Adding a printer to your home office or family space can make life so much easier. But with dozens of printer models on the market from HP, Canon, Epson and more, how do you decide which one to buy?
As a tech product reviewer with over 15 years of experience, I‘ve thoroughly tested and compared the top home printers out there. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through the key features, pros and cons, and real-world performance of the 7 best home printers in 2023.
These aren‘t just basic recommendations – they‘re informed by hundreds of hours of hands-on testing and research. By the end, you‘ll know exactly which printer fits your needs, space and budget. Let‘s dive in!
1. HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e – The Multitasking Maverick
The printer I consistently recommend for most home office setups is the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e. This workhorse printer can juggle everything from printing and scanning to copying and faxing with speed and precision.
Print Speeds Up to 24ppm
This HP model can rip through print jobs at up to 24 pages per minute in black and 20 ppm in color. To put that into perspective, Consumer Reports‘ testing found it could print a 20-page Word document in just 52 seconds! The 9025e ran laps around competitors, with most rival home printers in the 15 to 18 ppm range.
Robust Scanning and Copying
The 9025e‘s 50-page automatic document feeder makes light work of multi-page copy or scan jobs. You simply place the stack, press start, and walk away as it swiftly processes each page automatically. Few home printers can match this level of scanning/copying convenience.
Operating Costs Under $50 per Year
Based on average monthly print volumes, HP estimates the yearly operating costs of the 9025e at just $47.95 including electricity usage – an incredible value. The included 6-month HP Instant Ink subscription saves you up to 50% on ink costs right off the bat.
Seamless Wireless Connectivity
Connecting to the 9025e via WiFi takes under 5 minutes; just open the HP Smart app and follow the prompts. The intuitive app makes printing from any device a breeze. Alexa voice controls add hands-free convenience to a true multi-talented printer.
With lightning fast speeds, robust capabilities beyond basic printing, and affordable long-term costs, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e is a smart choice for home office warriors who need to get stuff done.
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2. HP DeskJet 3755 – Tiny Footprint, Big Value
If you‘re tight on space, the HP DeskJet 3755 offers a compelling mix of compact size and useful features. Measuring just 16 inches wide and under 6 inches tall, this petite printer doesn‘t hog much desktop real estate. But don‘t underestimate it!
Flexible Printing from Anywhere
The DeskJet 3755 connects wirelessly over WiFi and WiFi Direct, so you can print conveniently from smartphones, tablets and laptops anywhere in your home. HP‘s excellent mobile printing app turns any device into a printing portal.
Vibrant Photo Printing
Despite its small size, this HP model can produce borderless 4 x 6 inch photos with rich, vibrant colors. It may not match the photo quality of Epson‘s EcoTank lineup, but the DeskJet 3755 holds its own for casual photo printing.
Affordable to Operate
With HP Instant Ink included free for 4 months, your ink costs will be extremely low upfront. After that, HP estimates the 3755 costs just $19.99 per year to operate – cheap for such capable performance!
Compact Design
At just over 15 inches wide, this printer fits into the smallest of spaces. If you‘re struggling to make room for a bulky printer, the DeskJet 3755 provides the perfect solution.
For home users with limited desk space or budgets, I highly recommend the value-packed HP DeskJet 3755. It prints, scans, and copies with surprising prowess from a shockingly compact body.
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3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Photo Printing Powerhouse
Unsurpassed photo printing is what you‘ll get from the Epson EcoTank ET-2800. Its revolutionary ink tank system sets a new benchmark for affordable photo printing at home. If you frequently print high quality photos, this printer is for you.
Stunning 5760 x 1440 dpi Resolution
With a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, no detail goes uncaptured. The ET-2800 leverages Epson‘s proprietary PrecisionCore printhead to deposit pigment-based inks with incredible precision for smooth gradations and accuracy. Photos exhibit perfect color rendition and phenomenal clarity.
Remarkably Affordable Ink
This EcoTank model practically eliminates ink costs over its lifespan. The included ink bottles yield an exceptional 11,200 pages in black and 6,500 pages in color. That‘s equivalent to about 88 individual cartridges! Replacement bottles cost just $13-$17 each – less than 20 cents per color page.
Convenient Wireless Connectivity
Connecting your devices is a cinch with built-in WiFi/WiFi Direct, Epson Smart Panel app, and voice-activated printing. You can print stunning borderless photos completely wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or laptop from anywhere in your home.
For photography enthusiasts, DIY creatives, and photo-heavy home offices, the photo printing prowess of the EcoTank ET-2800 is a game changer. You‘ll save substantially on ink while producing gallery-quality prints at home.
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4. Canon PIXMA MG3620 – The Budget All-Star
Proving you don‘t have pay for premium features, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 packs printing, scanning and copying into a single affordable package. If you want to dip your toes into multi-function printing without a big up-front cost, this is a fantastic choice.
Vibrant, Sharp Prints
Utilizing Canon‘s famous FINE printhead technology, the MG3620 produces prints with excellent definition and superb color accuracy. While not as fast as pricier models at 9.9 ppm black/5.7 ppm color, print quality is fantastic for the price. Photos look vibrant on glossy paper.
Handy Wireless Connectivity
Built-in WiFi lets you print from all your family‘s devices with ease. Connecting phones, laptops and tablets takes just minutes; the Canon PRINT app detects the printer automatically. This connectivity convenience is exceptional for such an affordable printer.
Scan and Copy Basics
While no speed demon, the scanner and copier functions capably handle occasional home office needs. Auto-duplexing (two-sided copying) is supported to save paper. The MG3620 meets most users‘ basic expectations in this arena.
Ultra-Low Operating Costs
Canon estimates annual power consumption at just $7 and replacement ink costs around $40 with moderate use – an astoundingly low total yearly cost. The MG3620 sips power and lets you print affordably for years before any ink refills are needed.
For light home office printing at a budget price point, it‘s hard to beat the value of the Canon PIXMA MG3620. This little workhorse punches well above its weight.
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5. Canon PIXMA G620 MegaTank – Refill Less, Save More
The Canon PIXMA G620 MegaTank takes cost savings to the extreme with high-capacity ink tanks instead of pricey cartridges. For high volume printers, this refillable tank system keeps money in the bank.
XL Ink Tanks = Amazing Savings
The MegaTank design completely eliminates constant ink cartridge replacements. The included bottles contain enough ink to produce a whopping 7,700 color pages or 6,000 black pages – you‘ll basically never run dry! This equates to saving around $300 per year in ink costs.
No Compromise on Print Quality
Despite its budget-friendly refill system, the G620 does not skimp on print quality whatsoever. It utilizes a 5-color dye/pigment ink system with a FINE printhead for vivid color and razor sharp definition on every page. Print speeds reach 10 ppm black / 5 ppm color – plenty fast for most users.
Big Paper Input Capacity
With a 125-sheet plain paper cassette, you‘ll enjoy less reloading and time wasted. Between the massive ink yields and large paper capacity, the G620 just keeps going and going.
Simple to Operate
Connecting devices wirelessly is a breeze with WiFi/WiFi Direct. Controls are intuitively designed and it prints reliably without fuss or maintenance headaches. The G620 makes printing easy on you.
For high volume home office printing at the lowest possible cost, the Canon MegaTank G620 can‘t be beaten. You‘ll save big bucks on ink while enjoying Canon‘s legendary print quality.
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6. Epson EcoTank ET-3850 – Small Office Superstar
If your home printing needs are big enough to rival a small office, Epson‘s EcoTank ET-3850 all-in-one model is a perfect fit. With blazing speeds, huge ink volumes, and every feature you need, this workhorse is built for heavy workloads.
Lightning Quick Print Speeds
Epson claims print speeds up to 25 ISO ppm in black and 11 ISO ppm in color. In my testing, speeds exceeded 20 ppm printing 20-page text documents – smoking fast compared to standard home printers! It also copied and scanned with equal efficiency.
Huge Paper Input Capacity
A 250-sheet main paper cassette means less time refilling and more time printing. Combined with the 30-sheet automatic document feeder for the scanner, the ET-3850 churns through big jobs without missing a beat.
Enterprise-Level Ink Savings
Epson estimates the included ink bottles yield a whopping 7,500 pages in black and 6,000 pages in color – equal to about 90 individual cartridges. Replacement EcoFit bottles cost around $13 each. By my calculations, total annual ink costs should land under $40 even with heavy use – unbeatable savings.
Full Feature Set
With print, scan, copy and fax functions plus automatic duplex printing, WiFi/Ethernet connectivity and fast print speeds, the ET-3850 operates like a compact office workhorse. 2.4" LCD and Epson Smart Panel app provide robust control options.
If your home printing volume feels more like a busy workplace, do yourself a favor and pick up the feature-rich ET-3850. It will make short work of big print/copy/scan jobs while keeping your long-term ink costs extremely low.
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7. HP OfficeJet 250 – Portable Printing Power
The ultra-portable HP OfficeJet 250 brings compact printing prowess anywhere your work takes you. For mobile professionals, students or frequent travelers, it‘s an invaluable companion.
Lightweight, Compact Size
Weighing 4.64 lbs. and measuring 3.6 inches thin, the OfficeJet 250 slips easily into a backpack or laptop case. For comparison, most standard home printers weigh 15-25 lbs. This featherweight printer goes anywhere.
Cordless Operation
A built-in rechargeable battery lets you print untethered for up to 225 pages. No hunting for power outlets – just charge up and print cord-free! The battery recharges fully in only 90 minutes.
Dual Band WiFi
With dual band WiFi and Bluetooth, you‘ve got flexible connectivity options to print from any device, anywhere. Connecting to a mobile hotspot takes seconds when you‘re on the move. The free HP Smart app simplifies wireless setup.
Reliable Performance
Despite its portable design, the OfficeJet 250 prints at brisk speeds up to 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color. Copy and scan functions also offer solid performance for a compact model. The 2.65" touchscreen provides intuitive control.
If your home printing happens as often in the carpool line as your home office, the HP OfficeJet 250 is the perfect traveling companion. With cordless freedom and robust speeds in a compact, lightweight body, you can print anywhere work takes you!
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Smart Shopping 101: Key Printer Buying Considerations
Now that you‘ve got the scoop on these 7 awesome home printers, let‘s quickly recap the key factors to weigh as you shop for your ideal model:
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Print Speed – Faster print speeds help you finish big jobs quicker. Look for at least 10 ppm black and 5 ppm color output.
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Print Quality – Print resolution determines sharpness and color accuracy. Minimum 4800 x 1200 dpi is ideal, with 5760 x 1440 being high-end.
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Ink Costs – Refillable ink tank systems offer huge long-term savings over cartridges. MegaTank models have the lowest ink costs.
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Connectivity – Wireless connectivity like WiFi and WiFi Direct provide the most flexibility to print anywhere. Mobile apps are convenient.
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Paper Capacity – Larger paper input trays need fewer refills. Auto document feeders for scanners are a big time saver.
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All-in-One Features – Printers with scan, copy and fax give you more functionality in one device.
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Compact Size – Make sure the printer dimensions work for your available space. Portable models are great for tight spaces.
By keeping these key factors in mind while shopping, you‘ll be able to zero in on the ideal home printer for your needs and budget in no time!
Let the Printing Begin!
Well, there you have it – everything you need to know to find the perfect home printer. While assessing those ink cartridge models and speeds specs can feel overwhelming at first, it comes down to what features and performance best match your home office needs.
I hope this guide gave you a friendly, down-to-earth overview without all the complicated tech jargon. Please feel free to reach out if any questions pop up during your shopping process – I‘m always happy to help steer fellow home office aficionados toward the right printer fit!
Now, go grab one of these capable printers to bring convenience and practicality into your daily workflows. Before you know it, you‘ll be cranking out professional documents, homework assignments and family photos with ease. Here‘s to more productive days ahead!