Finding the right home printer in 2026 isn't as simple as it used to be. The market is packed with inkjet all-in-ones, compact laser models, and photo printers — all at wildly different price points. We spent weeks testing the most popular options to bring you this definitive, no-fluff guide.

Whether you need something for school assignments, occasional documents, crafts, or crisp photo prints, there's a perfect printer for your home. Here are our top five picks.

Quick Comparison Chart

Not sure which to choose at a glance? Here's how all five compare on the most important specs:

# Printer Type Print Speed Cost Per Page Wi-Fi Scanner Best For Rating
1 HP DeskJet 4155e Best Overall Inkjet All-in-One 8.5 ppm (black) ~3¢ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Everyday home use ★★★★★ 4.7
2 Canon PIXMA TR8620a Runner-Up Inkjet All-in-One 15 ppm (black) ~3.5¢ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Photos + documents ★★★★★ 4.6
3 Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Inkjet (Tank) 10 ppm (black) ~0.5¢ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes High-volume printing ★★★★ 4.5
4 Brother HL-L2350DW Laser (Mono) 32 ppm ~1.5¢ ✅ Yes ❌ No Fast document printing ★★★★ 4.4
5 Canon PIXMA MG3620 Budget Pick Inkjet All-in-One 9.9 ppm (black) ~4¢ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Casual/occasional use ★★★★ 4.2
💡 Pro Tip: If you print more than 100 pages a month, go for the Epson EcoTank — the low cost-per-page will save you a lot over time, even though it costs more upfront.

Our Top 5 Home Printers — Detailed Reviews

1

HP DeskJet 4155e — Best Overall Home Printer

Inkjet All-in-One · ~$85 · ★★★★★ 4.7/5

The HP DeskJet 4155e is our top pick for most homes because it nails the balance between price, ease of use, and print quality. Setup takes under 10 minutes thanks to the HP Smart app, and the wireless connection is rock-solid.

It prints, scans, and copies — covering everything a household needs. HP Instant Ink enrollment can bring your cost-per-page down to around 1¢, making it one of the most affordable options in the long run.

✅ Pros

  • Very easy setup with HP Smart app
  • Low cost per page with Instant Ink
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Good color print quality

❌ Cons

  • No automatic duplex (double-sided)
  • Slower than laser for bulk jobs
  • Scanner lid is plastic (feels budget)
2

Canon PIXMA TR8620a — Best for Photos & Documents

Inkjet All-in-One · ~$150 · ★★★★★ 4.6/5

If your household prints photos as well as documents, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is the go-to. It uses a 6-color ink system that produces gallery-quality 4×6 photo prints in around 21 seconds. The dual paper trays are a thoughtful touch — keep plain paper in one and photo paper in the other.

It also handles fax (rare for home printers), has an ADF (automatic document feeder) for multi-page scans, and connects via Wi-Fi, USB, and Bluetooth.

✅ Pros

  • Outstanding photo print quality
  • Dual paper trays (very convenient)
  • ADF for multi-page scanning
  • Fax capability included
  • Large color touchscreen

❌ Cons

  • Bulkier than most home printers
  • Ink costs can add up quickly
  • Overkill for text-only households
3

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 — Best for High-Volume Printing

Inkjet Tank All-in-One · ~$180 · ★★★★ 4.5/5

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 flips the traditional ink model on its head. Instead of cartridges, you fill large refillable ink tanks — the included bottles are good for up to 7,500 black or 6,000 color pages. The cost-per-page is as low as 0.5¢, which is extraordinary.

Yes, it costs more upfront, but if your family prints school projects, work documents, and random stuff weekly, it pays for itself within months.

✅ Pros

  • Lowest cost-per-page on the list
  • Huge ink capacity (no frequent refills)
  • Print, scan, and copy
  • Good Wi-Fi performance
  • Eco-friendly (no cartridge waste)

❌ Cons

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Slower print speed than laser
  • Ink can dry if unused for weeks
4

Brother HL-L2350DW — Best Laser Printer for Home

Monochrome Laser · ~$110 · ★★★★ 4.4/5

If you only ever print text — homework, invoices, forms, recipes — you don't need an inkjet at all. The Brother HL-L2350DW is a compact monochrome laser printer that cranks out 32 pages per minute with crisp, smear-proof text. No ink, no colour — just fast, reliable black-and-white printing.

Automatic duplex printing is built in, which saves paper. The toner cartridge lasts for around 1,200 pages standard, or up to 3,000 with a high-yield replacement.

✅ Pros

  • Lightning-fast 32 ppm print speed
  • Automatic double-sided printing
  • Toner lasts much longer than ink
  • Sharp, professional text quality
  • Compact footprint

❌ Cons

  • Black and white only (no colour)
  • No scanner or copier
  • Not suitable for photo printing
5

Canon PIXMA MG3620 — Best Budget Home Printer

Inkjet All-in-One · ~$50 · ★★★★ 4.2/5

If you're on a tight budget and don't print very often, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is hard to beat at under $50. It prints, scans, and copies in color, connects via Wi-Fi, and works with both iOS and Android via the Canon Print app.

Print quality is decent for casual use — school assignments, the odd boarding pass, or household forms. Just be aware that ink cartridges are pricey relative to the printer cost, so it's best for light-duty users.

✅ Pros

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Print, scan, and copy included
  • Works with mobile print apps
  • Compact and lightweight

❌ Cons

  • High cost per page vs. competitors
  • Slower print speeds
  • No duplex printing
  • Build quality feels budget

How We Chose These Printers

Our editorial team evaluated each printer based on real-world testing, not just spec sheets. We assessed print quality across text documents, color graphics, and photos; measured actual print speeds; and calculated true cost-per-page using manufacturer cartridge yields. We also considered setup ease, app quality, reliability, and value for money.

See our Editorial Policy for full details on how we test and review products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is inkjet or laser better for home use?

It depends on what you print. Inkjet is better for color documents and photos. Laser is better if you mostly print text and need speed. For most households, an inkjet all-in-one is the most versatile choice.

What does "all-in-one" mean?

An all-in-one printer can print, scan, and copy. Some also include fax. They're ideal for home offices and families who need more than just printing.

Which home printer has the cheapest ink?

The Epson EcoTank range offers the cheapest cost-per-page of any inkjet, at around 0.5¢ per black page. HP Instant Ink subscription can also bring costs down significantly for moderate users.