Best Office Inkjet All In One Printers
For value-conscious shoppers, finding the perfect all-in-one inkjet printer for the office can be a daunting task. Balancing cost, functionality, and performance is crucial for maximizing productivity without breaking the bank. This review analyzes some of the best options, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Why an All-in-One Inkjet Printer Matters
All-in-one inkjet printers are vital for offices needing print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax capabilities in a single device. They offer space-saving convenience and can be significantly more cost-effective than purchasing separate machines. This makes them ideal for small businesses, home offices, and teams looking to streamline their workflows.
Shortlist of Recommended Printers
Here are a few of our top picks, catering to different needs and budgets:
- Best Overall: Epson EcoTank ET-4850
- Best for Budget: Canon PIXMA MG3620
- Best for Photo Printing: HP Envy Photo 7155
- Best for High Volume Printing: Brother MFC-J6945DW
Detailed Reviews
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is a standout due to its refillable ink tanks. This drastically reduces ink costs over time compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. The print quality is excellent for both documents and photos, and it boasts a user-friendly interface.
It also features auto document feeder (ADF) and wireless connectivity. However, the initial purchase price is higher than other models.
Canon PIXMA MG3620
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. It provides decent print quality for everyday tasks. The compact design makes it suitable for small workspaces.
Ink costs can be higher long-term as it uses traditional cartridges. It lacks advanced features like an ADF or Ethernet connectivity.
HP Envy Photo 7155
The HP Envy Photo 7155 excels in photo printing. It produces vibrant and detailed images. It also offers convenient features like mobile printing and a dedicated photo paper tray.
Document printing is adequate, but not as crisp as some other models. Ink costs can be moderate depending on printing habits.
Brother MFC-J6945DW
The Brother MFC-J6945DW is built for high-volume printing. It offers large paper trays and supports tabloid-size (11x17) printing. It's a robust and reliable option for busy offices.
While its initial cost is higher, it delivers a low cost per page. Its size is considerable so require dedicated space.
Side-by-Side Specs and Performance
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-4850 | Canon PIXMA MG3620 | HP Envy Photo 7155 | Brother MFC-J6945DW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Speed (ppm) | 15 (Black), 8 (Color) | 9.9 (Black), 5.7 (Color) | 14 (Black), 9 (Color) | 22 (Black), 20 (Color) |
| Print Resolution (dpi) | 4800 x 1200 | 4800 x 1200 | 4800 x 1200 | 4800 x 1200 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, USB | Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, NFC |
| ADF | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Duplex Printing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost per Page | Low | High | Moderate | Low |
| Overall Performance Score (out of 5) | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.8 |
Practical Considerations
When choosing an inkjet printer, consider your printing volume. Higher volumes justify the investment in a printer with lower running costs, such as an EcoTank model. Also think about features like ADF for scanning multiple pages.
Wireless connectivity simplifies printing from various devices. Photo quality is important if you frequently print photos. The printer's dimensions are also important to take into account to avoid space constraint issues.
Ink costs over the printer's lifespan can significantly outweigh the initial purchase price. Always check the cost per page or ink subscription options. Also read user reviews for real-world performance insights.
Conclusion
Selecting the best all-in-one inkjet printer requires careful evaluation of your needs and budget. Consider printing volume, required features, print quality, and long-term running costs. Weighing these factors will enable you to make an informed decision and maximize the value of your investment.
Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the most economical in the long run. Investigate the features you need, so you do not overpay for features you don't need. Do not also underpay and miss out on essential features that will make the printer a suitable choice.
Call to Action
Take the time to compare the printers discussed here with your own specific requirements. Read user reviews and compare prices from different retailers. Find the all-in-one inkjet printer that perfectly balances cost and performance for your office needs and enhance your productivity today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between inkjet and laser printers?
Inkjet printers use ink to create images, while laser printers use toner. Inkjets are typically better for photos, while lasers are faster and more efficient for text documents.
What is ADF?
ADF stands for Automatic Document Feeder. It allows you to scan or copy multiple pages without manually feeding each page.
What does DPI mean?
DPI stands for dots per inch. It measures print resolution. Higher DPI means sharper and more detailed images.
How do I calculate the cost per page?
Divide the cost of the ink or toner cartridge by the estimated page yield (usually provided by the manufacturer). This provides an approximate cost per page.
Are ink subscription services worth it?
Ink subscription services can be a good value if you print frequently. They provide automatic ink replenishment and can often save you money compared to buying individual cartridges.
