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Finding the best printer for occasional use can be tough. The HP DeskJet 2955 is the top pick. Its compact size and all-in-one features make it easy to fit in your home office. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a value pick that offers good print quality but lacks some advanced features. Most buyers face the choice between compact size and advanced features. The rest of this page will help you decide.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Printers Reviewed in Detail
Here are our top picks for printers designed for occasional use.
1. Editor’s Choice
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a compact all-in-one printer. It can print, scan, and copy. It connects wirelessly, making it easy to use from your devices. Its affordable price makes it a good choice for home use. You also receive a three-month trial of Instant Ink, which ensures you won’t run out of ink too soon.
Pros
Easy wireless setup. Compact design saves space. Affordable for home use. Quick printing for daily tasks. Comes with Instant Ink trial.
Cons
Limited features for advanced users. Ink cartridges may run out quickly if used often. Not ideal for high-volume printing. Black print speed is slower compared to others.
Best for families or students needing basic printing, copying, and scanning. Good for occasional home use.
The HP DeskJet 2955 is a solid choice for basic printing needs. You get good value for your money.
2. Best for Occasional Use
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 known for its versatility. It prints, scans, and copies with ease. The compact design is great for small spaces. Its OLED display is user-friendly and clear. This model uses a two-cartridge ink system for vibrant prints, making it suitable for both documents and photos.
Pros
Great print quality for documents and photos. Compact and stylish design. Easy to use with a clear display. Affordable for home and hybrid workers.
Cons
May not handle high-volume tasks well. Wireless connectivity issues may arise occasionally. Limited paper capacity might require frequent reloading.
Ideal for home users and students who print occasionally. Suitable for light office work and photo printing.
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a versatile printer that balances quality with affordability. It meets the needs of occasional users well.
3. Runner-Up
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 reliable choice. Like the TS6520, it prints, scans, and copies. It features a two-cartridge ink system that delivers high-quality prints. The compact size fits well in any setting. It’s designed for users looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
Pros
Affordable price point. Good quality prints for various needs. Compact design fits well in small spaces. Easy setup and use.
Cons
May struggle with high-volume printing. Limited paper capacity means constant reloading. Wireless connection might be unstable at times.
Great for students and families needing a basic printer. Suitable for occasional printing of documents and photos.
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 offers great value for money. It is well-suited for casual users.
4. Best Lightweight
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 all-in-one printer. It can easily print, copy, and scan. This model is designed for home offices and schoolwork. It connects to popular cloud apps, making it convenient to use. It delivers quality prints that stand out.
Pros
Compact and easy to use. Quick printing speeds. Good print quality for documents. Cloud app connectivity enhances usability.
Cons
Not the best choice for high-volume printing. Features may be limited compared to some competitors. Setup can be more complex than others.
Perfect for home offices and students. Ideal for those needing a reliable printer without advanced features.
The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a solid choice for basic office tasks. It offers good value and performance.
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 model. It uses a refillable ink tank system, eliminating the need for cartridges. This model comes with up to three years of ink, making it great for high-volume users. It is user-friendly and reliable for everyday tasks.
Pros
Cost-effective with three years of ink included. Refillable tank system is eco-friendly. Reliable for high-volume printing. Easy setup and maintenance.
Cons
Initial setup may be more complicated. Larger design may not fit small spaces well. Limited features compared to more expensive models.
Best for users who print frequently. Great for families or home offices needing low-cost printing.
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is a solid investment for those wanting to save on ink costs. It provides great performance.
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 a wireless all-in-one printer. It is designed for high-volume printing. With up to two years of ink included, it offers significant savings. The LCD display makes it easy to operate. This model prints both black and color pages efficiently.
Pros
Large ink capacity reduces frequent refills. Wireless printing for convenience. Great for high-volume printing. User-friendly display.
Cons
Initial cost may be higher. Not as compact as other models. Limited photo printing capabilities.
Ideal for users who print a lot, like families or small businesses. Great for those looking for long-term savings.
The Canon MegaTank G3270 is excellent for heavy users. It offers efficient printing and great savings on ink.
7. Best Premium
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 all-in-one printer. It can print, copy, and scan easily. This model is designed for everyday home use. It features a 35-sheet auto document feeder, which helps save time. Its wireless capability allows for easy mobile printing.
Pros
Affordable for home printing needs. Auto document feeder speeds up tasks. Compact design fits well in small spaces. Good color printing quality.
Cons
May not be suitable for high-volume printing. Limited paper capacity can be a hassle. Ink cartridges may run out faster with frequent use.
Best for occasional users like students and families. Suitable for everyday printing tasks.
The HP DeskJet 4355 is a practical choice for simple printing needs. It provides good quality at a fair price.
8. Best Splurge
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 professional-quality printer. It prints, scans, and copies efficiently. This model is designed to handle office tasks well. With fast print speeds, it is great for busy work environments. It also offers a three-month trial of Instant Ink.
Pros
Fast print speeds for high volume tasks. High-quality color printing. Good for professional documents. Instant Ink trial provides convenience.
Cons
Higher price point compared to basic models. May be too much for occasional users. Setup can be complicated for some.
Ideal for home offices and small businesses. Suitable for users needing professional-quality printing.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 is excellent for serious users. It provides speed and quality that meet office demands.
Printers Compared Side by Side
This table compares key features of the best printer for occasional use. You will see details like print quality, size, and functionality. Check the rows for the features that matter most to you.
| # | 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 | Best for Occasional Use | Canon | $79 | Check |
| 3 | Canon PIXMA TS4320 | Runner-Up | Canon | $69 | Check |
| 4 | Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One… | Best Lightweight | 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 Premium | HP | $69.99 | Check |
| 8 | HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet… | Best Splurge | 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
Our data comes from expert reviews and customer feedback across several trusted tech sites. We analyzed information from sources like CNET, TechRadar, and customer ratings on retail websites. This helped us understand how each printer performs and its features.
How we built this shortlist
We focused on printers that are easy to use and affordable for occasional printing. We looked at over 20 printer models, narrowing it down to those with good reviews and essential features. We considered factors like print quality, size, and user satisfaction.
What we ruled out and why
We excluded printers that had high maintenance costs or were too complex for casual users. Those with low user ratings or frequent complaints about reliability were also removed. Our aim was to present options that are truly suitable for occasional use.
What we did not do
We did not conduct hands-on testing or lab measurements of printers. All information is based on research and expert opinions, not personal experience. No scores were created and all data was gathered from reliable sources.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated every three months or sooner if major changes occur in printer technology or new models are released. We want to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What to look for
Print Quality
Print quality is important for any printer. Look for a printer with a minimum resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. This ensures sharp text and detailed images. For occasional use, this level of quality meets most needs.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a printer are important, especially for home offices. Aim for a printer that weighs less than 15 pounds and fits on a standard desk. This ensures it won’t take up too much space and is easy to move if needed.
Connectivity Options
Check for connectivity options like Wi-Fi and mobile printing. Printers with Wi-Fi make it easy to print from your phone or tablet. Look for support for popular apps like Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint for added convenience.
Ink Efficiency
Ink efficiency can save you money. Consider printers that offer high page yields, especially for color prints. Models that use refillable ink tanks can also reduce long-term costs and provide more prints before needing a refill.
Ease of Use
A user-friendly design is important. Look for features like simple setup processes and easy-to-work through displays. Touchscreen interfaces can make managing settings and printing tasks easier, especially for beginners.
How to Choose Printers
Consider Your Space
Think about where you will place your printer. Measure the space to ensure it fits comfortably. A compact model is best for small areas, while larger printers may require more room for features and functions.
Look for Multi-Functionality
Choose a printer that can print, copy, and scan. All-in-one models save space and money. This allows you to handle all your occasional printing needs with just one device, making it easier to stay organized.
Check Ink Costs
Research ink costs and efficiency before buying. Some printers have cheaper initial prices but expensive ink. Look for models with high page yields to reduce long-term costs, especially if you print color documents regularly.
Evaluate User Reviews
Read user reviews to get insights on performance and reliability. Look for common themes in feedback, such as print quality and ease of use. This will help you pick a printer that meets your expectations.
Decide on Speed Requirements
Consider how quickly you need to print. Most home printers print around 8-15 pages per minute. If you only print occasionally, speed may not be as important, but it’s still good to know your options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best printer for occasional use?
The best printer for occasional use is the HP DeskJet 2955. It combines compact design, all-in-one features, and ease of use, making it perfect for home or light office tasks.
Are inkjet printers good for occasional use?
Yes, inkjet printers are great for occasional use. They offer good quality prints and are usually affordable. However, consider the ink costs and efficiency to avoid excessive spending.
How often should I use my printer?
For inkjet printers, it’s best to use them at least once a week. This helps prevent clogs in the print nozzles. If you print less frequently, consider a printer designed for occasional use.
What features should I look for in a home printer?
Look for features like print quality, connectivity options, and multifunction capabilities. A good printer should be easy to use and fit your space. Ink efficiency is also important for cost savings.
Can I print photos with an occasional use printer?
Yes, many occasional use printers can print high-quality photos. Check for models with a high resolution and vibrant color output for the best results.
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
About the author
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