In the wake of covid-19, lockdowns and other restrictions have affected students in various locations. In essence, many institutions have opted for online tutoring and meeting with learners. For this reason, the need for the best printer for college students has become more vivid. Since, at some points, scholars will need to print, scan or copy academic documents for revision and examination purposes.
Meanwhile, the costly college education makes students live in a perpetual budget constriction. With that in mind, we narrowed our options to inexpensive printers that most students will afford. Our rigorous criteria resulted in below ten student’s friendly printers. These printers have ideal print quality, tech connectivity, design, and ink replacement standards.
Our Top Pick:
Leading 10 Best Printer
Leading 10 Best Printer Best Buy
1. HP OfficeJet 3830 Printer
Perhaps, wondering where to get a quality, cost-effective printer for processing your academic documents. Fortunately, OfficeJet 3830 Printer is here. It is the best hp printer for college students with all in one design and other basic features you would need. Despite having a reasonably affordable upfront cost, the instant ink subscription makes running overheads relatively cheap.
Wouldn’t it be great if your printer power was in the palm of your hand? This printer allows you to order toner, scan, and print anything from clouds like Google drive or dropbox through the HP smart app on your smartphones. Further, the machine works at a reliable speed of 8.5 ppm for monochrome prints, though drops to 6 ppm when color printing.
Nevertheless, this best inexpensive printer for students helps save on space by delivering all-in -1 services and fits your small desk or shelf. Finally, the printer uses a wired USB, and a wireless WIFI connection supports an automatic document feeder plus multiple paper sizes. As an incentive to the customer, the HP brand offers a 1-year limited warranty plus free responsive web support.
Key Features
- Network ready
- HP instant ink eligible
- Cloud print enabled
- Touch screen
- Optional HP high yield cartridges
Pros
- Effortless to maintain
- Quality and low-cost printing
- All-in-one design maximizing space
- Cheap upfront and running cost
Cons
- No auto-duplex support
- Wasteful dual cartridge setup
2. Canon PIXMA MG3620
We are glad to give you this honest review regarding PIXMA MG3620. Consulting the experts helps avoid mistakes in situations that cost you hard-earned money. This compact printer supports all basic document processing features like copying, scanning, and printing, enhancing convenience and simplicity. Additionally, auto-duplex and mobile device printing capabilities save time plus paper costs.
Meanwhile, using the Canon print app, you can enjoy wireless, seamless document printing direct from your mobile devices like iPad, iPhone, androids, and others. Further, college students’ good printer uses inkjet technology to deliver colorful photos in multiple formats.
Let’s face it. We cannot claim Canon PIXMA MG3620 is a speed demon when printing documents. However, a speed of 6.4 ppm makes it a good best printer for college students with mac. Good news! The printer dye or black ink cartridge produces sharp text on plain paper. In contrast, it uses a color ink cartridge to make high-quality photos and graphics.
Key Features
- Multiple mobile device printing options
- Optional Wi-Fi direct
- USB and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Inkjet technology
Pros
- Flexible borderless printing
- Time and paper saving auto-duplexing
- Convenience multiple mobile printing options
- Quality graphic and photo printing
Cons
- Unreliable printing speed
- Quality prints depend on paper type
3. HP DeskJet 3755
Want to buy a printer but worried about the space? Choose HP DeskJet 3755, a perfect, all-in-one wireless and compact printer that can fit virtually anywhere. Thanks to the lightweight and small size nature, you can move the printer effortlessly or print, copy and scan on the go. Again, the perfect printer for students comprises a flatbed scanner beam at the top, making it classy, easy to handle, and blend with the room.
Interestingly, the sophisticated printer design with a small LCD plus control buttons eases navigation. The printer allows the user to connect to the system through a USB cable or Wi-Fi for convenience reasons. Something else, HP has made DeskJet 3755 almost universal compatibility by making it support windows OS, Mac OS, iOS, and Android systems.
If that is not enough, you are offered four months of free ink cartridges upon buying the printer and immediately subscribing to HP instant ink. Moreover, the manufacturer provides a 1-year limited hardware warranty.
Key Features
- USB cable and Wi-Fi connection
- Feature flatbed scanner beam
- Multiple color printing
- Supports mac windows, ios and android OS
Pros
- Cheap running and upfront cost
- Compact and lightweight design
- Reliable output photo quality
- Great color accuracy
Cons
- Disappointing scanner features
- No automatic document reader
4. Brother HL-L2300D
In so many instances, laser printers are not preferable options for quality photo printing. But, one thing is for sure, Brother HL-L2300D is an exceptional and reliable monochrome printer that uses laser printing technology. Besides being the most economical printer for college students, it is a recommendable choice for small businesses.
The auto document feeder and auto-duplex features make the printer both cost-effective on paper and less labor-intensive. If efficiency is your interest, the printer can mount up to 27 ppm regardless of the document type. Further, this machine work at a maximum resolution of 1200x600dpi, enabling it to print sharp, professional texts. Thus it is a reliable laser printer for college students and small size business offices.
You want actual durability value for your money. Brother HL-L2300D is a heavy-duty option that will serve you for decades. The printer has a capacity of a 250-sheet tray, and a one-sheet manual feed boosts convenience and versatility.
Key Features
- 250-sheet input capacity
- USB connectivity enabled
- Auto-document feeder support
- Uses laser technology
Pros
- Auto-duplexing saves on paper
- auto document feeder saves time
- easy using
- Portable lightweight and small size
Cons
- No Wi-Fi, no Ethernet
- Lacks multi-functionality feature
5. Canon Pixma TS3320
There are so many cost-effective printers in the market, but every brand targets unique features that give them a competitive advantage. Canon Pixma TS3320 is among the most sought-after printer, especially by college scholars.
Additionally, printer for college students feedback shows that most tutors and lecturers recommend it. The main reason for this is good print quality, producing crisp graphics and legible text, assisting students in accomplishing their art projects perfectly.
Meanwhile, this printer comes at a low upfront cost. Therefore, it is the best printer for college students and people who need high print quality but occasional printing. To them, the high print cost associated with Canon Pixma TS3320 has a negligible effect.
The device has online Smart assistance access that makes users feel like living in a futuristic world. With the printer, you can enjoy voice-activated printing and scanning courtesy of Google assistant and Amazons Alexa.
Key Features
- Supports wireless connectivity; Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
- Multiple device compatibilities; iPad, iPhone & Mac
- Plain paper print media
- Supports multiple sheet sizes
Pros
- Delivers satisfying output quality
- Simplicity set up and use
- Reliable mobile printing support
- Portable with smart voice-activated
Cons
- Wasteful dual cartridge system
- Slow document printing
6. HP ENVY 6055
One printer for all document processing services has solved many distress and poor performance, particularly in higher learning institutions. With the best all-in-one inkjet printer for college students, you can download print, copy or scan learning materials at the comfort of your home.
Meanwhile, HP ENVY 6055 can help you process revisions and lesson notes acquired from the institution’s website efficiently cost-effectively. Hence, you can minimize outside world interaction, where covid-19 poses more threats every day.
Gladly, this inkjet printer highly optimized print resolution on both color and black printing. Moreover, the device uses Hp thermal inkjet technology, guaranteeing outstanding output with vivid color and impressive text details. The printer is also dependable for kids’ creative projects enhancements and family photo processing.
Nevertheless, this wireless printer for college students comes with a good capacity input tray with front–load paper cassette holding up to 100 sheets. At the same time, the output tray holds up to 25 sheets, thus sufficient for everything printing. Finally, the device supports various media sizes and types like glossy paper, plain paper, and photo paper.
Key Features
- All in one functionality
- Self-healing Wi-Fi
- USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Compatible with smartphones, Laptops & PC
Pros
- Convenience cloud-based printing enabled
- Versatile with print, scan, and copy ability
- Dependable output quality
- 1-year limited hardware warranty
- Supports third party document share solutions
Cons
- Speed rating not best
- No ADF, no LCD
7. Canon TS5320 printer
Are you excited to know more concerning the all-in-one wireless Canon TS5320 printer? Let’s look at it in detail. First forward, this is the best printer scanner for college students and others who may need printing, scanning, or copying documents.
Further, the device can handle home or small offices, occasional to moderate printing comfortably. With the printer, you can achieve ideal texts and graphics plus excellent photo printing quality.
Your moods may improve depending on your working environment. We can all appreciate how the canon brand designed the TS5320 printer so colorfully. For this reason, the machine allows you to personalize and upgrade your workstations effectively.
Besides that, 1.44 inched OLED displays present actual color accuracy while the LED status bar provides simplified printer information. To sum up, this best inexpensive printer for college students utilizes a hybrid ink system, facilitating the production of impressive-looking photos and sharp text documents.
Key Features
- Inbuilt bluetooth, usb & Wi-Fi
- Mobile device and computer printing
- Multifunction design
- Feature hybrid ink system
Pros
- Sleek and attractive
- Oled display ease usability and navigation
- Offer multiple personalizations and creativity features
- Simplex auto-duplex printing economize time and paper
Cons
- Relative high cost per page
- Slow on quality photo printing
8. HP OfficeJet Pro 8035
Do you yearn for a flexible and accommodative printer for your art projects? Something special inside OfficeJet Pro 8035 is a flexible hinged high-resolution scanner. This allows you to extend the scanner, digitalize and support thicker materials like textbooks and magazines. The best HP printer for college students comprises a pretty solid plastic body, responsive touch screen, and quality scanning plus photo printing capabilities.
Something else that OfficeJet Pro 8035 choice the best printer for college students is the faxing advantage. Yes, you can imagine with the printer, students can download then print learning materials or assignments.
After attempting the homework, they scan and fax directly to their tutor mailboxes. For small businesses, the printer can help them organize documents 50% faster using Smart tasks. Further, the HP smart app can access your printer, monitor ink level, print, or scan effortlessly through wireless connectivity.
Key Features
- Multifunctions; print, scan,copy,fax
- Remote access via hp smart app
- Self-healing Wi-Fi and ethernet connection
- Optional hp instant ink
Pros
- Sustainably built with recycled plastics
- Responsive free hp web support
- One-year limited hardware satisfaction warranty
- Reliable data protection essentials
Cons
- Low black ink yield
- Lacks auto-duplexing
9. Canon TS202 Inkjet Photo Printer
If you plan to buy a new quality printer, take a look at this fantastic option offered by canon. Canon TS202 is the best printer for college students with mac and Windows, which can help them complete their homework effectively. Please place an order without hesitation and forget the fear of damaging your device while replacing the papers since it has a high-capacity dedicated rear tray.
Interestingly, the printer adopts an exemplary hybrid ink system that enhances the production of detailed photos and documents. Unlike most printers that do not accept third-party inks or dye, this option has highly versatile ink compatibility. Meanwhile, the device is also compatible with XL ink cartridges that save your money and take long before cartridge replacement.
Further, the Canon TS202 offers a simplified printing solution and works at an adequate speed. Finally, the printing resolution is dependably both in black and color.
Key Features
- Printing speed; 7.7ppm (black) & 4 ppm (color)
- Feature dedicated rear tray
- Adopts fine hybrid ink system
- Auto power on/off feature
Pros
- Offers affordable printing solution
- Delivers detailed photos and documents
- Auto on/off saves on energy bills
- Convenient mac and window compatibility
Cons
- A bit large and heavy
- Lacks multifunctions
10. HP DeskJet 2755 wireless printer
Want to upgrade your everyday printing experience? Try HP DeskJet 2755 and enjoy the convenience of AIO wireless printing. This best printer scanner for college students is designed, sleek, compact, and average dimensions, thus fitting anywhere in your home office.
Besides being ideal for photo printing, the device prints texts rich in crisp black color. Since the printer works well with graphics and photos, students, kids, or family occasion planners prefer the machine when taking snapshots and creative printing.
Beyond that, DeskJet 2755 supports HP smart app that facilitates mobile device connection. All you do is follow a simple step-by-step setup. Then, connect to dual-band self-healing WIFI, and then boom, you can print or scan virtually from anywhere. Depending on the output quality intended, the printer gives you the freedom to choose either high yield or extra high yield cartridge replacement options.
Key Features
- Scanning, copying, and printing enabled
- Hp smart app supported
- Feature dual-band self-healing Wi-Fi
- Offers wireless and high-speed USB connectivity
Pros
- Satisfying 12-month limited hardware warranty
- Allows mobile printing convenience
- Reliable quality printout
- Supports economical HP instant ink subscription
Cons
- Slow performance
- No memory device port
Buying Guide
Students who print a lot will love the printers suggested in this article. However, the best printer to buy depends on individual preferences and needs. The below features are essential to consider when purchasing an ideal printer for students.
Design
Commonly you will find printers described as ‘all in one, but honestly, most of them are perfect for a particular service. Therefore, it is wise to choose a printer that best addresses your priorities or needs. Further, the type of printing needs such as black and white or color documents and photos should drive your decision.
As much as compact size is considerable, go for a faster and high-capacity option if you print every day. Predict your usage and consider a design that will serve your everyday needs.
Mult-purpose
Either way, a printer that is capable of multitasking is the top option to consider. Imagine how much you can save simply by buying an all-in-one printer. You keep the money spent purchasing several machines for different uses like printing, scanning, copying, or faxing. A single device for all needs dismisses the need for a spacious room to fit many devices.
Laser or Inkjet Technology
A laser printer is most recommendable for college students who need to print detailed, crisp documents in various fonts. Moreover, a laser attracts cheaper running costs than an inkjet that may need regular cartridge replacement. However, students or kids who want a printer supporting various graphics designs and vibrant colors should pick the inkjet option.
Connectivity and Device Supported
It is usually convenient having a printer that allows wired and wireless connections. Connectivity versatility gives you the freedom to choose and offer alternatives if any option fails or is unavailability. For instance, if you don’t have mobile data bundles, you use Ethernet, substitute USB for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
Similarly, the most reliable printer should be compatible with as many mobile and computer types as possible. most suitable printer support windows OS, Mac OS, iPhones, and androids best printer for students feedback shows that
Conclusion
In building this best printer for college student collection, we looked at the most significant balance of value, ease of use, and versatility. Besides minding initial or upfront costs, we only included printers whose ink refills and cartridge replacement would not be expensive—most printers listed above support wireless printing functionality like scanning, printing, and copying.
Again, given the living space for students is generally tiny, we prioritized compactness and lesser weight to enhance portability in our listing. Above all, this printer for college student review accompanies educative buying to nourish your search.