Unlike before, the use of printouts is a rare occasion. People prefer using electronic documents in the form of soft copies rather than hard copies. Due to this, the use of printers has become a rare event that arises when the need for hard copies arises for specific purposes such as official and ceremonial purposes. When choosing the best printer for PC, it is vital to take a quick guide on the best printers that cannot fail you when the need arises. In this article, we will be discussing the PC magazine recommended best printers for occasional use in your business and home.
Our Top Pick:
PC Magazine Best Printers Selection
1. Canon MG3620
Canon MG3620 is a wireless all-in-one color inkjet printer. It comes with a mobile printing feature that allows users to connect their smartphone or tablet to the printer via Bluetooth technology. This printer also supports WIFI connectivity so that you can easily share files between devices connected to the same network. This printer offers a variety of printing options, including photo printing, scanning, copying, faxing, and more. It prints up to 36 pages per minute. The printer is the top-rated printer for occasional home use.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12” x 17.7” x6”
- Weight: 11.9 pounds
- Power Consumption: 16W printing, 1.4W standby, 0.1W off
- Printing Technology: Color inkjet
- Printing speed: 9.9 ppm Black, 5.7 ppm color
- Connectivity technology: Wi-Fi, USB
- Devices Compatibility: PC, Smartphones, Laptops
Features
High Resolution
Up to 4800 x 1200dpi
Auto Scan Mode
Scans a sheet automatically with no need to adjust settings changes
Scanning Resolution
High scanning resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi
Mobile Printing
Allows you to scan directly from your smartphone or tablet using the built-in scanner
Wireless Pict Bridge
For direct connection of compatible digital cameras
Warranty
A 1-year warranty accompanies the printer.
Pros
- High-quality output
- Serviceable at any time
- Wide range of connectivity options
Cons
- Produces the best quality on a specialty paper
2. HP Y5S53A#BGJ
HP LaserJet Pro M29W is a multifunctional laser printer. It is a good printer for occasional use that works as a standalone unit and part of a multifunction system. It uses advanced technologies to provide high-speed printing, scanning, and copy services. The printer has a fast speed of up to 19 pages per minute and 2500 pages per month. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around. It provides a wide range of connectivity options, including Ethernet, WIFI, USB, and more.
Specifications
- Network Connectivity: USB, WIFI, Ethernet
- Unique Feature: Pre-installed cartridges, Compact design, scan to email
- Dimensions: 14.2″Wx7.8″ Hx10.4″D
- Weight: 11.9 lbs.
- Print Speed: 19 ppm
Features
Automatic Paper Sensor
The automatic paper sensor feature detects when there is enough paper loaded into the tray.
Fast Print
Prints up to 19 pages per minute
Display LCD
It has a display LCD with buttons that allows you to set various functions
Tech Support
HP provides technical support through phone, chat, and email.
Warranty
Upon purchase, the printer is accompanied by a 2-years warranty.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Compact size
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- It might be expensive to acquire
3. Brother L6200DW
The Brother L6200DW monochrome laser printer is ideal for busy businesses and workgroups with large print volumes and a low cost per page need. With fast printing speeds of up to 48 pages per minute and automated two-sided printing, this high-performance printer helps you maximize your production while also lowering your operational costs.
Reduce paper refills with a 520-sheet capacity paper tray that stores more than a ream of paper, or upgrade to 1,610-sheet capacity with extra trays. Advanced security measures assist in the protection of critical data and the avoidance of unauthorized printing.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.7″Wx 11.3″Hx15.3″D
- Weight: 12.8 lbs.
- Print Speed: 48ppm
Features
Wide Connectivity
Allows user connectivity via Wi-Fi, Ethernet Bluetooth, USB.
Mobile Printing
Allows users to scan documents directly from their mobile device via the built-in scanner.
Security Features
Advanced security features help protect against unauthorized printing and copying.
Paper Handling
It has a 520-sheet capacity paper tray storing more than a ream of paper. The 1,610-sheet capacity paper tray holds even more significant amounts of paper.
Warranty
It comes with a 1-year warranty
Two-sided Printing
Allows for automatic duplex printing without having to flip the document over manually.
Pros
- Affordable price
- High-quality output
- Quick printing
- Versatile
Cons
- Has no inbuilt power storage
4. Epson WF-3620
Epson WF-3620 is an all-in-one color inkjet printer, copier, scanner, fax machine, and wireless network access point. It is an affordable model that can save you money on monthly maintenance fees because it does not require any separate toner cartridge.
The printer can be connected to other devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and laptops using its built-in Wi-Fi connection. It offers a variety of valuable features such as an auto document feeder, automatic 2-sided printing, and scanning. Its compact design makes it easy to store and transport. The printer is a highly recommended printer for occasional home use.
Specifications
- Connectivity: Hi-speed USB, WIFI direct, wireless LAN 802.11 b/g/n
- Power Consumption: 0.5W standby, 3.2W active
- Dimensions: 17.7W” x 22D” x 9.6H”
- Weight: 21.38lbs.
- Paper Tray Capacity: 250 sheets
- Color Mode: Black & White, RGB, Grayscale
Features
Print Quality
Up to 1200 dpi resolution
Print Speed
19ppm black and white, 10ppm color
Compatibility
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10; Mac OS X 10.5 or later
Ease to Use
Enables the use of both Windows and Apple operating system
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to set up and use
- Great value for money
Cons
- Uses only preferred Epson ink
5. HP Officejet Pro 8025
HP Officejet Pro 8025 is a good color printer for occasional use. It is an all-in-one wireless office printer that allows you to print, copy, scan, and fax at home or on the go. HP Officejet has a convenient touchscreen interface with intuitive controls and comes with free software that enables you to create professional-looking documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
It prints up to 25 ppm in black and up to 20 ppm in color. The printer supports instant ink technology that lets you refill the cartridges whenever needed.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18.11″W x 20.13″D x 9.17″H
- Weight: 18.04lb
- Connectivity: USB cable, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
- Scanning Speed: Up to 12 pages per minute, 16 pages per minute
- Printer Type: Color Laser Multifunction
Features
Speed and Performance
The printer offers up to 29 pages per minute in monochrome and 25 pages per minute in color.
Convenience
This multifunction device provides a simple way to get work done from anywhere. With HP ePrint mobile app, you can easily share files wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
Intuitive Interface
With the touchscreen display, you can easily navigate through menus and settings.
Instant Ink Technology
Refill the ink cartridges when they run low with this feature.
Pros
- Reliable print quality
- Simple setup process
- Voice assistant
Cons
- Heavyweight
6. Brother HL-L2395DW
Brother HL-L2395DW is a high-performance laser printer that provides fast, reliable printing, copying, and scanning. It is one of the most opted printers for occasional home use. The flatbed scanner automatically detects paper size and orientation.
It also offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Ethernet, WIFI Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and more. Its advanced features include duplexing, four-sheet feeding, two-side printing, and one-touch scanning. It prints up to 36 pages per minute.
Specifications
- Print Speed: Up to 36 pages per minute
- Dimensions: 16.1″W x 15.7″D x 10.7″H
- Weight: 22.7lbs
- Power Consumption: 1.2W deep sleep, 43.5 W ready, 450W printing
Features
Automatic Duplex Printing
It allows you to print double-sided documents without having to flip them over manually.
Four-Sheet Feeder
Allows you to feed multiple sheets of paper simultaneously.
Two-Sided Printing
You can choose to print on either side of the page.
NFC Connectivity
Use NFC technology to connect to compatible devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
Automatically orders replacement toner cartridges based on the remaining amount of toner.
Resolution
1200 x 1200 dpi optical resolution
All in One Printer
Allows you to print, copy and scan directly from a single device.
Wireless Printing
Wireless networking is based on the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n standard.
Cloud-Based Printing & Scanner
Prints directly to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Evernote, etc.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Compact design
- Advanced features
Cons
- Ineffective for photo printing
- Has limited colors
7. Canon PIXMA TR150
Canon PIXMA TR150 is an all-in-one printer for occasional home use that lets you print photos, business cards, receipts, and other types of documents. This model has a built-in Air Print function so you can print wirelessly from iOS devices. You can also use it to send email messages, edit PDF files, create presentations, and more. It supports both Mac OS X and Windows operating systems.
Specifications
- Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Print Technology: 2 ink cartridges, color, and black.
- Dimensions: 2.6″H x 7.3″W x12.7″D
- Weight: 4.5 Pounds without battery and 5.1 pounds with battery.
- Power: AC 100-250 V
Features
Printing Speed
Prints up to 9 pages per minute for monochrome and 5.5 ppm for color
Battery Storage
It has a battery storage capacity of 2 hours and 30 minutes while printing, enabling it to print without a power source. The battery takes 2 hours and 20 minutes on an AC input to charge to the total capacity.
Connectivity
Allows WIFI, USB, and Wireless Pict Bridge
Two-sided Printing
It has a manual two-sided printing option
Scanning
The printer supports 600 dpi to 2400 dpi document scanning.
Air Print Compatibility
Print wirelessly using Apple’s Air Print feature.
Pros
- Simple setup
- Efficient performance
- Good value for money
- It has a battery for power storage
- Portable due to its low weight
Cons
- Has no copy option
8. HP M479fdw
The Color LaserJet Pro M479FDW Multifunction Printer from HP is the best HP printer for occasional home use; it is a multifunctional device for demanding workplaces that can print, scan, copy, and fax to meet your imaging needs.
The printer is a good color printer for occasional use that produces crisp text and prints in black or color at speeds up to 28 ppm, and it supports media sizes up to 8.5 x 14″. It also comes with two paper trays for easy media management. For more minor works, Tray 1 has a capacity of 50 sheets, while Tray 2 has a total of 250 sheets. A 50-sheet ADF and a 150-sheet output bin round out the printer’s features. The scan speed is 26 pages per minute, while the copy speed is 19 pages per minute.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 16.8″Wx 16.3″Hx 25.7″W
- Weight: 51.6lb
- Printing technology: Laser
- Power type: AC source
- Power Consumption: 550W maximum, 20W ready, 0.7 W sleep, 0.06W off.
- Battery: None
- Print Speed: 28ppm black, 28ppm color
- Monthly Printing duty: 50,000 pages
- Media size: 8.5 x 14″, legal-size
- Paper tray: Two trays, 50 sheets, 250 sheet
- Scanner: Flatbed scanner
- Internal memory: 512MB
- Connectivity: WIFI, USB, Ethernet.
Key Features
All in One Printer
The printer offers four functions – Print, Copy, Scan, Fax – in one compact unit. It can be used as a standalone printer or connected to a network via Wi-Fi.
High-quality Printing
This laser printer uses a 6-color process to produce high-quality images. Its resolution is 2400 x 600 dpi, and it can print in black or color.
High Speed
It prints at 28 pages per minute, making it ideal for small businesses to save time and money by reducing downtime.
Compact Design
Its sleek design makes it easy to store and transport.
Easy Setup
You don’t need any special software to set this printer up; just plug it into a wall socket and follow the instructions to get started.
Touchscreen Display
The touchscreen display allows you to easily manage settings such as fonts, colors, and duplexing. You can even use voice commands to control the printer.
Mobile Printing
With the Mobile Print app, you can send documents directly to your smartphone or tablet.
Warranty
The printer comes with a warranty of three years from the date of purchase.
Pros
- High-quality print outs
- High scan speed
- Ease in set up
- Energy conserve
Cons
- It might be expensive to acquire
9. Epson WF-2760
Epson WorkForce WF-2760 is a multifunctional printer that provides excellent quality and performance. It is designed to provide an efficient solution for everyday office printing. It is a perfect choice for home offices, schools, and small businesses.
The model includes a built-in wireless LAN adapter, so you do not have to worry about cables. It is compatible with Windows 7/Vista/XP OS. It is equipped with a wide range of connectivity options like USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and WIFI. The Epson Workforce WF-2760 printer is a reliable machine that will serve you well.
Specifications
- Printing technology: Precision Core 1S printhead 4-color inkjet
- Dimensions: 19.3″L x 17.1″W x 12H”
- Weight: 14.6lb
- Scanner type: Flatbed color
- Power consumption: 14W printing, 4.7W standby, 1.5W sleep, 0.2W off.
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, WIFI
Features
Print Speed
The printer offers a print speed of 13.7 ppm black, 7.3 ppm color.
All In One Printer
The printer allows you to print, copy, scan, fax, and email from a single device.
Maximum Resolution
The printer offers a resolution of 4800 x 1200dpi.
Wireless Connectivity
The printer supports WIFI connectivity which allows one to print through their mobile phones.
Pros
- High print quality
- Ease in set up
- High copy and scan speed
- Cost-effective in terms of ink consumption
Cons
- PowerPoint printouts are bound to banding.
- Uses only specified Epson ink
10. Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer is an essential, reliable gadget that can print at up to 27 pages per minute and connects to a computer using a standard USB 2.0 connection. It can handle documents up to 8.5 x 14″ and prints at 2400 x 600 dpi resolution. Warm-up times are short, with the first printout taking only 8.5 seconds.
The addition of automatic duplex printing improves productivity and saves money. A 250-sheet tray or a one-sheet manual feed, which supports envelopes and other media, can be used to load paper. The monthly duty cycle of the HL-L2300D is 10,000 pages.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14″x 7.2″x14.2″
- Weight: 15lb
- Printing Technology: Laser
- Color printer: No
- Printing Speed: 27ppm
- Maximum resolution: 2400X600 dpi
- Processor Speed: 266 MHZ
Key Features
Two-Sided Printing
The printer has a two-sided printing capability. You can print on both sides of the paper without having to change the paper orientation.
Automatic Duplex Printing
This feature automatically flips the printed page after it has been printed; this helps save time by eliminating the need to convert the page back over after printing manually.
Paper Tray Capacity
The paper tray holds up to 250 sheets of standard letter size paper.
High-Quality Output
The printer produces high-quality output with high resolution.
Toner Saver Mode
When this mode is enabled, it uses a low tone for business documents saving on the cost of ink.
At Your Side Support
The company offers 24 hours a day, seven days a week customer support via phone, chat, or email.
Pros
- Easy Setup
- Quick warm-up time
- Lightweight
Cons
Noise during operation
Buying Guide
Before buying any product, it is crucial to know its features and specifications. Here we have listed some key points to consider before purchasing the best printer for occasional use:
1. Print Quality
It is essential to choose a printer that provides good print quality. There are different types of printers available in the market today. Some offer better print quality than others. Before making your purchase, check out all the options available to you.
2. Paper Size
If you want to print large-sized documents, you should buy a printer that can accommodate large paper sizes.
3. Ink Type
Most printers come with either black ink or color ink. Black ink is usually more expensive than color ink, but it lasts longer. Color ink is cheaper but tends to run out faster. Therefore, if you plan on printing a lot of documents, go for color ink.
4. Price
Printers vary in price depending upon the number of functions they provide and the type of ink they use. If you are looking for a cheap printer, then you may not get what you expect. However, if you are willing to spend a little extra cash, then you will enjoy the benefits of owning a higher-end model.
5. Warranty
Warranty is an essential factor when choosing a printer. Most companies offer a limited warranty for their products. Check the terms and conditions of the warranty before buying a printer.
6. Compatibility
Make sure you check whether the printer you intend to purchase is compatible with your operating system.
7. Connectivity
You must also check whether the printer comes with a cable or not. If so, make sure that it is compatible with your device.
8. Software
Check whether the software provided with the printer is easy to install and use. Also, look into the compatibility of the software with your operating system. You cannot download third-party software from the internet unless you have access to the manufacturer’s website.
9. Features
Check whether the printer has a built-in scanner, fax machine, copy function, etc. These additional features help you perform multiple tasks at once.
10. Speed
Speed is another important factor while selecting a printer. The speed determines how fast the printer prints. Make sure you choose a printer that meets your needs.
FAQs
Q: Which is the best printer for occasional home use?
A: It depends on many factors such as the size of the document, the number of pages you wish to print, the type of ink used.
Q: Can I replace my printer cartridge with a new one?
A: Yes, you can replace the cartridges with new ones. But be careful because there are several things to consider. First, ensure that the new cartridge matches the same brand and model as the old one. Second, check whether the new cartridge offers the same amount of ink as the old one. Third, check whether the new cartridges are compatible with your printer.
Q: How much does it cost to replace the ink cartridge?
A: This varies from printer to printer. However, most manufacturers charge around $20 per cartridge.
Q: Can a printer fail to function on occasions where it has stayed for an extended period without being used?
A: No, this is highly unlikely. However, contact the manufacturer immediately if you notice any problems after using the printer for a few days.
Verdict
Buying the best printer for occasional home use or office use is not as easy as it sounds; you have to consider some of the highlighted factors before purchasing any printer. You also have to consider selecting any of the best printers for occasional use among the discussed printers which suits your need. This article was meant for you if you were there looking for the best printer for occasional use.