When it comes to finding the best printer for your home office, an all-in-one printer is often the most convenient choice. These multifunction devices incorporate scanners for digitizing receipts, invoices, and other documents, effectively combining scanning and printing functions to create copies. Some even include a phone line connection for faxing, making them a versatile addition to any home office setup.
Similar to smaller versions of the bulkier copiers found in traditional offices, all-in-one printers usually cost less than purchasing a printer and scanner separately, as our printer buyers guide points out. This guide explores some of the best multifunction printers currently available on the market, offering a diverse range of options to cater to various needs and budgets.
Canon Color ImageClass MF753Cdw
For those seeking a fast and affordable all-in-one printer, the Canon Color ImageClass MF753Cdw stands out. This laser printer boasts strong connectivity options, the ability to print directly from a USB drive, and exceptional image quality, solidifying its position as our top pick for an all-around multifunction device. It comes with a full black toner and enough color toner for 1,100 documents, providing ample printing capabilities.
Our hands-on review of the Canon Color ImageClass MF753Cdw highlights its impressive performance as one of the best color laser printers available. It consistently delivers fast and reliable printing with exceptional print quality for both monochrome and color documents. Its ability to produce high-quality prints for photographs on plain paper is a welcome addition. A 5-inch color touchscreen provides easy access to the printer’s controls, while its enterprise-focused features, such as support for scripts and workflow profiles, can be beneficial for small businesses. The MF753Cdw features a 300-sheet split paper cassette and the option to add an additional tray for increased capacity, enabling it to output at impressive speeds of 35 pages per minute, along with duplex scanning and printing. The print quality is excellent, with costs ranging from $0.02 to $0.04 per page for black-and-white printing and $0.12 to $0.16 for color jobs.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e
Inkjet printers have earned a reputation for their exceptional performance in photo and graphics printing, making them a popular choice for homes and home offices. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e combines impressive print performance, an automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning, faxing capabilities, a USB port for direct printing from a memory stick, and double-sided copying, making it a robust and versatile tool for handling your filing needs.
This printer excels in its category, delivering print speeds of up to 22 pages per minute (ppm) and handling double-sided prints and scans with ease. For home offices with moderate printing demands, the OfficeJet Pro 9125e includes six months of free ink through HP’s subscription HP Plus cartridge delivery program. This translates to an affordable cost of $0.03 per page for black-and-white prints and around $0.10 per page for color prints. While the cost might triple for detailed photo printing, the OfficeJet Pro 9125e remains a highly affordable printer for home office use.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw
Historically, laser printers have been known for their crisp text output, making them ideal for document printing. The best color laser printers have evolved into more versatile machines that can rival some inkjets in graphics printing capabilities. The advantage of laser printers lies in their faster print speeds and lower long-term costs, making HP’s Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw a wise choice for those who print frequently or in high volumes.
Our review of the Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw highlights its impressive speed and reliability. This compact printer, suitable for home use, offers many features commonly found in larger office copiers. Despite its robust features, this LaserJet is smaller than many home printers, making it adaptable to various home office spaces and a solid option for those seeking a laser all-in-one solution. Its sturdy build quality, ability to print at 35 PPM, and capability to create double-sided copies are key highlights. Print costs average $0.02 to $0.05 per page for black-and-white prints and $0.12 to $0.18 for color prints, with exceptional color accuracy. Similar to many modern HP printers, you can connect the printer to a USB port on your computer, print via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, an external storage drive, or Apple’s AirPrint. For scanning, copying, and faxing, the printer includes a flatbed scanner and a speedy automatic document feeder that supports duplex scanning.
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850
Tank printers combine the best aspects of both inkjet and laser printer technologies. Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 showcases this by storing ink in large tanks, delivering the exceptional image quality expected for photo printing while significantly reducing costs, making them more efficient than laser options.
Our review of the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 was surprised by its ability to print quickly without compromising on quality. This inkjet printer matches the speed of color laser printers without the high energy consumption and expensive color printing typically associated with lasers. The ink tank allows for printing up to 7,500 monochrome pages or 6,000 color pages, not only saving money but also reducing environmental impact through less waste. The ink cost is incredibly low, at four-tenths of a cent per monochrome page and a penny per color document. The automatic document feeder supports duplex scanning at up to 1,200 dpi. Print speeds reach 25 pages per minute with outstanding photo print detail, accurate colors, and crisp text. This printer effectively merges the strengths of inkjet technology with the precision of laser printing. Epson offers other tank printers at more modest prices if the ET-5850’s speed is not a necessity.
Canon Pixma G7020
For photographers who need high-quality photo printing coupled with duplex scanning, the Canon Pixma G7020 is a compelling option. Its strong photo printing capabilities combined with economical per-page costs due to the tank cartridge system make the Pixma a workhorse for photo-intensive workflows. While not the fastest printer on our list, the Pixma focuses on delivering exceptional photo quality prints, outputting pages at a more modest 13 pages per minute. The trade-off in speed is compensated by the exceptional print quality. The most appealing aspect is the affordable cost for achieving high-quality image printing. Prints average under $0.02 per page for color and less than a penny for black-and-white documents. The only drawback with the Pixma is its outdated interface, featuring traditional buttons instead of a touchscreen on the front panel.
Brother MFC-J1170DW
Home users who prefer a more budget-friendly option without the extensive features of an office multifunction printer will appreciate the Brother MFC-J1170DW. This all-in-one printer still includes a flatbed scanner, automatic document feeder, and the ability to print from your smartphone through NFC and wireless connectivity, all for an affordable price. While this option offers a lot to love, the MFC-J1170DW does not excel in speed, printing at just 12 pages per minute in black-and-white. Brother has updated the controls on the MFC-J1170DW with a small touchscreen for enhanced ease of use. Print costs average around $0.06 per page for black-and-white and $0.09 for color. Considering its home-centric design, the MFC-J1170DW is likely to be used only a few times a month, making the printing volume relatively low. Nevertheless, this printer produces good-quality prints in both black-and-white and color. For home users who need to print more frequently, XL cartridges can be purchased to reduce the per-page cost.
HP OfficeJet 250
Designed for portability and mobility, the HP OfficeJet 250 is one of the most compact multifunction printers on the market. Its small size makes it ideal for traveling salespeople or individuals who need quick printing on the go thanks to its built-in rechargeable battery. Unlike other compact printers, the HP OfficeJet 250 also provides scanning and copying functions, but lacks faxing capability.
The OfficeJet 250 incorporates a built-in automatic document feeder, simplifying scanning even during travel. However, it is limited to simplex scans. Print speeds are relatively slow at around 10 pages per minute, but the upside is that despite its versatility as a travel tool, print costs are not high, averaging around $0.08 to $0.12 per page. The OfficeJet 250 connects wirelessly to your laptop or smartphone for a cable-free printing experience, allowing you to transform any coffee shop into your mobile office.
Choosing the right all-in-one printer can enhance your home office productivity and efficiency. These top-rated models offer a range of features and functionalities to cater to different needs and budgets. From fast laser printers to compact and portable options, you can find the perfect printer to meet your home office requirements. Remember, while initial savings may be enticing, considering long-term costs, such as ink consumption, is essential for making an informed decision. For a comprehensive overview of affordable options, explore our guide on the best cheap printers. If you prioritize speed and durability with long-term cost savings, consider our guide on the best color laser printers.
