Best Printers of 2026: Complete Buying Guide
Finding the right printer in 2026 means navigating countless options across inkjet, laser, and supertank technologies. After extensive testing, we've identified the top performers that deliver the best combination of print quality, reliability, and value.
Our Top 5 Picks
Epson EcoTank ET-2850
Best for: Overall value, families, home offices
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 revolutionizes home printing with its cartridge-free design and 2 years of included ink. This all-in-one printer delivers exceptional value by eliminating the constant expense of replacement cartridges.
Key Features:
- 2 years of ink included in the box
- Print up to 7,500 black & 6,000 color pages per ink set
- Cost per page: Under 1 cent
- Wireless printing from any device
- Print, scan, copy functionality
- Compact footprint perfect for home offices
Who Should Buy This:
Perfect for families, students, and home offices that print regularly (50+ pages/month). The upfront cost is higher than budget printers, but you'll save hundreds in ink costs within the first year.
View on AmazonHP DeskJet 2755e
Best for: Budget buyers, students, light home use
If you need a printer but don't want to spend much, the HP DeskJet 2755e delivers surprising capabilities at an unbeatable price point. This compact all-in-one handles printing, scanning, and copying while fitting on the smallest desks.
Key Features:
- Lowest entry price of any quality printer
- Wireless connectivity with HP Smart app
- Compact design (17.5" x 5.6" x 12.2")
- 6 months of HP Instant Ink included
- Easy mobile printing
- Automatic two-sided printing
Who Should Buy This:
Ideal for students, apartment dwellers, or anyone who prints fewer than 100 pages monthly. While ink costs are higher than EcoTank models, the low purchase price makes it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
View on AmazonHow We Test Printers
Our testing process involves purchasing each printer at retail price and running them through comprehensive real-world scenarios. We print hundreds of pages including text documents, photos, and graphics to evaluate print quality, speed, and reliability.
Key Testing Criteria:
- Print Quality: We examine text sharpness, color accuracy, and photo reproduction across various paper types
- Speed: Timed tests measure real-world print speeds for both documents and photos
- Cost Per Page: Calculated ink/toner costs divided by page yield to determine true operating expenses
- Reliability: Extended testing over 30 days to identify paper jams, ink clogs, or connectivity issues
- Setup & Software: Evaluating initial setup difficulty and software user-friendliness
- Feature Set: Testing scanning quality, copy functions, wireless connectivity, and mobile app performance
Inkjet vs Laser: Which Technology Is Right for You?
Choose Inkjet If:
- You print photos or color documents regularly
- Print volume is low to moderate (under 500 pages/month)
- You need versatile media handling (photo paper, cardstock, envelopes)
- Compact size is important
- Lower upfront cost is priority
Choose Laser If:
- You primarily print black and white documents
- Print volume is high (500+ pages/month)
- Fast print speeds are essential
- You print infrequently (laser doesn't dry out like inkjet)
- Crisp text is more important than photo quality
Understanding Total Cost of Ownership
The sticker price tells only part of the story. A $80 printer might cost you $500 in ink over two years, while a $250 EcoTank printer might cost only $280 total. Here's how to calculate true costs:
Cost Calculation Example:
Budget Inkjet (HP DeskJet):
- Purchase price: $79
- Prints 200 pages per cartridge set
- Replacement cartridges: $35
- For 5,000 pages: $79 + (25 cartridge sets × $35) = $954
EcoTank (Epson ET-2850):
- Purchase price: $219
- Prints 7,500 pages before refill
- Refill ink bottles: $60
- For 5,000 pages: $219 (no refill needed yet)
Savings: $735 with EcoTank for just 5,000 pages!
Conclusion
After testing dozens of printers, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 emerges as our top recommendation for most users. Its combination of low operating costs, excellent print quality, and reliable performance delivers exceptional value.
However, your specific needs might point to a different choice:
- Tightest budget? HP DeskJet 2755e ($79)
- Best laser? Brother HL-L2350DW ($129)
- Photo enthusiast? Canon PIXMA TS8820 ($219)
- Home office with ADF? Epson EcoTank ET-3850 ($329)
Whatever you choose, calculate total cost of ownership over 2-3 years rather than just looking at purchase price. The right printer saves you money and frustration for years to come.