We also took ten of those printers home to see how they hold up to real-world use. In The Lab, we tested 25 printers from all the top manufacturers, examining each model’s ease of setup and use, print speed and quality, and other key features like document scanning and cloud printing. According to Prouty, “Some useful features to look for include: NFC (near field communication) that allows you to tap your phone to the printer to print a document, a scanning function, duplex printing (the ability to print on both sides of a page), and if you print a lot, a large ink capacity.” Wi-Fi Direct is another feature that lets you send documents directly from your phone, and printers that are compatible with ink subscription services can help reduce costs if your print volume is exceptionally high. “People's needs will vary,” says Carl Prouty, the resident technologist for Abt Electronics, so it’s important to focus on the specific features you need when you're setting out to purchase a personal printer.īeyond finding an option that can print clearly and reliably, there are some other printer perks that could make a big difference in your everyday routine. But the best option for one home office isn’t necessarily the right printer for other scenarios, which is why we tested a wide range of models on the market. When you need to quickly print documents, photos, or concert tickets, or perhaps scan documents to share digitally, a home printer can simplify the task and deliver high-quality results. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

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