Best Printer And Scanner For Business
Stop throwing money away on overpriced printer and scanner solutions! If you're a business owner or office manager tasked with keeping costs down, you know the pain of constant supply orders and repair bills.
This article is your guide to finding the best printer and scanner for your business without breaking the bank. We're not interested in fancy features you'll never use; we're hunting for value, reliability, and the lowest possible total cost of ownership.
Why Your Printing & Scanning Setup Matters (and Why You Shouldn't Overpay)
Let's face it: printing and scanning are essential. Contracts, invoices, reports - they all need to be handled efficiently. But paying a premium for unnecessary bells and whistles is a profit killer.
A carefully chosen printer and scanner setup can significantly impact your bottom line. It reduces wasted resources, minimizes downtime, and keeps your team productive.
The Bargain Hunter's Shortlist: Best Printers & Scanners for Business
Here are our top picks, tailored to different business needs and budgets. We've prioritized value, reliability, and low running costs in our selection.
For the Micro-Business/Home Office:
- Brother MFC-L2750DW Compact Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer: Reliable, fast, and toner-efficient.
- Canon Pixma TR4520 Wireless All-in-One Printer: Affordable color printing and scanning for light use.
For the Small-to-Medium Business:
- Epson EcoTank ET-4850 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer: Cartridge-free printing with incredibly low running costs.
- HP LaserJet Pro MFP M227fdw Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer: Fast, reliable, and built for higher volumes of black and white printing.
For the High-Volume Office:
- Brother MFC-L6900DW Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer: High-speed, high-capacity, and built to last.
- Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw Color Laser All-in-One Printer: Fast color printing and scanning with excellent image quality.
Detailed Reviews: Scrimping Without Sacrificing
Let's dive deeper into the specifics of each recommendation. We'll highlight the pros and cons, focusing on cost-effectiveness and practical performance.
Brother MFC-L2750DW: The Workhorse for Small Budgets
This monochrome laser printer is a reliable workhorse for small businesses. It offers fast printing speeds, automatic duplex printing, and a decent automatic document feeder (ADF).
It's a great choice if your primary need is black and white documents. The toner cartridges are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Canon Pixma TR4520: Color on a Shoestring
If you need occasional color printing but don't want to spend a fortune, the Canon Pixma TR4520 is a solid option. It's an affordable all-in-one printer with wireless connectivity.
Keep in mind that it's not designed for high-volume printing, and the ink cartridges can be a bit pricey. However, it's a great value for light use.
Epson EcoTank ET-4850: The Cartridge-Free Revolution
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is a game-changer when it comes to reducing printing costs. This cartridge-free printer uses refillable ink tanks, saving you a ton of money on ink.
The initial investment is higher, but the long-term savings are significant. It's ideal for businesses that print frequently and want to minimize their environmental impact.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M227fdw: Speed and Reliability in Black and White
This monochrome laser printer is designed for speed and reliability. It offers fast printing speeds, automatic duplex printing, and a robust ADF.
It's a great choice for businesses that need to print large volumes of black and white documents. The toner cartridges are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Brother MFC-L6900DW: The Heavy-Duty Champion
For high-volume offices, the Brother MFC-L6900DW is a top contender. This monochrome laser printer is built to handle heavy workloads with its high-speed printing and large paper capacity.
It's a more expensive option upfront, but its durability and low running costs make it a worthwhile investment. It also has advanced security features.
Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw: Color Laser Powerhouse
If you need fast, high-quality color printing and scanning, the Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw is an excellent choice. This color laser printer offers vibrant prints, quick scanning, and a user-friendly interface.
It's a bit more expensive than monochrome printers, but the color quality and speed are worth the investment. It's ideal for businesses that need to produce marketing materials or presentations.
Side-by-Side Specs & Performance: May the Best Budget Win
Here's a quick comparison of the printers and scanners mentioned above:
| Model | Type | Print Speed (ppm) | Monthly Duty Cycle | Cost Per Page (Estimated) | Customer Satisfaction (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L2750DW | Monochrome Laser | 36 | 15,000 pages | $0.02 | 4.5 |
| Canon Pixma TR4520 | Color Inkjet | 8.8 (Black), 4.4 (Color) | 1,000 pages | $0.08 (Black), $0.15 (Color) | 4.0 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4850 | Color Inkjet (Tank) | 10 (Black), 5 (Color) | 5,000 pages | $0.01 (Black), $0.02 (Color) | 4.6 |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP M227fdw | Monochrome Laser | 30 | 30,000 pages | $0.03 | 4.3 |
| Brother MFC-L6900DW | Monochrome Laser | 52 | 150,000 pages | $0.015 | 4.7 |
| Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw | Color Laser | 28 (Black), 28 (Color) | 50,000 pages | $0.04 (Black), $0.05 (Color) | 4.4 |
Customer Satisfaction: Real People, Real Reviews
We scoured online reviews and surveys to gauge customer satisfaction with each printer and scanner. The scores above are based on a 1-5 scale, with 5 being the highest.
Keep in mind that customer satisfaction can vary. It is important to read a variety of reviews before making a decision.
Maintenance Cost Projections: Beyond the Sticker Price
The initial purchase price is just one factor to consider. You also need to factor in the cost of supplies, repairs, and maintenance.
Laser printers generally have lower running costs than inkjet printers, especially for high-volume printing. EcoTank printers offer the lowest ink costs overall.
To minimize maintenance costs, choose a reliable brand and model. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.
Key Takeaways: Making the Smart Choice
Choosing the right printer and scanner for your business is about finding the right balance between price, performance, and reliability. Consider your printing volume, color needs, and budget.
Don't overspend on features you don't need. Focus on finding a printer and scanner that will meet your specific requirements without breaking the bank.
Ready to Save? Take Action Now!
Use the information in this article to make an informed decision. Research specific models, compare prices, and read customer reviews before making a purchase.
Start saving money on printing and scanning today! Your bottom line will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about choosing the best printer and scanner for business:
Q: What's the difference between laser and inkjet printers? Laser printers use toner, while inkjet printers use liquid ink. Laser printers are generally faster and more cost-effective for high-volume printing.
Q: What is an EcoTank printer? EcoTank printers use refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. This significantly reduces the cost of ink.
Q: How important is print speed? Print speed is important if you need to print large documents quickly. Look for printers with a high pages per minute (ppm) rating.
Q: What is a duplex printer? A duplex printer can automatically print on both sides of a page. This saves paper and money.
Q: How do I calculate the total cost of ownership? Add the initial purchase price to the estimated cost of supplies, repairs, and maintenance over the lifespan of the printer. This will give you a better understanding of the true cost of owning a particular model.
