10 Best Printers

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a versatile ink tank photo printer that boasts a 6-colour ink system, which includes a new grey ink for impressive black and white photos, and is capable of producing high-quality prints up to A3+ size. This makes it a strong candidate for photography enthusiasts looking for vibrant, long-lasting images. The printer offers a mix of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and direct printing from SD cards and USB drives, which provides flexibility for various home and small office setups.

The print quality is notable, although the print speed is moderate, with a maximum of 16 pages per minute for monochrome and 12 pages per minute for colour. This might not be ideal for users needing rapid output, particularly in busy office environments.

One of the printer's standout features is its low operating cost, thanks to the ink tank system that can print up to 2,300 photos before needing a refill, which is both economical and environmentally friendly. Additionally, the included Epson Smart Panel app allows for easy control from smart devices, expanding the printer's usability.

In terms of paper handling, it accommodates various media sizes and types, including a rear tray for specialty media, which is beneficial for artistic projects. The inclusion of heat-free technology ensures energy efficiency and consistent print speeds, though users should be aware of the weight, as at 11.1 kilograms, it is relatively hefty for a home printer.

The printer's DPI might not match some high-end photo printers, yet its balance of cost efficiency, quality output, and connectivity makes it a solid option for hobbyists and small businesses that prioritize printing versatility and operational savings over sheer speed.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a solid choice for home users and small offices looking to save money on ink costs while still getting reliable printing performance. Thanks to its refillable ink tanks, it can print thousands of pages without needing cartridge replacements, which can reduce your ongoing expenses by up to 90%. It includes up to 3 years' worth of ink right out of the box, making it very economical over time. Print quality is excellent for an inkjet with a sharp resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 DPI, suitable for clear text and decent photo printing.

The print speed is moderate, reaching up to 33 pages per minute in black and 15 pages per minute in color, which is fine for everyday tasks but might feel slow if you regularly print large volumes quickly. The printer is quite versatile with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet connectivity, allowing easy printing from laptops, smartphones, or tablets. It also features a 30-page automatic document feeder and supports double-sided printing, which helps with multitasking and saving paper. Its compact design fits well in tight spaces, though the 100-sheet paper tray might require frequent refills for heavy use.

The included Epson Smart Panel app adds convenience by letting you control and troubleshoot the printer from your phone. While the initial setup is straightforward, this printer is best suited to users who don’t need very fast printing speeds or advanced photo-quality output. If you want a printer mainly for occasional home or office documents with low running costs, the ET-4800 is a reliable and user-friendly option.

The Epson Expression Home XP-4205 is a compact and stylish all-in-one printer that combines printing, scanning, and copying in one device, making it a practical choice for home or small office use. It offers good print quality, with colour prints up to 4800x1200 dpi and sharp black-and-white prints at 5760 dpi, which means your documents and photos will look clear and vibrant. The printer supports double-sided (duplex) printing, helping you save paper.

In terms of speed, it can print up to 33 pages per minute in black and 15 pages per minute in colour, which is decent for everyday tasks but might be slow for heavy or professional use. Connectivity is flexible with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to print wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or computer, plus a handy 2.4-inch colour screen lets you operate the printer easily without needing a PC. Paper handling is basic but sufficient for casual users, with a maximum input capacity of 10 sheets, so frequent refilling may be needed if printing large batches.

Operating costs are reasonable thanks to individual ink cartridges (standard and XL sizes), which can help reduce waste and save money over time. However, ink replacement could still add up if you print often. Additional perks include user-friendly smartphone apps for printing photos directly from social media or creating greeting cards. This model is affordable and reliable for light to moderate home printing needs but may not be suitable if high-volume printing or advanced business features are required.