A home printer is one of those quiet purchases you only notice when it disappoints. Slow first pages, color that looks washed out, mysterious Wi-Fi dropouts mid-project. Pick the right machine and it disappears into your routine, churning out permission slips, planning documents, school reports, and the occasional photo without drama.
For anyone shopping today, the real question is which format matches your week. Heavy paperwork, photos on demand, ink-tank thrift, or a printer you can throw in a backpack. The list below mixes laser all-in-ones for small offices, compact inkjets for everyday family use, dedicated photo printers for creatives, and a couple of genuinely portable options for people who never sit at the same desk twice.
How The Shortlist Stacks Up
Xerox C245 Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
Xerox C240 Wireless Color Laser Printer
Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Photo Printer
Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless All-in-One (White)
Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless All-in-One (Black)
HP OfficeJet 200 Wireless Mobile Printer
Canon PIXMA TR150 Wireless Portable Printer
Canon PIXMA TS6320 Wireless All-in-One
Canon IX6820 Wireless Inkjet Printer
The Picks, Examined More Closely
The Xerox C245 is the kind of workhorse a small office forgets it owns. Built around color laser technology (which fuses dry toner to paper using heat, rather than spraying liquid ink), it pushes through a steady 26 pages per minute in both black and color, with automatic double-sided printing saving you from flipping stacks by hand. For households running a side business or remote job, that speed gap shows up the moment deadlines tighten.
Wi-Fi is dual-band, so on busy apartment networks you may find the 5 GHz channel steadier than the default. Built-in support for Apple AirPrint and Mopria means your laptop or phone sends jobs without driver hunts, and the all-in-one body folds print, scan, and copy into a footprint that still fits beside a filing cabinet. Compared with the print-only Xerox C240 below, you trade a little desk space for a flatbed scanner and an automatic document feeder, which pays off fast if anyone in the house ever needs to digitize a stack of receipts.
Practical Advantages
- 26 ppm in color keeps mixed print jobs moving without bottlenecking
- Automatic duplex printing cuts paper use on reports and handouts
- Dual-band Wi-Fi plus AirPrint and Mopria cut cable clutter across laptops and phones
- All-in-one design replaces a separate scanner for most households
- Laser toner sits idle without drying out, ideal for sporadic printing weeks
Things To Consider
- Color laser toner runs through faster than refillable ink tanks on photo-heavy weeks
- The body is bulkier than inkjet all-in-ones, so measure your shelf first
Feature Snapshot
Made For
Remote workers and small home offices that need scan and copy alongside steady color output.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Hobbyists who print mostly photos should look at the Canon SELPHY CP1300 instead.
The C240 is essentially the C245 stripped of its scanner and feeder, which is good news for anyone who prints far more than they copy. You still get the same 26 ppm engine and color laser output, so multi-page proposals and color-coded spreadsheets roll out quickly without warm-up drama. For a household that mainly sends documents to paper, the simpler body takes up noticeably less desk real estate.
Wireless setup leans on dual-band Wi-Fi with AirPrint and Mopria baked in. Toner is the ongoing cost to weigh, since laser toner cartridges cost more per replacement than a refill bottle. For families printing a few pages most days and a longer report weekly, the math tends to work out cleanly. Against the EcoTank ET-2720 covered later, the trade-off is faster text at the cost of higher cost-per-page on color.
Where It Excels
- Compact laser body fits tighter spaces than most multifunctions
- Consistent 26 ppm across black and color jobs
- No scanner glass to maintain or worry over with curious kids
- Laser toner stays put between print sessions, no dried-out cartridges
Worth Noting
- No flatbed scanner means you’ll need a separate device for digitizing
- Toner replacements carry a higher upfront cost than ink bottles
Right Fit For
Document-heavy households and freelance writers who care more about text speed than photo quality.
Skip It When
Anyone who needs scanning should step up to the Xerox C245 for the all-in-one convenience.
The SELPHY CP1300 is a specialist that knows its lane. It uses dye-sublimation technology (where heat turns solid dye into a gas that bonds to paper, layer by layer) rather than inkjet, so prints come out dry to the touch with a slight protective coating. That makes them more resistant to fingerprints than typical photos, which parents and scrapbookers tend to appreciate within a week of owning one.
Built-in editing tools cover the everyday tidy-ups. Portrait optimization, red-eye correction, and a smooth skin mode are all there, plus a choice of borders and aspect ratios. Supported sizes run from 2.1 by 2.1 inch labels through 4 by 6 inch postcards, which covers most memory-keeping projects. Compare that with the document-focused C240 above, and the difference is clear: this machine won’t help with essays, but it absolutely delivers for photo projects.
A Few Highlights
- Multiple print sizes cover labels, cards, and postcards in one device
- Wireless printing from phone or laptop through Wi-Fi
- Built-in editing trims most trips to a phone app
- Compact footprint lives on a craft desk or shelf
Points To Keep In Mind
- Paper and ink cartridge packs are sold separately, so factor consumables into setup
- Not designed for documents, so plan a second machine for schoolwork
Who Should Grab It
Crafters, scrapbookers, and family memory keepers who want durable photo prints at home.
Look Elsewhere When
Students needing everyday homework prints should pair this with the Canon PIXMA TS6320 instead.
The ET-2720 takes a different angle on home printing. Instead of small throwaway cartridges, it stores ink in refillable tanks you top up from bottles. The included set is rated to last a long stretch of normal family printing, which for most households means the ink question stops dominating the conversation about whether to print at all.
You still get print, scan, and copy in one body, plus Wi-Fi for cable-free placement. The white finish blends into bright kitchens and craft rooms, and the ink-level window on the side lets you see what’s left at a glance. Owners commonly report the bottle refilling process is mess-free once you’ve done it a couple of times. Against the laser-based Xerox C245 reviewed earlier, you trade raw speed for dramatically lower ink costs.
Useful Highlights
- Refillable ink tanks cut the per-page cost sharply over cartridge printers
- Multi-function body handles print, scan, and copy in one footprint
- Visible ink window removes the surprise of an empty tank mid-project
- Wireless printing from phones and laptops
Honest Caveats
- Slower than laser on long black-and-white runs
- Inkjet heads benefit from regular use, so weekly prints keep them happier than monthly ones
Quick Facts
Perfect Match For
Families printing a mix of homework, color pages, and the occasional scan on a regular basis.
Swap It Out When
Offices churning through long black-and-white reports will prefer the Xerox C240 for laser speed.
This is the same EcoTank ET-2720 reviewed above, simply dressed in a darker finish. The internal mechanics are identical: refillable ink tanks, wireless printing, and an all-in-one body that handles everyday scanning and copying without complaint. If your desk or shelf already leans dark wood or matte black, the white version can look out of place, and this edition solves that.
The ink math is the same as its sibling. You get a generous bundle of ink in the box, then refill bottles that cost noticeably less per page than cartridges. For a home office with mixed paperwork, this body earns its keep quickly. Against the Canon PIXMA TS6320 covered below, you trade a sharper photo color system for cheaper everyday ink.
Noteworthy Benefits
- Same low-cost-per-page ink system as the white version
- Black finish blends into darker home office setups
- All-in-one body replaces a separate scanner for most households
- Wi-Fi printing from phones, tablets, and laptops
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Photo color accuracy leans warmer than Canon’s five-ink systems
- Bottle refills benefit from a steady flat surface during the pour
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Home offices with dark furniture or design-conscious setups that want tank-style ink savings.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Photo enthusiasts chasing richer color should consider the Canon PIXMA TS6320 instead.
The OfficeJet 200 is built around one big idea: print anywhere there’s a flat surface. A built-in battery and a compact shell mean you can drop it into a car trunk, a client meeting, or a hotel desk without much fuss. The 2-inch control panel keeps the interface minimal, so you don’t waste time poking through menus between meetings.
Wireless setup lets you print directly from a phone or laptop without joining a network, which is the kind of detail that saves you on site. Owners commonly report that the battery comfortably covers a day of moderate printing, depending on the mix of color versus black pages. Compared with the Canon PIXMA TR150 covered next, this HP leans toward a slightly sturdier desktop feel in mobile trim.
The Value In It
- Battery-powered operation cuts the hunt for outlets on the road
- Compact body fits in a car trunk or carry-on luggage
- Direct wireless printing from phones without needing a network
- Borderless photo support handles quick client handouts
Trade Offs
- Print speed trails both laser machines and tank inkjets on long jobs
- Ink cartridges are smaller than tank systems, so heavy use raises running costs
Technical Highlights
Built With In Mind
Field-based professionals, traveling salespeople, and consultants who print on the road regularly.
Consider Something Else When
Homebody students can save space with the stationary Canon PIXMA TR150 and a battery pack.
The PIXMA TR150 is the slimmer, lighter cousin to the OfficeJet 200. It skips the built-in battery in the standard bundle, but pairs with an optional LK-72 battery pack for true cord-free use, which keeps the entry-level footprint smaller. For commuters, students, or anyone whose desk is whatever table is free today, the small shell matters more than raw speed.
Wireless printing from phones and laptops is straightforward through Wi-Fi. Print quality leans toward documents and one-sheet handouts, with borderless photos in the mix when you need them. Compared with the HP OfficeJet 200 above, you trade a built-in battery for a smaller body and Canon’s signature color tuning. For home users who occasionally take work on the road, this balance often lands well.
Everyday Wins
- Lightweight shell slips into a backpack or shoulder bag
- Optional battery pack adds cord-free printing without buying a second machine
- Wireless setup pairs with phones and laptops in a few taps
- Borderless photo support handles sales materials on the fly
Small Caveats
- Battery is sold separately, so budget for it if you need true portability
- Small paper tray means frequent refills on multi-page jobs
Who Will Love This
Students and remote workers who split time between a home desk and a coffee shop table.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Frequent road warriors should consider the HP OfficeJet 200 for its included battery.
The TS6320 leans into a creator mindset. A 1.44-inch OLED display (a self-lit screen with deep contrast) sits up top, paired with an LED status bar you can read from across the room. Five individual ink cartridges mean you only replace the color that runs dry, instead of swapping a tri-color cartridge when one tank empties early.
Print, scan, and copy live in the same compact body, and the auto-extending output tray quietly extends when a job starts. For mixed households that print sharp text one day and glossy photos the next, the five-ink setup handles both without obvious compromise. Compared with the EcoTank ET-2720 covered earlier, you trade cheaper ink for richer photo color and a smarter control panel.
Practical Pluses
- Five individual ink cartridges cut waste when one color runs out first
- OLED display and LED status bar make status checks easy from across the room
- All-in-one body handles documents and photos in one machine
- Auto-extending output tray reduces setup steps before each print
A Few Limitations
- Cartridge ink costs more per page than EcoTank bottle refills
- Photo paper handling is fussier than a dedicated photo printer like the SELPHY CP1300
Best Suited To
Hybrid households that want vibrant photos plus everyday scanning and copying in a compact footprint.
Another Choice May Suit
Households printing mostly text should consider the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 for lower running costs.
The IX6820 is a single-function specialist with a wide-format twist. It accepts paper up to 13 inches wide, which opens the door to custom marketing materials, large crafts, and design prints that don’t fit a standard letter-size tray. A 150-sheet main capacity keeps refill trips manageable for moderate workloads.
Five-ink system combines four dye-based color inks (vivid color photos) with one pigment-based black ink (sharp text on plain paper). That dual approach means documents look crisp while photos retain punch. Wireless printing through AirPrint keeps mobile printing simple. Against the all-in-one PIXMA TS6320 above, you give up scan and copy for true wide-format output.
Positive Takeaways
- Wide-format support handles 13-inch prints for posters and designs
- Five-ink system balances sharp documents with vivid photos
- 150-sheet main tray cuts down on refill frequency
- Wireless AirPrint for phone and laptop printing
Softer Spots
- No scan or copy functions, so plan a separate device for digitizing
- Larger footprint than letter-only printers, so check your shelf depth
Who It Suits Best
Designers, crafters, and small studios printing posters, signage, or oversized color projects at home.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Anyone wanting everyday scanning should look at the Canon PIXMA TS6320 for its all-in-one convenience.
Matching The Right Printer To Your Routine
Picking a colour printer for the home really comes down to matching the machine to your actual habits. Laser models handle text-heavy weeks with barely a warm-up, while inkjet tanks reward households that print steadily across the week. If photos drive most of your output, a dedicated photo printer produces sharper results than stretching a document printer to do double duty. Connectivity matters too, so wireless support, mobile printing, and app quality deserve a closer look before committing.
Speed Versus Running Cost
Print speed is one of those numbers that sounds decisive but rarely is. A fast 26 ppm laser sounds impressive until you realize your typical week is twenty pages total. For low-volume households, slower inkjet tanks usually win on running cost, since you spend less on consumables over a year. Higher-volume offices tend to favor laser speed, where toner stays put on idle weeks and pages roll out without pauses.
Photo Quality And Paper Handling
A good general-purpose printer can handle snapshots, but the results lean flat. Dedicated photo printers use dye-sublimation or extra photo inks for richer gradients and longer-lasting prints. Paper handling is the other half: a printer that accepts heavier stock and a few specialty sizes opens up craft projects, cardstock menus, and borderless prints without a paper shuffle.
Footprint, Noise, And Connectivity
Measure the spot before you buy. Laser all-in-ones tend to be the bulkiest, while portable inkjets are the easiest to relocate. Noise varies by model, with inkjets generally running quieter than laser printers during long runs. Wireless support and mobile printing apps are nearly universal now, but the smoothness of those apps still varies, so check recent feedback if your household prints mostly from phones.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
The most common stumble is buying a printer on upfront cost alone, then watching cartridge replacements add up faster than expected. Another is ignoring paper handling: a printer that only takes letter paper becomes annoying fast when projects call for cardstock or labels. Finally, plenty of households skip scanning their actual weekly output and end up with a fast machine they barely use, or a slow one that’s always running.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Spending more typically buys faster engines, sharper displays, and sturdier paper handling. In this category, the gap shows up most clearly in print quality for photos, ongoing ink or toner cost, and the smoothness of the wireless setup. If your week leans heavily on color pages or photos, a mid-tier upgrade usually pays back in time saved and replacements avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do home colour printers need Wi-Fi to be useful?
Wi-Fi is the most convenient option for most households, since laptops and phones connect without cables. Many models also support USB direct printing for a single computer. If your household prints mainly from one desktop, a wired setup works fine.
How long does printer ink actually last in storage?
Sealed ink cartridges and toner cartridges typically last a year or more unopened. Once installed, inkjet tanks benefit from occasional use to keep the print heads clear. Laser toner sits idle much longer without issue, which suits sporadic printing weeks.
Is a laser printer worth it for a home office?
Laser printers earn their keep when text dominates your workload and pages pile up weekly. The toner stays fresh between print sessions, so you avoid the dried-cartridge frustrations common with idle inkjets. Color laser costs more than mono, so weigh the color volume before committing.
What is duplex printing, and do I need it?
Duplex printing means printing on both sides of the page automatically. It saves paper on multi-page reports and handouts. For households printing mostly single-page items, manual flipping still works, but auto duplex removes one small step from your routine.
Can a portable printer really replace a desktop one?
Portable printers handle light to moderate workloads well, especially for travel-heavy users. They typically print slower and carry smaller paper trays than desktop models. For a household printing dozens of pages weekly, a stationary machine usually makes more sense.
Wrap Up
The best colour printer for your home is the one that quietly disappears into your week. Match the format to your habits, double-check paper handling, and don’t overlook running costs. Any of the picks above will serve you well, so choose by use case and let the printer do what it’s built for.
