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 Xerox C325dni is a versatile all-in-one colour laser printer designed with small businesses and home offices in mind. It offers a solid print speed of up to 33 pages per minute for both colour and black-and-white documents, making it suitable for moderate workloads up to 6,000 pages per month. The print quality is good, with sharp text and vibrant colours thanks to laser technology and a resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi for colour prints. Connectivity is a strong point here, with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and USB options, plus support for mobile printing through Apple AirPrint and Mopria, allowing easy printing from smartphones, tablets, or laptops.

The printer supports automatic two-sided printing and has a reasonably sized 250-sheet input tray, which helps reduce the need for frequent paper refills. However, its physical size and weight (over 27 kg) mean it requires a dedicated space. Operating costs could be a consideration since genuine Xerox toners are recommended for best results and warranty coverage, and laser printers typically have higher upfront costs compared to inkjets. The built-in colour touchscreen and multifunction capabilities — including scanning, copying, faxing, and emailing — add convenience and flexibility, while the Xerox Easy Assist App simplifies setup and troubleshooting.

For those needing reliable, professional-quality documents in a busy small office setting, this printer provides a dependable balance of speed, quality, and connectivity. However, if you only print occasionally or have limited space, it might feel a bit bulky and more costly to run.