Is your home printer failing when you need it the most? Choosing the right printer can be overwhelming with so many options available. In 2024, advancements in printer technology bring you faster speeds, higher quality prints, and more versatile features than ever before. This guide will navigate you through the top-rated home printers of the year, offering insights into their pros, cons, and where to purchase them. Expect to make an informed decision with our detailed reviews and expert recommendations for the best home printer suitable for your needs.
Best Home Printers for 2024
Selecting the best home printer for 2024 involves evaluating various criteria such as print quality, speed, connectivity options, and overall cost-effectiveness. Top-rated home printers are those that offer a balance of high-resolution printing, reasonable operating costs, and robust connectivity features like Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities.
Among the top models for 2024, the HP Envy Pro 6455e stands out for its versatility and user-friendly features. It offers excellent print quality for both text and images, making it a good all-rounder for home use. The Canon PIXMA TS9520 is another top pick, particularly for its superior photo printing capabilities and large touchscreen interface. Epson’s EcoTank ET-4760 is renowned for its cost-efficiency, thanks to its refillable ink tanks, which drastically reduce the cost per page. The Brother MFC-J995DW, on the other hand, excels in providing a combination of fast print speeds and low running costs. Lastly, the Xerox B210/DNI offers a robust and reliable monochrome printing solution for those who primarily print documents.
Top 5 Home Printers for 2024:
- HP Envy Pro 6455e
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, automatic document feeder
- Price: £150
- Canon PIXMA TS9520
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, large touchscreen, excellent photo printing
- Price: £200
- Epson EcoTank ET-4760
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, refillable ink tanks, low cost per page
- Price: £400
- Brother MFC-J995DW
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, fast print speeds, low running costs
- Price: £230
- Xerox B210/DNI
- Main Features: Monochrome, wireless, compact design, high reliability
- Price: £120
User testimonials and expert reviews are overwhelmingly positive for these models. The HP Envy Pro 6455e is often praised for its ease of use, while the Canon PIXMA TS9520 receives accolades for its photo printing quality. Epson’s EcoTank ET-4760 is celebrated for its long-term cost savings, and the Brother MFC-J995DW is noted for its speed and efficiency. The Xerox B210/DNI is highlighted for its reliability and compact design, making it a favourite for users with high-volume document printing needs.
Comparing Inkjet vs Laser Printers for Home Use
Inkjet and laser printers serve different needs, and understanding their fundamental differences is crucial for making an informed decision. Inkjet printers use liquid ink sprayed through microscopic nozzles onto the paper, which makes them excellent for high-quality photo prints and colour documents. They are typically more compact and less expensive upfront. In contrast, laser printers use a laser beam to produce an image on a drum that is then transferred to paper using toner powder. This mechanism allows laser printers to produce sharper text and handle larger print volumes with greater speed and efficiency.
When considering the cost implications, inkjet printers often have lower initial purchase prices but higher ongoing costs due to the price of ink cartridges. Ink cartridges can also dry out if not used regularly, leading to waste. On the other hand, laser printers generally have a higher initial cost but lower long-term expenses. Toner cartridges, although more expensive, tend to last longer and maintain their integrity over time, making them more cost-effective for high-volume printing needs.
| Feature | Inkjet | Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Print Quality | Excellent for photos and colour documents | Superior for text and monochrome prints |
| Speed | Slower, especially for high-resolution images | Faster, ideal for large volumes |
| Cost | Lower upfront, higher ongoing ink costs | Higher upfront, lower ongoing toner costs |
| Ideal Use Cases | Photo printing, occasional colour documents | High-volume text documents, business use |
Top Wireless Home Printers
Wireless home printers provide unparalleled convenience, allowing users to print from anywhere in their home without needing to connect directly to the printer. Benefits include the ability to print from multiple devices, reduced clutter from fewer cables, and the flexibility to place the printer in any location with a Wi-Fi signal. Furthermore, many models support printing directly from smartphones and tablets, which is particularly useful for quick printing tasks without needing a computer.
Top 5 Wireless Home Printers:
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, automatic document feeder, smart app integration
- Price: £250
- Canon PIXMA TR8620
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, 4.3-inch touchscreen, excellent photo quality
- Price: £180
- Epson EcoTank ET-3760
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, refillable ink tanks, voice-activated printing
- Price: £400
- Brother HL-L2350DW
- Main Features: Monochrome, wireless, compact design, automatic duplex printing
- Price: £120
- Samsung Xpress M2070FW
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, NFC printing, high-speed printing
- Price: £150
Setting up a Wi-Fi printer is typically straightforward. First, connect the printer to your home Wi-Fi network using its built-in touchscreen or buttons. Follow the on-screen prompts to input your network’s SSID and password. Once connected, install the printer’s software on your devices, ensuring they are on the same network. For mobile devices, download the appropriate app, such as HP Smart or Epson iPrint, to enable printing from smartphones and tablets. This setup allows seamless wireless printing, making it easy to manage printing tasks from any device in your home.
Affordable Home Printers: Best Budget Options
When selecting an affordable home printer, consider key features such as print quality, speed, connectivity options, and cost per page. Budget printers should offer reliable performance without compromising on essential functions like wireless connectivity and duplex printing. Look for models with efficient ink or toner usage to keep ongoing costs low. It’s also beneficial to choose printers with easy setup processes and user-friendly interfaces, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Top 5 Budget-Friendly Home Printers:
- HP DeskJet 3755
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, compact design
- Price: £70
- Canon PIXMA MG3620
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, duplex printing
- Price: £80
- Brother HL-L2300D
- Main Features: Monochrome, automatic duplex printing, USB connectivity
- Price: £90
- Epson Expression Home XP-4100
- Main Features: All-in-one, wireless, colour printing
- Price: £100
- Samsung Xpress M2020W
- Main Features: Monochrome, wireless, mobile printing support
- Price: £110
User reviews for these budget-friendly models are generally positive, highlighting their ease of use and reliable performance. The HP DeskJet 3755 is often praised for its compact size, making it ideal for small spaces. The Canon PIXMA MG3620 stands out for its excellent print quality and duplex capability. Users appreciate the Brother HL-L2300D for its robust performance in monochrome printing. The Epson Expression Home XP-4100 is well-regarded for its versatility and colour printing quality. Lastly, the Samsung Xpress M2020W is commended for its wireless connectivity and efficient mobile printing features. These models can be found at major electronics retailers and online marketplaces, offering a range of options to suit different budget constraints.
All-in-One Printers: Versatile Options for Home Use
All-in-one printers are a valuable addition to any home office due to their multifunction capabilities. These devices combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing into a single machine, saving space and reducing the need for multiple devices. Their versatility makes them ideal for various tasks, from printing documents and photos to scanning important paperwork. Multifunction printers often come with additional features like wireless connectivity, automatic document feeders, and duplex printing, enhancing convenience and efficiency. These printers are particularly beneficial for households that require diverse printing needs without compromising on quality or functionality.
Top models for 2024 include the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e, Canon PIXMA TR8620, Epson EcoTank ET-4760, and Brother MFC-L3770CDW. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is known for its robust features, including a smart app integration and seamless wireless printing. Canon’s PIXMA TR8620 excels in photo printing and offers a user-friendly touchscreen interface. The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 stands out with its cost-effective refillable ink system, which significantly reduces ongoing expenses. Brother’s MFC-L3770CDW combines fast print speeds with a comprehensive set of features, including fax capability, making it a reliable choice for busy home offices.
| Model | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e | All-in-one, wireless, smart app integration, automatic document feeder | £250 |
| Canon PIXMA TR8620 | All-in-one, wireless, 4.3-inch touchscreen, excellent photo quality | £180 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4760 | All-in-one, wireless, refillable ink tanks, voice-activated printing | £400 |
| Brother MFC-L3770CDW | All-in-one, wireless, fast print speeds, fax capability | £350 |
User testimonials and expert reviews highlight the reliability and performance of these all-in-one printers. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e receives praise for its ease of use and smart features. The Canon PIXMA TR8620 is celebrated for its superior photo printing quality. Users commend the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 for its long-term cost savings due to the refillable ink system. The Brother MFC-L3770CDW is noted for its fast print speeds and comprehensive feature set, making it a preferred choice for those needing a robust multifunction printer.
Best Printers for High-Quality Photo Printing at Home
For photo printing at home, high-resolution printing is paramount. The higher the printer resolution, measured in DPI (dots per inch), the more detailed and sharp the images will be. High-resolution printing ensures that colours are vibrant and transitions are smooth, capturing the nuances of the original photograph. When selecting a photo printer, consider features such as the type of ink (dye-based or pigment-based), the range of supported paper types, and the availability of specialised photo printing modes. These elements contribute significantly to the overall quality of printed photos.
Top 3 Printers for High-Quality Photo Printing:
- Canon PIXMA Pro-100
- Main Features: 4800 x 2400 DPI, 8 dye-based inks, supports various paper sizes
- Price: £350
- Epson SureColor P600
- Main Features: 5760 x 1440 DPI, 9 UltraChrome HD inks, wireless connectivity
- Price: £600
- HP Envy Photo 7855
- Main Features: 1200 x 1200 DPI, all-in-one, wireless, dedicated photo tray
- Price: £200
User experiences and sample prints indicate that these models excel in delivering superior photo quality. The Canon PIXMA Pro-100 is often praised for its colour accuracy and depth, making it ideal for professional photographers. The Epson SureColor P600 is celebrated for its outstanding print longevity and rich colour gamut. Users of the HP Envy Photo 7855 appreciate its convenience and versatility, particularly for everyday photo printing tasks. Sample prints from these printers consistently demonstrate sharp details, accurate colours, and excellent overall image quality.
How to Maintain and Troubleshoot Your Home Printer
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your printer in top condition. Begin by placing your printer in a clean, dust-free environment to prevent debris from affecting its performance. Run a cleaning cycle using the printer’s built-in utility to maintain printhead health, and periodically check for software updates to ensure the printer runs efficiently. Additionally, use quality paper to avoid jams and replace cartridges before they run completely dry to prevent clogging.
Top 5 Common Printer Issues and Their Solutions:
- Paper Jams
- Solution: Gently remove the jammed paper, ensuring no torn pieces remain inside. Check the paper tray for misalignment and use the correct paper type and weight.
- Streaky or Faded Prints
- Solution: Run the printer’s cleaning cycle. If the issue persists, manually clean the printhead and ensure cartridges are not empty or clogged.
- Printer Not Connecting to Wi-Fi
- Solution: Restart the printer and router. Check network settings and ensure the printer firmware is up to date.
- Slow Printing Speed
- Solution: Reduce print quality settings for faster output. Ensure there are no pending print jobs and that the printer is not in power-saving mode.
- Unrecognised Cartridges
- Solution: Reinstall the cartridges, ensuring they click into place. Clean the cartridge contacts and reboot the printer.
Replacing printer cartridges and fixing paper jams are common tasks. To replace cartridges, open the printer cover, carefully remove the old cartridge, and insert the new one, ensuring it clicks into place. For paper jams, gently pull out any stuck paper, check for torn pieces, and realign the paper tray. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting can significantly extend your printer’s lifespan and ensure consistent performance.
Final Words
Evaluating home printers involves understanding various features, prices, and user experiences. Considering the models for 2024, the differences between inkjet and laser, and the benefits of wireless and all-in-one options, it’s clear there’s a suitable printer for every household need.
Whether prioritising affordability, multifunctionality, or high-quality photo printing, the reviewed models cater to diverse preferences.
Maintaining your home printer through regular care ensures longevity and performance. With this guide, choosing the right home printers becomes a straightforward task. Enjoy seamless and efficient printing at home.