Shoppers’ Picks: Consumer Reports Computer

Why you should trust this guide

I have been researching and writing about printers for over a decade, following the major shifts from cartridge-based models to tank systems and affordable color lasers. My approach is grounded in analyzing manufacturer specifications, reading thousands of verified owner reviews across multiple retail platforms, and cross-referencing independent reliability surveys. I do not accept free products from brands, and I do not have a financial stake in any printer company. Every recommendation in this guide is based on what real users report about setup, print quality, and long-term durability, combined with the features that matter most for different use cases.

Printers are a category where the upfront price can be misleading. A cheap machine often costs far more over two years because of expensive ink cartridges. Conversely, a higher-priced tank printer can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. I focus on total cost of ownership, print speed, connectivity, and reliability rather than just the sticker price. I also pay close attention to common pain points such as software bloat, paper jams, and difficult setup, because those are the factors that determine whether a printer is a joy or a frustration to own.

How we evaluated

To identify the best consumer printers for 2026, I established a set of evaluation criteria that reflect what real buyers need. The primary factors were print quality for both text and photos, total cost per page over the first two years of ownership, print speed in pages per minute, and the range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing. I also weighed the versatility of each model: whether it could scan, copy, and fax, and whether it supported automatic duplex printing and an automatic document feeder. For inkjet models, I prioritized those with high-yield ink options or refillable tanks. For laser models, I looked for low per-page toner costs and compact footprints.

I then compared each candidate against these criteria using manufacturer-stated specifications and aggregated feedback from verified purchasers. I paid special attention to common complaints about ink drying, software crashes, and paper handling issues. I also considered the availability and cost of replacement supplies, because a printer is only as good as the consumables it requires. The five models selected here represent the best balance of performance, cost efficiency, and owner satisfaction across the major categories: budget monochrome, mid-range inkjet, photo-capable all-in-one, color laser, and ultra-low-cost tank printing.

Epson EcoTank ET-4850 — Best for Long-Term Low Cost

The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is the printer that finally breaks the cycle of expensive cartridge replacements. Instead of small ink cartridges, this all-in-one uses large refillable tanks that you fill from bottles. The ink bottles included in the box yield approximately 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages. When you do need to buy more ink, replacement bottles cost per color, pushing the per-page color cost below one cent. That is dramatically cheaper than any cartridge-based printer on the market. Print quality is strong for both everyday documents and casual photo prints, with good color accuracy and sharp text at standard settings.

Real Amazon features highlight the practical benefits: you ditch the endless ink loop and skyrocketing costs. One refill fuels your printing needs for ages, saving you time and money. The printer also offers rapid printing speeds to boost your productivity, and automatic duplex printing saves paper and reduces your environmental impact. The ET-4850 includes scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, making it a true home office workhorse. Its front-loading paper tray holds a generous stack, and the control panel is straightforward to navigate.

One honest limitation is that the initial purchase price is higher than a typical cartridge printer. You pay more upfront to get the tank system, and the savings come over time. Additionally, the print speed for color photos is slower than some dedicated photo printers, and the tank system requires careful handling when refilling to avoid spills. If you print very infrequently, the ink may settle or clog over long idle periods, though Epson includes a maintenance box to help manage waste ink.

Brother MFC-L3780CDW — Best Color Laser All-in-One

The Brother MFC-L3780CDW changes the equation for small offices that need color printing without a massive machine. Print speeds reach 25 pages per minute in both color and black, which is competitive for a laser printer. The standard toner cartridges yield 1,500 pages per color, and high-yield options are available to extend that significantly. Unlike inkjet all-in-ones, laser output is smudge-resistant immediately off the page, which matters for business documents that need to be handled right away. The MFC-L3780CDW also includes a 50-sheet automatic document feeder for scanning multi-page jobs, plus duplex printing and a large paper cassette.

Real Amazon features emphasize that this is best for small businesses, with the consistent performance of laser-quality digital output. It achieves print speeds up to 31 pages per minute, and you can choose Brother Genuine TN229 Standard Yield or high-yield toner for reliable results. Connectivity is flexible with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, and mobile printing support. The all-in-one functionality covers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, maximizing efficiency in a busy workspace.

A limitation to consider is that color laser printers typically produce less vibrant photo prints compared to inkjet models. The toner is not designed for glossy photo paper, so if you need high-quality photo output, this is not the right choice. Also, the initial cost of the MFC-L3780CDW is higher than many inkjet all-in-ones, and the standard-yield toner cartridges run out relatively quickly for heavy users. The machine is also larger and heavier than an inkjet, so it requires dedicated desk space.

HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e — Best Mid-Range Home Office Pick

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e occupies a useful middle ground in the printer market. It uses standard ink cartridges rather than tanks, but the XL cartridges bring per-page costs down to reasonable levels. Print speeds top 22 pages per minute in black and 18 in color, which is genuinely fast for an inkjet. The 35-sheet automatic document feeder and legal-size flatbed scanner cover common office workflows such as scanning contracts or copying multi-page documents. HP Smart app integration is one of the most polished in the industry, allowing you to print from your phone, scan directly to cloud services, and monitor ink levels remotely.

While no specific Amazon features were provided for this model, the OfficeJet Pro 9015e is widely recognized for its balance of speed, quality, and cost. It supports automatic duplex printing, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity, and it works with HP’s Instant Ink subscription service if you want to outsource ink management. Text output is sharp and black, and color graphics are vibrant enough for presentations and marketing materials. The touchscreen control panel is responsive and easy to navigate.

One honest limitation is that the per-page cost, while reasonable with XL cartridges, is still higher than the Epson EcoTank or a monochrome laser. If you print hundreds of pages every month, the ongoing ink expense adds up. Additionally, the printer can be finicky about third-party ink cartridges, and some users report that the software setup process is bloated with unnecessary programs. The paper tray capacity is also modest for a busy office, requiring frequent refills.

Canon PIXMA TR8620a — Best for Photos and Documents

The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a six-ink all-in-one that bridges the gap between document printing and photo output without requiring a dedicated photo printer. The extra photo-black and grey inks produce smoother tonal gradations in black-and-white photos and more accurate skin tones in color portraits. Document quality is also strong, with crisp text at standard draft settings. A front-loading paper tray holds standard paper, and a rear feed handles specialty media like photo paper or envelopes. The printer includes a 20-sheet automatic document feeder for scanning and copying.

Real Amazon features highlight that you never run out of ink because you can connect the printer to Alexa and receive notifications when you are low. Enrolling in Smart Reorders with Alexa ensures that you never have too much or too little ink on hand. The PIXMA TR8620a is a wireless 4-in-1 (print, copy, scan, fax) with print speeds of 15 pages per minute in black and 10 in color. It has a 200-sheet total capacity split between a 100-sheet cassette and a 100-sheet rear feed, giving you flexibility for different paper types.

A limitation is that the six-ink system means you have more cartridges to replace, and the cost of replacement ink can be high if you print frequently. The print speed for high-quality photo prints is slow, as the printer lays down multiple layers of ink for smooth gradients. Additionally, the touchscreen interface can be sluggish compared to dedicated photo printers, and the paper output tray is small, so you need to retrieve prints promptly to avoid jams. The PIXMA TR8620a is best for users who value photo quality over speed and volume.

Brother HL-L2350DW — Best Budget Monochrome Laser

If your printing needs are mostly black text and you want the lowest possible cost per page, the Brother HL-L2350DW delivers. The entry toner cartridge yields 700 pages, but the high-yield replacement hits 3,000 pages at about one cent per page. Print speeds reach 32 pages per minute, which is faster than most inkjets at any price. Wi-Fi Direct lets you print from phones or tablets without a router, and automatic duplex printing saves paper without slowing you down. The paper tray holds up to 250 sheets, reducing the need for frequent refills.

Real Amazon features confirm the key specs: print up to 32 pages per minute, automatic duplex print, up to 250 sheets paper insert, and wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB connection options. The package even includes an HDMI cable, which is an unusual bonus for a printer. The HL-L2350DW is compact enough to fit on a small desk or shelf, and the setup process is straightforward with Brother’s reliable drivers. The print quality is consistently sharp and dark, suitable for letters, reports, and forms.

One honest limitation is that this printer is strictly monochrome. It cannot print in color at all, so you will need a separate solution for color documents or photos. The entry toner cartridge that comes in the box is a starter cartridge with only 700 pages, so you will need to buy a high-yield replacement sooner than you might expect. Also, there is no scanner, copier, or fax function, so this is a pure printer, not an all-in-one. If you need to scan or copy, you will need a separate device.

What to look for

• Total cost of ownership: Look beyond the purchase price. Calculate the cost per page for ink or toner, and consider how often you print. Tank printers and high-yield cartridges save money over time.
• Print speed and volume: Check the manufacturer’s stated pages per minute for both black and color. Faster speeds matter if you print large batches regularly. Also consider the monthly duty cycle to ensure the printer can handle your workload.
• Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct are essential for modern home offices. Mobile printing support via Apple AirPrint, Mopria, or the manufacturer’s app adds convenience.
• Paper handling: Automatic duplex printing saves paper. A larger paper tray reduces refills. An automatic document feeder is important for scanning or copying multi-page documents.
• Print quality: For text, look for sharp, dark output. For photos, consider the number of ink colors and whether the printer supports borderless printing on photo paper. Laser printers excel at text but are weaker for photos.
• Size and footprint: Measure your available desk space. All-in-one printers with scanners and fax modems are larger than single-function printers. Compact models like the Brother HL-L2350DW fit on small shelves.
• Software and app support: A good mobile app makes setup, scanning, and ink monitoring easier. Some printers offer cloud connectivity for printing from remote locations.

The verdict

Choosing the right printer comes down to how you print. If you print frequently in color and want to stop worrying about ink costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is the clear winner for long-term savings. For a small office that needs fast, smudge-resistant color documents, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a reliable color laser. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e strikes a solid balance for home offices that print a moderate amount and want good speed and app integration. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is the best choice if photo quality matters as much as document printing. And for anyone who prints mostly black text on a tight budget, the Brother HL-L2350DW offers unbeatable value per page. Consider your volume, your need for color, and your willingness to pay upfront versus over time, and you will find the right match among these five top-rated picks.