As the academic year unfolds, students across the globe are gearing up to tackle a myriad of assignments and projects. In this digital age, a reliable printer has become as essential to student success as a sturdy backpack or a powerful laptop. With the vast array of options on the market, choosing the right printer can be as daunting as a final exam. That's why we at BuySmart.ai have compiled a comprehensive guide to the best printers for students in 2024, ensuring you can make an informed decision that aligns with your academic needs and budget.
Speed and efficiency are paramount when deadlines loom, and our selections prioritize printing speed without compromising on quality. We understand that a printer that churns out 20-30 pages per minute might suffice for most, but for those who are constantly under the gun, models that can deliver 40-60 ppm could be game-changers. However, speed is not the sole factor; print quality cannot be overlooked. We've focused on printers that offer a minimum resolution of 1200 x 600 dpi, ensuring that every page, from intricate graphs to crisp text, is produced with clarity and precision.
In today's interconnected world, the ability to print from any device, anywhere, is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Our top picks for 2024 come equipped with a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities, to cater to the tech-savvy student. Moreover, we've considered the long-term value by examining cartridge durability and cost per page, ensuring that your investment today doesn't lead to exorbitant expenses down the line. And for those who seek the utmost in convenience and functionality, we've highlighted printers with additional features like auto-duplexing, scanning, and faxing, to enhance productivity and streamline your study routine. Stay tuned as we delve into the specifics and help you find the perfect printing companion for your educational journey.
HP Envy 6055e All-in-One: Best Cost-Effective Printer for Students
ENVY 6055e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, copy, Easy setup,... -- $129.99(Amazon)
HP Envy 6055e All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer -- $129.99(HP)
Why We Picked It
The HP Envy 6055e All-in-One is a versatile and user-friendly printer that offers high-quality printing for both documents and photos. Its inclusion of HP Instant Ink subscription for the first three months makes it a cost-effective solution for students who print frequently, ensuring they never run out of ink while saving up to 50% on the cost.
Who It's For
This printer is ideal for students and home users who need reliable printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. It's also well-suited for those who appreciate the convenience of mobile printing and are looking for a cost-effective printing solution with the HP Instant Ink subscription service.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-quality printing for documents and photos | ❌ Ink costs can be high without the HP Instant Ink subscription |
| ✅ Easy setup with mobile and wireless printing capabilities | ❌ Printer only works with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry |
| ✅ HP+ Smart features including automatic updates and advanced mobile printing options | ❌ No manual feed or advanced features like scan to email or fax |
Canon PIXMA TR4520: Compact All-in-One Printer for Students and Home Offices
PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer with Mobile Printing, Bla... -- $152(Amazon)
PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer with Mobile Printing, Pri... -- $151(Amazon)
Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer with Mobile Printin... -- $151(Amazon)
Canon - PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer - Black -- $149.99(eBay - us_deals1)
Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer Mobile Printing -- $180(Walmart - LittlePiggy_Tech)
Why We Picked It
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 stands out for its compact design and versatile functionality, making it an ideal choice for students and home offices with limited space. It supports wireless printing and is compatible with various mobile operating systems, including iOS, Android, and Windows 10 Mobile. The printer's ability to work with Alexa for voice-controlled printing and its automatic ink replenishment service further enhance its convenience and user-friendliness.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for students, home office users, and anyone in need of a compact, all-in-one printer that can handle printing, scanning, copying, and faxing without taking up too much space. It's particularly appealing to those who value the convenience of wireless printing and voice control capabilities.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Supports wireless printing and is compatible with Alexa for voice-controlled tasks | ❌ Print speed may not be the fastest, which could be a drawback for users with high-volume printing needs |
| ✅ Compact design with built-in scanner, auto 2-sided printing, and automatic document feeder (ADF) | ❌ Limited to inkjet technology, which may not be as cost-effective for black and white printing as laser printers |
| ✅ Offers automatic ink replenishment service to save on ink costs and ensure you never run out | ❌ Initial cost and ongoing ink costs may add up, despite the convenience of automatic ink replenishment |
Brother HL-L2350DW: Best Budget-Friendly Monochrome Printer
Compact Monochrome Laser Printer, HL-L2350DW, Wireless Printing, Duplex ... -- $192(Amazon)
HL-L2350DW Series Compact Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer - Mobile Pri... -- $211(Amazon)
HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing... -- $119.99(Amazon)
Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer, Hl-l2350dw, Wireless Printing ... -- $258(Walmart - liam50008)
Why We Picked It
The Brother HL-L2350DW is selected for its impressive efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it a solid choice for students and home offices that require high-volume text document printing without the frills of color output. Its fast print speeds, automatic duplex printing, and wireless connectivity options ensure that users can handle their printing tasks with ease and flexibility.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for students, home office users, or small businesses that need to print large quantities of black and white documents. It's ideal for those who prioritize text over graphics and do not require color printing capabilities. Its low cost per page also makes it economical for users who print frequently.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fast print speeds of up to 32 pages per minute | ❌ Lacks color printing capabilities |
| ✅ Automatic duplex printing for efficient two-sided documents | ❌ No built-in scanner or copier functions |
| ✅ Wireless connectivity and mobile printing support | ❌ Manual feed slot may require additional attention for special paper sizes |
Epson EcoTank ET-2760: Best Eco-Friendly All-in-One Printer
EcoTank ET-2760 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Print... -- $327(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 is selected for its innovative approach to printing that is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Its cartridge-free system with supersized ink tanks significantly reduces the need for frequent ink purchases and offers a high volume of prints at an exceptionally low cost per page. This, combined with its multifunction capabilities, makes it an excellent choice for students and environmentally conscious consumers looking for a versatile printing solution.
Who It's For
The EcoTank ET-2760 is best suited for students and home office users who require regular printing, scanning, and copying. It's ideal for those who are looking to save on ink costs in the long run and prefer a printer with a lower environmental impact due to less waste from cartridges. However, it may not be the best fit for those who are looking for a low upfront cost or who print very infrequently.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Save up to 90% on ink costs with low-cost replacement bottles | ❌ Higher initial cost than traditional cartridge-based printers |
| ✅ High yield ink bottles offer up to 2 years of ink for fewer replacements | ❌ Ink from the initial bottles is used for setup, reducing initial yield |
| ✅ Multifunctional with printing, scanning, and copying capabilities | ❌ Wi-Fi connectivity may vary based on router range and performance |
HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile All-in-One: Best Portable All-in-One Printer
OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer with Wireless & Mobile Printin... -- $399.99(Amazon)
HP CZ992A OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Duplex Wireless Mobile Portable Color... -- $399.99(Newegg.com)
HP OfficeJet 250 Portable Printer with Wireless and Mobile Printing (CZ9... -- $359.69(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile All-in-One printer is a versatile and compact device designed for students and professionals who require the convenience of printing, scanning, and copying on the go. Its portable design with a built-in battery makes it an ideal choice for those who need to work from different locations, and its compatibility with wireless and mobile printing enhances its flexibility for various use cases.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for students, business travelers, or mobile professionals who often work outside of a traditional office setting and need a reliable printer that they can carry with them. It's also a good fit for anyone with limited space who still requires the full functionality of an all-in-one printer. However, it may not be the best choice for users who need to print in high volumes or rely heavily on long battery life without access to power outlets.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Lightweight, portable design with a built-in battery for on-the-go use | ❌ Battery life may be limited, requiring frequent recharging depending on usage |
| ✅ Wireless and mobile printing capabilities, including compatibility with Alexa | ❌ Print volume may not meet the needs of users with heavy printing demands |
| ✅ All-in-one functionality with printing, scanning, and copying features | ❌ Higher price point compared to standard desktop printers |
Canon PIXMA TS9521C: Best Printer for Creative Tasks
Canon PIXMA TS9521C Crafter's Inkjet Printer -- $179.99(Best Buy)
TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer, 12X12 Printing, Whit... -- $179.99(Amazon)
Canon - PIXMA TS9521Ca Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer - White -- $299.99(Canon)
Canon PIXMA TS9521C All-in-One Wireless Crafting Color Inkjet Printer, W... -- $333(Amazon)
PIXMA TS9521C All-in-One Wireless Crafting Color Inkjet Printer, White -... -- $333(Amazon)
Canon PIXMA TS TS9521C Wireless Inkjet Multifunction Printer - Color -- $285(eBay)
Why We Picked It
The Canon PIXMA TS9521C is a versatile and feature-rich printer that excels in creative tasks. It supports a wide range of paper types and sizes, including 12x12 inches for scrapbooking, and boasts excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for printing high-quality photos and graphics. Its 5 Individual Inks provide superb color reproduction, and the ChromaLife100 system ensures long-lasting photo prints. With its array of connectivity options and built-in printable patterns, it's a top choice for crafting enthusiasts and students with diverse printing needs.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for creative students, crafters, and scrapbookers who require high-quality photo prints and the ability to handle various paper types and sizes. It's also great for those who appreciate the convenience of wireless printing from different devices. However, it may not be the most cost-effective option for students who only need to print text documents.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Supports a variety of paper types and sizes, including 12x12 inches | ❌ May be more expensive than basic document printers |
| ✅ Excellent color accuracy with 5 Individual Inks and ChromaLife100 system | ❌ Could be overkill for users who only print text documents |
| ✅ Versatile connectivity options including Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Morea Print Service | ❌ Higher cost of ink replacement due to 5 Individual Inks system |
Brother MFC-J995DW: Best All-in-One Printer for Extended Ink Usage
MFC-J995DW INKvestmentTank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Mobile D... -- $695(Amazon)
Genuine LC30333PKS 3-Pack, Super High-yield Color INKvestment Tank Ink C... -- $65.98(Amazon)
LC3033XXL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Brother LC3033 LC3035 Work for B... -- $29.99(Amazon)
LC3033XXL Ink Replacement for LC3033 BK/C/M/Y Ink Cartridges Brother LC3... -- $30.99(Amazon)
Brother 995dw -- $498(eBay)
Starink LC3033XXL Replacement for Brother LC3033 LC-3033 LC3035(BK/C/M/Y... -- $27.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Brother MFC-J995DW is selected for its innovative INKvestment Tank system that provides up to one year of ink included, which is a significant cost-saving feature for users who print frequently. Its comprehensive set of features, including wireless connectivity, automatic document feeder (ADF), and duplex printing, make it a versatile all-in-one solution for home or small office environments.
Who It's For
This printer is ideal for small business owners, home office workers, or students who do not mind a larger footprint in exchange for the convenience of extended periods without needing to purchase ink. It's also well-suited for those who value the ability to print from mobile devices and require a reliable printer with a range of functions beyond just printing.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Up to one year of ink included with INKvestment Tank system | ❌ Bulkier than other models, potentially problematic for space-constrained areas |
| ✅ Wireless connectivity and support for mobile device printing | ❌ Higher initial cost compared to some entry-level printers |
| ✅ Feature-rich with ADF and automatic duplex printing | ❌ Replacement ink cartridges can be expensive if not using third-party options |
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3720: Compact and Efficient All-in-One Printer
WorkForce Pro WF-3720 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Copier, ... -- $306(Amazon)
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3733 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer with Copie... -- $249(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3720 stands out for its impressive blend of speed, efficiency, and quality, making it an excellent choice for both home and small office environments. Its fast print speeds, high-quality outputs, and compact design, coupled with the convenience of an automatic document feeder (ADF), ensure that it meets the needs of users looking for a reliable all-in-one solution. Additionally, its compatibility with Epson's Dash Replenishment service offers a seamless way to manage ink supplies, ensuring you never run out unexpectedly.
Who It's For
This printer is ideal for small business owners, home office workers, and students who require fast, high-quality printing, scanning, and copying capabilities without the bulk of larger machines. It's also well-suited for those who appreciate the convenience of wireless printing and are willing to invest in genuine Epson cartridges to ensure the longevity and performance of their printer.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fast black and color print speeds (20 ISO ppm black/10 ISO ppm color) | ❌ Ink costs can be high without subscription service |
| ✅ Up to 30 percent lower printing costs vs. color laser | ❌ Designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges |
| ✅ Wireless printing and ADF for easy document handling | ❌ Initial purchase price may be higher than some competitors |
HP Tango X: Best Smart Wireless Printer for Mobile Devices
Universal HP Tango X Smart Wireless Printer with Indigo Linen -Cover – M... -- $189.99(Amazon)
HP - Tango X Wireless Instant Ink Ready Printer with Linen Cover - White -- $216(Server Evolution)
Why We Picked It
The HP Tango X is a smart wireless printer that excels in convenience and modern connectivity, making it an ideal choice for students and home users who prioritize printing from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets. Its compact design, voice-activated printing, and compatibility with the HP Smart app allow for a seamless, hands-free printing experience from anywhere.
Who It's For
The HP Tango X is best suited for students and home users who need a compact and stylish printer that supports mobile devices and offers the convenience of printing without the need for a traditional computer setup. It's particularly beneficial for those who are always on the go and rely heavily on cloud services. However, it may not be the best fit for students who require a flatbed scanner for scanning bulky or bound materials.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Convenient printing from smartphones and tablets | ❌ Lacks a flatbed scanner |
| ✅ Voice-activated, hands-free printing experience | ❌ Customer reviews suggest potential issues with satisfaction |
| ✅ Stylish design with indigo linen cover | ❌ Higher price point compared to some other compact printers |
Samsung Xpress M2020W: Best Budget-Friendly Monochrome Laser Printer
Samsung SL-M2020W/XAA Wireless Monochrome Printer -- $539(Amazon)
MLT-D111S Compatible M2020W Toner Cartridge Replacement for Samsung MLT-... -- $38.99(Amazon)
Samsung Xpress Sl-m2020w Laser Printer (ss272h) -- $399.99(Walmart - Biocloud)
Compatible Toner Cartridge Replacement for Samsung MLT-D111S D111S 111S ... -- $24.99(Amazon)
(TM Compatible Toner Cartridge Replacement for Samsung 111S 111L MLT-D11... -- $15.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Xpress M2020W is a solid choice for students and individuals who need a reliable, no-frills printer for text-heavy documents. Its compact size and ease of setup make it a convenient option for small spaces and quick printing needs. The inclusion of wireless connectivity and NFC technology for mobile printing adds to its appeal for users who are often on the go and need to print from various devices.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for students or home users who primarily need to print black and white documents and want a printer that is budget-friendly and doesn't take up too much space. It's not the right choice for those who require color printing or multifunction capabilities like scanning and copying.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fast print speeds up to 21 ppm | ❌ Does not support color printing |
| ✅ Wireless and NFC connectivity for easy mobile printing | ❌ Lacks scanning and copying features |
| ✅ Compact and ergonomic design suitable for small spaces | ❌ Additional cost for replacement toner cartridges |
Thanks for checking out the best printers for students! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy printing!