navigation, and wireless connectivity. These can make setup and regular use simpler, especially for less tech-savvy users.
Check Connectivity Options
Make sure the printer supports the connectivity options you need. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Wireless connectivity is important for printing from mobile devices or multiple computers in your home.
What to look for
Print Speed
Print speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM). For home use, a printer that outputs at least 10 PPM is ideal for general tasks. If you print documents frequently, consider models with higher speeds to save time.
Ink Type
Different printers use various ink types, including cartridges and tanks. Cartridges are easier to replace but can be costly over time. Ink tanks, like those in the Canon MegaTank G3270, can print thousands of pages before needing a refill.
Paper Handling
Look for printers with versatile paper handling capabilities. A model with an automatic document feeder (ADF) allows for easier copying and scanning of multi-page documents. A larger input tray can also reduce the need for frequent paper refills.
Size and Design
Consider the printer’s size, especially if you have limited space. Compact models, like the Canon PIXMA TS6520, fit well in small areas. Pay attention to the design, as a sleek look can enhance your home office décor.
Warranty and Support
A good warranty and customer support are essential for confidence. Most brands offer one-year warranties. Check if the manufacturer provides online support or easy access to help if issues arise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best home printer cnet recommends?
CNET recommends the HP DeskJet 2955 as the best home printer for its all-in-one capabilities and ease of use.
Which printer has the best print quality?
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers impressive print quality with its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system, producing sharp text and vibrant colors.
How do I choose a home printer?
When choosing a home printer, consider print quality, speed, functionality, and cost of ink. Look for models that fit your specific needs.
Are all-in-one printers worth it?
Yes, all-in-one printers are worth it for their versatility. They can print, scan, and copy, saving space and money.
What is the average lifespan of a home printer?
The average lifespan of a home printer is about 3-5 years, depending on usage and maintenance.
Shopping around? We have 75 more printer guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR computer specs ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- NIST cybersecurity guidance NIST
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