Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a fee from the printer brands listed here. This can affect placement and scores.
Last updated: October 2026

Best Printers for Home & Office 2026

We compared the leading printer brands on print quality, speed, running costs and wireless features, so you can find the right printer for your desk. Below are our top picks for October 2026, from compact home all-in-ones to workgroup laser printers.

5 brands compared Inkjet, laser & ink tank Free to use, no obligation
Our Top Choice
1

HP

Reliable all-in-one printers for home and office

Ink subscription plans available
  • Wide range of inkjet and laser all-in-ones with print, scan and copy.
  • Optional ink subscription that ships cartridges before you run out.
  • Mobile printing app and easy wireless setup on most models.
2

Canon

Sharp photos and dependable documents

Refillable MegaTank models
  • PIXMA printers known for detailed colour photo output.
  • MegaTank models cut running costs with refillable ink bottles.
  • imageCLASS laser printers for fast, crisp office documents.
3

Epson

Cartridge-free printing with EcoTank

EcoTank ink bottles included
  • EcoTank refillable tanks mean far fewer ink replacements.
  • Low cost per page for high-volume home and student printing.
  • Strong photo quality and wireless printing from phones and tablets.
4

Brother

Tough laser printers built for the workday

Compact mono laser models
  • Fast monochrome laser printers with low cost per page.
  • Automatic duplex and large paper trays on many models.
  • Reliable day-to-day performance for small businesses.
5

Xerox

Workgroup printers for growing teams

Business and workgroup models
  • Colour and mono multifunction printers for shared office use.
  • Security and fleet-management features for IT teams.
  • High-volume print speeds and large paper capacity.

*Prices, ink plans and promotions are set by each brand and retailer and can change at any time. Offers may carry additional terms.

The Guide to Buying a Printer

Printers have come a long way from basic paper-and-ink machines. Today's models print wirelessly from your phone, scan to the cloud and can cut ink costs with refillable tanks. Here is what to look for.

Key Features to Look For

Inkjet vs laser

Inkjets suit photos and occasional use; lasers are faster and cheaper per page for text documents.

Cost per page

Ink tanks and high-yield toner lower running costs, which often matter more than the purchase price.

Wireless & mobile

Wi-Fi, AirPrint and Mopria let you print from phones, tablets and laptops without cables.

All-in-one functions

Print, scan, copy and fax in one device, with an automatic document feeder for multi-page jobs.

Speed & duplex

Pages per minute and automatic two-sided printing save time and paper.

Support & warranty

Look for a clear warranty, easy driver downloads and responsive customer support.

Which Printer Should You Choose?

A quick side-by-side of our top picks. Prices vary by model and retailer, so check the current price before you buy.

Compare HP logoHP Canon logoCanon Epson logoEpson Brother logoBrother Xerox logoXerox
Our Score 9.8 · Outstanding 9.5 · Outstanding 9.3 · Excellent 9.1 · Excellent 8.9 · Great
Best For Home offices and busy families Photo printing and creative work High-volume, low-cost printing Text documents and small offices Teams and shared offices
Price Range Budget to premium Budget to premium Mid-range Budget to mid-range Mid-range to premium
Printer Types Inkjet & laser Inkjet & laser Ink tank & inkjet Laser & ink tank Laser multifunction
Ink / Toner Cartridges or subscription Cartridges or ink tank Refillable tanks Toner or ink tank Toner
Wireless Printing Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Shop Now Shop Now Shop Now Shop Now Shop Now

How To Choose The Right Printer

  1. 1

    Decide what you print: Mostly text documents point to a laser printer. Photos, school projects and colour graphics are usually better on an inkjet or ink tank model.

  2. 2

    Estimate your volume: Light users can pick a compact inkjet. If you print hundreds of pages a month, a laser or ink tank printer will cost far less per page.

  3. 3

    Look at total cost: Compare the purchase price along with ink or toner, replacement parts and any subscription fees. Check the page yield of each cartridge.

  4. 4

    Check compatibility: Make sure the printer supports your computer, phone and network, and has the features you need, such as duplex, scanning or a document feeder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best printer for home use?

It depends on what you print. HP and Canon all-in-ones suit families that print documents and photos, while Epson EcoTank models are popular for low running costs. Compare cost per page, not just the sticker price.

Inkjet or laser: which should I buy?

Inkjets are better for photos and colour and usually cost less upfront. Laser printers are faster and cheaper per page for text, and their toner does not dry out when the printer sits unused.

Are ink tank printers worth it?

If you print regularly, usually yes. Refillable tanks cost more upfront but the bottles are cheaper and last much longer than standard cartridges.

Do I need an ink subscription?

A subscription can be convenient and cheaper for steady printing, but you pay monthly and some plans only work with certain cartridges. Read the terms and cancellation rules first.

Can I print from my phone?

Most current printers support Wi-Fi printing from phones and tablets through brand apps, AirPrint or Mopria. Check that your device is supported before you buy.

How is this list put together?

Scores reflect our editorial assessment of print quality, ease of use, running costs and support. We may be paid by brands listed here, which can affect placement and scores. See the disclosures below.

Disclosures

Advertiser disclosure: Smart Device Place may receive compensation from the printer brands whose offers appear on this page. Compensation may affect which offers are shown, how they are ordered and how they are scored. It does not change the price you pay.

Prices and terms: Prices, ink plans and promotions shown here were taken from brand websites in October 2026. They are variable and can change at any time without notice. No brand endorses this page. Always review the seller's official terms and warranty before you buy.

Not professional advice: Content on this page is for general information only and is not financial or legal advice. Product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners.