Top Home Printers (2025)

Here are the top 5 home printers for 2024. These printers are popular for their reliability, cost-efficiency, and quality.:

1. Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW – Known for its low ink costs and solid performance, making it a great all-in-one option for home use.
2. Canon Pixma TR8620 – Excellent for photo printing with high-quality image output and fast printing speeds.
3. HP Smart Tank 7602 – Offers very low ink costs and is ideal for students or home offices.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-3850 – Perfect for home use with its refillable ink tanks and versatile features.
5. Brother HL-L2390DW – A budget-friendly monochrome laser printer with fast printing and scanning capabilities.

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The Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW is highly praised for its cost-efficiency and performance. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices via Brother’s iPrint&Scan app.

Network connections include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, with NFC (Near Field Communication) for mobile printing.

The approximate cost is around $199.99.

Reasons to Buy:

1. Low Ink Costs: INKvestment technology offers significant savings.
2. High Yield Cartridges: Cartridges last up to a year.
3. Versatile Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and NFC.
4. Compact Design: Fits easily in home offices.
5. Good Print Quality: Sharp text and vibrant graphics.
6. Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing.
7. Mobile Printing: Easy printing from smartphones and tablets.
8. User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive touchscreen.
9. Reliable Performance: Consistent output quality.
10. Quiet Operation: Minimal noise during printing.

Reasons to Avoid:

1. Slow Printing Speed: Not the fastest in its class.
2. Limited Paper Capacity: Only 150 sheets.
3. No Auto-Duplex ADF: Manual intervention needed for double-sided scanning.
4. Basic Photo Quality: Not ideal for professional photo printing.
5. Bulky Design: Larger footprint compared to some competitors.

Review:

The Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW is a versatile all-in-one printer designed for home and small office use. It excels in cost-efficiency, thanks to its INKvestment Tank system, which significantly reduces ink costs. The printer offers a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and NFC, making it easy to print from multiple devices. Its print quality is commendable, with sharp text and vibrant graphics suitable for most home and office needs. However, it falls short in speed, making it less ideal for high-volume printing tasks. The paper capacity is also limited, which might require frequent refills for heavy users. Despite these drawbacks, its low operating costs and reliable performance make it a strong contender in the home printer market.

Competitor Comparisons vs. Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW:

1. Canon Pixma TR8620:
   • Pixma Pros: Superior photo printing quality, compact design, and versatile functionality.
   • Pixma Cons: Higher ink costs and slower printing speeds.
   • Comparison: The TR8620 excels in photo quality but falls short in cost-efficiency compared to the MFC-J995DW.
2. HP Smart Tank 7602:
   • HP Pros: Extremely low ink costs, high page yield, and robust build quality.
   • HP Cons: Larger footprint and slower print speeds.
   • Comparison: The Smart Tank 7602 offers better cost savings but is bulkier and slower than the MFC-J995DW.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-3850:
   • Epson Pros: High-capacity ink tanks, excellent print quality, and fast printing speeds.
   • Epson Cons: Higher upfront cost and larger size.
   • Comparison: The ET-3850 provides superior print quality and speed but at a higher initial investment and larger size.

Unknown Unique Features:

• • INKvestment Tank System: Combines cartridge and tank systems for extended ink life.
  • Page Gauge: Tracks ink usage and estimates remaining pages.
  • NFC Touch-to-Print: Simplifies mobile printing with a single touch.
  • Cloud Connectivity: Direct printing from and scanning to cloud services.
  • Quiet Mode: Reduces noise for a quieter printing experience.

Bottom Line:

The Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW stands out for its low operating costs and reliable performance. Features like duplex printing, versatile connectivity, and a user-friendly interface make it a great choice for home offices. However, its slower print speeds and limited paper capacity might be a drawback for some users.

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The Canon Pixma TR8620 is highly regarded for its excellent photo printing quality and versatile features. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices via Canon’s PRINT app.

Network connections include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Bluetooth.

The approximate cost is around $179.99.

Reasons to Buy:

1. High Image Quality: Produces professional-looking photos with accurate colors and sharp details.
2. Versatile Connectivity: Multiple options including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Bluetooth.
3. Compact Design: Fits easily into home office spaces.
4. Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing saves paper.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive 4.3-inch color touchscreen.
6. Smart Home Integration: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
7. Dual Paper Trays: Holds up to 200 sheets, reducing the need for frequent refills.
8. Fast Photo Printing: Prints 4×6 photos in just over a minute.
9. SD Card Slot: Allows direct printing from camera memory cards.
10. Quiet Operation: Minimal noise during printing.

Reasons to Avoid:

1. High Ink Costs: Running costs are above average, especially for color prints.
2. Sluggish Print Speeds: Slower than some competitors, particularly for text documents.
3. Manual Duplex Scanning: Requires manual intervention for two-sided scanning.
4. Limited ADF Capacity: 20-sheet ADF is smaller compared to some rivals.
5. Flimsy Build: Some parts, like the output tray and scanner lid, feel less sturdy.

Review:

The Canon Pixma TR8620 is a solid choice for those who need a reliable printer for both documents and photos. Its print quality is impressive, especially for photos, thanks to its five-ink system that includes a pigment black for documents and a dye black for photos. The printer is equipped with a variety of connectivity options, making it easy to print from different devices. However, its high ink costs and slower print speeds might be a drawback for some users. Despite these issues, the TR8620’s compact design, user-friendly interface, and excellent photo quality make it a strong contender in the home printer market.

Competitor Comparisons vs. Canon Pixma TR8620:

1. Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW:
   • Brother Pros: Lower ink costs, faster print speeds, and higher paper capacity.
   • Brother Cons: Larger footprint and less impressive photo quality.
   • Comparison: The MFC-J995DW is more cost-efficient and faster, but the TR8620 excels in photo quality and compactness.
2. HP Smart Tank 7602:
   • HP Pros: Extremely low ink costs, high page yield, and robust build quality.
   • HP Cons: Larger size and slower print speeds.
   • Comparison: The Smart Tank 7602 offers better cost savings but is bulkier and slower than the TR8620.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-3850:
   • Epson Pros: High-capacity ink tanks, excellent print quality, and fast printing speeds.
   • Epson Cons: Higher upfront cost and larger size.
   • Comparison: The ET-3850 provides superior print quality and speed but at a higher initial investment and larger size.

Unknown Unique Features:

1. Pigment and Dye Black Inks: Uses two types of black ink for better text and photo quality.
2. Voice-Activated Printing: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
3. SD Card Slot: Allows direct printing from camera memory cards.
4. Compact Design: Fits easily into smaller spaces.
5. Easy-PhotoPrint Editor: Simple app for photo enhancement and special effects.

Bottom Line:

The Canon Pixma TR8620 stands out for its high-quality photo printing and versatile connectivity options. Features like the dual paper trays, smart home integration, and user-friendly touchscreen enhance its usability. However, its higher ink costs and slower print speeds might be a consideration for some users.

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The HP Smart Tank 7602 is praised for its low ink costs and high page yield, making it an economical choice for frequent printing. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices via the HP Smart app.

Network connections include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Bluetooth.

The approximate cost is around $349.99.

Reasons to Buy:

1. Low Ink Costs: Extremely economical with ink costs significantly lower than cartridge-based printers.
2. High Page Yield: Ink bottles last up to 8,000 pages for black and 6,000 pages for color.
3. Fast Printing: Prints at 15 ppm for black and 9 ppm for color documents.
4. Versatile Connectivity: Multiple options including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Bluetooth.
5. Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves paper with two-sided printing.
6. User-Friendly Interface: Features a 3-inch touchscreen for easy navigation.
7. Smart Features: Compatible with HP Smart app for mobile printing and scanning.
8. High-Resolution Scanning: Scans at 1200×1200 dpi for detailed images.
9. Quiet Operation: Minimal noise during printing.
10. Robust Build Quality: Durable and well-built for long-term use.

Reasons to Avoid:

1. Basic Software: Included software is less comprehensive compared to competitors.
2. Small Touchscreen: The 3-inch screen can be difficult to navigate.
3. Average Text Printing Speed: Slower than some competitors for text documents.
4. Oversaturated Photos: Color prints can appear unnaturally warm.
5. Limited Paper Trays: Only one paper tray, which might be inconvenient for those who frequently switch paper types.

Review:

The HP Smart Tank 7602 is a solid choice for those who need a reliable and economical printer for both documents and occasional photos. Its standout feature is the low cost per page, thanks to the high-capacity ink tanks that significantly reduce running costs. The printer offers a variety of connectivity options, making it easy to print from different devices. However, the software can be frustrating to use, and the small touchscreen might be a drawback for some users. Despite these issues, the Smart Tank 7602’s fast printing, versatile connectivity, and low ink costs make it a strong contender in the home and small office printer market.

Competitor Comparisons vs. HP Smart Tank 7602:

1. Canon Pixma TR8620:
   • Canon Pros: Superior photo printing quality, compact design, and versatile functionality.
   • Canon Cons: Higher ink costs and slower printing speeds.
   • Comparison: The TR8620 excels in photo quality but falls short in cost-efficiency compared to the Smart Tank 7602.
2. Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW:
   • Brother Pros: Lower ink costs, faster print speeds, and higher paper capacity.
   • Brother Cons: Larger footprint and less impressive photo quality.
   • Comparison: The MFC-J995DW is more cost-efficient and faster, but the Smart Tank 7602 offers better photo quality and a more compact design.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-3850:
   • Epson Pros: High-capacity ink tanks, excellent print quality, and fast printing speeds.
   • Epson Cons: Higher upfront cost and larger size.
   • Comparison: The ET-3850 provides superior print quality and speed but at a higher initial investment and larger size.

Unknown Unique Features:

1. Internet Faxing: Offers faxing via the internet, in addition to traditional phone lines.
2. HP Smart App: Allows for mobile printing and scanning, even when the printer is not on.
3. Visible Ink Tanks: Easy to monitor ink levels from the front panel.
4. Quiet Mode: Reduces noise for a quieter printing experience.
5. High-Resolution Scanning: Scans at 1200×1200 dpi for detailed images.

Bottom Line:

The HP Smart Tank 7602 stands out for its low operating costs and high page yield, making it an excellent choice for those who print frequently. Features like automatic duplex printing, versatile connectivity, and fast printing enhance its usability. However, its basic software and small touchscreen might be a consideration for some users.

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The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is celebrated for its economical ink usage and high page yield, making it a top choice for frequent printing. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices via the Epson Smart Panel app.

Network connections include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi Direct.

The approximate cost is around $399.99.

Reasons to Buy:

1. Low Ink Costs: Significantly reduces printing expenses.
2. High Page Yield: Ink bottles last up to 7,500 pages for black and 6,000 pages for color.
3. Fast Printing: Prints at 15 ppm for black and 8 ppm for color documents.
4. Versatile Connectivity: Multiple options including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi Direct.
5. Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves paper with two-sided printing.
6. User-Friendly Interface: Features a 2.4-inch color display.
7. Smart Features: Compatible with Epson Smart Panel app for mobile printing and scanning.
8. High-Resolution Scanning: Scans at 1200×2400 dpi for detailed images.
9. Quiet Operation: Minimal noise during printing.
10. Compact Design: Fits easily into home office spaces.

Reasons to Avoid:

1. No Touchscreen: The small 2.4-inch display is not touch-sensitive.
2. No Duplex Scanning: Requires manual intervention for two-sided scanning.
3. Basic Build Quality: Some parts feel less sturdy.
4. Slow Color Printing: Slower than some competitors for color documents.
5. Limited Paper Trays: Only one paper tray, which might be inconvenient for those who frequently switch paper types.

Review:

The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is a solid choice for those who need a reliable and economical printer for both documents and occasional photos. Its standout feature is the low cost per page, thanks to the high-capacity ink tanks that significantly reduce running costs. The printer offers a variety of connectivity options, making it easy to print from different devices. However, the lack of a touchscreen and duplex scanning might be a drawback for some users. Despite these issues, the EcoTank ET-3850’s fast printing, versatile connectivity, and low ink costs make it a strong contender in the home and small office printer market.

Competitor Comparisons vs. Epson EcoTank ET-3850:

1. Canon Pixma TR8620:
   • Canon Pros: Superior photo printing quality, compact design, and versatile functionality.
   • Canon Cons: Higher ink costs and slower printing speeds.
   • Comparison: The TR8620 excels in photo quality but falls short in cost-efficiency compared to the EcoTank ET-3850.
2. HP Smart Tank 7602:
   • HP Pros: Extremely low ink costs, high page yield, and robust build quality.
   • HP Cons: Larger size and slower print speeds.
   • Comparison: The Smart Tank 7602 offers better cost savings but is bulkier and slower than the EcoTank ET-3850.
3. Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW:
   • Brother Pros: Lower ink costs, faster print speeds, and higher paper capacity.
   • Brother Cons: Larger footprint and less impressive photo quality.
   • Comparison: The MFC-J995DW is more cost-efficient and faster, but the EcoTank ET-3850 offers better photo quality and a more compact design.

Unknown Unique Features:

1. Visible Ink Tanks: Easy to monitor ink levels from the front panel.
2. Epson Smart Panel App: Allows for mobile printing and scanning, even when the printer is not on.
3. Quiet Mode: Reduces noise for a quieter printing experience.
4. High-Resolution Scanning: Scans at 1200×2400 dpi for detailed images.
5. Borderless Printing: Capable of printing edge-to-edge on photo paper.

Bottom Line:

The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 stands out for its low operating costs and high page yield, making it an excellent choice for those who print frequently. Features like automatic duplex printing, versatile connectivity, and fast printing enhance its usability. However, its basic build quality and lack of a touchscreen might be a consideration for some users.

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The Brother HL-L2390DW is celebrated for its affordability and efficiency. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices via Brother’s iPrint&Scan app.

Network connections include Wi-Fi, USB, and Wi-Fi Direct.

The approximate cost is around $149.99.

Reasons to Buy:

1. Low Cost: Affordable initial price and low running costs.
2. Fast Printing: Prints up to 32 pages per minute.
3. High Print Quality: Excellent text and decent graphics.
4. Compact Design: Small footprint fits easily in home offices.
5. Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves paper with two-sided printing.
6. Quiet Operation: Minimal noise during printing.
7. User-Friendly: Simple setup and easy-to-use interface.
8. Reliable Performance: Consistent output quality.
9. Mobile Printing: Supports printing from smartphones and tablets.
10. High Page Yield: Toner cartridges last longer.

Reasons to Avoid:

1. No Ethernet Port: Lacks wired network connectivity.
2. No Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): Manual scanning for multi-page documents.
3. Basic Display: Two-line monochrome LCD, not a touchscreen.
4. Limited Paper Capacity: 250-sheet input tray.
5. No Color Printing: Monochrome only, not suitable for color documents.

Review:

The Brother HL-L2390DW is a reliable monochrome laser printer ideal for small offices and home use. It offers fast printing speeds of up to 32 pages per minute and high-quality text output. The printer is compact and fits easily into small spaces. It supports automatic duplex printing, which helps save paper. The setup is straightforward, and the printer is easy to use with its simple interface. However, it lacks an Ethernet port and an automatic document feeder, which might be a drawback for some users. The two-line monochrome LCD is basic but functional. Despite these limitations, the HL-L2390DW’s low cost, high page yield, and reliable performance make it a great choice for those needing a dependable monochrome printer.

Competitor Comparisons vs. Brother HL-L2390DW:

1. Canon ImageClass MF249dw:
   • Canon Pros: Includes an automatic document feeder and Ethernet connectivity.
   • Canon Cons: Higher initial cost and larger footprint.
   • Comparison: The MF249dw offers more features but at a higher price and larger size compared to the HL-L2390DW.
2. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M130fw:
   • HP Pros: Compact design, color touchscreen, and fax capability.
   • HP Cons: Slower print speeds and higher running costs.
   • Comparison: The M130fw is more feature-rich but slower and more expensive to operate than the HL-L2390DW.
3. Brother MFC-L2750DW:
   • Brother Pros: Faster print speeds, automatic document feeder, and Ethernet connectivity.
   • Brother Cons: Higher cost and larger size.
   • Comparison: The MFC-L2750DW offers more advanced features but at a higher price and larger footprint compared to the HL-L2390DW.

Unknown Unique Features:

1. Wi-Fi Direct: Allows direct printing from mobile devices without a router.
2. Quiet Mode: Reduces noise for a quieter printing experience.
3. High-Resolution Scanning: Scans at 1200×1200 dpi for detailed images.
4. Toner Save Mode: Reduces toner usage for less critical documents.
5. Eco Mode: Optimizes settings to save energy and reduce environmental impact.

Bottom Line:

The Brother HL-L2390DW stands out for its affordability, fast printing, and reliable performance. Features like automatic duplex printing and mobile printing support enhance its usability. However, its lack of an Ethernet port and automatic document feeder might be a consideration for some users.