In the ever-evolving world of design, the tools of the trade are just as important as the creative vision behind each project. For designers, a printer isn't just a peripheral; it's a bridge between the digital and the tangible, a device that brings ideas to life with precision and vibrancy. As we step into 2024, the quest for the perfect printer has become more nuanced, with factors like resolution, color accuracy, print speed, connectivity, and ink efficiency playing pivotal roles in the selection process. High-resolution output, accurate color reproduction, and efficient operation are no longer luxuries but necessities for professionals aiming to stand out in a competitive landscape.
Resolution and color accuracy sit at the forefront of a designer's checklist. With standard printers offering resolutions between 1200 to 2400 DPI and high-end models pushing the boundaries up to 5760 DPI, the clarity and detail of printed designs have reached new heights. Color accuracy, measured by a printer's color gamut and depth, has become critical for ensuring that what's seen on screen is what gets printed on paper. The transition from sRGB to Adobe RGB or PANTONE in high-end models marks a significant leap towards achieving true-to-life color representations. Meanwhile, aspects like print speed and connectivity facilitate a seamless workflow, allowing designers to maintain productivity without sacrificing quality. The efficiency of ink usage, a factor often overlooked, can significantly impact the long-term cost and sustainability of printing practices.
As we delve into the best printers for designers in 2024, it's clear that the selection process is as much about understanding the nuances of each feature as it is about the end result. Whether it's the vibrancy of colors, the sharpness of details, or the efficiency of operation, each aspect plays a crucial role in bringing creative visions to life. Join us as we explore the top contenders that not only meet but exceed the expectations of today's design professionals, ensuring that their creations leave a lasting impression both on screen and on paper.
Epson SureColor P900: Best High-End Printer for Professionals
Epson SureColor P900 17-inch Printer,Black -- $1229.99(Amazon)
SureColor P900 17-Inch Printer,Black -- $1229.95(Amazon)
Epson SureColor P900 Printer -- $1249(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Why We Picked It
The Epson SureColor P900 stands out for its exceptional print quality, delivering deep blacks and rich colors. It supports large format printing up to 17 inches wide and accommodates paper rolls, making it an ideal choice for designers and photographers who need to produce high-quality graphics, posters, and photographs. Its advanced features, such as the UltraChrome Pro 10 ink and black enhance overcoat technology, ensure outstanding image accuracy and depth.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for professional designers, photographers, and artists who require top-tier print quality and are willing to invest in high-end equipment. It may not be the best choice for casual users or those with budget constraints due to its high initial cost and ongoing expenses for consumables.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional print quality with deep blacks and rich colors | ❌ High initial investment cost |
| ✅ Supports large format printing up to 17 inches wide | ❌ Expensive consumables |
| ✅ User-friendly design with customizable interface and easy media profile setting | ❌ May be overkill for casual or infrequent use |
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300: Best Professional Photo Printer
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 13" Inkjet Printer -- $899.99(Canon)
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 Inkjet Printer -- $899.99(Wide Image Solutions)
Why We Picked It
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 stands out for its exceptional print quality, thanks to the 10-color LUCIA PRO pigment ink system. This printer is versatile, supporting a variety of media types and sizes, making it ideal for different design projects. Its ability to produce professional-grade prints makes it a top choice for photographers and graphic designers.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for professional photographers, graphic designers, and artists who require high-quality prints for their work. However, it may not be the best fit for casual users or those on a tight budget due to the higher cost of the printer and its ink.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Outstanding print quality with 10-color LUCIA PRO pigment ink system | ❌ High cost of ink over time |
| ✅ Supports a variety of media types and sizes | ❌ Pricier initial investment |
| ✅ Ideal for professional-grade prints | ❌ May be overkill for casual users |
HP DesignJet Studio: Best Large-Format Printer for Design Studios
HP DesignJet Studio 24-in Printer Steel -- $1799(HP)
HP DesignJet Studio 24" Large-Format Wireless Plotter Printer with - HEW... -- $1899(Amazon)
HP DesignJet Studio 36" Large-Format Wireless Plotter Printer with Exten... -- $2724(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Why We Picked It
The HP DesignJet Studio series stands out for its combination of high performance and modern design, making it an excellent choice for designers who need to print large-format projects. Its ability to handle multi-size jobs automatically and its high-speed printing capabilities make it a valuable asset in a fast-paced design environment. Additionally, its sleek and aesthetically pleasing design ensures it fits seamlessly into a modern studio setting.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for professional designers, architects, and engineers who require high-quality, large-format prints and have the space to accommodate a larger printer. It may not be ideal for small-scale designers or those with limited space and budget due to its size and operational costs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-speed printing as fast as 25 seconds per A1/D plot | ❌ Requires significant space |
| ✅ Automatic media source switching for multi-size jobs | ❌ High operational costs |
| ✅ Modern and aesthetically pleasing design | ❌ Dynamic security measures may limit cartridge options |
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550: Best Cost-Effective Photo Printer
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color All-in-One Supert... -- $247.96(curfew-grooming)
Why We Picked It
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 stands out for its cartridge-free printing system, which uses easy-to-fill, supersized ink tanks. This feature significantly reduces the cost of ink over time, making it a cost-effective choice for those who print frequently. Additionally, its ability to produce high-quality photo and design prints makes it a versatile option for both personal and professional use.
Who It's For
This printer is ideal for photographers, designers, and anyone who needs to print high-quality images regularly. It's also a great fit for small businesses and home offices that require reliable and cost-effective printing solutions. However, it may not be the best choice for those on a tight initial budget due to its higher upfront cost.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Cartridge-free printing with supersized ink tanks | ❌ Higher initial cost |
| ✅ High-quality photo and design prints | ❌ Large footprint |
| ✅ Cost-effective in the long run | ❌ May be overkill for casual users |
Canon PIXMA Pro-200: Best Printer for High-Quality Color Prints
Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Inkjet Printer -- $499.99(Canon)
Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer -- $473.22(ExcellentPhoto.ca)
Why We Picked It
The Canon PIXMA Pro-200 is a top choice for designers and photographers who require high-quality prints with vibrant colors. Its 8-color dye-based ink system ensures stunning color accuracy and depth, making it ideal for professional-grade photo printing. Additionally, its relatively compact size makes it a convenient option for those with limited space.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for designers, photographers, and artists who need to produce high-quality, vibrant color prints. However, it may not be the best option for those who primarily print monochrome images or are concerned about high running costs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ 8-color dye-based ink system for vibrant colors | ❌ High running costs |
| ✅ Relatively compact for a professional-grade printer | ❌ Not ideal for monochrome images |
| ✅ Wireless connectivity for convenience | ❌ Price can vary significantly |
Brother HL-L8360CDW: Best Business Color Laser Printer
Business Color Laser Printer, HL-L8360CDW, Wireless Networking, Automati... -- $449.98(Amazon)
Brother HL-L8360CDW Business Color Laser Printer Duplex -- $449.99(Staples)
Why We Picked It
The Brother HL-L8360CDW is a top choice for businesses needing a reliable color laser printer. It offers fast printing speeds of up to 33 pages per minute, excellent color accuracy, and low per-page costs, making it ideal for producing professional documents and design proofs. Its multiple connectivity options, including wireless and Gigabit Ethernet, along with advanced security features, ensure it meets the demands of a busy office environment.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for offices and businesses that require high-quality color printing for documents and design proofs. However, it may not be the best choice for designers who need to print high-quality images, as it is not optimized for photo printing.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fast printing speeds of up to 33 ppm | ❌ Not ideal for high-quality photo printing |
| ✅ Multiple connectivity options including wireless and Gigabit Ethernet | ❌ Relatively high initial cost |
| ✅ Advanced security features for user authentication and access control | ❌ Large and heavy, taking up significant office space |
Epson SureColor P700: Best Compact Professional Photo Printer
Epson SureColor P700 Printer -- $829(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Epson SureColor P700 13" Wide Desktop Printer - www.wideimagesolutions.com -- $829(Wide Image Solutions)
Epson SureColor P700 13" WF Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer w/Light Cyan/ ... -- $875.97(Adorama)
Why We Picked It
The Epson SureColor P700 is a top choice for those seeking professional-grade print quality and color accuracy in a more compact form factor. It is designed to handle smaller prints up to 13 inches wide, making it ideal for photographers, artists, and designers who need high-quality prints without the bulk of larger printers. Despite its smaller size, it doesn't compromise on performance, delivering stunning, true-to-life colors and sharp details.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for professional photographers, graphic designers, and artists who require high-quality prints but have limited space. It's also a great option for hobbyists who are serious about their craft and want to produce gallery-quality prints at home. However, it may not be the best fit for those on a tight budget due to the high cost of consumables and the initial investment.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Excellent print quality and color accuracy | ❌ High cost of consumables |
| ✅ Compact size suitable for smaller spaces | ❌ Steep initial investment |
| ✅ Supports wireless printing | ❌ Limited to prints up to 13 inches wide |
Canon PIXMA iX6820: Best Budget Large-Format Printer
Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer with AirPrint and Cloud Com... -- $174.87(Amazon)
Printer Canon PIXMA iX6820 -- $299(Walmart - AC Tech)
Canon 8747B002 PIXMA iX6820 Inkjet Business Printer -- $310.88(ctspoint.com)
Why We Picked It
The Canon PIXMA iX6820 is an affordable option for designers on a budget, offering good print quality and the ability to handle up to 13x19-inch paper sizes. It provides a balance of performance and cost, making it a practical choice for those who need high-quality prints without breaking the bank.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for designers, small business owners, and home office users who need to print high-quality documents and photos in larger formats. However, it may not be ideal for those who require advanced features or are concerned about high ink costs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable price for large-format printing | ❌ High ink costs |
| ✅ High print resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi | ❌ Lacks advanced features found in more expensive models |
| ✅ Five individual ink tanks for efficient ink usage | ❌ No built-in scanner or copier |
Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: Best High-Volume Color Laser Printer
Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI Wireless Automatic Duplex Color Laser LED Printer ... -- $79.89(Google)
Xerox Phaser 6510V_DNI -- $178.08(My Child Parc)
Why We Picked It
The Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI is a robust color laser printer designed for those who need to produce a high volume of prints quickly and with consistent color accuracy. Its build quality ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for busy environments.
Who It's For
This printer is ideal for designers and small to medium-sized businesses that require fast, consistent color printing. However, it may not be the best choice for those who need the highest resolution images or gradient prints, as inkjet printers typically excel in those areas.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fast printing speed | ❌ Print quality may not match high-end inkjet printers for high-resolution images |
| ✅ Consistent color accuracy | ❌ Higher initial cost compared to some other printers |
| ✅ Robust build quality | ❌ Larger footprint, requiring more space |
Thanks for checking out the best printers for designers in 2024! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy printing!