Printer buying guide

Start with your needs

What will you use it for?

Use these starting points to build a shortlist, then check the trade-offs against the exact product and its reviews.

Ink, toner and usage pattern

Inkjet and laser products suit different priorities. Infrequent printing, colour output, fast text and running cost need to be considered together; do not assume one technology always wins.

Check cartridge or tank part numbers, page-yield standard conditions and availability before purchase. Your documents, coverage and maintenance cycles can differ from a quoted yield, so use it only as a comparison clue.

Paper and scanning workflow

Confirm the paper sizes, weights, envelopes and photo media you actually need. Automatic document feeders and duplex scanning are separate features from duplex printing, so read the exact specification.

A scanner is easier to use when software saves to the services and formats you need. Test whether the mobile app, desktop driver and network scan options fit your household or work arrangement.

Network and account setup

Choose USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet or direct mobile printing based on where the printer will sit. A networked printer can be convenient, but it also needs updates, an account decision and a recovery plan after a router change.

NCSC recommends keeping connected devices supported and updated. Download drivers and manuals from the manufacturer, use a strong network password and remove old accounts before passing a printer on.

Space, noise and maintenance

Measure with trays and scanner lid open, and allow room for paper loading and cartridge access. A compact footprint can be misleading when the output tray extends across a desk.

Consider sleep behaviour, noise, cleaning cycles and whether the printer can be serviced locally. Some low-use machines need occasional maintenance; read the manual rather than forcing a problem through repeated cleaning cycles.

Buying evidence

Independent reviews can reveal setup friction, photo quality, feeding reliability and software annoyances. Match review and consumable numbers to the exact regional model, because bundled cartridges and features may differ.

Do not compare only cost per page. An inexpensive print is no help if the machine will not handle your paper, scans awkwardly or loses driver support before its consumables are used.

ADF, duplex and scanning workflow

An automatic document feeder feeds a stack for scanning or copying; it is separate from automatic duplex printing. Duplex scanning may require two sensors or two passes, so check whether it scans both sides in one pass if that affects a regular workflow.

Confirm the maximum originals, paper sizes and scan destination you need. A printer may scan to a phone app but not to a network folder or email without a computer or account.

Yield, maintenance and total running cost

Compare cartridge or toner part numbers, estimated yield and replacement price for your documents, but recognise that coverage, cleaning cycles and print jobs change real cost. A cheap machine can be expensive if it needs small proprietary cartridges.

For infrequent printing, check maintenance routines, expiry guidance and whether a cartridge is available locally. Consider paper, waste containers, drums and service as part of ownership rather than only ink cost.