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Printer buying guide
Choosing the right printer can feel a bit overwhelming, so let us take you through all the ins and outs.
You don’t realise how handy a printer is until you really need one. So, if your current model’s seen better days or you’re picking one up for the first time, don’t worry. We’ve put together a guide to help you find the right one.
Types of printers
Laser
Laser printers are made for getting through lots of text-heavy pages in one go. They print in black and white, and they’re great when you’ve got a stack of bulky documents and forms to churn out. Their toner cartridges usually last for around 1400 pages, so it’ll keep you going for a while.
Inkjet
Whether it’s printing coursework or those last-minute travel docs, inkjet printers are great for everyday use. They’re affordable, easy to use, and handle colour really well, so photos come out looking great. While they’re a bit slower than laser models, they’re versatile for lots of different jobs.
Also look out for…
Once you've decided between inkjet and laser, there's handy tech to think about too. It’s all about finding the right type for your setup.
All-in-one
All-in-one printers are spot on when you want one device that can do it all without taking up extra space. As well as printing, they can scan, photocopy or even send faxes. They’re also available in both inkjet and laser models, so you can choose whichever you fancy.
Wireless
If you’d rather skip the cables, a wireless printer keeps things nice and easy. You can connect it to your devices over Wi-Fi, so printing from your laptop, phone or tablet is super simple. It’s a handy way to print from anywhere in the house.
Mobile printing
WiFi-enabled printers make things even quicker by letting you send files straight from your phone. Whether it’s tickets or photos, it only takes a few taps to get them sorted without needing to switch on your computer. That’ll save you precious time when you’re in a hurry.
A3 printers
Need to reel off larger docs? An A3 printer can sort that out. You can choose from inkjet or laser models, and there are plenty of all-in-one versions too. Most also have Wi-Fi, so you can send larger files straight from your devices.
Duplex
Duplex printers cut down on waste by automatically printing on both sides of the page. They’re handy when you’ve got bigger jobs to get through and want to save paper. You’ll usually find it as an option on most laser models, making them a great choice for lots of printing without the extra cost.
Ink tank printers
If you print regularly and want to keep costs down, ink tank printers are well worth a look. They use refillable bottles instead of cartridges, which last longer and are cheaper to top up. That means fewer interruptions and more pages for your money, making them really practical for home offices.
Features to look out for
The right features can really change how easy your printer is to use, so it’s worth looking at what fits your routine.
Print quality (DPI)
DPI, short for dots per inch, gives you a rough idea of how detailed your prints will look. Higher numbers mean sharper images and cleaner text, which is useful for photos or anything with lots of colour. If you want pics that really pop, an inkjet printer is the way to go, as they’re designed to handle fine detail and vibrant tones.
Print speed
Print speed tells you how quickly your printer can get through jobs. It’s usually shown as PPM (pages per minute) for documents and IPM (images per minute) for photos. The higher the number, the faster it prints, which is handy if you’ve got bigger batches to get through.
Paper size
Most printers are set up for standard A4 paper, which covers most jobs. But you’ll also find plenty that can handle different photo sizes, envelopes, and even larger formats like A3 if you need extra space for designs or detailed work. And while A3 sounds big, many models are still small enough to sit neatly in a home office without taking over your desk.
Page yield
Page yield gives you an idea of how many pages you’ll get from a cartridge before it needs replacing, giving you an easy way to compare running costs. Keep in mind, it can change depending on what you print since photos and colourful pages use more ink than plain black text.
Double-sided printing
Auto duplex means your printer will handle double-sided pages by itself. It’s a quick win if your goal is to make your day a bit greener since it’ll help save on costs and waste.
Connectivity
Modern printers come with plenty of ways to stay connected. You can go wireless with Wi-Fi and print straight from your laptop, phone or tablet, or keep it simple with a USB connection to your computer. Many models also support mobile printing through apps or cloud services, making it easy to send files over in seconds.
OCR (optical character recognition)
OCR lets your printer turn scanned documents into editable text, so you’re not stuck retyping everything from scratch. You can scan a page, open it on your computer, and make changes straight away. Some models can even recognise handwriting too, making it easier to work with notes and forms.
Automatic document feeder (ADF)
An ADF lets you scan or copy multiple pages in one go, so you’re not feeding them in one by one. It’s a real time-saver if you regularly scan documents or need to copy batches, helping you get bigger jobs done quicker.
Monochrome printers
Monochrome printers focus purely on black and white, making them ideal for everyday paperwork. Most run on laser technology too, so they’re quick, dependable, and well-suited to printing things like reports, forms, and letters in bulk.
Which printer is right for me?
When choosing a printer, it’s all about what you’ll actually use it for day to day. Think about what you print, how often you need it, and what you’re happy to spend over time. Once you’ve got that sorted, it’s much easier to find the right model.
For everyday printing
An inkjet printer is a great all-rounder, handling everything from documents to photos with sharp detail and vibrant colour. And if you want some extra flexibility, an all-in-one model lets you print, scan and copy, making it easy to stay on top of your to-do list.
For busy homes or offices
A laser printer is built for speed and getting through stacks of pages without slowing down. It’s ideal for delivering crisp, professional results. With fast print speeds and a lower cost per page, they’re spot on for high-volume use. If you need something more versatile, many models also come as all-in-ones with Wi-Fi, letting you print, scan, and copy from multiple devices with ease.
For saving on ink long-term
An ink tank printer is a great shout if you print regularly and want to keep costs down. Instead of swapping cartridges, you simply top it up with bottles of ink, which go a lot further. That means fewer replacements, less hassle, and a much lower cost per page, making it a smart pick for frequent use.
For printing photos at home
A photo printer is the one to go for if you want your pictures to really stand out. They’re designed to bring out every detail, with rich colours and smooth shades that make snaps look their best. If you want things even easier, look for mobile printing, so you can send photos straight from your phone in just a few taps.
For doing a bit of everything
All-in-one printers keep everything in one neat package, combining printing, scanning, and copying without taking up loads of space. They’re a practical pick for busy homes that need less clutter and more convenience.
For printing on the go
Portable printers are designed for printing on the move, giving you a quick and easy way to get documents sorted wherever you are. They’re compact and lightweight, so they slip neatly into a bag. With wireless connectivity built in, you can send files straight from your phone or laptop, making them a great fit for flexible working without needing a full desk setup.
For extra convenience
Smart printers are designed to make everyday printing more straightforward. They're packed with clever features that let you control them from your phone or tablet, send documents over in seconds, and some can even order new ink automatically when they’re running low.
FAQs
- Which printer is most cost-effective in the long run?
If you’re looking to save money in the long run, laser printers are the clear winner thanks to their lower cost per page. But for printing in colour, inkjet models with refillable tanks are a great way to save on cartridges.
- What is the average cost per page?
Costs can vary depending on the type of printer you go for. Inkjet models are a bit pricier per page – especially for colour – while laser printers are cheaper if you only need to print in black and white. Ink tank printers are the real money-savers though, offering super low costs if you print in colour regularly.
- What’s the difference between inkjet and laser printer?
Inkjet printers use liquid ink, making them great for photos and colourful prints where detail really matters. Laser printers use toner powder instead, which means they print faster and in black and white, which costs less per page. That’s why they’re a popular pick for text-heavy jobs like documents and reports.
- Are cheap printers expensive to run?
Some cheaper printers look like a bargain upfront, but the cost of replacement ink or toner can add up pretty quickly. It’s always worth checking how much refills cost before you buy, so there are no surprises later on.
- Do I need a printer if I rarely print?
If you only print now and then, you might not need a printer at all. It’s usually cheaper to pop to a local library or print shop when you need a form or doc printing off, especially since it can cost as little as a few pence for each page.
- Do printers dry out if not used?
Inkjet printers can dry out if they’re left sitting idle for a while. Because they use liquid ink, the cartridges or printhead can get clogged, which might lead to streaky prints, missing colours, or even blank pages. Laser printers are a different story since they use toner powder, so there’s no risk of them drying out.
- What should I look for in print quality?
Print quality is all about how sharp your pages look, and that’s where DPI – or dots per inch – comes in. The higher the DPI, the crisper your text and the more detailed your images will be. It makes a big difference if you’re printing photos.
