15 Best Printers for 2022 to Fit Different Budgets & Requirements

With more and more workplaces operating remotely, and self-employed professionals charting their own paths, the demand for printers has gone up. If you work from a home office, you will benefit from a multi-function printer covering copying, faxing, and scanning. Some businesses need a lot of printing done regularly, such as retail houses, finance firms, engineering and architecture services. A reliable printer streamlines things and improves both costs and productivity. Fortunately, modern printers have adopted a contemporary and compact design, fitting into offices and households with élan.

Today, the choices are abundant for anyone in the market for a dependable, high-quality printer that does not cost a bomb to purchase or maintain. While buying the befitting gadget for your requirements, it is critical to zero down on the best printing technology. The perfect printer should align with the output quality you seek, offer multiple connectivity options, function at an appropriate speed, and be cost-effective to operate over time.

Different Types of Printers

Let us do a quick round-up of the types of printers available in the market today.

• Laser: Traditionally, it has been the most popular type of printer for businesses, known for its productivity, speed, and paper capacity. It uses a laser to render images onto a copier drum.
• Inkjet: Another popular type of printer among personal and business users, inkjet technology works well to render accurate, realistic prints. However, inkjet printers also have high operating costs and slow speeds.
• Solid Ink: These printers use innovative technology to realize vibrant, eco-friendly prints. They melt sticks of solid ink while printing. Unlike laser or inkjet printers, they free you of the bother of empty cartridges. However, they require considerable warm-up and cooling-down time.
• LED: These efficient printers employ an LED (light-emitting diode) to print images onto the belt or drum. They are reliable choices mainly because the moving parts are far fewer than many other types of printers.
• Label: If you need to print labels for courier services, barcodes, bulk mailers, supply chain management, etc., then you will require a label printer. Most of these printers use thermal technology and self-adhesive material for printing.
• Photo: This kind of printer caters to users who wish to print photographs at home with studio-grade quality. Photo printers usually employ specialized inkjet technology. Some also use dye sublimation to generate vivid and professional prints.
• Plotters: This printer is used extensively for engineering drawings, vector graphics, blueprints, etc. Plotters use an entirely different technique: they print by moving a pen across the paper.
• Dot Matrix: An old technology still prevalent today, dot matrix units print in tiny dots as the head strikes an inky cloth against the paper. It is affordable and easy to maintain, working smoothly even in less than ideal conditions. However, the noise levels are high. The resolution is lower than other types of printers.

Best Printers For 2022

We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best printers that money can buy today, suited to different users and budgets. The competition in the peripherals space is intense. Leading players like HP, Brother, Epson, and Kodak are coming up with contemporary designs for discerning audiences.

Depending upon your priorities and everyday needs, you can choose the printing technology that suits you best – for instance, laser, inkjet, thermal, etc. Some of these are more popular than others, but you should choose what matches your unique needs. A dot matrix printer, for instance, could be just the workhorse you seek, while a peer may opt for an inkjet to achieve crisper quality.

Best Laser Printers 2022

Laser printers have ruled the roost for quite a while now, thanks to their fast speeds, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality output that is resistant to smudges. If you have multiple print jobs to tackle daily, you can consider investing in a reliable laser printer. Most leading options offer heavy-duty monthly cycles and high-res output suitable for bulk printing tasks.

You can enjoy mass paper handling and convenient feeding/retrieval. These printers tend to be expensive and bulky, although they compensate with their efficiency and top-notch quality. Many of them come with connectivity options like Wi-Fi and USB.

1. Brother HL-L2300D

Why we chose it:

This printer offers up to 27 ppm duplex printing and smooth USB 2.0 connectivity. The print quality is excellent for business use at 2400 x 600 dpi. It comes with a 250-sheet capacity for the tray and can print up to 10,000 pages in a month. Double-side printing is a breeze since the paper path is straightforward. You can feed the paper in with a manual slot and use the exit route at the rear. The toner save mode comes in handy for budgeting; you can employ it for documents that are low in importance.

On the flip side, Brother does not provide a USB cable with the purchase. This 15-pound printer lacks Wi-Fi support, which can be limiting.

2. HP LaserJet Pro M428fdn

Why we chose it:

This auto duplex printer has a speedy, 40 ppm performance and a monthly duty cycle of 80,000 pages. At 1200 x 1200 dpi, the output is brilliant even for detailed, text-based documents. This printer supports printing directly through the cloud or a USB drive, simplifying your user experience. HP allows users to automate complex workflows with shortcuts and offers an automatic on/off feature to save power. It can directly help businesses to up productivity and lower costs.

It is a highly secure device designed to keep your confidential data safe with features like instant notification for potential concerns and optional PIN/Pull printing. This printer is terrific for businesses that need a fleet of devices – easy to manage and safeguard from attacks.

3. Brother HL-L3210CW

Why we chose it:

This high-performing printer connects neatly with wireless to print up to 19 pages per minute. The interfaces for USB, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct simplify daily jobs. It supports different paper types like letters, card stock, and envelopes – all handled with a manual feed slot. Cost savings are substantial here as you can use a high-yield toner and switch to the Toner Save mode if needed. This printer offers a 250-sheet paper tray, so refills get minimized. It is a well-designed printer and compact enough for tiny offices. The design is robust but a tad bulky at 37.8 pounds.

Best Inkjet Printers 2022

If you have versatile printing needs, such as business, personal use, and home office tasks, you can opt for an inkjet printer. These are known for excellent graphics output, and many also provide clear text print. Typically, inkjets tend to be less rugged than laser printers, falling short on monthly duty cycles and speeds.

However, in light of the rising demand for inkjet printing technology, manufacturers have now created gadgets that can rival their laser counterparts in many areas. These printers frequently offer several connections like USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and NFC.

4. HP DeskJet 2755e

Why we chose it:

This inexpensive but reliable color printer boasts an inbuilt wireless capacity to let you complete printing tasks on a network. You can use dual-band Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to issue print commands from your phone or tablet. HP offers cost-effective plans along with the purchase, letting you access instant ink and potentially save up to 50%. It is a lightweight printer (7.55lbs) with good print quality for the price: 1200 x 1200 dpi for black and 4800 x 1200 dpi for color.

Performance-wise, you will get up to 5.5 ppm speeds and a monthly duty cycle of around 1000 pages. The input and output tray capacity (60 and 25) is also lower than other options on this list.

5. HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e

Why we chose it:

This fast printer (20 ppm) lets you enjoy professional-grade color for business or personal use. It works comfortably on wireless as the Wi-Fi connectivity is self-healing. It also supports two-sided printing and shortcuts for routine actions.

Using this printer is convenient because of a handy color touchscreen and chatbot support on the HP Smart app. An auto feeder (35 pages) and the ability to access the cloud boost your speed and productivity at work. With HP, you get assured of a secure and private user experience. The company offers six months of instant ink with affordable subscription plans for long-term usage.

6. Epson EcoTank ET-2720

Why we chose it:

This Epson inkjet printer comes with large ink tanks to provide you with a cartridge-free experience. Printing for up to two years becomes straightforward, letting you produce around 4,500 pages.

The cost savings are tremendous, making it an ideal choice for those with massive printing needs. This printer supports wireless printing from devices like phones and tablets to bring convenience to everyday life. A unique voice-activation for printing and a 1.44″ color display give you unparalleled flexibility of use.

The print quality – CMYK MicroPiezo – is satisfying for versatile requirements. You can use smartly designed bottles to fill the colors; they start and stop automatically and do not require squeezing.

7. HP DeskJet 4155e

Why we chose it:

This HP DeskJet printer is a budget-friendly option for color printing, scanning, and copying through wireless or mobile devices. The dual-band Wi-Fi comes with a self-reset to keep your connection smooth and dependable. It comes with six months of instant ink you can avail of through HP+. The print resolution is pleasant for this price range: 1200 x 1200 dpi and 4800 x 1200 for black and color.

Setting up this gadget is direct and fuss-free if you use the HP Smart app. This printer delivers on the performance front, with a 35-page auto feeder and personalized shortcuts. It is an environmentally-aware choice, too, built with recycled materials.

Best Label Printers 2022

High-quality and inexpensive label makers have now sprung up on the horizon. Life is simple for anyone dealing with barcodes, mailing labels, product labels, etc. While searching for the right label printer, it helps to assess your needs. For example, consider color or monochrome, device connectivity, and operating costs.

Most label makers use thermal technology to save you the hassle of dealing with ink and toner. You should also ensure that the printer supports different widths and types of labels. If you want labels for specific courier carriers or companies, you should check for compatibility with proprietary standards.

8. ROLLO X1038 Shipping Label Printer

Why we chose it:

This speedy label printer outputs 4×6 barcodes (1.57″ to 4.1″ in width, any height) suitable for most e-commerce platforms and courier companies. The thermal printing technology means you will not need ink or toner. This purchase allows you to save substantially compared to acquiring proprietary labels.

The speed – 150mm/s or one per second – helps to save time. Another beneficial feature is automatic label identification. The printer can quickly identify the size and nature of your label, further easing the user experience. The customer service is well-liked and will let you resolve issues quickly.

9. Jiose Thermal Label Printer

Why we chose it:

The Jiose label printer comes with a unique ceramic semiconductor print head to deliver excellent quality. Speed-wise, too, it is exceptional at 162mm/s, saving time for you to focus on other business needs. The drivers are reliable and less likely to create blackouts.

This printer lets you create wide labels (up to 4.25″) compatible with carriers like USPS, FedEx, and Shopify. The company offers free replacement for up to 18 months and free technical support for a lifetime. The customer support is reassuring and constantly available so that your business does not suffer.

While this printer is compatible with Windows and Mac systems, it lacks support for iPads, mobile phones, ChromeOS, and Surface tablets. That can be limiting if you intend to issue print commands from these devices.

10. DYMO LabelWriter 550 Turbo Label Printer

Why we chose it:

This printer boasts automatic label recognition to assess the remaining labels in size, number, and type. It produces a high-speed output: up to 90 labels per minute. DYMO permits you to customize over 60 kinds, which means you can address different needs.

You can comfortably use this printer via USB or a LAN network, thereby making it easy for multiple users to operate it. Since it uses thermal technology, you will not require toner or ink. The labels use BPA-free paper made with FSC certified material.

Best Photo Printers 2022

This category of printers caters to photographers, social media influencers, lifestyle bloggers, etc. Anyone who likes to decorate or create with slice-of-life photographs will appreciate these compact gadgets. These printers usually print mini, high-quality pictures and offer customization and editing options.

Here, print speeds are less important than quality, so it makes sense to factor that into your selection. Some photo printers use inkjet technology for printing, while others employ a thermal dye. Lately, ZINK or zero ink technology is becoming popular even though the quality tends to be less appealing than an inkjet option. The paper size is a significant concern here, so you should consider whether you need fine-art paper, rolls, etc.

11. Kodak Dock Plus

Why we chose it:

This portable Bluetooth photo printer weighs just 4.22lbs. It is compatible with numerous devices and platforms like iOS and Android. The photos have terrific print quality, thanks to 4Pass technology that uses layers and lamination to make your pictures resistant to fingerprints and water.

With the Kodak app, you can unveil cool features like decorating your snapshots and putting them in frames. It makes editing your photographs a cakewalk, minus the need to depend on other applications. It is a very user-friendly device, too, with a docking pin (USB-C) and a lightning connector for iOS.

12. HP Envy Inspire 7955e

Why we chose it:

This contemporary printer is a reliable choice to print personal pictures at home. The print quality (true-to-phone) is exemplary, and you can choose different sizes like square and panoramic. HP has built a photo tray, an automated document feeder, and a 125-sheet paper tray for productivity. Since it has a dedicated photo tray, you can quickly switch between pictures and documents.

With the HP Smart app, you can do fun things like adding a custom message. Design-wise, HP uses over 45% recycled plastic to create a device that is likely to stand the test of time. HP offers six months of instant ink to keep you worry-free.

13. KODAK Step

Why we chose it:

This nifty gadget works smoothly with wireless devices and platforms like iOS, Android, Bluetooth, and NFC. It employs zero-ink technology for printing, thus erasing the need for cartridges, toners, etc. Kodak uses 2 x 3ʺ sticky paper to make it easy to stick your prints, create collages, etc. The pictures you generate are not just beautiful to look at but are also waterproof and resistant to tears and smudges.

Using the Kodak app can elevate your experience by several notches. For instance, you can build collages with four images, add filters, and put in some text. You can also perform considerable editing like fine-tuning the brightness, temperatures, etc.

Immense portability is another major win for this device; it is compact and weighs just 8.8 ounces. The rechargeable battery lets you print up to 25 photos on a single charge.

Best Wide Format and Plotter Printers 2022

Wide-format printers and plotters are popular among architects, construction executives, engineers, and marketing professionals who need to design posters, flyers, etc. These printers are excellent to scale things up in your business, allowing you to print on large-size paper without compromising quality.

Some wide-format printers are comfortable handling paper up to 24”, so advertising material, blueprints, etc., become easy to manage. While buying one of these, it is best to consider the long-term costs of media, ink, etc. If you conduct several business tasks remotely, the printer should also have wireless connectivity and other connections like USB.

14. HP DesignJet T210

Why we chose it:

This printer supports large media rolls (24”) as well as wide ones (13” x 9”) to give you the flexibility of adapting things to your requirements. It is a one-click printer that saves substantial effort while printing multiple documents. With a speed of up to 45 seconds per page, you will incur time savings. It needs less ink for maintenance, too. HP claims up to 95%.

HP’s ‘Bright Office’ ink delivers impressive accuracy and a wide gamut. The ink, along with a trusty driver and preview, lets you generate the results you want for your professional drawings and plots.

This printer offers wireless support (Wi-Fi 802.11), letting you issue commands from your phone, tablet, or desktop. It also supports Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0. Although this is a large-format printer, it is compact and blends well with contemporary office environments.

Best Dot Matrix Printers 2022

Although it is among the oldest printers, dot matrix devices are still popular among businesses with heavy-duty printing tasks. Speed-wise, you will find things slower since each letter gets independently rendered. But the quality is usually satisfactory and in demand among businesses that use carbon paper to print copies or multi-part forms.

A significant advantage of these printers is the minimal need for human supervision and the ability to work in rugged environments. Lasers and inkjets have replaced dot-matrix technology in many workplaces. But it still holds its own in wholesale or financial setups.

15. Epson LQ-590II

Why we chose it:

The Epson LQ-590II, a trustworthy printer that will likely last you a long time, works perfectly in harsh conditions. Speed-wise, too, it performs better than you might expect from a dot matrix printer. It delivers a maximum print speed of 584 cps and has USB support. A convenient control panel lets you handle complex operations with ease. Despite its capacity for strenuous work, this printer is compactly built and weighs just 15.84lbs. A three-year limited warranty makes it anxiety-free to use this printer, as does the ribbon cartridge that supports five million characters.

Conclusion

As is evident from this list, purchasing a printer is a weighted decision. The options are manifold, from all-around printers that can copy and scan documents to specialized ones that print high-quality photographs or posters for advertising. You may decide by the manufacturer, siding with a trusted brand like HP, Brother, or Epson.

You will also need to work out which technology will suit you best: laser, inkjet, solid ink, etc. Modern printers can manage a gamut of media and come with exceptional paper handling capacities. You can also explore a large-format printer or a label maker.

The right printer for your business, home office, or household will match your expectations vis-à-vis speed, print quality, operating costs, and noise levels. Do you plan to issue print commands wirelessly or through mobile devices and varying platforms like Mac? Then, you must check for device compatibility as well.

A printer has increasingly become an investment that directly affects your productivity levels and running costs. It is why it makes sense not to penny-pinch but acquire a printer that does justice to your specific demands. Whatever your needs, chances are there is the perfect printer out there to address them.