Buying Guide for the Best Printer For Chromebook
Choosing a printer that works well with your Chromebook is all about making sure they communicate smoothly, are easy to set up, and meet your daily printing needs. Since Chromebooks rely heavily on cloud services and wireless connections, it's essential to ensure that your printer is compatible and user-friendly. Focusing on the right features lets you avoid frustration and get great results, whether you're printing documents, photos, or creative projects.Compatibility with Chrome OSThis is one of the most important factors—your printer must work with Chrome OS. Many new printers support printing from Chromebooks via wireless connections or apps, but not all models do. Some work directly with Chrome OS using the built-in print function, while others may require specific apps or services. The safest way to check is to look for printers labeled as 'compatible with Chrome OS' or those that support printing via the Google Cloud Print alternative, as Google Cloud Print itself has been discontinued. Picking a printer that's explicitly compatible ensures a smooth, hassle-free printing experience.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity refers to how your printer connects to your Chromebook. There are options like Wi-Fi, USB, and sometimes Bluetooth. Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct allows you to print wirelessly from anywhere on your network, which is the most convenient for Chromebook users. USB is more old-school and means plugging your printer directly into your Chromebook, but not all models or Chromebooks support this method. Bluetooth is less common and best for small, portable printers. Choose Wi-Fi if you plan to print from multiple devices or rooms, and USB if you have a basic setup or limited wireless access.
Type of Printer: Inkjet vs LaserPrinters generally come in two main types: inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers are versatile and handle color images well, making them a solid choice for photos or creative projects. Laser printers are faster with text and more cost-efficient for big jobs, ideal for printing lots of documents. Think about what you print most—if it’s mostly homework, work documents, or forms, a laser printer usually fits best. If you care about printing colorful pictures or crafts, go for an inkjet.
Print Quality (Resolution)This spec tells you how sharp and clear your prints will be, usually measured in dpi (dots per inch). Lower resolutions (around 600 x 600 dpi) are plenty for standard text and everyday jobs, while higher resolutions (1200 dpi or above) are better for photos or professional-looking graphics. Decide if you want basic, readable pages or more detailed, vibrant images to pick the right end of the spectrum for you.
Print SpeedPrint speed is usually measured in pages per minute (ppm). Faster speeds (20 ppm or more) are useful if you’re churning out lots of pages regularly, while lower speeds are fine for occasional or light printing. If you’re mostly printing one or two pages at a time, print speed isn’t crucial, but for homework-heavy households or small offices, faster printing keeps things moving smoothly.
All-in-One FeaturesMany printers are 'all-in-one,' meaning they can scan, copy, or even fax besides printing. If you might need to digitize documents or make copies, an all-in-one is handy. If you just want to print, a single-purpose printer is usually smaller and simpler. Consider your daily tasks and choose based on whether you’ll make use of these extra features.
Mobile Printing SupportSince modern life is full of phones and tablets, mobile printing support means your printer can accept print jobs from your phone, not just your Chromebook. This often relies on printer apps, Wi-Fi Direct, or standard protocols like IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). If you plan to print from multiple device types or share your printer with family or roommates, this feature is very helpful.