What kind of printer you need depends on what you print
Before you search for a printer, decide what you actually print. A printer that works well for occasional documents is wrong for someone printing photos every week, and both are wrong for a small business printing invoices daily. The three main types — inkjet, laser, and photo printers — cost different amounts to run and handle different jobs.
Inkjet printers are cheapest upfront but expensive per page because ink cartridges run out fast. Laser printers cost more initially but are much cheaper to operate if you print a lot of black text. Photo printers are specialized machines that produce lab-quality images but are only worth buying if you print photos regularly. Most people who print occasionally should start with an inkjet.
Key Takeaways
- Inkjet printers cost $50 to $150 and work for occasional home printing, but cartridges are expensive if you print more than a few pages per week.
- Laser printers cost $200 to $500 but cost far less per page, making them better for anyone printing more than 100 pages monthly.
- Big-box retailers like Best Buy and Staples let you see printers in person, while Amazon and manufacturer websites often have lower prices.
- Check the cost of replacement cartridges or toner before you buy — this matters more than the printer's price tag.
- All-in-one printers that scan and copy cost only slightly more than print-only models and are worth the extra money for most households.
Where to buy a printer in person
Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot all stock printers you can see and touch before buying. Best Buy carries the widest range and usually has staff who can answer questions about specific models. Staples and Office Depot focus more on business machines but have good selections of home printers too. All three let you take the printer home the same day if it is in stock.
The trade-off is that in-person retailers charge more than online stores. A printer that costs $80 online might be $100 at Best Buy. If you know exactly which model you want, buying online saves money. If you are unsure, spending an extra $20 to see the printer and talk to someone is often worth it.
Where to buy a printer online
Amazon has the largest selection and usually the lowest prices. You can read reviews from people who actually own the printer, which tells you whether it jams constantly or whether the software works on your computer. Shipping is usually free if you have Prime, and returns are simple if the printer does not work.
Manufacturer websites like HP.com, Canon.com, and Brother.com sell directly and sometimes offer discounts or bundles that retailers do not. Buying from the manufacturer also means you know the warranty is legitimate. Walmart.com and Target.com have smaller selections but competitive prices and fast shipping to stores for pickup.
What to check before you buy
Look up the cost of replacement cartridges or toner before you decide. A cheap printer with expensive cartridges will cost you far more over time. For an inkjet, check whether the manufacturer sells individual cartridges or forces you to buy multicolor packs. For a laser printer, find the page yield — how many pages one toner cartridge prints — because higher yield means lower cost per page.
Check that the printer connects the way you need it to. Most modern printers work over Wi-Fi, but some older or budget models only connect by USB cable. If you have a Mac, verify the printer works with macOS, not just Windows. Read the reviews section on Amazon or the retailer's website and look for complaints about specific problems — if five people say the software crashes, that is a real issue.
All-in-one printers versus print-only models
An all-in-one printer prints, scans, and copies. A print-only printer only prints. All-in-one models cost $30 to $50 more than comparable print-only printers, but most people find the scanner and copier useful enough to justify the extra cost. If you never scan documents or make copies, a print-only printer saves money.
All-in-one printers take up more desk space and have more parts that can break. If your desk is tiny or you print very rarely, a small print-only inkjet might be the better choice. For most households and home offices, the all-in-one is the smarter buy because you get three machines in one.
Printer brands that are reliable
HP, Canon, Brother, and Epson are the brands you see everywhere, and for good reason — they have been making printers for decades and parts are easy to find. HP is the largest and has the most models to choose from. Brother makes solid, no-frills laser printers that are popular in small offices. Canon makes good photo printers. Epson makes reliable inkjets and also specializes in photo printing.
Smaller brands like Xerox and Ricoh make good machines but are harder to find in regular stores and cartridges can be harder to locate. Avoid very cheap brands you have never heard of — the printer might work fine, but if something breaks, you may not be able to find parts or support. Stick with the four major brands unless you have a specific reason not to.
What to do after you buy
When your printer arrives, unbox it carefully and remove all the packing tape and plastic — printers ship with protective materials that must come off or the machine will not work. Install the cartridges or toner that came with the printer. Download the software from the manufacturer's website, not from the disc that came in the box, because the disc is usually out of date.
Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network or plug in the USB cable. Run the setup wizard that the software provides. Print a test page to make sure everything works. Save the receipt and the printer's serial number in case you need to contact support later. Most printers come with a one-year warranty that covers defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a printer with a built-in ink tank system?
Printers with refillable ink tanks cost more upfront but are much cheaper to run if you print a lot. If you print fewer than 50 pages per month, a standard cartridge printer is cheaper overall. If you print more than 200 pages monthly, a tank system saves significant money over time.
What is the difference between inkjet and laser for home use?
Inkjet is cheaper upfront and works fine for occasional printing and color documents. Laser is better if you print mostly black text and print frequently. If you print fewer than 100 pages per month, inkjet is the right choice. If you print more, laser becomes cheaper per page.
Can I use third-party cartridges instead of the brand name ones?
Yes, third-party cartridges cost less and work in most printers, though some manufacturers void the warranty if you use them. Read the printer manual to see what the warranty says. Many people use third-party cartridges without problems, but there is a small risk of poor print quality or damage.
Do I need to buy a printer if I only print a few times a year?
If you print fewer than five times per year, renting time at a library, UPS Store, or FedEx Office is cheaper than owning a printer. You pay per page and avoid buying a machine that sits unused. Once you print more than 20 to 30 pages per year, owning becomes cheaper.
What should I do with my old printer?
Best Buy and Staples take old printers for recycling, sometimes for free and sometimes for a small fee. Some manufacturers have mail-back programs. Do not throw a printer in the trash — they contain materials that should not go to landfills. Check your city's website for electronic waste collection days.