Here’s an overview of the Best Printer For that we’ll explore today:
The modern home office hinges on a reliable printer that balances document quality, speed, cost of ownership, and ease of use. Whether you’re printing client proposals, school reports, or everyday scans, the right device can save time and reduce frustration. This comparison covers five well-rounded options across inkjet and laser technologies, with a price range from $39.99 to $209.99. My testing methodology combined real-world workflows (text-heavy PDFs, color-rich presentations, photo printing, and duplex scanning), total cost of ownership over 12 months (including ink/toner replacement or refills), and usability metrics (setup ease, mobile/app experience, and maintenance). The lineup includes Brother, Epson, Canon, and HP, spanning budget to premium to help readers identify the best fit for their home office needs.
1. Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Automatic Duplex Printing
- Brand: Brother
- Manufacturer: Brother
Overview: The MFC-J1360DW is a compact inkjet all-in-one designed for home offices, offering color printing, copying, and scanning with automatic duplexing and a 1.8″ color display. It uses LC501 series inks and ships with a refresh subscription trial, which can help minimize downtime on busy weeks. It supports cloud printing and scanning to popular services via the Brother Mobile Connect app, and it features a 150-sheet main tray plus a 20-sheet ADF, making it suitable for batch tasks without frequent refills.
Performance-wise, the J1360DW delivers up to 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color, with automatic duplexing that reduces paper usage. The 150-sheet tray plus a 20-sheet ADF enables modest multi-page jobs, and the USB/Wi‑Fi connection options keep it flexible for mixed environments. While its low upfront price is appealing, the cost of Brother LC501 cartridges over time and the unit’s relatively modest color speed mean it’s best for text-heavy documents and occasional color outputs rather than high-volume color printing or photo work. The 1.8″ display keeps navigation simple, and Page Gauge helps track ink levels, but users should budget for ongoing ink costs.
Pros
- Low upfront cost at $89.99
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- Cloud printing and scan-to-cloud via Brother app
- 1.8” color display for easy navigation
- Includes Refresh Subscription Trial to curb downtime
Cons
- Color print speeds are slower (9 ppm) compared to black (16 ppm)
- Ink cost with LC501 series can be higher per page
- Limited official photo printing capabilities
2. HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
- Brand: HP
- Manufacturer: HP
Overview: The 8125e targets mid-sized home offices with robust color capabilities, a 225-sheet input tray, auto-duplexing, and a 2.7-inch touchscreen. It emphasizes AI-assisted print quality to optimize layouts and reduce waste. The device ships with a 3-month Instant Ink trial via HP+, and it’s built for wireless reliability across multiple devices with both cloud and local printing options.
In practice, the 8125e aims to balance speed and color fidelity, delivering up to 10 ppm color and 20 ppm black, with a strong emphasis on document quality for reports and presentations. The HP+ ecosystem adds security features, enhanced cloud integration, and software updates, but it also ties some functionality to HP’s subscription model. Maintenance is straightforward, with accessible cartridges and a modern color touchscreen. For teams needing precise layouts and secure printing with mobile devices, the 8125e offers a compelling mix of performance and features, albeit with potential ongoing cost considerations tied to Instant Ink after the trial ends.
Pros
- Solid color and black print speeds for an inkjet
- Large 225-sheet input tray and auto duplex
- 2.7″ color touchscreen for easy navigation
- HP+ security and cloud-ready features
- AI-assisted print formatting to reduce waste
Cons
- Instant Ink trial may lead to ongoing costs post-trial
- Some features rely on HP+ account setup
- Color fidelity is strong but not studio-grade for photography
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: The ET-2800 is a cartridge-free suprertank model designed to minimize running costs by using refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. It includes a basic ADF and a flatbed scanner, with a focus on high page yields and low cost per page. It’s ideal for homes with heavy print demands and limited maintenance.
Performance-wise, the ET-2800 prints at up to 10 ppm color and 5 ppm black, with a strong emphasis on long-term cost savings thanks to its 4,500 black and 7,500 color page yields per replacement ink set. The EcoTank system reduces cartridge waste and typically lowers per-page costs, but the initial outlay is higher and color/speed performance isn’t blazing fast. The device supports mobile printing and scanning via its app, but the lack of duplex scanning on some EcoTank models can be a drawback for heavier scan workflows. For users who prioritize cost of ownership and frequent printing across multiple pages, the ET-2800 is compelling.
Pros
- Very low cost per page with refillable ink tanks
- High total page yields per ink bottle set
- Cartridge-free design reduces ongoing maintenance
- Compact footprint for a Supertank model
- Eco-conscious packaging and recycled plastics in some builds
Cons
- Slower color/black speeds compared to some inkjets
- Higher initial purchase price relative to entry-level inkjets
- Limited duplex scanning performance on some configurations
4. Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile
- Brand: Canon
- Manufacturer: Canon
Overview: The MG3620 is Canon’s budget-friendly all-in-one Wi-Fi printer with mobile and tablet printing capabilities. It features automatic duplex printing, a compact form factor, and a 100-sheet input capacity. Priced at $39.99, it appeals to strictly budget-conscious buyers who require basic functionality and compatibility with Alexa for ink reorder reminders.
In everyday usage, the MG3620 offers reasonable document printing quality for text and basic color tasks. The lack of a high-capacity tray and slower speeds (up to 5.7 ppm color and 9.9 ppm monochrome) place it in the value segment, where it excels in cost of ownership and simple operation. The device supports cloud printing and mobile app control, but it’s not the fastest option for busy households or small offices. If your needs are light-duty printing, basic scans, and occasional color documents, the MG3620 remains a solid starter device, especially given the extremely low price.
Pros
- Very affordable at $39.99
- Automatic duplex printing helps save paper
- Alexa integration for ink reordering and notifications
- Compact and space-saving design
- Supports mobile and tablet printing
Cons
- Slow print speeds, especially color
- Limited paper capacity (100 sheets)
- Older model with frequent updates required in some ecosystems
5. Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy
- Brand: Brother
- Manufacturer: Brother
Overview: The DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome laser multi-function printer designed for high-volume black-and-white printing in small offices or home offices. It offers automatic duplex, a 50-page auto document feeder, and a robust set of connectivity options (Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi) with support for mobile printing via Brother’s app. It ships with a Refresh Subscription Trial, which can help reduce running costs for toner.
Performance-wise, the DCP-L2640DW pushes up to 36 ppm black-and-white prints, with automatic duplex and a 250-sheet input tray. The combination of laser speed and toner efficiency makes it ideal for dense text documents, invoices, and spreadsheets. The device is well-suited for shared home office environments where reliability and low per-page costs matter, especially with a large ADF for scanning or copying multi-page documents. However, as a monochrome-only device, it won’t handle color tasks, photo prints, or color marketing materials, which may limit its applicability for some users.
Pros
- High-speed monochrome printing (up to 36 ppm)
- Large 250-sheet input tray and 50-page ADF
- Automatic duplex for cost and time savings
- Multiple connectivity options including Ethernet and Wi‑Fi
- Toner-based cost efficiency and Refresh program
Cons
- Monochrome only (no color printing)
- Higher initial footprint than some inkjets
- Single paper tray may limit overflow handling
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about printer fors to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Final thoughts here.