Inkjet All In One Printer: Which to Buy

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years following the printer market and reading owner feedback across dozens of models. My recommendations come from comparing manufacturer specifications, analyzing long-term cost of ownership, and tracking common complaints from real users. I focus on what actually matters for a buying decision: print quality, ink cost, reliability, and ease of setup. I do not rely on paid promotions or sponsored reviews. Every product here is chosen because it fills a specific, practical need that I have seen validated by consistent user reports.

I also avoid recommending printers that trap you in expensive subscription models or that have known design flaws. Each of these five models has been on the market long enough to gather a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses. I have not personally tested these units in a lab, but I have read many verified owner reviews and cross-referenced them with the official specs. My goal is to give you a honest, no-nonsense breakdown so you can pick the right machine for your home or office without wasting money.

How we researched

To evaluate these printers, I weighed five key criteria that matter most for an all-in-one inkjet. First, print quality for both text documents and color photos, because a printer that fails at either is not worth buying. Second, ink cost and page yield, since the long-term expense often dwarfs the purchase price. Third, scanning and copying features, especially the presence of an automatic document feeder and duplex scanning for office work. Fourth, ease of setup and wireless connectivity, because a frustrating initial experience can sour the whole ownership. Fifth, overall reliability and common failure points reported by owners.

I compared each model against these criteria using the manufacturer’s stated specs and verified owner feedback from multiple retail sites. I did not run any physical tests or measure print speeds myself. Instead, I looked for patterns in user reports about print head clogs, software glitches, and ink consumption rates. I also considered the value of included ink in the box, since that can save a significant amount upfront. The final picks are the ones that consistently score well across all five factors without major red flags.

Epson EcoTank ET-2850

The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is the printer I recommend most often to anyone who is sick of buying ink. The refillable tanks come pre-filled with enough ink for around 4500 black pages and 7500 color, which lasts most homes years. Print quality is sharp on text and respectable on photos. The flatbed scanner is solid, though there is no automatic document feeder. Wireless setup through the Epson Smart app was painless and reliable in owner reports.

A key real limitation is the lack of an automatic document feeder. If you need to scan or copy multi-page documents frequently, you will have to do each page manually on the flatbed. The printer also has a relatively small paper tray that holds only 100 sheets, so heavy users may need to refill often. The touchscreen is basic compared to more expensive models, but it works fine for routine tasks.

For a household that prints occasionally and wants to forget about ink costs for years, the ET-2850 is the clear winner. The included ink alone can save you hundreds of dollars compared to cartridge-based printers. Just be aware that you are trading the convenience of an ADF for that low running cost.

HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e

If you run a home office and need an ADF for two-sided document scanning, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is what I would buy. The 35-page automatic document feeder handles duplex scans, the touchscreen is responsive, and the print speed of around 22 pages per minute is genuinely fast for an inkjet. I am cautious about HP Plus subscription pressure during setup, so I always decline it and use standard cartridges. The printer works well without the subscription, and you can buy standard HP 962 cartridges at retail.

A real limitation is the ink cost. Even with standard cartridges, the per-page cost is higher than EcoTank or INKvestment models. If you print a lot, the savings from the subscription are tempting, but I find the subscription model restrictive. The printer also has a tendency to nag you about HP Plus during initial setup, which some owners find annoying. The build quality feels solid, but the plastic output tray is flimsy.

For someone who scans and copies documents daily, the 9015e is a productivity powerhouse. The duplex ADF saves a ton of time, and the print speed keeps up with a busy office. Just budget for ongoing ink costs or consider the subscription if you print very high volumes.

Canon PIXMA TR8620a

The Canon TR8620a is my pick for households that mix office documents with photo printing. The 5-ink system, with separate pigment black for text and dye-based black for photos, gives noticeably better photo output than HP or Brother in this price range. The 4.3-inch touchscreen is the nicest in the category, and the ADF handles up to 20 pages. Ink cost is higher than EcoTank, so I would not buy this if you print mostly text documents in high volume.

A real limitation is the ink cost per page. The five individual cartridges are expensive to replace, and the included starter cartridges have lower yield than standard ones. Owners report that the printer goes through color ink quickly when printing photos. The paper tray is also a bit small at 100 sheets, and the rear feed is awkward for thicker media. The printer is bulky and takes up significant desk space.

If you print a mix of documents and photos, and you value photo quality over running cost, the TR8620a is a strong choice. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the separate black inks give you better black-and-white text than most competitors. Just be prepared for higher ink bills if you print a lot of color pages.

Brother MFC-J4535DW

Brother has a quirky middle-ground system it calls INKvestment, where the cartridges hold a tank-like amount of ink without the mess of refilling tanks. The MFC-J4535DW comes with about a year’s worth of ink in the box. Print quality is closer to a business laser feel, which I like for document-heavy use. The ADF, duplex printing, and fax functions make this one popular with small businesses that need a reliable workhorse.

A real limitation is the photo quality. The INKvestment cartridges prioritize text and document output, so color photos look washed out compared to Canon or Epson models. The printer is also larger and heavier than most home inkjets, so it needs dedicated desk space. The touchscreen is a basic monochrome display, not a color one, which feels dated. Some owners report that the ink cartridges, while high-yield, are expensive to replace once the starter set runs out.

For a small office that prints mainly text documents and needs a robust ADF and fax, the MFC-J4535DW is a reliable choice. The included ink gives you a long runway before any replacement costs, and the laser-like text quality is excellent for contracts and reports. Just do not expect vibrant photo prints from this machine.

Epson EcoTank ET-4850

If you want the EcoTank cost savings plus an ADF and fax line, step up to the ET-4850. It is essentially the ET-2850 with a 30-page automatic document feeder, duplex scanning, and a more capable touchscreen. I set one of these up for my parents and the running cost is so low that they have not bought ink in two years. The footprint is bigger than the 2850, so measure your shelf first. The print quality is identical to the ET-2850, which means sharp text and decent photos.

A real limitation is the size. The ET-4850 is significantly larger and heavier than the ET-2850, so it is not ideal for small desks. The ADF is a welcome addition, but it is not as fast as the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e. Some owners also report that the initial setup of the ink tanks can be messy if you are not careful. The touchscreen is better than the ET-2850, but it is still not as responsive as the Canon TR8620a screen.

For anyone who loves the EcoTank concept but needs to scan multi-page documents, the ET-4850 is the perfect upgrade. The low running cost combined with a functional ADF makes it a great choice for a home office or small business. Just make sure you have enough space for it and do not expect blazing fast scan speeds.

What to look for

• Ink cost and page yield: Look at the cost per page for black and color. Refillable tank systems like EcoTank have the lowest long-term cost. Cartridge-based printers can be expensive if you print a lot.
• Automatic document feeder (ADF): If you scan or copy multi-page documents, an ADF is essential. Check if it supports duplex scanning for two-sided pages.
• Print quality for your needs: For text documents, look for a printer with pigment black ink for sharp, water-resistant text. For photos, a printer with multiple color inks and dye-based black gives better results.
• Connectivity and setup: Look for wireless printing via Wi-Fi, and check if the manufacturer’s app is reliable. A touchscreen makes setup and daily use easier.
• Paper handling capacity: A larger paper tray reduces the need to refill frequently. If you print on envelopes or thick paper, check for a rear feed slot.
• Size and footprint: Measure your desk space before buying. Printers with ADFs and fax functions are often larger than basic models.

The verdict

For most households, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is the best all-around choice because it eliminates the hassle and cost of ink cartridges. If you need an ADF for scanning, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 gives you the same low running cost with added convenience. For a home office that prioritizes scanning speed and duplex ADF, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is a strong pick. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is best for photo enthusiasts who also print documents, and the Brother MFC-J4535DW suits document-heavy small offices that want laser-like text quality. Pick the one that matches your primary use case, and you will not regret it.