If you work in an office, chances are you’ve had your share of printer nightmares—that’s why it’s important to make sure you choose the right one for your specific needs. But with so many options available and so many features to consider, choosing the perfect printer is a chore all its own. We’ve tried to make it a little easier with this list of some of our favorite printers ideal for small offices or home offices.
Even the best printers can be extremely frustrating to set up. Not so with Canon’s Pixma MG6220. This solid multifunction printer is ideal for small offices that want a hassle-free option. It has excellent print quality and its sleek, futuristic design is sure to dress up any business environment. Though the Pixma MG6220 lacks an automatic document feeder, the combination of simplicity, speed, and quality ensures it will meet the needs of most small and home offices.
Canon, $200
Wireless connectivity, high speed, and inexpensive ink make the HP Officejet Pro 8000 a good choice for budget-conscious offices. With outstanding text quality and speedy printing, this inkjet model is a great alternative to lower-end color laser printers.
HP, $150
Samsung’s ML-3712ND monochrome laser printer is a fast and sturdy option, with all of the business functionality you could need in a small or home office. Unlike many of the other printers on this list, the ML-3712ND offers automatic duplexing—the ability to make double-sided prints without having to manually feed paper back into the paper tray. While toner can get a little expensive, the low overall price tag will give you a lot of bang for your buck.
Samsung, $249
The Lexmark Genesis bills itself as “The world’s first Now-In-One Printer,” and it lives up to the title. The unique multifunction printer is as technically innovative as it is visually striking. The front panel sports a 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD and can be used with a number of third-party apps. But the printer’s standout features are its camera-based scanner—which scans even complex images in seconds—and its Web connectivity, which make for a one-of-a-kind printing experience without putting a huge dent in your wallet.
Lexmark, $150
Epson’s Artisan 837 is a multifunction color inkjet that prints beautiful photos. It’s a fast unit with a six-ink printing system that produces high quality prints. Yet even with six ink cartridges, the Artisan 837 keeps printing costs relatively low. With its combined efficiency and quality, this printer is a good investment for small or home offices that print on a variety of media.
Epson, $300
The Brother MFC-J6710DW multifunction color inkjet printer is a solid choice if your office prints a lot of nonstandard size documents. While the printer is large, weighing in at a hefty 40 pounds, it’s extremely efficient. The heavy-duty build is designed specifically for large-scale printing projects. Good speed, cheap ink, and a three-year warranty add to the value to this unit.
Brother, $300
If you have minimal printing needs, Kodak’s ESP 9250 is an inexpensive alternative to its higher priced counterparts. Text quality on this wireless multifunction printer is outstanding, and low ink costs sweeten the deal. Printing speeds vary since the ESP 9250 chooses functionality over speed, but with its low price tag, this printer will surely satisfy the needs of many low-volume small or home offices.
Kodak, $250
Don’t let the price tag on Dell’s 5230dn monochrome laser printer scare you—if your office does a lot of printing then this reliable device is well worth the cost. The 5230dn is specifically designed for fast, high-volume printing, making it an ideal choice for busy offices. Inexpensive toner and a three-year warranty doesn’t hurt either.
Dell, $950