Buying Guide for the Best Simple Printer
Choosing a simple printer can seem tricky with all the different options out there, but understanding a few key features will help you find the best match for your needs. Before starting your search, consider what you mostly want to print (documents, photos, or both), how often you’ll use the printer, and the space you have available. Focusing on a few main specifications will make it easier to pick a printer that’s reliable and easy to use for basic tasks.Type (Inkjet vs. Laser)Printers generally come in two main types: inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are great for printing both documents and color images, but ink may dry out if you don’t use them often. Laser printers use toner (a powder) and excel at printing lots of black-and-white documents quickly and efficiently, with lower ongoing costs and less risk of drying out. If you’ll mostly print text or need fast speeds, a laser printer is ideal. If you want to print color pages or occasional photos, an inkjet may suit you better. Choose based on your typical print tasks.
Print SpeedPrint speed describes how many pages per minute (ppm) a printer can produce. Simple printers usually offer somewhere between 5 to 25 pages per minute. If you only print occasionally or a few pages at a time, lower print speeds are fine. If you regularly print multi-page documents or need quick results, look for higher print speeds. Your impatience or need for speed can help you determine which end of the scale you should focus on.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi) and refers to how sharp and detailed your printouts will be. The vast majority of simple printers offer 600 x 600 dpi or higher, which is more than enough for basic text and simple graphics. For everyday use like forms or letters, standard resolution works well. If you want to print photos or graphics often, look for higher resolution options. Let your typical use—mostly text versus lots of images—guide your pick.
ConnectivityPrinters can connect via USB cable, Wi-Fi, or even Bluetooth. USB connections are easy and reliable for one computer, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth let multiple devices connect wirelessly, which is great for laptops, tablets, or smartphones. If you know you’ll want to print from more than one device or use mobile printing, choose a printer with wireless connectivity. If it will stay connected to a single desktop, USB is often simplest.
Size and DesignSimple printers come in a variety of sizes, from compact models that fit on a small shelf to larger ones that need more space. If you have limited room, look specifically for compact designs. Consider where you want to place your printer and measure the area if needed to ensure it will fit comfortably. Pick a size that matches your available space and makes your day-to-day use easy.
Ink or Toner ReplacementEvery printer needs a new supply of ink or toner periodically. Some models use separate cartridges for different colors, while others combine them into one. Look for printers with easily available and easy-to-install ink or toner. If you don’t want to worry about replacing colors individually, a combined cartridge might be easier. If cost and control are important, separate color cartridges might be better in the long run. Decide what fits your comfort level for maintenance.