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Compact and ready for anything, the best all-in-one printers can easily do multiple jobs. While you may think all-in-one printers are just for the office, they’re not. Whether you’re working from home, need one for school, or for home use, all-in-one printers can help. You can scan documents, receive or fax docs, and print them. You can make copies (which is excellent if you’re making flyers) and print stuff. I use my all-in-one constantly. I may print recipes from the web, download and print important docs, and sometimes print out packing lists before traveling.
The HP Envy Inspire is a compact printer that fits any space. You can also use the app to connect your phone to the device. Speaking of the app, you can control the printer through it or use the touchscreen. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chrome operating systems. One note: This printer does give you the option to enroll in the Instant Ink subscription—however, if you do so, know that you will not be able to use any other ink.
Brother’s printer has options that you’d find in a higher-priced all-in-one printer. It scans, copies, prints, has a fax function, and does duplex (front and back side) printing. One of its features allows you to scan to any cloud service like Google Docs, Dropbox, OneDrive, and more. It also has an app that you can use to control the printer. It is compatible with Mac and Windows OS.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e has over 4,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Lauded for its workhorse abilities, this all-in-one is so advanced that it can be controlled via Amazon’s Alexa. It prints both color and monochrome copies quickly, has connectivity options, and keeps itself up-to-date. This HP device uses HP Wolf Pro Security to keep viruses and malware at bay. Like other HP printers, it can be controlled via its app. It works with Chrome, Windows, and Mac.
Canon’s All-in-One Laser printer has gotten rave reviews in Reddit’s r/Printers community and on the Staples website. This compact laser printer has it all. Print from a USB or the app, or use Canon’s online site to create posters or flyers. It has a customizable touchscreen that does duplex printing, regular printing, scanning, and faxing. It’s compatible with Windows, has network security, and has 1 GB of printer memory. It works with Windows and Mac operating systems.
When you have a small business, every decision counts. You want a rugged all-in-one printer that can handle multiple print loads, and copy and scan documents quickly. Epson’s EcoTank does that, and with its three paper sources, it can automatically print, scan, and copy two-sided documents. Suitable for both Windows and Mac, it promptly prints brochures and easily handles other types of graphic design. It has two years of unlimited ink and can connect via Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, and wireless. You can send documents to a cloud service or a local drive when scanning. Via Epson’s web portal, you can monitor usage, set security, and generate reports.
Canon’s PIXMA TS7720 is lightweight, easy to set up, and will print and scan whatever needs to be done. It automatically prints two sides, which cuts down on paper costs. Connect to it via USB, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi Direct. You can use Canon’s app to control the printer. It can be connected to Windows, Mac, and Android systems.
This is a beast of an all-in-one printer. It prints both monochrome and color pages quickly, automatically duplexes prints, and has a 50-sheet document feeder. It can print school reports, brochures, presentations, and envelopes. It can handle glossy paper, too. Use it at home or work. Best of all, it has a three-year or 80,000-page limited warranty. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows OS.
It does everything from scanning, copying, and printing crisp-looking photos.
Designed to work in an office setting for small to medium businesses, this HP laser jet printer is, yes, big, but it’s intended to be used by multiple people, which is why the paper trays hold 300 pages. It prints both color and black and white pages fast, copies, scans, and even sends (and receives) faxes. The printer supports wireless printing from any mobile device. It has automatic duplex printing. It’s also compatible with Mac, Windows, Chrome, and Linux. However, take notice of the ink compatibility: This printer only will work if it uses printer ink cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry, and will block any cartridges without HP chips or circuitry (firmware updates also check for non-compliant cartridges).
Seamlessly handles any job you give it, and has a one-year, next business day, on-site warranty.
When you’re traveling, there may be times when you need to scan, print, and copy at all hours. Or, if you’re into minimalism, you want a small all-in-one printer that barely takes up room. HP’s mobile printer can operate on batteries or be plugged into an outlet. It comes with HP Dropbox, HP Google Drive, and Microsoft Dotnet software. It works with Windows, Linux, Mac, and Chrome operating systems. You can print envelopes and borderless printing (up to 5 x 7 inches) too.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one printer that can turn a hotel room into an office, this is your printer.
I used my expert’s insights, polled everyone I knew who had an all-in-one printer, and parsed out customer reviews on multiple sites.
I analyzed numerous all-in-one printers and opted for ones that could handle printing and scanning to and from multiple programs and devices. I looked at copy speed and if they had the fax option.
The all-in-one printers in this roundup all have a fast ppm (page per minute). Whether you’re printing photos, brochures, or your kid’s homework, you shouldn’t have to wait around for it.
If you’re an Apple or Android user, you want an all-in-one printer that supports AirPrint and Android wireless printing.
I evaluated all-in-one printers against compatibility options. I found all-in-one printers that easily connect to common operating systems like Windows and Mac. But I also found printers that just as easily connected to Chrome and Linux.
While I tried to find all-in-one printers that weren’t oversized, some all-in-one printers, specifically the ones that can be used in an office setting or for graphics, are by their nature, big. They have large paper tray capacities, and bigger print cartridges compared to home all-in-one printers designed for casual users.
I spoke with Julissa Irias from HP Communications, Worldwide Consumer Printing Solutions, to learn how to choose the best all-in-one printer for your needs. The most crucial factor to consider is usage. How often will you use all of the all-in-one functions? If you see yourself scanning, printing, and copying documents a lot, then an all-in-one printer is your best bet. Irias also says to consider “environmental fit, connectivity, cost, capacity, and sustainability.” All-in-one printers come in various sizes, from super compact to almost table-size, so look for one that best fits your needs and space.
One new development in the printer market is the option for ink subscription services specific to your printer. This is how it works: The printer automatically senses when ink cartridges are low, and then you’re sent new ones. Here’s where it gets wonky. If you cancel the subscription and still use the printer cartridge that was part of it, the company from which you bought the printer can “brick” you, i.e., not allow you to use the cartridge to print. However, if you try to use a non-branded printer cartridge, the printer can block you from doing so. Every printer runs on software. They’re now built to auto-update, and that software could also block customers from using any ink cartridge they want. So, what steps can a customer take to prevent the ink subscription issue? Simply put, don’t purchase the subscription.
Laser or inkjet? Inkjet printers are better for color printing, while laser printers are faster and more cost-effective when it comes to black and white printing.
How many pages per minute (ppm) can the printer handle? Home all-in-one printers aren’t going to print a thousand-page document while you recline in your comfy office chair, but if you want something speedy, check out that function.
Look for sharpness of images, color accuracy, and overall quality.
How does the all-in-one printer integrate with your home devices? Does it use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or USB? Look for a printer that easily fits into what you’re using at home. As an aside, Wi-Fi capabilities allow you to print from multiple devices.
Ensure the all-in-one printer is compatible with your phone, laptop, desktop computer, or other electronic device you may want to print from.
Look into the scanner’s resolution and speed and whether it has an automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page documents.
Measure the space where the printer will sit and ensure that its dimensions will fit comfortably in that space.
Some printers are more energy efficient than others. Look for ones that are ENERGY STAR certified, which means they meet strict guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy efficient products are better for the environment because they use clean energy. According to ENERGY STAR’s website, “Clean energy is generated from renewable sources without producing any pollution [as opposed to fossil fuel], which helps to improve the health of the environment and reduces the amounts of harmful emissions people are exposed to.” The use of clean energy slows global warming and reduces the amount of toxins added to the environment.
All-in-one printers are multi-functional devices. They can print, scan, fax (yes, some people still fax!), and copy. Irias says the term is typically used for home printers because “office devices use ‘MFP’ or Multi-Function Printer.” Many home printers, including HP home printers, have enhanced functionality. Irias explains that home all-in-one printers have cool extras like “mobile app solutions, security, and easy supply replenishment with HP Instant Ink with Paper Add-On included.”
Home printers can have the same all-in-one functions as an office all-in-one printer. However, office printers tend to be designed for heavier use with faster printing speeds and larger paper tray capacities. Because of their increased capacity, they may be larger in size than home printers. Office all-in-one printers can also have better print quality but home all-in-ones may print higher quality photos.
This is a tricky question to ask, simply because everyone has their preferences. Some people swear by anything Canon or Epson makes. Other people will never buy anything but Brother all-in-one printers. Then, some people have only used, and will only use, HP printers. Personally, I have used a few different printers, but have kept going back to HP for two reasons: ease of use and inexpensive ink. The best all-in-one printer is the one that works best for you.
When all-in-one printers first arrived, if you had an issue with one of the functions, chances are the entire machine would break down. With all the improvements and iterations, now if your scanner isn’t working or you have copying issues, your printer will still work while you read the support materials to fix it. Nowadays, troubleshooting a problem is quick and painless.
“Assuming the right printer has been chosen for the respective use case, cartridges can last for three to six months,” says Irias.
Irias points out that they’re compact and multi-functional and can be used for school, work, or family. On a personal note, I can quickly spot typos and grammatical errors if I print something I'm working on.
Depending on the usage, an all-in-one printer can last three to five years on average.
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