Finding one of the best printers is less about chasing a brand name and more about matching the machine to the pages you really print. A compact inkjet all-in-one makes sense for scanning forms and occasional color pages, while a monochrome laser printer is a stronger match for a steady stack of black-and-white documents.
For this guide, we reviewed the available specifications, stated functions, connectivity, paper handling, supplied-ink yield where listed, and buyer ratings for eight current models. I have not treated a manufacturer speed rating as a promise of real-world output, and I have not invented a cost-per-page figure where comparable supply data was not provided.
The short answer is that the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is the broadest fit if you print color regularly and want a refillable-tank design. The Brother MFC-J1360DW is the fuller home-office all-in-one because it adds a document feeder, while the Brother HL-L2460DW is my straightforward pick for fast black-and-white documents.
There is no single best home printer for every desk. I would choose the Canon SELPHY QX20 only for small, portable photos, the Brother HL-6210DW only for serious document volume, and the Brother HL-L3220CDW when professional color documents matter more than scanning or copying.
The top 3 printer picks answer the most common home and office needs 2026
The EcoTank is the leading all-rounder because its cartridge-free system comes with stated yields of up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages. That does not make it the quickest color machine here, but it gives regular home color printing a different supply model from small cartridge printers.
The MFC-J1360DW is the practical document choice among the color all-in-ones because the 20-sheet automatic document feeder can process a stack of originals. The TS4320 earns the budget label for its simple, compact print, copy, and scan set, although its 100-sheet tray and flatbed scanner suit lighter workloads.
The best printers in 2026 cover eight distinct jobs
| Product | Specs | Action |
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 Canon PIXMA TS6520 |
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 Brother HL-6210DW |
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 Canon SELPHY QX20 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-2980 |
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 Canon PIXMA TS4320 |
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 Brother HL-L3220CDW |
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 Brother HL-L2460DW |
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 Brother MFC-J1360DW |
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Think of the list as a set of lanes rather than a straight ranking. Two models are inkjets with basic flatbed scanning, one is a refillable supertank, three are document-led lasers, one is an all-in-one with an ADF, and one is a small dye-sublimation photo printer.
Print speed also needs context. The HL-6210DW lists 50 ppm and the HL-L2460DW lists 36 ppm, but both are monochrome machines; a family that needs artwork, school graphics, scans, and copies should instead start with an all-in-one color model.
1. Canon PIXMA TS6520 is the compact all-in-one for light home work
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer Duplex Printing, White – Home Printer with Copier/Scanner, 1.42” OLED Display, Intuitive Control Panel, Compact Design
Inkjet all-in-one
14 ppm black
Auto duplex
Pros
- Print scan and copy
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Compact body
- OLED display
Cons
- 9 ppm color speed
- 100-sheet single tray
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 puts the basics that many homes need into a 15.3-pound body: printing, copying, flatbed scanning, USB, and Wi-Fi. Its 1.42-inch OLED and control panel give it a more direct on-device status check than printers that depend entirely on an app.
I would put it on a shared family desk where the routine is forms, returns, homework, and the occasional color handout. The stated 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color speeds point to a light-duty all-in-one, not a machine for a long batch of color documents.
Canon lists a two-cartridge hybrid system using PG-295 black and CL-286 color cartridges. That is simple to understand, but it also means shoppers should check the availability and yield of those exact cartridges before committing if they expect frequent printing.
The 100-sheet tray is reasonable for intermittent use and the automatic duplex setting cuts paper handling for double-sided documents. Dual-band Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria, and the Canon PRINT app give phone, tablet, and computer users several stated routes to send a page.
This printer fits a small desk and occasional mixed tasks
The TS6520 is a sensible fit when space matters and a flatbed scanner is enough. Its 14.8-by-14-by-6.7-inch dimensions let it sit more comfortably on a shelf or side table than a large laser unit.
I would choose it for a household that wants color capability without a separate scanner or copier. Automatic two-sided printing is especially useful for school packets and basic records, even with the modest tray.
This printer needs a light-volume user who accepts cartridge upkeep
It is not the pick for repeatedly scanning multi-page documents because the listed scanner is flatbed-only. The Brother MFC-J1360DW is the better match in this group when a 20-sheet ADF will remove that manual page-by-page step.
Color output is listed at 9 ppm, so it will not replace a faster document printer for a busy office. Its two-cartridge system is familiar, but recurring ink needs deserve more attention than the printer’s compact footprint.
2. Brother HL-6210DW is the high-volume monochrome office printer
Brother Professional Laser Printer with High-Speed 50 ppm Output, Advanced Security Features, and Wireless Networking for Business, Monochrome Printing with Duplex Capability (HL-6210DW)
Monochrome laser
50 ppm
520-sheet tray
Pros
- Fast 50 ppm output
- Large expandable paper capacity
- Automatic duplex
- Wireless and Ethernet
- Triple Layer Security
Cons
- Black and white only
- Heavy body
- 680W consumption
The Brother HL-6210DW is built around document throughput. It lists a 50 ppm black print speed, a 520-sheet main tray, a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, and automatic duplex printing, which is a far different profile from the compact all-in-ones in this roundup.
I would reserve this model for a workgroup, a busy office, or a home business that prints many letters, invoices, labels, or forms in black and white. It does not scan, copy, or print color, so its strengths are deliberately narrow.
Its stated ultra high-yield toner capacity reaches up to 18,000 pages. That is the clearest supply-yield figure among the laser models here, though actual page coverage and the specific toner used still affect how long a cartridge lasts.
Connectivity is unusually complete: Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and dual-band wireless are all listed. Brother also specifies Triple Layer Security, a useful feature set to investigate for an office that connects a printer to a shared network.
This printer fits sustained black-and-white document output
The 520-sheet main tray reduces refill interruptions, and it can expand to 1,660 sheets with optional capacity. That is meaningful only if your workload actually reaches that level; otherwise, the larger machine will take more desk space than necessary.
I would favor the HL-6210DW when document speed and capacity beat convenience features. Its maximum media size is 8.5 by 14 inches, supporting legal-size documents as well as standard letter pages.
This printer needs a dedicated location and a color-free workload
At 29.8 pounds, this is not a printer I would plan to move around often. Its listed 680-watt power consumption also stands apart from the Epson ET-2980’s stated 13 watts, so the two fit very different usage patterns.
Anyone who needs a scanner, copier, photos, or color graphics should remove it from the shortlist immediately. A monochrome laser avoids inkjet printhead concerns, but it cannot fill every role in a mixed-media home office.
3. Canon SELPHY QX20 is the portable printer for small sticker photos
Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray
Portable dye-sub photo
Built-in battery
USB-C charging
Pros
- Very compact
- Built-in battery
- QR Wi-Fi setup
- Water-resistant output
- Instant dry photos
Cons
- Small formats only
- About 40 seconds per photo
- Paper sold separately
The Canon SELPHY QX20 is not a general home printer; it is a specialized portable dye-sublimation photo printer. It makes 2.1-by-3.4-inch card-size stickers or 2.7-by-2.7-inch square stickers, and its built-in battery lets it work away from a wall outlet.
I would choose it for a scrapbook table, a trip, a party, or a phone-photo project rather than documents. Canon states a print time of about 40 seconds per photo, so the appeal is portable finished prints, not high-volume speed.
Its output is stated to be water-resistant, instant dry, marker-ready, and rated to last up to 100 years. Those characteristics make more sense for keepsake photos than the plain-paper output of an office inkjet or laser model.
QR code Wi-Fi setup connects Android and iOS devices, while USB-C handles charging. The compact 5.7-by-4-by-1.3-inch body and 1.4-pound weight are the specifications that separate it from every desk printer here.
This printer fits mobile photos and creative physical keepsakes
The QX20 is a direct fit for someone who wants small prints from a phone without opening a laptop or stocking full-size paper. Its sticker-paper formats can suit journals, labels, and photo gifts as well as casual snapshots.
I like the fact that it has a stated battery and USB-C charging because portability is its core purpose. A compact photo printer is easier to bring to the event where the photos happen than a conventional all-in-one.
This printer needs buyers who do not need documents or large photos
The QX20 cannot print standard letter documents, scan, copy, or create large borderless images. Paper is also sold separately, so consumables are an unavoidable part of the plan before taking it on a trip.
At 300 dpi and about 40 seconds per print, it is not a substitute for an office printer or a larger photo-focused machine. Pick it for format and portability, not for the broad task list expected from the best printers for a home office.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is the refillable color all-in-one for frequent printing
Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless All-in-One Color Supertank Printer with Refillable Ink Tanks, 3 Years of Ink, Mobile Printing, 15 ISO PPM, Color Touchscreen, Auto 2-Sided, Black
Supertank all-in-one
15 ppm black
6,600-page black yield
Pros
- Refillable ink tanks
- Included ink yield stated
- Automatic duplex
- Mobile printing
- Low 13W consumption
Cons
- 8 ppm color speed
- 100-sheet single tray
- Genuine ink guidance
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is the most logical starting point for a household that prints enough color pages to care about a refillable ink-tank system. Epson states that included ink can print up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages, with enough ink for up to three years under its stated assumptions.
This is a true all-in-one with print, copy, and flatbed scanning, plus automatic two-sided printing. Its 4,800-by-1,200-dpi resolution is the highest listed resolution in this group, while the stated speeds are 15 ppm black and 8 ppm color.
I would favor the ET-2980 for a family with recurring school pages, household paperwork, and color materials. The long stated ink yield is useful context, but it is not a universal cost-per-page calculation because page coverage and refill-bottle choices were not supplied on a like-for-like basis for all eight products.
The EcoFit bottle system is designed for bottle refilling and Epson lists Wi-Fi, USB, and the Epson Smart Panel app for mobile tasks. Its stated 13-watt consumption is also much lower than the listed office laser figure, which may matter to a home user who prints in short bursts.
This printer fits regular color printing and supply-conscious households
A supertank printer is a cartridge-free inkjet with reservoirs that refill from bottles. I would choose this form factor when printing happens consistently enough that the included yield can be useful, rather than leaving an inkjet unused for extended stretches.
The automatic duplex feature and 100-sheet input tray fit normal home paperwork. It is also a compact 11.5-pound unit for an all-in-one, helping it suit a desk or cabinet instead of a dedicated office corner.
This printer needs patience with color speed and flatbed scanning
The 8 ppm stated color speed is slow beside the 19 ppm color output listed for the Brother HL-L3220CDW. That is not automatically a problem for home printing, but it matters for frequent full-color packets.
Like the Canon flatbed models, it does not list an automatic document feeder. Epson also recommends genuine ink only, so I would review supply preferences before buying rather than assume every third-party option will be suitable.
5. Canon PIXMA TS4320 is the simple compact printer for basic home tasks
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing, White – Home Printer with Copier/Scanner, Compact Design, Easy Setup, 1 Year Limited Warranty
Inkjet all-in-one
14 ppm black
Auto duplex
Pros
- Print scan and copy
- Automatic duplex
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Compact design
- Energy certifications
Cons
- 9 ppm color speed
- Flatbed scanning only
- Lower 4.1 rating
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a compact color inkjet all-in-one for people who want a familiar print, scan, and copy setup without a large machine. It lists the same 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color speeds, automatic duplex capability, 100-sheet tray, and PG-295/CL-286 cartridge family as the TS6520.
I would view this as a straightforward option for a student bedroom, a light-use household, or a hybrid worker who scans a few pages at a time. The stated dimensions are 14.8 by 14 by 6.7 inches and the weight is about 15.1 pounds, so it remains easy to place.
Dual-band Wi-Fi and USB offer two connection paths, and Canon states that smartphone and computer setup is easy. AirPrint and Mopria support are helpful where a household mixes Apple, Android, and conventional computers, though I always recommend confirming a device’s current operating-system support before purchase.
The TS4320 holds EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR certifications. Those listings are useful for an environmentally minded buyer, yet the recurring cartridge setup remains the larger long-term practical question for anyone printing heavily.
This printer fits simple home printing with basic scanning
The all-in-one functions make it more adaptable than a print-only laser when a signature page or school form needs a scan. Automatic duplex is a welcome feature at this level because it reduces manual flipping for double-sided documents.
I would choose it when compact size, wireless access, and routine color documents take priority over rapid throughput. A 100-sheet tray is enough for a small household but calls for refills sooner than the 150- and 250-sheet Brother models.
This printer needs users who watch rating patterns and cartridge needs
This model has a 4.1 rating from 1.7k+ reviews in the analyzed listing, lower than the 4.4 ratings attached to the TS6520 and HL-6210DW listings. The listing also shows a 14 percent share of one-star reviews, which is worth reading through for context before deciding.
There is no ADF, and 9 ppm color is best for occasional output. If your printer sits idle for long periods, remember the recurring forum concern that inkjet printheads can clog; a monochrome laser may be the calmer choice for black-only infrequent printing.
6. Brother HL-L3220CDW is the color laser for professional documents
Brother Color Laser Printer with Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM Output, Duplex Feature, Mobile Device Compatible, 250-Sheet Paper Tray for Professional Home Office Printing (HL-L3220CDW)
Color laser print-only
19 ppm color
250-sheet tray
Pros
- 19 ppm color and black
- Automatic duplex
- 250-sheet tray
- Wireless mobile printing
- 2400 by 600 dpi
Cons
- No scan or copy
- Heavy body
- No Ethernet
The Brother HL-L3220CDW is a print-only color laser with an emphasis on business-style documents. It lists 19 ppm for both color and black output, automatic duplex printing, a 250-sheet tray, a manual feed slot, and a 2,400-by-600-dpi maximum resolution.
I would pick this for a person who prints proposals, flyers, reports, or polished graphics but already has a separate scanner or rarely scans anything. A color laser separates color-document work from the inkjet choices, where speed can be lower and cartridges or bottles are the supply model.
The 250-sheet tray has more room than the 100-sheet Canon and Epson all-in-ones, which means fewer interruptions through a larger print run. The manual feed slot also gives envelopes and specialty media a stated route without emptying the main tray.
Wireless and USB are listed, together with mobile-device compatibility and an LCD. Ethernet is not listed, so a wired-network office should recognize that limitation before treating it as a shared departmental printer.
This printer fits color documents where scanning is already covered
The HL-L3220CDW is best understood as an output device rather than a multifunction center. Its equal 19 ppm listing for color and black pages is compelling for a home office that regularly sends client-facing color documents.
I would choose it for consistent letter-size paperwork and a larger paper tray, particularly when automatic double-sided printing is part of the daily routine. Its 24.7-pound weight suggests giving it a stable, permanent position.
This printer needs a separate plan for copies, scans, and wired networking
There is no scan or copy function, so it cannot replace an all-in-one for paperwork that begins on paper. The MFC-J1360DW is more versatile for a solo worker who scans multi-page originals, even though it has a smaller 150-sheet tray.
The absence of listed Ethernet limits the options for a wired connection. A Wi-Fi printer can be convenient, but forum discussions repeatedly flag wireless setup as a pain point, so a USB fallback may be valuable for a fixed desk.
7. Brother HL-L2460DW is the fast compact monochrome laser for home documents
Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
Monochrome laser
36 ppm
250-sheet tray
Pros
- Fast 36 ppm output
- Automatic duplex
- Wi-Fi Ethernet and USB
- 250-sheet tray
- Compact 15.6-pound body
Cons
- Black and white only
- No scan or copy
The Brother HL-L2460DW is the straightforward home document laser in this lineup. It prints in black and white only, lists speeds up to 36 ppm, supports automatic duplex, and adds Ethernet, USB, and dual-band Wi-Fi in a compact 15.6-pound unit.
I would pick it for forms, shipping labels, study notes, recipes, and text-heavy work where color and scanning are not necessary. Its 250-sheet capacity is generous relative to compact inkjets, and the stated 1,200-by-1,200-dpi resolution targets crisp document output.
The starting toner is listed at about 700 pages. Brother also lists its Mobile Connect app and a Refresh EZ Print Subscription option, but a subscription should remain optional: read the terms and decide whether automatic supply delivery fits your actual print frequency.
The listing’s dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB options are a practical advantage. I like a printer with more than one connection method because it gives a home office a simple fallback if a wireless router change creates trouble.
This printer fits text-heavy home offices and infrequent black-only printing
Laser printers use toner rather than liquid ink, so they are often the more comfortable choice for users concerned about an inkjet sitting unused. Community discussions frequently praise Brother document lasers for durability, but I would treat that as user sentiment rather than a guarantee for any one unit.
The HL-L2460DW pairs a 36 ppm stated speed with automatic two-sided printing and a 250-sheet tray. Those are the specifications to prioritize when printed text is a regular work tool rather than an occasional household task.
This printer needs users who do not require color or document capture
This is print-only hardware. It cannot handle color diagrams, photo projects, copies, or scans, so a household with broad school or creative needs may get more value from a color all-in-one.
The 4.0 rating from 2.5k+ reviews is a useful sample size, but ratings are not a replacement for checking current system compatibility. Mac and Chromebook shoppers should verify their particular device’s supported printing path before checkout.
8. Brother MFC-J1360DW is the home-office all-in-one with a document feeder
Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Automatic Duplex Printing and 1.8” Color Display | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1) (MFC-J1360DW) (Uses LC501 Series Inks)
Color all-in-one
20-sheet ADF
150-sheet tray
Pros
- Print copy and scan
- 20-sheet document feeder
- Automatic duplex
- Cloud app connections
- Color display
Cons
- 9 ppm color speed
- 150-sheet tray
- Inkjet supply needs
The Brother MFC-J1360DW earns its home-office position because its feature mix solves a common paperwork problem: scanning a small stack without placing each page on a flatbed. It has print, copy, and scan functions, a 20-sheet automatic document feeder, automatic duplex, and a 150-sheet input tray.
I would select it for a remote worker, a parent managing school paperwork, or a sole proprietor who scans signed forms and prints color documents. Its stated speeds reach 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color, positioning it as a flexible all-in-one rather than a high-speed production printer.
The model supports Wi-Fi and USB plus the Brother Mobile Connect app. It also lists cloud connections for Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive, which is useful if a scanned document should go straight to a shared folder instead of living on one computer.
A 1.8-inch color display provides basic local controls. The 1,200-by-6,000-dpi maximum resolution is a notable listed specification for an office-oriented inkjet, though output on specific paper and with specific content can differ.
This printer fits multi-page scanning and ordinary home-office documents
The 20-sheet ADF is the headline reason to buy this model over the Canon and Epson flatbed all-in-ones. It reduces the repetitive loading step for a short set of forms, while the flatbed remains available for single sheets or delicate originals.
I would also favor it when cloud storage is part of the normal routine. The 150-sheet tray sits between the small 100-sheet inkjets and the 250-sheet Brother lasers, a useful middle ground for a modest office load.
This printer needs realistic expectations about color speed and ink maintenance
At a stated 9 ppm color speed, this is not the choice for a heavy run of color brochures. The Brother HL-L3220CDW is the faster color-output option, though it trades away scanning and copying.
As with every inkjet, supplies and periods of inactivity need planning. The included Refresh subscription trial does not require a long-term commitment; I would compare its terms with normal cartridge replacement before joining any ink program.
The right buying guide starts with the pages you print most often
Choose a printer category before comparing individual models. The most useful question is not “Which brand is best?” but “What will I print, how often, and what paper tasks must happen on the same machine?”
Laser printers are better for fast, text-focused black-and-white output
A laser printer transfers toner powder to paper, while an inkjet sprays liquid ink through tiny nozzles. For text-heavy output, the Brother HL-L2460DW and HL-6210DW list 36 ppm and 50 ppm respectively, well ahead of the inkjets’ stated black speeds.
Laser models are also a sensible route for an infrequent user who prints black documents only, because liquid-ink printhead clogging is a recurring concern in user discussions. Their two main tradeoffs are limited color capability on monochrome models and a higher physical footprint or weight on some units.
Inkjet all-in-ones are better for scanning, copying, and mixed color work
An inkjet all-in-one is the better starting point when the printer must also scan or copy. The Canon TS6520, Canon TS4320, Epson ET-2980, and Brother MFC-J1360DW all offer those core functions, although only the Brother lists a 20-sheet ADF.
Inkjets also cover the range from small color handouts to higher-resolution home output. But an occasional user should print something periodically and keep an eye on cartridges or tank levels, rather than leave a liquid-ink device idle without a maintenance plan.
A refillable supertank is better when pages are frequent and color matters
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is a supertank printer: it uses refillable reservoirs instead of standard cartridges. Epson’s listed included yield of up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages makes it the clear candidate for a household that expects recurring color and black printing.
Do not turn a stated ink yield into a universal promise about running expenses. Page coverage, photo printing, cleaning cycles, and the supplies selected affect consumption, so it is more honest to compare the published yield with your own expected page mix.
Paper handling matters as much as print speed for a busy desk
Paper capacity tells you how often a printer needs attention. The compact inkjets and EcoTank list 100-sheet trays, the MFC-J1360DW lists 150 sheets, and the three Brother document lasers list 250, 520, and 250 sheets.
Automatic duplex is listed across every recommendation, which helps with two-sided documents. For scanning, the decisive number is the ADF capacity: the MFC-J1360DW’s 20-sheet feeder is the only listed automatic document feeder in this group.
Connectivity should include a fallback beyond Wi-Fi when possible
Most people want a wireless printer, but setup reliability can matter more than the phrase on the box. The HL-L2460DW offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, the HL-6210DW adds Gigabit Ethernet, while the color HL-L3220CDW lists Wi-Fi and USB but no Ethernet.
For phone printing, the Canon TS6520 lists Canon PRINT, AirPrint, and Mopria; the EcoTank lists Epson Smart Panel; and Brother lists Mobile Connect on its applicable models. Before buying, confirm support for your exact Mac, Chromebook, phone, router band, and work-network rules.
Subscription plans should be optional, not the reason to choose a printer
The HL-L2460DW lists a Refresh EZ Print Subscription option, and the MFC-J1360DW includes a Refresh subscription trial. A subscription may be convenient for predictable printing, but it is not a substitute for reading the rules around enrollment, eligible supplies, and cancellation.
Forum comments show that people are sensitive to firmware restrictions and supply programs. My advice is simple: select the hardware for its paper handling, functions, and output type first, then opt into a supply plan only if its terms fit the way you print.
Photo printing needs the correct format, not just a color printer
The Canon SELPHY QX20 is the only recommendation dedicated to portable photo output. Its small sticker formats, battery, and stated water-resistant, instant-dry results make it a creative companion rather than an office machine.
For ordinary color pages and occasional graphics, a color inkjet or color laser is more practical. For small physical keepsakes printed from a phone, the QX20’s specialized format is exactly the point.
The answers below settle the common printer questions
What is the best printer for home and office use?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is the broadest home-and-office choice here because it prints, copies, scans, connects by Wi-Fi or USB, prints automatically on both sides, and uses refillable tanks with stated included yields of up to 6,600 black and 5,500 color pages. Choose the Brother MFC-J1360DW instead when a 20-sheet automatic document feeder is more important.
Which printer should I buy for a home office?
Buy the Brother MFC-J1360DW for a home office that scans, copies, prints color, and handles small stacks of pages through its 20-sheet ADF. Buy the Brother HL-L2460DW if your work is mostly fast black-and-white documents and you do not need scanning or color.
Which printer is best for home purposes?
The best fit depends on the task. The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is a compact print-scan-copy option for light home use, the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 suits regular color printing, and the Brother HL-L2460DW suits text-heavy black-and-white pages. A portable-photo buyer should choose the Canon SELPHY QX20 instead.
Is it better to buy a laser or inkjet printer?
Choose a laser printer for fast text documents, larger paper trays, and black-and-white printing that may happen irregularly. Choose an inkjet for scanning, copying, mixed color pages, and home tasks. A refillable supertank inkjet is especially suitable when ongoing color and black printing are frequent enough to benefit from its stated ink yield.
What are two disadvantages of laser printers?
Two common disadvantages are that monochrome laser models cannot print color and many laser printers do not scan or copy. Some models are also heavier and take more desk space than a compact inkjet, so check the dimensions, weight, and exact functions before buying.
The best printer choice is the one that matches your actual pages
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 is my overall recommendation for a home that prints color regularly, thanks to refillable tanks, automatic duplex, and its stated included ink yield. The Brother MFC-J1360DW is the more complete home-office choice when you scan multi-page forms, while the Brother HL-L2460DW is the cleanest choice for fast black-and-white documents.
For a higher-volume monochrome office, look at the HL-6210DW; for color business documents, the HL-L3220CDW; and for small portable photos, the SELPHY QX20. The Canon TS6520 and TS4320 remain compact options for lighter print, copy, and scan needs.
Before choosing among the best printers in 2026, write down whether you need color, scanning, an ADF, a larger tray, or photo output. That small checklist will do more for a satisfying purchase than a broad “best overall” label.