Which All In One Printer Scanner Is Right

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years researching and writing about office technology, focusing on the real world trade offs that matter when you are choosing a printer or scanner. My approach is to compare manufacturer stated specifications against the actual user experiences reported in owner communities and professional reviews. I do not rely on marketing claims alone. I look for patterns in reliability, ease of setup, and long term cost of ownership that are not always obvious from the product page.

For this guide, I evaluated each product based on its stated print speed, scanning resolution, paper handling capacity, connectivity options, and the type of consumables it uses. I weighed the importance of features like automatic document feeders, touchscreen interfaces, and mobile printing support against the typical needs of a home office or small business user. The goal is to help you match a product to your specific workload, not to declare one winner for every situation.

How we researched

I evaluated these all in one printer scanners by analyzing the key criteria that determine real world usability and value. Print speed matters for productivity, but so does the time to first page out and the consistency of output over long runs. Scanning resolution and the presence of an automatic document feeder determine how efficiently you can digitize multi page documents. Connectivity options like Wi Fi, Ethernet, and USB C affect how easily the device fits into your existing network setup.

I also considered the cost and convenience of consumables. Refillable ink tanks offer a dramatically lower cost per page than traditional cartridges, but they require a higher upfront investment. Laser printers have higher toner yields but may lack the color accuracy needed for photo work. The physical footprint and paper tray capacity are important for small spaces. I prioritized products that offer a balanced combination of speed, quality, and low ongoing expense, while acknowledging the limitations each design imposes.

Epson EcoTank ET-5850 – Best Overall

The Epson EcoTank ET-5850 is a standout because it eliminates the single biggest frustration of inkjet printing: running out of ink at the worst moment. The refillable ink tanks hold enough ink to print up to 2000 pages of black text before you need to open a new bottle. This design radically reduces the cost per page compared to cartridge based printers, making it ideal for a busy home office or a small workgroup that prints frequently. The printer prints at 25 pages per minute in both black and color, which is fast enough for most office tasks without feeling sluggish.

Scanning is handled at 1200 dpi optical resolution, which is excellent for digitizing photographs and archiving important documents with fine detail. The 2.4 inch color touchscreen simplifies setup and day to day operation, letting you navigate menus and start scans or copies without needing a computer. Connectivity options include Wi Fi, Ethernet, and USB C, so you can place the printer almost anywhere in your home or office and still connect easily. The overall build quality feels solid, and the tank system is straightforward to refill with the included bottles.

One honest limitation is the upfront purchase price, which is higher than many cartridge based inkjets. You are paying for the ink that comes in the box, so the long term savings require an initial investment. Also, while the print quality is very good for documents and graphics, it may not match a dedicated photo printer for fine art prints. The touchscreen is functional but not as large or responsive as the displays on some competing models.

HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e – Best Budget

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e is the smart choice if you want strong performance without spending a lot. It prints at 24 pages per minute in black and 20 pages per minute in color, which is competitive with more expensive models. The 35 page automatic document feeder makes it easy to scan, copy, or fax multi page sets without standing at the machine. Scanning resolution reaches up to 600 dpi, which is sufficient for most office documents and basic photo archiving.

HP’s Smart app adds a layer of convenience that many users appreciate. You can print directly from your phone, scan to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, and enable automatic two sided printing to save paper. The app also provides ink level monitoring and reordering alerts. The conventional cartridge system keeps the initial purchase price low, and HP’s high yield cartridges help manage ongoing costs if you print regularly. The printer supports Wi Fi and Ethernet, so it integrates into most home networks without trouble.

One honest limitation is that the cartridge system, while affordable upfront, can become expensive if you print high volumes without using high yield cartridges. The 600 dpi scan resolution is adequate for text but not ideal for detailed photo work. The plastic body feels a bit lighter than the Epson or Canon models, and the touchscreen is smaller than the displays on some competitors.

Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw – Best Color Laser

The Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw delivers the crisp, consistent output that color laser technology is known for. It prints at 22 pages per minute with a resolution of 1200 dpi, which produces sharp text and vibrant graphics that resist smudging. The 250 sheet paper capacity reduces the frequency of reloads, which is a real time saver in a busy office. The 5 inch color touchscreen is one of the largest in this class, providing intuitive navigation for scanning, copying, and changing settings.

The 50 sheet automatic document feeder supports fast scanning and copying of multi page documents, and the built in Wi Fi and NFC allow you to print from smartphones and tablets without installing extra software. Laser technology means the first page out is very fast, and the print quality remains consistent across long runs. The toner cartridges last a long time, which helps keep the cost per page reasonable for a color laser. The overall build is sturdy and designed for daily use in a small to medium workgroup.

One honest limitation is that the color laser output, while excellent for business graphics and text, is not as good as a photo inkjet for reproducing photographs. The printer is also larger and heavier than inkjet alternatives, so it requires a dedicated space on a desk or stand. The initial purchase price is higher than many inkjet all in ones, though the lower cost per page can offset that over time.

Brother MFC-L2750DW – Best Compact Mono Laser

The Brother MFC-L2750DW is the right choice if you primarily print black and white documents and want to save space. It prints at 36 pages per minute, which is very fast for a monochrome laser, and the 250 sheet paper tray handles a substantial workload before needing a refill. Scanning is performed at 1200 dpi optical resolution, and the 50 sheet automatic document feeder makes short work of contracts, invoices, and multi page PDFs. The combination of speed and scanning capability makes it a strong fit for a home office that processes a lot of paperwork.

Connectivity is flexible with Wi Fi Direct, Ethernet, and NFC support, so you can print from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet without a complex setup. The low power consumption is a bonus for environmentally conscious users, and the durable toner cartridges mean you will not be replacing them as often as with some competitors. The compact footprint fits neatly on a small desk or shelf, and the control panel is straightforward to use. The printer is known for reliable performance over many years of use.

One honest limitation is that it is monochrome only, so you cannot print color documents or photos. The 1200 dpi scan resolution is good for text but not designed for high quality photo scanning. The lack of a color display means you navigate menus with a smaller monochrome screen and buttons, which can be less convenient than a touchscreen.

Samsung Xpress M2885FW – Best Entry Level Color Laser

The Samsung Xpress M2885FW is a solid entry point if you want color laser printing without a high price tag. It prints at 15 pages per minute, which is slower than the other models on this list but still adequate for light to moderate use. The 150 sheet paper tray is modest, so you will need to reload more often if you print frequently. The flatbed scanner offers 600 dpi resolution, and the 20 page automatic document feeder handles small batches of documents.

Wi Fi and mobile printing through the Samsung Mobile Print app are standard, so you can send jobs from your phone or tablet easily. The compact footprint is a real advantage for tight workspaces, and the laser technology delivers consistent, smudge resistant output that looks professional. The toner cartridges are reasonably priced, and the printer is straightforward to set up and maintain. For a home or a very small office that needs occasional color prints, this model offers a low barrier to entry.

One honest limitation is the slower print speed and smaller paper tray, which can be frustrating if you have a sudden large print job. The 600 dpi scan resolution is basic and not suitable for detailed photo work. The 20 page ADF is also limited compared to the 35 or 50 page feeders on other models. The build quality feels lighter than the Canon or Brother lasers, and the touchscreen is not as large or responsive.

What to look for

• Print speed: Look for pages per minute (ppm) that match your typical workload. Higher speeds matter for busy offices, while slower speeds are fine for light use.
• Scan resolution and ADF: Higher optical resolution (like 1200 dpi) is better for photos and detailed documents. An automatic document feeder saves time when scanning multi page sets.
• Connectivity: Wi Fi is essential for mobile printing. Ethernet is useful for stable wired connections. USB C offers fast direct connections to modern laptops.
• Consumable cost: Refillable ink tanks offer the lowest cost per page but a higher upfront price. Cartridge based printers are cheaper initially but can cost more over time.
• Paper handling: A larger paper tray reduces reloads. Consider whether you need a 250 sheet tray or a smaller 150 sheet tray for occasional use.
• Display and controls: A color touchscreen makes navigation easier. Smaller screens or button based controls are functional but less convenient.
• Size and footprint: Measure your desk or shelf space. Compact models like the Brother MFC-L2750DW fit tighter spaces than larger color lasers.

The verdict

The Epson EcoTank ET-5850 is the best all in one printer scanner for most people because it combines fast printing, excellent scanning resolution, and a refillable ink system that saves money over time. If your budget is tight, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e offers strong performance at a lower initial cost. For those who need color laser quality, the Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw delivers crisp output and a large touchscreen. The Brother MFC-L2750DW is the top pick for compact monochrome printing, and the Samsung Xpress M2885FW is a capable entry level color laser. Choose based on your print volume, need for color, and workspace constraints.