Choosing the right color printer for home use can be a daunting task. With so many models on the market boasting different features and capabilities, it’s hard to know which one will best suit your needs and budget. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when shopping for a home color printer, provide an overview of the different types available, and give recommendations for the best color printers for home based on different usage needs and budgets.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Home Color Printer
Here are some of the most important things to think about when selecting a color printer for home use:
- Print quality – Print resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi). For photos and graphics, look for a printer with 4800 x 1200 dpi or higher. For everyday text documents, 1200 x 1200 dpi is sufficient.
- Print speed – Speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). Faster print speeds are better for high volume printing.
- Cost per print – The cost per print is determined by printer and ink costs divided by estimated lifetime prints. Lower costs per print save money long-term.
- Ink system – Inkjet printers use cartridges, while laser printers use toner. Inkjets tend to have higher upfront costs but lower cost per print. Lasers have higher print quality but higher ongoing costs.
- Connectivity – Most printers connect via USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth. Wireless connectivity provides more flexibility.
- Print volume – Light use (up to 250 pages/month), moderate use (250-800 pages/month) or high volume (800+ pages/month). Match printer to expected monthly print volume.
- Size and weight – Important if you have limited space. All-in-one printers take up more room.
- Operating costs – Consider ink and toner costs over the printer’s lifetime. Models with lower cost per page will save money long-term.
Types of Home Color Printers
There are three main types of color printers designed for home use:
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers work by spraying microscopic drops of liquid ink onto paper. They are capable of producing high quality prints, especially for photos and graphics. Inkjets have lower upfront costs but higher ongoing ink costs. They are ideal for low to moderate monthly print volumes.
Laser Printers
Laser printers use toner, a dry powder, to create prints. They work by applying an electrical charge to the toner before fusing it onto paper with heat. Lasers offer excellent text quality and faster print speeds than inkjets, but have a higher purchase price. They are best for high print volumes.
All-In-One Printers
All-in-one (AIO) printers integrate printing capabilities with other functions like scanning, copying and faxing. This allows a single device to serve multiple purposes. AIO printers have larger footprints but provide added convenience.
Key Specifications to Compare
Here are the most important specifications to look at when comparing color printers for home use:
| Specification | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | Higher resolution means sharper prints, especially for photos and graphics. |
| Print Speed | Measured in pages per minute (ppm). Faster is better for high print volumes. |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Recommended maximum monthly print volume based on design. |
| Input Trays | Number of trays to hold paper. More trays allow for less reloading. |
| Paper Capacity | Total sheets the printer can hold at once. Higher capacity requires less reloading. |
| Connectivity | Commonly USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Wireless provides more flexibility. |
| Dimensions | Important if you have limited desk space, especially for AIO printers. |
Reviews of the Best Home Color Printers
Now that we’ve covered the key considerations and specifications, here are reviews of our top picks for best home color printers in different categories:
Best All-Around Home Color Printer: Canon PIXMA TR8520
The Canon PIXMA TR8520 is an excellent all-in-one inkjet printer ideal for home use. It produces vibrant prints at up to 4800 x 1200 dpi using Canon’s five-ink system. Text prints are sharp and graphics/photos have excellent detail. It has average print speeds of 13 ppm black and 10 ppm color. The monthly duty cycle is up to 4,000 pages.
This Canon printer has a 350 sheet paper capacity and auto two-sided printing. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB and Bluetooth. It also offers scanning, copying and fax capabilities. The touchscreen LCD makes operation straightforward. Overall, the TR8520 combines high print quality, convenience and affordability.
Best Photo Printer for Home: Epson SureColor P400
For amateur and professional photographers alike, the 13″ Epson SureColor P400 delivers incredible photo print quality. It utilizes Epson’s UltraChrome HG2 ink system with eight colors for stunning image detail at up to 2880 x 1440 dpi resolution. It can print directly onto fine art papers and even CDs/DVDs.
This Epson printer uses individual ink cartridges to keep replacement costs down. It has a 200 sheet tray capacity. Connectivity includes USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi. The 2.7″ color touchscreen makes navigation easy. Overall, the P400 is ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for pro-level photo printing at home.
Best Budget Color Printer: HP Deskjet 2755
For those looking for an affordable but capable color printer for light home use, the HP Deskjet 2755 is a great option. It prints at up to 4800 x 1200 dpi using HP’s thermal inkjet technology. Print speeds max out at 7.5 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color.
This budget HP printer has a 60-sheet input tray but lacks an automatic document feeder. Connectivity includes USB and Wi-Fi. It measures just 17.5 x 13.5 x 5.6 inches, making it highly space efficient. Overall, the Deskjet 2755 provides solid print quality and performance for low-volume home printing needs.
Best Wireless Home Color Printer: Brother MFC-L3770CDW
For those wanting maximum wireless connectivity and capability, the Brother MFC-L3770CDW all-in-one laser printer is a top choice. It offers printing, copying, scanning and faxing. Print speeds reach 24 ppm black and 24 ppm color with crisp, detailed prints.
With built-in Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct and NFC connectivity, this Brother printer provides multiple wireless options. It has a 250-sheet paper capacity and automatic two-sided printing. The 2.7″ touchscreen is easy to navigate. Overall, the MFC-L3770CDW is feature-packed for home office use.
Best Large Capacity Home Printer: Canon IMAGECLASS MF644Cdw
Home users that frequently print high page volumes will benefit from the large capacity of the Canon IMAGECLASS MF644Cdw all-in-one laser printer. It has a generous 600-sheet paper capacity expandable to 2,300 sheets with additional cassettes. Print speeds reach 28 ppm both black and color.
It offers print, copy, scan and fax capabilities. Built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB and mobile printing provide flexible connectivity. Automatic duplex printing comes standard. The 5″ LCD touchscreen gives intuitive control. Overall, the MF644Cdw is designed for high print volumes with minimal reloading.
Best Compact Home Color Printer: HP Tango X
If you need a color printer for limited space, the HP Tango X is the most compact choice. It can print two-sided pages and also offers scanning and copying functions. Print quality is excellent at 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution.
Measuring just 5.83 x 15.8 x 9.07 inches, this HP printer has the smallest footprint in its class. It connects via dual-band Wi-Fi and dual-band Wi-Fi direct. Voice activated printing is supported. Despite the small size, the Tango X delivers full-featured performance.
Which is the Overall Best Home Color Printer?
When we weigh all the factors – print quality, performance, features, convenience and costs – the Canon PIXMA TR8520 rises above the competition as the best overall color printer for home use. Here’s a recap of its winning attributes:
- Stunning photo prints and crisp text using Canon’s five-ink system
- Fast print speeds of 13 ppm black, 10 ppm color
- Large 350-sheet paper capacity
- Built-in Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity
- Print, scan, copy and fax capabilities
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Affordable purchase price and operating costs
- Intuitive operation from 2.7″ LCD touchscreen
No other home printer combines high quality, versatility, convenience and value like the Canon PIXMA TR8520. For all-around excellence across all usage types from photos to documents, it’s your best choice for home color printing.
Conclusion
Finding the right color printer tailored to your needs and budget is an important decision. This guide has provided detailed reviews of the top printers across key home usage models. From compact size to premium photos to low cost, there are great options for every home printing application.
For most homeowners without highly specialized needs, the Canon PIXMA TR8520 stands above the rest with its exceptional print quality, performance, features and value. Take your time comparing models across the factors that matter most, and you’ll end up with a home color printer that meets your requirements both now and into the future.