Printer And Scanner Best Buy

Stop throwing money away on overpriced printers and scanners! This is for the frugal folks, the penny-pinchers, and the budget-conscious among us. We're diving deep into the world of printer and scanner best buys, uncovering hidden gems that won't break the bank.
Why does choosing the right, cost-effective printer and scanner matter? Because every dollar saved is a dollar earned! A smart purchase here can significantly impact your home or small business budget.
Shortlist of Budget-Friendly Champions
Here are some top picks, tailored to different needs and budgets:
- For the Basic User: Canon PIXMA MG3620 - Simple, reliable, and incredibly affordable.
- For the Small Business: Brother MFC-L2710DW - All-in-one with duplex printing and wireless connectivity.
- For Photo Enthusiasts: Epson Expression Premium XP-6100 - Excellent photo quality at a reasonable price.
- For High-Volume Printing: HP Smart Tank 7602 - Cartridge-free printing for super low running costs.
Detailed Reviews: Unveiling the Value
Canon PIXMA MG3620: The Budget King
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is a no-frills, all-in-one printer perfect for basic printing, scanning, and copying needs. It's incredibly easy to set up and use, making it ideal for students or anyone who wants a simple, reliable printer.
Print quality is decent for everyday documents, and it supports mobile printing. However, photo printing is only average, and ink cartridges are relatively small, requiring more frequent replacements.
Brother MFC-L2710DW: The Small Business Workhorse
The Brother MFC-L2710DW is a monochrome laser printer that punches above its weight. It offers fast printing speeds, duplex printing (printing on both sides), and wireless connectivity, making it perfect for a small office or home office environment.
While it doesn't offer color printing, its low cost per page and reliable performance make it a cost-effective choice for high-volume black and white printing. The automatic document feeder (ADF) is also a huge time-saver for scanning multiple pages.
Epson Expression Premium XP-6100: The Photo Perfectionist (on a Budget)
The Epson Expression Premium XP-6100 delivers impressive photo quality without breaking the bank. Its five-color ink system produces vibrant, detailed photos, and it supports borderless printing.
It also features a touchscreen display, wireless connectivity, and the ability to print directly from SD cards. While its printing speeds are not the fastest, the excellent photo quality makes it a worthwhile trade-off for photo enthusiasts.
HP Smart Tank 7602: The Cartridge-Free Champion
The HP Smart Tank 7602 is a game-changer for anyone tired of constantly replacing ink cartridges. This printer uses refillable ink tanks, significantly reducing your long-term printing costs.
It offers excellent print quality, fast printing speeds, and a variety of features, including automatic document feeder (ADF), wireless connectivity, and mobile printing. The initial investment is higher, but the savings on ink will quickly pay for itself, especially for high-volume printing.
Specs & Performance Showdown
Model | Type | Print Speed (B/W) | Print Speed (Color) | Scan Resolution | Connectivity | Price (Approx.) | Performance Score (Out of 10) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon PIXMA MG3620 | Inkjet | 9.9 ipm | 5.7 ipm | 1200 x 2400 dpi | Wi-Fi | $79 | 7 |
Brother MFC-L2710DW | Laser (Mono) | 32 ppm | N/A | 1200 x 1200 dpi | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | $199 | 8 |
Epson XP-6100 | Inkjet | 15.8 ipm | 11.3 ipm | 1200 x 2400 dpi | Wi-Fi, SD Card | $149 | 9 |
HP Smart Tank 7602 | Ink Tank Inkjet | 15 ppm | 9 ppm | 1200 x 1200 dpi | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | $399 | 9 |
What the People Say: Customer Satisfaction Survey
We scoured online reviews and customer surveys to gauge real-world satisfaction. The Brother MFC-L2710DW consistently received high marks for reliability and ease of use, while the Epson XP-6100 impressed users with its photo quality. HP Smart Tank 7602 received high satisfication score because of the ink tank function.
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is praised for its affordability, but some users complained about the cost of ink cartridges and the lack of features.
Maintenance Cost Projections: The Long Game
The initial price of a printer is just one piece of the puzzle. You also need to consider the long-term maintenance costs, primarily the cost of ink or toner. HP Smart Tank 7602 is the champion in maintenance cost projection.
Laser printers generally have a lower cost per page than inkjet printers, making them a more cost-effective choice for high-volume printing. Ink tank printers, like the HP Smart Tank 7602, offer the lowest running costs of all.
Key Takeaways: Making the Smart Choice
Choosing the best printer and scanner for your needs requires careful consideration of several factors. Think about your budget, your printing volume, the types of documents you'll be printing, and the features you need.
Don't be swayed by flashy features you won't use. Focus on finding a reliable printer that fits your specific requirements and offers a low total cost of ownership.
Ready to Save? Take Action Now!
Armed with this knowledge, you're now equipped to make an informed decision. Click the links below to check current prices and availability of our recommended printers and scanners. Start saving money today!
Find the Canon PIXMA MG3620
Find the Brother MFC-L2710DW
Find the Epson Expression Premium XP-6100
Find the HP Smart Tank 7602
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is "ppm" and "ipm"?
A: "Ppm" stands for pages per minute, and it refers to the speed at which a printer can print pages. "Ipm" stands for images per minute and is used for scanning speed.
Q: Is a laser printer always better than an inkjet printer?
A: Not necessarily. Laser printers are generally better for high-volume text printing, while inkjet printers are often better for photos and graphics. Consider your primary use case.
Q: What is duplex printing?
A: Duplex printing is the ability to print on both sides of a sheet of paper automatically.
Q: Are ink tank printers worth the higher initial cost?
A: Yes, especially if you print frequently. The savings on ink will typically offset the higher initial cost over time.
Q: How important is scan resolution?
A: Higher scan resolution results in sharper, more detailed scans. For most home and office uses, 1200 dpi is sufficient.

















