In today's fast-paced world, having a reliable, versatile printer at home has become a necessity. Whether you're printing school assignments, scanning important documents, or copying family photos, an all-in-one printer is a convenient and cost-effective solution. But choosing the best all-in-one printer for home use can be overwhelming, given the plethora of options available.
In this insight, we'll delve into the best models available, analysing their features, performance, cost-effectiveness, and more.
An All-in-One printer, often referred to as an AIO or MFP (multi-function printer), is a versatile device that integrates the functionalities of several devices into a single unit. Primarily, it combines the capabilities of a laser or colour inkjet printer with a built-in scanning unit, effectively serving as a printer, scanner, and copier all in one compact package.
When searching for the best all-in-one printer for home use, it's crucial to consider several factors.
Firstly, understanding the primary use of the printer is essential. Will it primarily be used for printing text-based documents, or will it need to produce high-quality photos? An inkjet printer is generally better at reproducing a wide range of colours, making it suitable for photo and graphic printing. Conversely, a laser printer can deliver sharp and professional-looking text documents at a lower cost per page.
Secondly, consider the features you require. For instance, an automatic document feeder (ADF) enables you to scan or copy several pages at once, while duplex printing allows for printing on both sides of a sheet. If you frequently print from your phone, look for printers that support near-field communication (NFC) or have a robust mobile app.
Lastly, factor in the cost. While many printers are affordable upfront, the ongoing costs of ink or toner can add up. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the cost per page and the printer's compatibility with high-capacity cartridges or third-party inks.
After extensive research and testing, we've compiled a list of the top all-in-one printers for home use.
The Brother INKvestment MFC-J955DW stands out for its excellent overall performance and low ink costs. The printer utilises extra-large ink cartridges, offering low per-page printing costs. It's fast, produces high-quality prints, and supports duplex printing.
The MFC-J955DW delivers crisp prints quickly, with duplex printing even faster than some models' one-sided printing capabilities. The text and graphics output quality is more than satisfactory for most home and business uses. The device is slightly larger than some alternatives, but its impressive capabilities make up for the extra space required.
Despite its initial cost, the MFC-J955DW offers significant savings in the long run due to its low running cost. Its high-capacity toner cartridges result in a cost per page of just 2.7 cents, the lowest in this category.
The Canon Pixma G7050 provides outstanding value with its high-capacity, refillable ink tanks. It's ideal for heavy-duty home office use and offers impressively low ink costs. Available on amazon prime delivery.
The G7050 stands out for its 350-sheet paper capacity. It also supports duplex printing, and its letter-size flatbed and automatic document feeder (ADF) make scanning, copying, and faxing convenient.
The printer's initial cost may be higher than other models, but its extremely low running cost of less than a penny per page for both colour and mono printing makes it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
The Brother MFC-L2750DW is our top pick for the best laser all-in-one printer. It offers speedy printing and copying, fax capability, and a second paper tray. It's an excellent solution for fast, professional-looking text documents.
This monochrome laser printer delivers sharp text and vibrant full-colour graphics. It's also fast, with a maximum speed of around 22 pages per minute. It can print on envelopes, labels, and other odd-size media, making it a versatile choice for all your home printing needs.
Though it may have a higher initial cost, the MFC-L2750DW's high-capacity toner cartridge results in a cost per page of just 2.5 cents for black prints, making it an economical choice in the long run.
Other high-performing all-in-one printers worth considering include the Epson EcoTank ET-4760, the Canon Pixma TR8620, and the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850. Each of these models offers unique features and advantages, making them strong contenders in the hunt for the best all-in-one printer for home use.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 offers solid performance and a full range of features, including printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. Its high-capacity, refillable ink tanks result in impressively low ink costs.
Offering an abundance of office-friendly features, the HP Envy 6020e is a very budget-friendly all-in-one printer. It delivers excellent print speeds and high print quality and comes with 3 months instant ink to get started.
Built for heavy-duty use, the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 combines solid performance and generous features with impressively low ink costs. It's a great choice for small businesses or busy home offices.
While a budget inkjet printer might be tempting, an all-in-one printer could be the smarter investment. It does more tasks, which saves space, and may even save you money over time.
We spoke with Max Colao from Apprico Print Solutions. He is an expert in managed print services and the founder of his own managed print services business in Kent. We asked Max to provide his opinion on the best all-in-one printers for home use. Here's what he had to say:
When it comes to choosing the perfect printer for your home, I've seen the landscape evolve over the years. While a cheap inkjet may seem like a reasonable choice at first glance, the practicality of an all-in-one printer is hard to beat. The ability to perform multiple tasks in one device not only saves space but also offers excellent value.
From the options discussed, the Brother INKvestment MFC-J955DW stands out. Its impressive overall performance and low ink costs make it a standout choice. The use of extra-large ink cartridges ensures a low cost per page, a significant advantage in the long run. The support for duplex printing, speed, and high-quality output further adds to its appeal.
The Canon Pixma G7050 also deserves attention, especially for heavy-duty home office use. Its high-capacity, refillable ink tanks translate to remarkably low ink costs, making it an economical option over time. The convenience of features like duplex printing and a generous paper capacity enhances productivity.
Lastly, for those leaning towards laser technology, the Brother MFC-L2750DW shines as the top pick. Its rapid printing and copying, coupled with the ability to handle envelopes and odd-size media, make it an excellent choice for those who prioritise sharp text documents.
In my view, it's crucial to consider your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a reliable, versatile printer that offers cost savings and convenience, the all-in-one models we discussed—especially the Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW and the Canon Pixma G7050—are solid contenders that combine performance, features, and cost-effectiveness.
Finding the best all-in-one printer for home use requires considering your specific needs and budget. Whether you prioritise speed, print quality, or cost-effectiveness, the options highlighted in this guide offer a range of choices to suit any requirement. Ultimately, the best all-in-one printer for you is one that meets your needs while providing excellent value for money.
Stuart is an expert in Property, Money, Banking & Finance, having worked in retail and investment banking for 10+ years before founding Sunny Avenue. Stuart has spent his career studying finance. He holds qualifications in financial studies, mortgage advice & practice, banking operations, dealing & financial markets, derivatives, securities & investments.
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