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 Brother MFC-L8690CDW is a solid choice for small to medium office environments needing a versatile all-in-one printer. It delivers sharp and clear prints at a good resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, supporting both black-and-white and colour printing. With fast print speeds of up to 31 pages per minute for both mono and colour, it can handle daily office tasks efficiently without long waits. The printer supports automatic double-sided printing and scanning, which saves paper and time. Connectivity is flexible, offering Wi-Fi, USB, and network options, making it easy for multiple users to connect wirelessly or via cable. Paper handling is decent with a 300-sheet capacity, which can be expanded with optional trays for heavier workloads.

One of the key advantages is its low running costs thanks to high-yield toner cartridges that reduce the cost per page, helping to manage office expenses better. Additional features like fax, copy, scan, and handy business printing options such as watermark and booklet printing increase its usefulness. On the downside, the printer is quite heavy and takes up a fair amount of desk space, which might be a concern in smaller offices. Also, while its power consumption is relatively high at 580 watts, this is typical for laser printers of this class.

The printer works well across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, adding to its flexibility. Considering its balance of performance, quality, and cost-effectiveness, the Brother MFC-L8690CDW is a practical option for busy offices needing reliable colour laser printing and multifunction capabilities.