- 2018 Best Printer/scanner For Home Use
- Best All In One Printers 2018
- Best Printer Scanner For Mac 2018 Football
- Best Printer Scanner For Mac
- Best Printer Scanner For Macbook
Best printer deals 2018, Save Money On A New Printer/Scanner/Copier. Have a look at Best Apple deals for 2018. Best printer deals right now. Take a look at our Best printer for Mac. It’s 2018 under top 5 best All in one Printer for Mac and Windows OS Systems. Epson Expression ET-2750 is designed for auto dual side Print, Copy and Scan. It can fast connect via Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, USB drive, and Memory Card (built in card slots).
The Best All-in-One Printer Updated October 25, 2018 We tested the new Brother MFC-L3770CDW but found that it couldn’t keep up with our color laser all-in-one pick in features or performance. Inkjet and laser printers have become more affordable and increasingly full-featured. View our ratings and reviews and browse our buying guide to find the best printer for your home or office. The best laser printers 2018 have very high printing quality and are excellent for home office or business use. And having a laser all in one device will make printing, copying, scanning, and faxing for business purposes much faster than inkjet, more efficient, and more professional.
Not everyone wants a printer that takes up loads of space on a desk, so we've put together this list of the best compact printers. The good news? There's now a great selection of portable printers that are incredibly compact and easy to move about, enabling you to quickly and easily print documents and photos. You're not sacrificing print quality either, as some of the best compact printers deliver similar results to their larger siblings.
Looking for something ultra-portable? We've included a selection of compact printers that are battery-powered, with wireless connectivity. They're an incredibly neat solution if you travel regularly.
After thoroughly testing the top compact printers available right now, and analyzing each device’s print quality on hundreds of sheets of paper, we think the HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 is the best compact printer right now. It offer the widest range of features, while remaining nice and portable.
If you don’t need the extra heft of a scanner or copier, HP also makes the OfficeJet 200. Because both machines are made by HP, their print quality is similar. However, since the OfficeJet 200 has fewer features, it’s less expensive and even easier to carry around. Here's our pick of the best compact printers for all budgets..
1. HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250: Best overall
2018 Best Printer/scanner For Home Use
HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250
This mobile printer has impressive print quality – and lets you print, scan and copy documents on the go
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery life: 500 pages per charge | Dimensions: 15 x 7.8 x 3.6-inches | Weight: 6.3lbs | Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 | Paper capacity: 50 sheets | Scan and copy: Yes | Connectivity: USB, WiFi and Bluetooth
Reasons to Buy
Large paper tray
Reasons to Avoid
Heavy for a compact printer
The HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 sits at the top of our best compact printer guide because not only does it come with a great set of features – it lets you print, scan and copy documents on the go – but in our tests it performed extremely well too, with very few ink- or feed-related errors. The print quality from this compact printer is truly impressive, rivalling that of many standard-size inkjet models, likely because it has a 4800 x 1200 dpi (dots per inch) resolution.
For a mobile printer, the OfficeJet 250 also printed quickly – eight pages per minute for black-and-white documents and seven pages per minute for color documents. As a bonus, it’s much quieter than other mobile printers as well. The machine uses a tri-color and black cartridge. Printers that use individual cartridges instead of tri-color ones tend to have lower ongoing ink costs, but this HP model also takes high-capacity cartridges, which can keep costs down.
In our tests, the printer’s copier and scanner also reproduced documents faithfully. With a scan and copy resolution of 600 x 600 dpi, text was easy to read. There was also a little color variance from the original documents. The only downside is that the scanner and copier can’t read double-sided sheets.
The HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 is compact, but isn’t the smallest mobile printer available. However, even with its robust feature set, it only weighs just under 7 pounds with the battery attached and fits in a standard carry-on or backpack. The battery pack comes with the printer and holds enough charge to print 500 pages or to keep it working over a long weekend. You control all the printer functions with a 2.65-inch touchscreen on the front of the device.
You can use USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to send documents to the printer. The machine doesn’t directly support programs like Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint, but there’s an app you can download from HP that lets you print from your mobile devices. Overall, the HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 is easily among the best compact printers you can buy.
You can use USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to send documents to the printer. The machine doesn’t directly support programs like Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint, but there’s an app you can download from HP that lets you print from your mobile devices. Overall, the HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 is easily among the best compact printers you can buy.
- Read the review:HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250
2. HP OfficeJet Mobile 200: Best value
HP OfficeJet Mobile 200
Excellent print quality and very portable, but with less features than our best mobile printer
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery life: 500 pages per charge | Dimensions: 14.3 x 7.3 x 2.7-inches | Weight: 4.85lbs | Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 | Paper capacity: 50 sheets | Scan and copy: No | Connectivity: USB and WiFi
Reasons to Buy
Costs less than our top pick
Reasons to Avoid
Not the lightest or smallest tested
Doesn’t work with Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint
The OfficeJet Mobile 200 is the less-expensive sibling of the HP Office Jet All-in-One 250 above (our top pick for the best compact printer). Like the fancier model, it boasts superb print quality for a mobile printer – sharing the same high print resolution (4800 x 1200 dots per inch) and print speed (about seven to eight pages per minute). However, the OfficeJet 200 doesn’t have a heavy copier and scanner weighing it down, which makes this compact printer both cheaper and easier to lug around.
At 14.3 x 73.32 x 2.7 inches, the HP OfficeJet 200 weighs less than five pounds if you use a cable to power it. With the included battery, it’s a little heavier, but it still fits easily into a bag. You can check the battery level anytime, and starting with a full charge, it can print up to 500 pages.
This compact printer has a convenient document feeder so you don’t have to stand nearby to load each page one by one. However, there’s no output tray to catch your documents, so you should use the OfficeJet 200 on a flat surface. When we researched ink prices, we found that each page printed with this machine costs about 21 cents. If you invest upfront in the high-capacity ink cartridges, you can save just over five cents per page.
Bear in mind that rather than having a touchscreen like the OfficeJet 250, the 200 has button controls. And while you can connect to the printer via USB and Wi-Fi, you can’t print over Bluetooth. However, if you can do without the bells and whistles of the 250, and you just want an excellent compact printer, the OfficeJet Mobile 200 is fantastic value and a brilliant choice.
At 14.3 x 73.32 x 2.7 inches, the HP OfficeJet 200 weighs less than five pounds if you use a cable to power it. With the included battery, it’s a little heavier, but it still fits easily into a bag. You can check the battery level anytime, and starting with a full charge, it can print up to 500 pages.
This compact printer has a convenient document feeder so you don’t have to stand nearby to load each page one by one. However, there’s no output tray to catch your documents, so you should use the OfficeJet 200 on a flat surface. When we researched ink prices, we found that each page printed with this machine costs about 21 cents. If you invest upfront in the high-capacity ink cartridges, you can save just over five cents per page.
Bear in mind that rather than having a touchscreen like the OfficeJet 250, the 200 has button controls. And while you can connect to the printer via USB and Wi-Fi, you can’t print over Bluetooth. However, if you can do without the bells and whistles of the 250, and you just want an excellent compact printer, the OfficeJet Mobile 200 is fantastic value and a brilliant choice.
- Read the review:HP OfficeJet Mobile 200
3. Brother PocketJet 7 PJ723: Most portable
Brother PocketJet 7 PJ723
https://generousshark100.weebly.com/fly-hack-for-transformice-mac-2018.html. This highly portable printer sacrifices some features to be ultra-light
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery life: 600 pages per charge | Dimensions: 10 x 2.2 x 1.5-inches | Weight: 1.34lbs | Print resolution: 300 x 203 | Paper capacity: Varies | Scan and copy: No | Connectivity: USB
Reasons to Buy
Printed text is sharp and clean
Reasons to Avoid
Only prints in black and white
Easily the most portable printer we tested, the PocketJet 7 PJ723 sacrifices some features to be ultra-light. Weighing just over a pound and with dimensions of 10.04 x 2.17 x 1.53, it can fit into a large pocket. Rather than having inkjet technology, which requires moving parts, the PocketJet 7 uses thermal technology to print. While this means you don’t have to purchase replacement ink, you can’t print in color with this device.
Also, it can be hard to get your hands on the specialty paper it requires, which is similar to the receipt paper most stores use. You need to carefully select between long-lasting and regular thermal paper, depending on how long you want to archive documents, and it may be worth buying the kind that you can write on – because the surface is slippery, it can be difficult to write on normal thermal paper.
It's important to note that the battery isn’t included with the PocketJet 7 PJ723, but if you choose to buy one, it allows you to print up to 600 pages on a single charge. You can also by accessories, such as a car charger, that give you some additional flexibility. This thermal printer produces documents more slowly than our top picks, reaching speeds of about five pages a minute. You also have hand-feed the documents through the printer unless you invest in a roll or a fan-fold stack of paper.
The PocketJet 7 creates very sharp text, even with its low 300 x 203 dpi resolution. Because the device doesn’t use the most common printing technology you’re likely used to, you may find that your documents have a slightly odd smell.
This compact printer doesn’t have as many connectivity options as our top picks. You can only print from a laptop, and you can’t do so wirelessly. Because of these limitations, we don’t recommend this mobile printer for everyday use, unless you plan to print invoices for clients or have a similar use in mind. But if you're looking for a highly portable compact printer that's easy to carry with you, the PocketJet 7 PJ723 is well worth considering.
It's important to note that the battery isn’t included with the PocketJet 7 PJ723, but if you choose to buy one, it allows you to print up to 600 pages on a single charge. You can also by accessories, such as a car charger, that give you some additional flexibility. This thermal printer produces documents more slowly than our top picks, reaching speeds of about five pages a minute. You also have hand-feed the documents through the printer unless you invest in a roll or a fan-fold stack of paper.
The PocketJet 7 creates very sharp text, even with its low 300 x 203 dpi resolution. Because the device doesn’t use the most common printing technology you’re likely used to, you may find that your documents have a slightly odd smell.
This compact printer doesn’t have as many connectivity options as our top picks. You can only print from a laptop, and you can’t do so wirelessly. Because of these limitations, we don’t recommend this mobile printer for everyday use, unless you plan to print invoices for clients or have a similar use in mind. But if you're looking for a highly portable compact printer that's easy to carry with you, the PocketJet 7 PJ723 is well worth considering.
- Read the review:Brother PocketJet 7 PJ723
4. HP DeskJet 3755: Best scan and copy
HP DeskJet 3755
A cheaper compact printer that scans and copies but isn't portable
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery life: Mains power only | Dimensions: 15.9 x 7 x 5.5-inches | Weight: 5.1lbs | Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 | Paper capacity: 60 sheets | Scan and copy: Yes | Connectivity: USB and WiFi
Reasons to Buy
More affordable than others
Reasons to Avoid
Not portable
The HP DeskJet 3755 isn’t a mobile or portable printer. Instead, it has the all-in-one features, including a scanner and copier, you need for a permanent addition to an apartment or dorm room. Still, at 5.5 pounds, it’s easier to move and stash than other all-in-one inkjets, which can weigh up to 40 pounds.
The DeskJet 3755 also has a larger paper tray than many of the compact printers we tested, so you don’t have to reload it as often. During testing, we noticed it created a few more print errors than our top pick, but it’s much more affordable.
The scanner and copier work just fine, but because of the printer’s size, you feed documents through the machine instead of using a traditional flatbed scanner. If you need a compact printer that can scan and copy, the HP Deskjet 3755 is a solid pick.
- Read the review:HP DeskJet 3755
5. Epson WF-100: Best for business
Epson WorkForce WF-100
Cheaper, with great print quality and lots of connectivity options for professionals on the moved
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery life: 100 pages per charge | Dimensions: 12.2 x 6.1 x 2.4-inches | Weight: 3.5lbs | Print resolution: 5760 x 1440 | Paper capacity: 20 sheets | Scan and copy: Yes | Connectivity: USB and WiFi
Reasons to Buy
Many connectivity options
Reasons to Avoid
Best All In One Printers 2018
The Epson WF-100 can print up to 100 sheets per battery charge. Our best compact printer can print up to five times more pages per charge – but the Epson WF-100 costs significantly less. And unlike some printers, its battery is included in the initial purchase, which saves you money.
The Epson WF-100 is also smaller and lighter than many compact printers we tested, weighing only 3.5 pounds. It includes all the connectivity options business travelers need, and our testing revealed it has better-than-average print quality, though it prints slower than other compact printers. Both its print tray and cartridge capacity are functional, but we would’ve liked to see higher capacities for both features. However, those limited capacity increase the portability of this compact printer.
- Read the review: Epson WF-100
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How we found the best compact printers
Because portability is important to consider when choosing a mobile printer, we used hands-on tests to evaluate each machine’s weight and size, then assigned it a score. In addition, we researched each printer’s battery life and checked to see if the battery was included or had to be purchased separately, which affects the device’s value. Batteries that print a lot of documents on a single charge fared better in our comparison.
We examined hundreds of sample documents, dozens printed with each device we reviewed. During our tests, we printed the same samples on each machine and compared their output quality, looking for frequency of printing errors such as spotting, streaking or bleeding. In addition, we compared the machines’ print resolution side by side.
After looking at the machines' output quality, we assigned each one a grade based on its performance. Printers that produced readable test with some noticeable errors received a C grade, while with B grades performed about average with only a few errors. We reserved A grades for printers that create easy-to-read text with few to no errors. Most users won't be satisfied with a printer that earned a grade lower than a C.
Ongoing ink or thermal paper costs are important to consider when buying a compact printer, so we noted which ones require specialty paper and which use standard 8.5 x 11 printer paper. We also compared the cost of ink for each printer we reviewed – we broke this information down to how much it costs per page to print with each machine so it’s easy to compare the long-term expense of owning each one.
Finally, we looked at the rest of the printer’s features, noting if it includes Wi-Fi and other connectivity options like USB or Bluetooth. Online support is essential for printers these days, and some printers connect to mobile devices with popular cloud programs, while others use proprietary apps.
How much does a compact printer cost?
Compact printers tend to be pricier than all-in-one models because of their size and how portable they are as well as their batteries.
The compact printers we tested range from around $75 to just under $400, and the average price of a compact printer is around $250 – a little more than double the cost of an average all-in-one model. However, the priciest compact printers aren’t necessarily the best investment. You can get great print quality and functionality without paying a premium. For the best value, look at models that cost around $200.
Key features to look for when buying a compact printer
Printer design
Generally, the lighter a mobile printer is the better. However, we looked for models that balance features and quality with their compact size. As you look at a mobile printer, check its dimensions to see if it’ll fit inside of the carrier you typically use, like a laptop bag or backpack.
Generally, the lighter a mobile printer is the better. However, we looked for models that balance features and quality with their compact size. As you look at a mobile printer, check its dimensions to see if it’ll fit inside of the carrier you typically use, like a laptop bag or backpack.
Another important consideration is the battery life. Check to see how many documents you can print or days you can go before you need to recharge the battery. If you have to plug the battery in regularly, it impacts the printer’s overall portability.
Output
Print quality is one of the most important considerations when buying any kind of printer, so we looked at documents printed by each machine under high magnification. Since you likely won’t compare sample documents side by side in person as you choose a printer, we suggest comparing their print resolutions, which is a good indicator of how much detail a printer can recreate in images. The higher the numbers, the better the resolution. Smaller, high-resolution printers usually cost more. So, you may have to compromise on resolution and portability to find something in your price range.
Print quality is one of the most important considerations when buying any kind of printer, so we looked at documents printed by each machine under high magnification. Since you likely won’t compare sample documents side by side in person as you choose a printer, we suggest comparing their print resolutions, which is a good indicator of how much detail a printer can recreate in images. The higher the numbers, the better the resolution. Smaller, high-resolution printers usually cost more. So, you may have to compromise on resolution and portability to find something in your price range.
We looked for printers that can standard-size, 8.5 x 11 documents, but the more flexibility you have in your paper choice the better. While all the printers we considered handle standard-size paper, watch for special paper requirements. For example, the Brother PocketJet PJ723 uses thermal paper.
Manufacturers list printer speed in the machines’ specs, but we timed the models we reviewed to approximate their speed in real-world conditions. Based on what you’re using the printer for, speed may be important to consider.
Ink & media
You want to check to see what types of cartridges your inkjet compact printer uses. If it takes high-yield cartridges, you can usually shave off a few cents per page. Or you might consider a printer that uses thermal print technology like the PocketJet PJ723, though the specialty paper these machines use comes at its own expense.
You want to check to see what types of cartridges your inkjet compact printer uses. If it takes high-yield cartridges, you can usually shave off a few cents per page. Or you might consider a printer that uses thermal print technology like the PocketJet PJ723, though the specialty paper these machines use comes at its own expense.
Pay attention to the printer’s regular output specifications, including the maximum number of pages the manufacturer suggests printing per month, called the monthly duty cycle. Regularly printing above this number can wear the machine down faster and cause damage, so make sure the duty cycle matches up with your needs.
Connectivity
Printers that connect to a variety of online storage and cloud systems are more useful, especially now that so much is stored digitally. https://generousshark100.weebly.com/bitdefender-for-mac-2019-review-imore.html. Check to make sure you’re preferred cloud storage program is supported by your printer.
Best OverallPrinters that connect to a variety of online storage and cloud systems are more useful, especially now that so much is stored digitally. https://generousshark100.weebly.com/bitdefender-for-mac-2019-review-imore.html. Check to make sure you’re preferred cloud storage program is supported by your printer.
HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250
The HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 combines the best in print quality with the most features. It fits in a standard backpack and, despite its size, makes copies and scans documents.
Best ValueHP OfficeJet Mobile 200
The HP OfficeJet Mobile 200 is a slimmer, trimmer version of the HP 250, and while you can’t copy or scan documents, you get the same high-quality print results.
Most PortableBrother PocketJet 7 PJ723
The PocketJet 7 PJ723 uses special thermal printing technology, which makes it incredibly compact. Weighing in at just over a pound, it’s the lightest printer we tested in our lab.
Product | Price | Overall Rating | Design | Output | Ink & Media | Features | Help & Support | Portability Score | Battery Life (Pages Per Charge) | Battery Power Option | Dimensions (WHD) | Weight (Pounds) | Print Quality | Black Print Speed | Color Print Speed | Photo Capable | Print Resolution | Max. Document Size | Print Technology | Cost Per Page (Standard) | Cost Per Page (High Capacity) | Paper Capacity | Scan & Copy | Connectivity | OS Support | Mobile Support - Apple | Mobile Support - Android | Mobile Support - Other | Print from Camera | Warranty | Phone | Live Chat | Social Media | Online Manual | Troubleshooting Guide | FAQs | Forums | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 | View Deal | 4/5 | 8.8 | 9.3 | 8.3 | 5.8 | 10 | A- | 500 | ✓ | 14.96 x 7.8 x 3.6 | 6.73 | A | 8.57 | 7.35 | ✓ | 4800 x 1200 | 8.5 x 14 | Inkjet | 0.21 | 0.16 | 50 | ✓ | USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Windows, Mac, Linux | - | - | HP ePrint app | - | 1 year | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
HP OfficeJet Mobile 200 | View Deal | 4/5 | 9.5 | 9.3 | 8.3 | 3.3 | 10 | A | 500 | ✓ | 14.3 x 7.32 x 2.7 | 4.85 | A | 8.82 | 7.35 | ✓ | 4800 x 1200 | 8.5 x 14 | Inkjet | 0.21 | 0.16 | 50 | - | USB, Wi-Fi | Windows, Mac, Linux | - | - | HP ePrint app | - | 1 year | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Canon PIXMA iP 110 | View Deal | 4/5 | 9 | 8 | 5.8 | 8 | 7.5 | A | 290 | $ | 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.5 | 4.3 | B | 7.14 | 4.04 | ✓ | 9600 x 2400 | 8.5 x 14 | Inkjet | 0.15 | - | 50 | - | USB, Wi-Fi | Windows, Mac | ✓ | ✓ | Canon PRINT app | ✓ | 1 year | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Epson WF 100 | View Deal | 4/5 | 9.3 | 8 | 5 | 6.3 | 5 | A | 100 | ✓ | 12.2 x 6.1 x 2.4 | 3.5 | A- | 5.36 | 2.88 | ✓ | 5760 x 1440 | 8.5 x 14 | Inkjet | 0.18 | - | 20 | - | USB, Wi-Fi | Windows, Mac | ✓ | ✓ | Epson iPrint Mobile App | - | 1 year | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | - |
HP DeskJet 3755 | View Deal | 3.5/5 | 6.3 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8 | 10 | B+ | - | - | 15.86 x 6.97 x 5.55 | 5.13 | B | 7.89 | 3.75 | ✓ | 4800 x 1200 | 8.5 x 14 | Inkjet | 0.25 | 0.19 | 60 | ✓ | USB, Wi-Fi | Windows, Mac | ✓ | ✓ | HP ePrint app | - | 1 year | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Brother PocketJet 7 | View Deal | 3.5/5 | 10 | 3.5 | 10 | 2.5 | 7.5 | A+ | 600 | $ | 10.04 x 2.17 x 1.53 | 1.34 | D- | 5.0 | - | - | 300 x 203 | 8.5 x 14 | Thermal | 0.14 | 0.07 | Varies | - | USB | Windows, Mac, Linux | - | - | - | - | 1 year | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
Primera Trio | View Deal | 3/5 | 9.3 | 4 | 1.3 | 3.5 | 6.3 | A | 350 | $ | 11.4 x 6.5 x 1.8 | 2.8 | C- | 1.48 | 1.64 | - | 4800 x 1200 | 8.5 x 14 | Inkjet | Black - 0.26, Color - 0.53 | Black - 0.27, Color - 0.21 | 10 | ✓ | USB | Windows, Mac | - | - | - | - | 1 year | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | - |
Related Product Reviews
Multifunction printers have never been better value for money so we’ve reviewed the best all-in-one printer for Mac of 2019.
Multi-use printers represent excellent value for money because not only can they print, they can also scan, photocopy and even convert PDFs to editable text or send faxes from your Mac.
Since they also allow you to scan and digitize documents, an all-in-one printer can also help if you want to go paperless in your office or home or print checks on your Mac.
Since most AIO printers are wireless nowadays, we’ve focused on those that work wirelessly and allow you to print instantly from not only your Mac but also mobile devices such as iPad, iPhone, Windows Mobile and Android devices.
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Useful To Know: Printers & Macs
Before jumping in, to help you decide which AIO printer is right for you, there are a few things worth being aware of when choosing a printer for your Mac.
Laser vs Inkjet
Although all of the devices featured here can print, copy, scan and fax from Mac, the main thing you’ll probably use it for is printing. You’ll therefore want to choose a printer based mainly on your printing needs because the copy, scan and fax capabilities are similar across the board.
There are two types of printer on the market – inkjet and laser printers. Laser printers are usually more expensive but they are faster and give better print quality, especially for text. Inkjets are almost the same speed nowadays but give better print quality for images.
The best printer for you therefore depends in what you want to use it for. In a nutshell, if you’re mainly going to print lots of text or PDF documents, you’re best going for a laser printer. If you’re going to be doing a serious amount of printing, you’re better investing in a Laser printer such as the HP LaserJet Pro or HP OfficeJet Pro as they print as significantly faster printing speeds.
If it’s photos you’ll be mainly printing, then you’re probably better to go for an inkjet machine. We’ve indicated in these reviews and in the comparison table whether the printer reviewed is laser or inkjet.
Cartridge Costs
Although printers have never been cheaper than today, the real expense with printers is the cost of replacing the printer cartridges. Color print cartridges, especially for laser printers, can be hundreds of dollars so you should bear in mind how much replacement cartridges cost when making your decision.
We’ve made it clear in the reviews and comparison table how many cartridges the printer requires and how much cartridges cost so that there are no nasty shocks after purchasing your printer.
Faxing From Printers
All of the machines featured here can also be used as a fax machine. However, its important to note you will need a landline in your home or office to use this feature. To fax from an all-in-one machine, you need to connect it via a telephone cable to your landline connection – you can’t fax from a printer via your WiFi connection.
If this is a problem, or you’re intending to fax regularly from your Mac, we strongly recommend reading our guide on the best fax software for Mac where you’ll find information on how to fax using online services or via fax apps from macOS.
Other things worth being aware of when buying any kind of printer are:
- Print Resolution (dpi): You’ll find that not many manufacturers make the print resolution (measured in dots per inch – dpi) very clear or even state print resolution on product descriptions. Most print at around 2400 x 4800 dpi but you should check with the manufacturer if this is a crucial issue for you.
- Scan Resolution (dpi): This is usually made clear in most manufacturer product descriptions and most printers scan in 1220 x 2400 dpi but we’ve made the scanning resolution clear in the reviews.
- Double Sided Printing (Duplex Printing): All the wireless printers here can print, scan and copy double-sided, also known as duplex printing. This is very useful as it saves significant amounts of paper if printing on both sides is not an issue for you. If you need single side printing, they can of course do that too.
- Print Speed (ppm): Print speed is measured in Pages per Minute (ppm) and most models can print color at around 10 ppm and black and white printouts slightly faster. The exceptions are the HP LaserJet Pro and HP OfficeJet Pro which can both print significantly faster at 19 ppm and 70 ppm respectively. Note that in the comparison table, we’ve indicated the maximum draft color printing speed per printer – if you print in high quality the speeds will be slightly slower.
- Budget: Multifunction printers can range from under $100 and $200 suitable for general home use to those designed for small businesses costing anything up to $1500.
A Note On Brother Printers & Macs
Although PC users experience less problems than those on Mac, we’ve found that the Brother brand of printers cause the most problems on Mac and are best avoided. The drivers either often do not work properly with OS X or are not updated regularly enough by Brother to be compatible with the latest versions of macOS.
This either results in no communication between Mac and Brother printer or the printer refusing to print in draft mode thus using valuable ink on documents that don’t need to be printed in high quality. Wireless printing in particular can be very hit and miss when trying to print to a Brother printer from Mac.
The wireless range between Brother printers and Macs is also often so poor that you need the printer sitting right next to the Mac in order for wireless printing to even work. Coupled with frequent paper jams when using Brother printers alongside Macs, in our experience, it’s advisable to avoid the Brother brand of printers on Mac.
With all this in mind, here then are our reviews of the best printers for Mac of 2019 in order of ranking. To help in your decision, you can see how they compare head-to-head in the comparison table at the end.
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1. HP Envy 7855
The HP Envy 7855 is an all-in-one printer that can print, scan, copy and fax. It’s geared more at those that want to print lots of photos from mobile devices as it allows you to instantly send and print images from mobile devices.
For those that hate running out of printer ink at just the wrong moment, the HP Envy 7855 will also automatically order new print cartridges delivered to your door you when it detects ink is getting low. The HP Instant Ink replacement service can also work out up to 50% cheaper than buying cartridges in store although they’re generally reasonably priced anyway.
The HP Envy also features a touchscreen which allows you to print and even edit photos that you’ve sent from your Mac, iPhone or iPad. The scanner is slightly low in resolution with a maximum of 1200 dpi but it’s enough for general use. If you’re intending to print a lot of photos and mobile printing is important to you, the HP Envy 7855 All-ln-One Photo Printer is a very good choice.
2. Epson Workforce WF-370
The Epson Workforce WF-370 is an multi-function inkjet printer that claims to offer “performance beyond laser”. It offers the fastest printing speed we’ve seen in an inkjet and Epson claim it’s 40% cheaper to run than a laser printer due to the cost of its cartridges. The Epson Workforce is also one of the few printers that can perform not only double-sided printing but also double-sided scans, photocopies and faxes if that’s important for you.
There’s a touch screen that allows you to send and print photos from mobile devices as well as perform general management of the printer. The Epson Workforce range use 5 cartridges although they are considerably cheaper than for the Canon PIXMA. Annoyingly though, if you’ve run out of color cartridges and just want to print in greyscale, it won’t let you – you must have a full set of cartridges loaded before it will let you print anything at all.
The Epson Workforce is WF-370 is a good choice if you need a printer for Mac or PC that can copy, scan and print double-sided and has reasonably priced cartridge refills.
3. HP LaserJet Pro M281fdw
The HP LaserJet Pro is a more affordable version of the excellent HP Office Jet Pro (see review below). Although more expensive than most consumer printers, it’s an excellent mid range all-in-one machine that’s also suitable for small businesses and home office use. The HP LaserJet Pro prints at an impressive 19 pages per minute (ppm) which is significantly faster than the Canon, Epson or HP Envy (although much slower than the HP Office Jet Pro).
One other useful feature you’ll find in HP LaserJet Pro that you won’t find in most printers is the ability to scan to email. This means you can scan a document and send it directly to someone’s email address by typing it in the touchscreen. You can even send documents to multiple email addresses directly from the printer itself. The main difference between the HP LaserJet Pro and the more advanced HP Office Jet Pro is that it’s a lot slower and a smaller paper loading cartridge (150 sheets compared to 500 sheets in the Office Jet Pro). Print cartridges are also a lot cheaper for the HP LaserJet Pro.
If you’re looking for a small office, small business or home office all in printer for your Mac, the HP LaserJet Pro provides very fast printing with office printer standard features at an affordable price.
4. HP OfficeJet Pro X576dw
The HP OfficeJet Pro X576dw is by far the most expensive printer featured here but it’s also the most robust and designed for offices that need a top quality solution. The HP OfficeJet Pro is extremely fast printing up to 70 pages per minute (ppm) compared to an average of 10 ppm for the other printers featured here. Although it can be used for printing photos, the HP OfficeJet Pro is designed more for large volume document printing rather than photo or leisure use.
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The HP OfficeJet Pro can hold up to 500 sheets of paper – far in excess of any of the other printers featured here – with an option for an additional 500 sheet paper tray. This is because the HP OfficeJet Pro is designed for offices that print up to 4,200 pages per month and as a result, cartridges aren’t exactly cheap.
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5. Canon PIXMA MX922
The Canon PIXMA range is one of the best-selling all-in-one printers ever and has been successful due to a combination of good value for money, reliability and high quality results. The Canon Office and Business MX922 is one of the most popular general all purpose printer for Mac users and offers a good combination of high print quality, scan, copy and fax functionality, pleasing aesthetic design and competitive pricing.
The Canon MX922 is a printer, scanner, copier and fax machine and can be used either wirelessly or via a USB cable. There’s a 35-sheet document feeder and it even includes software to design and print your own custom CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. For photo buffs, there’s a neat HD Movie Print feature which can take a frame from an HD movie recorded on a compatible Canon EOS, PowerShot, or VIXIA camcorder and print it as a photo. For those that love to make home movies but also like to have photos of their favorite moments, this is a really useful feature.
The MX922 can scan and photocopy documents in high-resolution of up to 2400 x 4800 dpi optical and can also be used as a fax machine if you’ve got a landline connection. Cartridges for the Canon PIXMA MX922 are a bit expensive since there’s 5 of them in all. Overall, the Canon PIXMA MX922 is solid, reliable, produces quality results and is good value for money.
Like the HP Laserjet Pro, the HP OfficeJet Pro also supports scan to email and double-sided duplex printing, copying and scanning of documents.
The one drawback however is that the Canon doesn’t quickly update drivers for its Mac products. At the moment, the Pixma range works with High Sierra but not with Mojave as the drivers still aren’t available.
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If you’re looking for the perfect mid-office multi purpose printer for your Mac or PC, the HP OfficeJet Pro is a superb machine.
The Best Printers For Mac Compared
Canon PIXMA MX922 | HP Envy 7855 | Epson Workforce WF-370 | HP Laserjet Pro M281fdw | HP Office Jet Pro x576dw | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Printer Type | Inkjet | Laser | Inkjet | Laser | Laser |
Auto-Sheet Feeder Capacity | 35 | 25 | 35 | 150 | 500 |
Double Sided Print/Copy/Scan | |||||
Max Print Speed Color | 10 ppm | 9 ppm | 10 ppm | 19 ppm | 70 ppm |
Max Scan Resolution dpi | 2400 x 4800 | 1200 x 2400 | 1200 x 2400 | 1200 x 2400 | 1200 x 2400 |
No. of Print Cartridges | 5 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Full Set Print Cartridge Cost (approx) | $50 | $25 | $20 | $130 | $400 |
Easy To Use Touchscreen | |||||
Mobile Printing | |||||
More Info | More Info | More Info | More Info | More Info |
Conclusion
![Best home printers for 2018 Best home printers for 2018](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126618846/831500117.jpg)
Which printer you choose depends on whether you’re just a general home user or need to use it for business use.
If you’re an occasional home user that just needs to print, scan and copy every so often, the HP Envy is an excellent choice.
If you’re somewhere in between and planning to maybe use it for business purposes, you can’t go wrong with the HP LaserJet Pro because it offers room for you to grow while offering home users the speed and features that businesses enjoy.
If you’re a small business or power user, then don’t hesitate to get the HP OfficeJet Pro as the speed in printing alone is well worth the extra money for frequent print jobs.
Whichever one you choose, the great thing for Mac users is that unlike on Windows PCs, setting-up a printer is very easy. Macs will automatically install printer drivers for most major manufacturers as soon as you connect the printer to your Mac meaning whichever one you choose, installing it on Mac is far easier and painless than on PC.
Depending on the model and manufacturer, PC users meanwhile may have to download drivers from the manufacturer website or install software that comes with the printer.
If you’ve got any comments, questions, problems or experiences with any of the Mac compatible printers reviewed here, let us know in the comments below.