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Printer Reviews

Updated: Nov 29, 2023 16:25
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#1
alaScore 100

Anycubic Kobra 2

Anycubic's Kobra 2 entry-level 3D printer isn't perfect, but its high speed and a budget-friendly...

3 expert reviews

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#2
alaScore 99

Fujifilm Instax Link Wide

The Instax Link Wide is easy-to-use and produces excellent photos. However, the app could do with...

3 expert reviews

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#3
alaScore 99

Canon Selphy CP1500

Canon's Selphy CP1500 cranks out quick, high-quality dye-sub snapshots, with operating costs low...

7 expert reviews

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#4
alaScore 98

Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro

You don't have to be a pro to appreciate the Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro, an easy-to-use 3D printer...

4 expert reviews

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#5
alaScore 98

Brother MFC-J6955DW

Brother’s big inkjet prints laser fast on A3 paper and it comes with every feature essential in a...

3 expert reviews

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#6
alaScore 98

Canon PIXMA G3270

The Canon Pixma G3270 AIO is a touch above entry-level for a tank-based printer, thanks to its...

2 expert reviews

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#7
alaScore 97

Canon Pixma Pro-200

The professional-grade Canon Pixma Pro-200 produces beautiful borderless photos and artwork on...

6 expert reviews

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#8
alaScore 97

AnkerMake M5

Anker's debut 3D printer, the speedy AnkerMake M5, produces very high-quality prints and can even...

4 expert reviews

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#9
alaScore 96

Epson EcoTank ET-1810

The Epson EcoTank ET-1810 is a single function printer that lacks the ability to copy, scan or...

5 expert reviews

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#10
alaScore 96

HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw

High-quality prints delivered quickly and it's extraordinarily simple to set up and use

5 expert reviews

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#11
alaScore 96

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428FDW

A true speed demon, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw is the only printer in our lineup to get a...

2 expert reviews

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#12
alaScore 96

Canon IVY 2 Mini

Canon's improved IVY 2 Mini prints good-looking photos and stickers at competitive running costs...

2 expert reviews

#13
alaScore 96

Canon Pixma G650

It’s expensive to buy and slow to use, but don’t let that put you off. The Canon PIXMA G650 costs...

5 expert reviews

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#14
alaScore 96

HP Sprocket Select

Bottom Line: HP's Sprocket Select, an ink-free pocket printer, produces appealing wallet-size...

9 expert reviews

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#15
alaScore 95

Canon Selphy Square QX10

Canon's Selphy Square QX10 is a portable, if not quite pocket-size, photo printer based on dye...

3 expert reviews | 8 user reviews

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#16
alaScore 95

Epson AcuLaser C3800 Series Printers

A practical and easily transportable scanner that is perfect for auditors and low-volume scanning...

2 expert reviews | 12 user reviews

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#17
alaScore 95

Polaroid Hi-Print

Polaroid's Hi-Print 2x3 Pocket Photo Printer churns out excellent-looking wallet-size photos. Opt...

4 expert reviews

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#18
alaScore 95

Epson EcoTank ET-4850

An MFP that almost perfectly balances performance, quality and running costs

2 expert reviews

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#19
alaScore 95

HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw

An entry-level to mid-volume color laser, HP's Color LaserJet Pro M454dw is well-suited for...

2 expert reviews

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#20
alaScore 95

Epson Ecotank Et-8550

The ET-8550 prints excellent photos and other high-definition images, from snapshot-size to...

5 expert reviews

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#21
alaScore 95

Canon Maxify GX5050

Canon's business-orientated ink tank printer cuts down on frills but delivers office basics with...

2 expert reviews

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#22
alaScore 95

Epson EcoTank ET-3850

There's a lot to like about the Epson EcoTank ET-3850: once you get past the high upfront cost...

4 expert reviews

#23
alaScore 95

Creality Sermoon V1 Pro

Plug and play 3D printer

4 expert reviews

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#24
alaScore 95

Brother MFC-J5340DW

The speedy, tabloid-size Brother MFC-J5340DW delivers good output quality, making it an option...

2 expert reviews

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#25
alaScore 95

Brother DCP-J1800DW

The Brother DCP-J1800DW is a decent all-round multifunction printer, suitable for a micro or home...

2 expert reviews

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    Buying Guide

    Buying Guide - Printers

    Printers are among the most popular of computer accessories, but many consumers are content to accept any printer that is packaged with their computer. It is important to note that different printer types offer very different results, and you may be better served making your own choice. When deciding what type of printer to purchase, you will first have to ask yourself the question, 'What type of printing will I be doing – mostly text, graphics, or photos?' With the answer to this question in hand, you will be ready to make a decision.



    Contents

    Types of Printers

    InkJet: InkJet Printers utilize ink cartridges for printing, usually a single black cartridge and a combination cyan/magenta/yellow cartridge for colors. The emphasis is on picture quality, and InkJet Printers are generally relatively slow (15-25 pages per minute). InkJet Printers are the preferred choice for printing photos, and better models can achieve almost true photographic quality.

    Laser: Laser Printers offer one clear advantage over InkJet Printers: speed. Print speeds of 30+ pages per minute are standard, and the fastest models may exceed 50 pages per minute. The vast majority of laser printers are monochrome (black and white), they generally offer improved clarity and crisper edges when printing text and simple graphics, and a relatively low cost per page. Until recently color laser printers were too expensive for individuals or small businesses, but there are now several models for less than $500.

    Multifunction Printers: Both InkJet and Laser Printers offer a number of models that are true 'Multifunction Printers' and can operate as a printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine. Multifunction printers are available with either laser printers for speedy text and occasional graphics, or inkjet printers for vibrant photos. The only disadvantage to these printers is that they are larger than standalone printers, and require additional desk space. Prices for Multifunction Printers have come down to such an extent that there is really no other reason anymore to choose a standalone printer – you're almost always better off going with the versatility of a multifunction model.

    What to Look for in a Printer

    Resolution: Measured in dots per inch, resolution is usually the most important factor for consumers. 600dpi is the low end of the scale, 1200dpi has become the standard, and pricier models feature 2400dpi. Advanced models may offer 'edge enhancement', a feature that improves resolution by filling in the gaps between dots on the edges of text and graphics. Regardless of dpi count, InkJets remain better at printing photos, and Lasers are superior for text and graphics.

    Speed: As noted above, Laser Printers offer a clear advantage in speed, but there are notable differences within the types. High volume printing, especially in a professional or office setting, demands a faster printer. The high end for speed is measured for black & white printing – color printing is slower no matter what the model.

    Connectivity: Wireless connectivity (Ethernet, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) is the preferred choice for most users, due to the popularity of laptop computers. A USB connection has become the secondary standard, and many new printers do not offer the old-style parallel connection. If you have an older computer, make sure you can connect to any printer you are looking to buy.

    Popular Printer Brands

    HP still dominates the market for printers, and they offer a wide selection of all types. Canon has concentrated its offerings at either end of the market – pricy models for high-end users, as well as bargain models. Lexmark and Brother are known for their bargain models, but have also introduced some upscale platforms recently.

    Popular Printer products

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    Printers on alaTest

    alaTest.com has collected and analyzed millions of reviews from 2687 sources to help you choose the best Printer from top brands like Hp, Canon, Epson, To Be Defined, Creality and more.

    Buying Tips Read our Buying Guide
    before you make your purchase