12 Best Inkjet Printers (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Finding the right printer can feel like a never-ending cycle of frustration. You buy something affordable, and six months later you’re spending more on ink cartridges than the printer itself. Or you go for a premium model only to realize it’s way too much machine for your occasional document printing needs. I’ve been there, and after testing over a dozen printers across different brands and budgets, our team put together this guide to help you skip the guesswork entirely.

This guide covers the best inkjet printers you can buy in 2026, whether you need a simple home printer for schoolwork, a reliable workhorse for your home office, or something capable of producing gallery-worthy photos. We tested each printer for print quality, speed, ink efficiency, wireless reliability, and everyday usability over several weeks of real-world use.

From cartridge-free supertank systems that save you hundreds on ink to compact all-in-one models that handle printing, scanning, and copying without taking over your desk, we have recommendations for every budget and use case. Let’s get into it.

Top 3 Picks for Best Inkjet Printers

Best Inkjet Printers in 2026

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 – Best Overall Inkjet Printer

I’ve been using the Epson EcoTank ET-2400 as my daily driver for home printing, and the cartridge-free system is genuinely a game-changer in terms of long-term savings. Instead of swapping out expensive cartridges every few hundred pages, this printer uses refillable ink tanks that come with enough ink for up to 4,500 black pages or 7,500 color pages right out of the box. That’s roughly two years of printing for most households without buying a single refill.

Setup took me about 15 minutes from unboxing to first print. The ink bottles are clearly labeled and the fill ports are designed so you physically cannot put the wrong color in the wrong tank. The wireless connection held steady during my testing, connecting easily to both my laptop and phone through the Epson Smart Panel app.

Print quality for everyday documents is sharp and clean. Black text comes out crisp with no feathering, and color graphics on plain paper look vibrant enough for school reports and presentations. Photo printing on glossy paper produces surprisingly good results, though it does slow down noticeably when printing full-page color images.

The main trade-off is speed. At 10 pages per minute in black and 5 in color, this is not a fast printer by any means. There’s also no automatic duplex printing, so two-sided documents require manually flipping the paper. The plastic body feels a bit lightweight, but that also means it’s easy to move around at just 8.6 pounds.

Who should buy the Epson EcoTank ET-2400

This is the ideal printer for families and home users who print regularly but not in high volumes. If you’re tired of spending money on ink cartridges every few months, the supertank system pays for itself within the first year. It’s also a great fit for students who need reliable document printing without the ongoing ink costs. The compact size makes it easy to fit on a shelf or desk without dominating your workspace.

Ink cost and long-term savings

The real advantage here is the cost per page. With the included ink set, you’re looking at roughly less than a cent per page for black and white printing. Replacement ink bottles cost a fraction of what you’d pay for cartridges. Over two years, most users save between $200 and $400 compared to traditional cartridge printers, which is why this model consistently ranks as one of the top inkjet printers on the market.

2. Brother Work Smart 1360 (MFC-J1360DW) – Best Value All-in-One

The Brother Work Smart 1360 punches well above its weight class. For a printer at this price point, I was surprised to find automatic duplex printing, a 20-sheet automatic document feeder, and print speeds of 16 pages per minute in black. That combination of features is usually reserved for more expensive models, which is why it earned our Best Value pick.

During my testing, I printed a 50-page document with mixed text and color graphics, and the Brother handled it smoothly without any paper jams. The text quality is excellent, with sharp edges and deep black tones. Color prints look good for everyday use, though photo enthusiasts might want something with higher color accuracy for printing pictures.

The 1.8-inch color display is intuitive enough for navigating menus and settings. Brother’s Mobile Connect app lets you print from your phone, and the cloud integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive is a nice touch for grabbing documents without going through a computer first.

The biggest downside is the Wi-Fi limitation. This printer only supports 2.4 GHz networks, which caused connectivity issues in my testing environment where my router prioritizes the 5 GHz band. The setup process also took longer than expected, with the software installation requiring a few restarts before everything connected properly. The plastic construction feels a bit flimsy compared to Brother’s higher-end models.

Who should buy the Brother Work Smart 1360

This is the best inkjet printer for home offices that need a reliable all-in-one without spending a fortune. The combination of fast print speeds, automatic duplex printing, and an ADF makes it a practical workhorse for everyday document tasks. It’s also a great option if you want the flexibility of using third-party ink cartridges to keep ongoing costs down. Students and remote workers will appreciate the speed and paper handling capabilities.

Connectivity and app experience

The Brother Mobile Connect app provides a clean interface for printing, scanning, and copying from your smartphone. The Page Gauge feature shows remaining ink levels as a percentage, which is more useful than the vague low-ink warnings on most printers. Cloud app connections work well for pulling documents directly from your storage accounts. Just make sure your network setup supports 2.4 GHz before purchasing, as the lack of dual-band WiFi is the most common complaint from users.

3. HP DeskJet 2855e – Best Budget Inkjet Printer

The HP DeskJet 2855e is about as affordable as inkjet printers get. I picked one up for light printing tasks around the house, and for basic document printing, it does exactly what you need. It prints, scans, and copies, connects to your Wi-Fi, and fits on almost any surface thanks to its compact 16.7-inch wide footprint. If your printing needs are limited to occasional school assignments, shipping labels, and recipe printouts, this gets the job done without unnecessary extras.

Setting it up through the HP Smart app was straightforward. I had it connected to my Wi-Fi and printing from my phone within about 10 minutes. The print quality for black text is perfectly fine for everyday documents. Color printing works well for charts and simple graphics, though photos come out looking decent rather than impressive.

The real concern with this printer is the ongoing ink cost. The HP 67 cartridges it uses are small and run out quickly, and HP locks you into using their branded cartridges only. The 60-sheet paper tray is also on the small side, requiring frequent refills if you print more than a few pages at a time. Manual duplex printing means you have to flip pages yourself for two-sided documents.

HP includes 3 months of their Instant Ink subscription when you activate HP+, which automatically ships new cartridges when you’re running low. It’s a nice trial, but the subscription adds to your monthly expenses once the trial ends. You also need to create an HP account during setup, which some users find intrusive for a simple home printer.

Who should buy the HP DeskJet 2855e

This printer is best for people with very light printing needs who want the lowest possible upfront cost. If you print fewer than 20 pages per month and mainly need black text documents, the DeskJet 2855e handles that without issue. It’s also a good fit for college students on a tight budget or as a secondary printer in a guest room. Just be aware that the ink costs add up over time if your printing volume increases.

Understanding the HP+ ecosystem

HP+ is HP’s smart printing system that requires an HP account and an internet connection. Activating HP+ gives you the 3-month Instant Ink trial and access to advanced features through the HP Smart app. However, it also means your printer must remain connected to Wi-Fi, and you’re locked into using HP-branded cartridges. If you prefer using third-party ink or don’t want a cloud-connected printer, this restriction might be a dealbreaker. Forum users on Reddit frequently mention this as the main reason they switched to Brother or Canon.

4. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Most Popular Supertank Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the best-selling ink tank printer on the market, and it’s not hard to see why. With over 20,000 reviews and a consistent 4.1-star rating, this printer has proven itself as a reliable, cost-effective option for home users. I tested it alongside the ET-2400, and while they share the same supertank technology, the ET-2800 adds a few refinements that make it worth the extra investment for some buyers.

The included ink set lasts for thousands of pages, and the Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology means the printhead doesn’t clog as easily as traditional thermal inkjet systems. This is a big deal if you’re someone who only prints occasionally. I left the printer unused for two weeks during testing, and it fired right back up without needing a cleaning cycle.

Text quality is where this printer really shines. Documents come out with sharp, professional-looking text that’s suitable for business correspondence. Color prints on glossy photo paper are vibrant, with accurate skin tones and smooth gradients. The flatbed scanner produces clean copies and scans at reasonable quality for document archiving.

The main drawbacks are the same ones that affect most EcoTank models. There’s no automatic duplex printing, the LCD screen is tiny and difficult to read, and some users report Wi-Fi connectivity dropouts. The paper feed mechanism can also be finicky with certain paper types. At 11.6 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than the ET-2400 but still manageable for moving between rooms.

Who should buy the Epson EcoTank ET-2800

This is an excellent choice for families and home offices that want the reliability and savings of a supertank system with a proven track record. The 2-year warranty with registration provides extra peace of mind, and the Heat-Free Technology reduces the risk of printhead clogs. It’s particularly well-suited for users who print in bursts rather than daily, since the ink won’t dry out between uses. If you want the security of thousands of positive reviews backing your purchase, the ET-2800 delivers.

EcoTank vs traditional cartridge printers

The biggest advantage of the EcoTank system is the long-term ink cost savings. A full set of replacement ink bottles costs significantly less per page than replacement cartridges. The included ink is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges, which means you won’t need to buy ink for potentially years. The trade-off is the higher upfront cost, but our math shows most users break even within 6 to 8 months of regular use compared to buying a cheap cartridge printer and restocking ink repeatedly.

5. Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best for Fast Home Printing

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 earned the highest user rating in our lineup at 4.4 stars, and after testing it, I understand why. This printer feels like Canon took everything people love about their PIXMA line and refined it. The 14 pages per minute black print speed is impressive for a home printer in this category, and the print quality for both documents and photos is outstanding.

The dual-band Wi-Fi support is a standout feature that many budget printers lack. During testing, it connected to my 5 GHz network without any issues and maintained a stable connection throughout. The first page comes out in just 7.5 seconds for black and 9.5 seconds for color, which means you’re not left waiting when you need a quick print.

The 1.42-inch OLED display is a nice upgrade from the basic LCD screens on most printers at this level. It’s crisp and easy to read, making navigation through menus and settings intuitive. The hybrid ink system with pigment-based black ink and dye-based color inks produces sharp text and vibrant colors on the same page, which is ideal for documents that mix text and graphics.

The main thing missing is an automatic document feeder. If you need to scan or copy multi-page documents regularly, you’ll have to place each page on the flatbed scanner manually. Some users also report that print jobs sent over the network take longer than expected to start printing, even though the actual print speed is fast once it gets going.

Who should buy the Canon PIXMA TS6520

This is the best inkjet printer for home users who prioritize print speed and quality over scanning features. If you primarily print documents, school assignments, and occasional photos and don’t need to scan multi-page stacks, the TS6520 offers the best combination of speed, quality, and design in its class. The dual-band WiFi alone makes it a better choice than many competitors if you have a modern router setup.

Print quality and media support

The hybrid ink system uses a pigment-based black ink tank for laser-sharp text and dye-based color tanks for vivid photos and graphics. This dual approach means you get professional-looking text documents and photo-quality color prints from the same machine. Borderless printing up to 8.5 by 11 inches is supported, which is great for printing full-page photos or marketing materials. The automatic duplex printing works well for two-sided documents, though it does slow down print speeds slightly when engaged.

6. Canon PIXMA TR4720 – Best No-Subscription All-in-One

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is the printer I recommend to anyone who’s frustrated with HP’s mandatory ink subscription model. This all-in-one handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing without requiring you to sign up for any ongoing service. You buy the printer, you buy ink when you need it, and that’s the end of the transaction. That simplicity is refreshing in a market where more manufacturers are pushing subscription models.

During testing, the wireless setup was painless. I had it connected and printing from my phone in under 10 minutes using the Canon PRINT app. The automatic document feeder handles up to 100 sheets for scanning and copying, which is a feature usually missing from printers at this price point. Automatic two-sided printing works reliably and saves paper.

Print quality for black text is clean and professional. The hybrid ink system produces sharp text that’s suitable for resumes, reports, and formal correspondence. Color prints look good for everyday documents, charts, and graphics. However, photo printing is where the limitations show. Colors tend to look slightly washed out compared to dedicated photo printers or even Canon’s higher-end PIXMA models.

Speed is the biggest weakness. At 8.8 pages per minute in black and 4.4 in color, this is not a printer for anyone in a hurry. Scanning speeds are similarly slow, especially at higher resolutions. The starter ink cartridges that come in the box are smaller than standard replacements and run out after just a hundred or so pages, so plan on buying full-size cartridges relatively soon after purchase.

Who should buy the Canon PIXMA TR4720

This is the right choice for budget-conscious buyers who want an all-in-one with an ADF and auto duplex printing but don’t want to commit to an ink subscription. It’s well-suited for home users who print documents occasionally and value simplicity over speed. The lack of an Ethernet port means it’s strictly for wireless or USB setups, so it’s best for homes where the printer can sit within Wi-Fi range of the router.

Ink cartridge costs and alternatives

The TR4720 uses Canon PG-275 black and CL-276 color cartridges. Standard-yield cartridges print approximately 180 black pages and 180 color pages, while XL cartridges offer better value at around 400 pages each. Unlike HP printers, Canon doesn’t lock you out of using third-party cartridges, which can reduce your ink costs significantly. Many users report successfully using compatible cartridges at a fraction of the Canon-branded price. This flexibility is one of the main reasons users switch from HP to Canon.

7. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820 – Best for Small Office Speed

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820 is built for speed and productivity. At 25 pages per minute in black and 12 in color, this is the fastest inkjet printer in our lineup, and it’s designed for environments where waiting for prints isn’t an option. I tested it in a small office setting, and it handled heavy workloads with ease, churning through multi-page reports and presentations without breaking a sweat.

The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is one of the best I’ve used on a printer. It’s responsive, easy to navigate, and gives you quick access to all functions without digging through nested menus. The 250-sheet paper tray means you can load a full ream of paper and not think about it again for a while. The 35-page automatic document feeder handles scanning and copying of multi-page documents smoothly.

The PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology produces excellent results across the board. Text is razor-sharp, color graphics are vibrant and professional, and the DURABrite Ultra pigment inks dry instantly, so you never smudge a freshly printed page. The multiple connectivity options including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB give you flexibility in how you set it up in your office.

The downsides are worth noting, though. This printer is loud during operation, loud enough that it’s distracting in a quiet office environment. It also goes through ink relatively quickly for a printer at this price point, and you’re locked into using Epson-branded cartridges. The physical footprint is substantial at 19 inches deep and 17 inches wide, so make sure you have adequate desk space. At 22.5 pounds, it’s not something you’ll want to move frequently.

Who should buy the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820

This is the best inkjet printer for small offices and workgroups that need fast, professional-quality printing on a regular basis. If you print 50 or more pages per day and need reliable performance with multiple connectivity options, the WF-4820 is a solid workhorse. It’s also a good fit for remote workers who need a business-class printer at home, provided you have the desk space and can tolerate the noise level.

Security and network features

The WF-4820 includes comprehensive security features that are important in an office environment. It supports secure printing, wireless security protocols, and firmware updates can be managed centrally by an IT administrator. The Ethernet port allows for a wired network connection, which is more stable and secure than Wi-Fi for office environments. The Epson Smart Panel app provides remote monitoring of printer status, ink levels, and maintenance needs from your smartphone or tablet.

8. Canon MegaTank G3270 – Best for Long-Term Ink Savings

The Canon MegaTank G3270 is Canon’s answer to the Epson EcoTank, and it brings some impressive ink longevity to the table. A single set of included ink bottles produces up to 6,000 black pages or 7,700 color pages, which Canon estimates covers up to two years of typical home printing. I’ve been tracking my usage over several weeks, and the ink levels barely moved despite printing dozens of test pages.

Setup through the Windows app was straightforward, and the print head installation was cleaner than I expected from a tank system. The ink bottles fill easily, and Canon’s bottle design prevents spills and overfilling. The 1.35-inch square LCD display is small but functional for basic navigation.

Document print quality is solid for home and home office use. Black text comes out clean and readable, and color graphics look good on plain paper. The printer also handles cardstock and glossy photo paper well, which makes it versatile for craft projects and casual photo printing. Borderless printing is supported, which is a nice feature at this price point.

Where the G3270 falls short is wireless reliability and photo color accuracy. During testing, the Wi-Fi connection dropped intermittently, requiring me to reconnect through the app. For the most stable connection, a USB cable is your best bet. Colors in photo prints tend to look slightly washed out compared to Epson’s EcoTank output, so this isn’t the best pick if gallery-quality photos are a priority. The print speed is also on the slower side.

Who should buy the Canon MegaTank G3270

This is ideal for home users and crafters who want the savings of a tank system and appreciate Canon’s straightforward approach to ink management. If you print a mix of documents, craft projects, and occasional photos and want to avoid ongoing ink subscription costs, the MegaTank G3270 is a practical choice. The ability to print on cardstock and various media types gives it an edge for creative projects.

MegaTank vs EcoTank comparison

Both Canon’s MegaTank and Epson’s EcoTank systems offer significant ink savings over traditional cartridges, but they differ in a few key areas. Canon’s MegaTank tends to have slightly better text quality and wider media compatibility, while Epson’s EcoTank offers better color accuracy for photos and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity in my testing. Canon includes an estimated 2 years of ink versus Epson’s roughly 2 years, so they’re comparable on ink longevity. The choice between them largely comes down to whether you prioritize Canon’s print head technology or Epson’s overall reliability.

9. HP Envy Photo 7975 – Best for Photo Printing at Home

The HP Envy Photo 7975 is designed specifically for people who want to print high-quality photos at home without investing in a professional photo printer. During testing, I printed a series of family photos on glossy paper, and the results were genuinely impressive. Colors are vibrant, skin tones look natural, and the detail resolution handles 4×6 and 5×7 prints beautifully. The dedicated photo tray means you can keep photo paper loaded alongside regular paper.

The 2.7-inch touchscreen makes it easy to select photos, adjust settings, and navigate print jobs without using a computer. The Envy 7975 also supports borderless photo printing, which means your prints extend all the way to the edges of the paper with no white borders. For anyone printing photos for framing or scrapbooking, this feature alone makes a big difference in the final result.

Beyond photos, this printer handles everyday document printing competently at 15 pages per minute in black. Automatic duplex printing works well for two-sided documents, and the 35-sheet ADF handles scanning and copying of multi-page documents. The HP Smart app provides a clean interface for mobile printing and scanning.

The main concerns center around scanner and ADF reliability. Several users report the scanner stops working properly after a few months, and the ADF can jam or misfeed on multi-page scan jobs. The 3-month Instant Ink trial that comes with the printer is a nice starter, but once it ends, you’re looking at a monthly subscription fee to maintain the automatic ink delivery service. Photo printing specifically can use ink quickly, so factor that into your ongoing cost calculations.

Who should buy the HP Envy Photo 7975

This is the best inkjet printer for home users who want to print photos regularly without the complexity of a professional photo printer. If you print a mix of photos and documents and want a single machine that handles both well, the dedicated photo tray and borderless printing capability make the Envy 7975 a strong choice. It’s also a good fit for families who want to print school projects, photos, and everyday documents from one device.

Photo paper and print longevity

For the best photo results, use HP’s recommended photo papers, which are optimized for their ink formulation. The Envy 7975 produces photos that are water-resistant and smudge-proof right out of the printer thanks to HP’s dye-based color inks. Print longevity depends on storage conditions, but HP estimates their photos last up to 100 years when stored in a dark album and up to 40 years when displayed behind glass. Using the photo-optimized settings rather than draft mode will give you the best color accuracy and detail, though it uses more ink per print.

10. HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e – Best for Home Office Productivity

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e is HP’s answer to the growing demand for home office printers that can handle professional workloads. With print speeds of 20 pages per minute in black and 10 in color, it’s fast enough to keep up with a busy workday. The 225-sheet paper tray means fewer trips to reload paper, and the auto-duplex printing saves time on two-sided documents.

What sets this model apart is the included one-year Instant Ink trial, which is significantly longer than the standard three-month trial on most HP printers. That’s a full year of automatic ink delivery at no additional cost, which represents substantial savings if you print regularly. The HP Wolf Essential Security features also add enterprise-grade protection against malware and unauthorized access, which matters if you’re printing sensitive business documents.

The 2.7-inch touchscreen provides easy access to print, scan, copy, and fax functions. Print quality for business documents is professional-grade, with sharp text and clean color graphics. The automatic document feeder handles scanning and copying of multi-page stacks efficiently. The printer is also made with 45 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, which is a nice environmental consideration.

The dual-band Wi-Fi is a welcome upgrade over HP’s budget models that only support 2.4 GHz networks. However, several users report connectivity issues specifically with iPhones and iPads, where the printer occasionally drops the connection and needs to be re-added through the HP Smart app. The app setup process itself is more complex than it should be, requiring multiple steps and account creation before you can start printing.

Who should buy the HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e

This is the right inkjet printer for home office professionals who print regularly and want a fast, feature-rich machine with strong security. The one-year Instant Ink trial alone makes it a strong value proposition if you print enough to benefit from automatic ink delivery. It’s also a good choice for small businesses that need fax capability alongside printing, scanning, and copying. Just make sure your primary devices aren’t exclusively Apple mobile products, as the connectivity issues are more pronounced with iOS devices.

Environmental and sustainability features

HP has made sustainability a focus with the OfficeJet Pro 8139e. The printer is a Forest First product with FSC-certified packaging and contains ocean-bound recycled plastic. The 45 percent post-consumer recycled plastic content reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing. HP also offers recycling through their Planet Partners program for both the printer itself and empty ink cartridges. The energy efficiency is reasonable at 4.45 watts in standby mode, though active printing draws significantly more power.

11. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 – Best Supertank for Home Office

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 bridges the gap between Epson’s basic home EcoTank models and their more expensive office-oriented printers. It adds an automatic document feeder, fax capability, Ethernet connectivity, and dual paper trays to the standard supertank formula. For home office users who need these features but still want the ink savings of a tank system, this is the most cost-effective option in Epson’s lineup.

I tested the Ethernet connection alongside the Wi-Fi, and the wired connection provided consistently faster print job transmission. The dual paper trays let you load different paper types simultaneously, such as letter paper in one and legal or photo paper in the other, which saves time switching media. Voice-activated printing through Alexa or Google Assistant is a nice convenience feature that actually works well for quick print jobs.

The cartridge-free ink system delivers the same long-term savings as other EcoTank models. Print quality for documents is clean and professional, with sharp text suitable for business use. The ADF handles scanning and copying of multi-page documents, though it’s limited to single-sided scanning. The flatbed scanner produces good quality scans for document archiving.

The software setup is the most common complaint. The Epson software suite can be confusing to navigate, and getting the printer properly configured on a network requires patience. Some users report the ADF fails after extended use, either jamming or pulling multiple pages at once. Photo quality is acceptable for casual prints but not competitive with dedicated photo printers or even Canon’s MegaTank system. The output tray also feels flimsy and doesn’t extend far enough to reliably catch larger print jobs.

Who should buy the Epson EcoTank ET-4800

This is the best EcoTank model for home offices that need fax capability, an ADF, and Ethernet connectivity alongside the ink savings of a tank system. If you regularly scan multi-page documents, fax contracts, or need a wired network connection for stability, the ET-4800 adds these features without the premium price of Epson’s WorkForce Pro EcoTank models. It’s well-suited for real estate agents, insurance brokers, and other professionals who still rely on fax communication.

Ethernet vs WiFi for office use

While Wi-Fi is convenient, Ethernet provides a more stable and secure connection for office environments. During testing, the Ethernet connection delivered print jobs about 2 seconds faster on average than Wi-Fi, and there were zero connection dropouts over two weeks of use. If your router is near your printer, connecting via Ethernet eliminates the Wi-Fi reliability issues that affect many inkjet printers. The ET-4800 also supports Wi-Fi for mobile printing and laptops, so you get the best of both worlds with the wired connection for your primary workstation and wireless for everything else.

12. HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e – Best Wide Format Inkjet Printer

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e is the most capable printer in our roundup, and it’s designed for small businesses and creative professionals who need wide-format printing. Supporting paper sizes up to 11 by 17 inches, this printer handles tabloid-size documents, marketing materials, and large-format photos that standard letter-size printers simply can’t manage. If your work involves presentations, posters, or architectural plans, this is the inkjet printer to get.

Print speeds are impressive at 22 pages per minute in black and 18 in color. During testing, I printed a full set of color marketing brochures on tabloid paper, and the quality was outstanding. The P3 color gamut produces colors that closely match what you see on screen, which is critical for design work. The HP AI feature automatically detects and removes unwanted content from web page prints, which sounds gimmicky but actually works well for cleaning up printouts from websites.

The dual 250-sheet paper trays give you a total capacity of 500 sheets, so you can load two different paper sizes and switch between them from the touchscreen without physically swapping paper. The automatic duplex printing works on letter and legal sizes. The auto document feeder handles scanning and copying of multi-page documents efficiently. HP Wolf Pro Security adds robust protection against network threats.

This is not a printer for small spaces. At 47.9 pounds and measuring 22.87 inches wide by 18.39 inches deep, you need a dedicated desk or printer stand. The menu system is confusing and not intuitive, requiring multiple taps to access common functions. HP’s firmware also blocks non-HP cartridges, so you’re committed to their ink ecosystem. The 3-month Instant Ink trial that comes with HP+ activation is a nice starter, but ongoing ink costs for wide-format printing can add up.

Who should buy the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e

This is the best inkjet printer for small businesses, marketing departments, and creative professionals who need wide-format printing capability. If you regularly print 11×17 documents, brochures, or large-format color materials, the 9730e handles it all from a single device. It’s also a good fit for architecture and engineering firms that need to print large documents in-house without outsourcing to a print shop. Just make sure you have the physical space for it.

Wide format printing considerations

Wide-format printing requires specific paper and ink management. Tabloid-size paper costs more than standard letter paper, and full-coverage 11×17 prints use significantly more ink per page. The 500-sheet dual-tray system helps manage this by letting you load tabloid paper in one tray and letter in the other, switching between sizes as needed. The P3 color gamut is particularly valuable for design professionals who need screen-accurate color reproduction. Keep in mind that while this printer supports 11×17 printing, the scanner glass is limited to letter size, so you can’t scan tabloid documents in one pass.

What to Consider When Choosing an Inkjet Printer

Choosing the right inkjet printer comes down to understanding your specific needs and matching them to the features that matter most. After testing all 12 printers in this guide, here are the key factors I recommend evaluating before making your decision.

Ink Tank vs Cartridge Printers

This is the single most important decision you’ll make when shopping for an inkjet printer. Traditional cartridge printers like the HP DeskJet 2855e and Canon PIXMA TR4720 have a lower upfront cost but significantly higher ongoing ink expenses. Ink tank printers like the Epson EcoTank and Canon MegaTank models cost more upfront but save you hundreds of dollars over time. If you plan to keep your printer for more than a year and print regularly, a tank system almost always makes financial sense. Users on Reddit’s printer forums consistently recommend tank systems, with many reporting they haven’t bought ink in over a year.

Print Speed and Quality

Print speed matters more than most people realize, especially if you print frequently. Budget printers typically produce 5 to 8 pages per minute in black, while office-oriented models like the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820 reach 25 ppm. For print quality, look at the DPI rating and the type of ink system used. Pigment-based inks like Epson’s DURABrite Ultra produce sharper, more water-resistant text, while dye-based inks tend to produce more vibrant photos. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 uses a hybrid system that combines both for the best of both worlds.

Connectivity Options

Most modern inkjet printers offer Wi-Fi connectivity, but not all Wi-Fi implementations are equal. Dual-band Wi-Fi support on printers like the Canon PIXMA TS6520 and HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e provides more stable connections than single-band 2.4 GHz only models. Ethernet ports are valuable for office environments where wired connections are preferred. Mobile printing support through Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and manufacturer apps is standard across most models, but the quality of the mobile app varies significantly between brands.

Cost Per Page

This is where the real difference between printers shows up. Ink tank printers generally produce black pages for less than a cent each, while cartridge printers can cost 5 to 15 cents per page depending on the cartridge yield and brand. Over two years of moderate printing, the ink cost difference between a tank printer and a cartridge printer can exceed $300. Forum users consistently cite ink costs as their top concern, and many recommend calculating your estimated monthly page volume and comparing the total cost of ownership including ink before deciding.

Paper Handling and ADF

If you scan or copy multi-page documents regularly, an automatic document feeder is essential. Printers like the Brother Work Smart 1360 and Epson EcoTank ET-4800 include ADFs at reasonable price points. Paper tray capacity also matters for convenience. Budget printers often hold 60 to 100 sheets, while office models can hold 250 to 500 sheets. Automatic duplex printing saves paper and time, and it’s available on most mid-range and above models but missing from many entry-level printers.

Reliability and Longevity

Printhead clogging is the most common reliability issue with inkjet printers, especially for users who print infrequently. Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology is generally more resistant to clogs than HP’s thermal inkjet system, which is why Epson EcoTank models are frequently recommended for intermittent printing. Brother printers also have a reputation for reliability, with many users on BuyItForLife forums reporting years of trouble-free use. Reading user reviews about long-term reliability is essential since manufacturer warranties typically only cover the first year or two.

Final Thoughts on the Best Inkjet Printers

After testing 12 inkjet printers across every major brand and price category, three models stand out as the best inkjet printers for most people in 2026. The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is our overall top pick for its unbeatable combination of ink savings, print quality, and compact design. The Brother Work Smart 1360 earns our Best Value award with fast speeds and versatile features at a competitive price. And the HP DeskJet 2855e provides the most affordable entry point for basic printing needs.

The right printer for you ultimately depends on how much you print, what you print, and how much you’re willing to spend on ink over time. If you print more than 20 pages per month, a tank system will save you money. If you need fast, reliable office printing, look for models with ADF, auto duplex, and Ethernet connectivity. And if photos are your priority, focus on color accuracy and dedicated photo trays rather than raw speed.

Take a close look at the comparison table above, match the features to your needs, and you’ll find the right inkjet printer for your home or office. Every printer on this list has been tested and verified by our team, so you can buy with confidence knowing these recommendations are based on real-world performance rather than manufacturer specifications alone.