Best Printers in 2023

Best printer of 2023: Brother MFC-J4335DW

Looking for an all-in-one printer that can handle your office needs? Look no further than the Brother MFC-J4335DW. With its combination of digital and drum scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, this printer can handle anything you throw at it. Its fax transmission speed of 20 pages per minute is lightning fast, and its duplex scanning mode can scan both sides of the page in one pass. The MFC-J4335DW is also versatile enough to be used in home offices, small businesses, and even dorm rooms. And for users who prefer PDF forms, this printer can send them directly to the printer without the need for Outlook or email. Plus, it’s reasonably quiet, making it perfect for shared spaces.

One of the best things about the Brother MFC-J4335DW is its two-year limited warranty, which covers any defects or malfunctions that arise during use. And with inbox inks that can print up to 3,000 pages in black and 1,500 pages in color, you can print more without interruption, making it the perfect home office business partner.

While there are a few disadvantages to this printer, such as its lack of support for duplex scanning and its poor text quality at small and styled fonts, the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. With its fast print speed, fax function, and ability to print from and scan to mobile devices, the Brother MFC-J4335DW is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable all-in-one printer at a reasonable price.

Printing technology

There are two main types of printing technology today: laser and inkjet. Laser printers use toner to create the image, while inkjet printers use ink. Some printers, such as inkjet printers, offer both modes.

In particular, laser printers use a laser beam to expose the photosensitive drum. The paper is drawn across the drum, where toner is applied. The paper is then heated so that the toner adheres to it. Inkjet printers use an ink-based system in which ink droplets are sprayed onto the paper in a pattern of dots to form an image. The image will be formed on both sides of the page. Each technology has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to consider which model will best meet your needs.

Types of printers

There are many options available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. From basic inkjet models to high-end laser printers, it can be difficult to know which type of printer is right for you. Understanding the differences between the various types of printers can help you make an informed decision and select the best option for your needs. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of printers available, including inkjet, laser, thermal, and 3D printers, and explore their unique attributes.

Home printers vs. office printers

Home and office printers are different in many ways, however, the main differences are paper handling and output quality. At home, users are likely to have a choice of paper to print on, including plain paper, card stock, and photo paper. Paper with different finishes is also available, such as matte, satin, and glossy.

In a business environment, paper handling is much more rigid, as most businesses require high-quality color output, which is not necessarily available from home printers. Office printers are also likely to come with a range of options. These include print heads with different resolutions and different paper types and media.

Inkjet printers

An inkjet printer is a type of printer that creates digital images by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper or plastic. They’re great for printing high-quality color images, and they can print on all sorts of paper, even glossy paper! Unlike laser printers, which need special heat-resistant paper, inkjet printers are pretty versatile. They don’t print quite as fast as laser printers, and their paper trays can’t hold as much paper, but they’re a better option if you don’t print very often or only print a few pages at a time. The ink cartridges can be a bit pricey, but some programs like HP Instant Ink can help cut down on the cost.

Laser printers

Laser printers use dry toner ink and contain a fuser unit responsible for melting the ink onto paper. They are more common than the earlier laser printers that used liquid toner. Laser printers are usually larger, more expensive, and slower than inkjet printers. They are more often used for businesses with large printing quantities, like offices or small print shops. They are also commonly used in libraries to keep records of books and other materials.

Laser printers have come in four main formats: desktop, floor-standing, wall-mounted, and portable, with desktop laser printers being the most common format. Desktop models can either be used on a flat surface or connected to the computer via cables or a wireless connection.

Less common types of printers

Today, most printers fall into the laser or inkjet category. However, there are quite a few other types of printers with more niche purposes and specialties.

• Dot-matrix printers: These use an impact mechanism to strike pins against a ribbon to make the printed text on paper. They print only in black text and are mostly used for draft documents like business letters. They also tend to be slow. They are not common anymore, replaced by inkjet and laser printers.
• All-in-one printers: Also known as AIOs, these printers typically have a color scanner, copy, print, and fax functions in one unit. They are more commonly used in small offices or households. AIOs come in various sizes, ranging from small, lightweight models to large metal printers weighing around 11 pounds or more. This unit will require a method of transferring photos and documents to the PC, such as using a USB cable or wireless connection.
• Super tank printers: Also known as single-cartridge printers, these are very large and heavy. They have a single cartridge with ink that can last for 1,000 pages. They are widespread in offices and businesses but can also be found in schools.
• Dye-sublimation printers: These printers use liquid ink selectively transferred to the paper using heat. They are designed to print on specific surfaces, like plastic. It is passed between rollers, which allows the heat to be applied, thus, transferring the image to the paper.
• 3D printers: These machines use special plastic powders to build an object layer by layer. They are designed to print with a variety of materials. They use layering and slicing to produce 3D objects, typically in plastic, based on digital models created through your choice of software. While these are commonly used for professional purposes, you can also purchase a 3D printer for your home to create things like toys and simple household items. 
• LED printers: These are new and do not fit into the above categories. They use a light-emitting diode that draws images by heating the ink. LED printers are reliable and can handle large printing runs without a hitch. LED printers use light-emitting technology to print rather than ink or toner cartridges. Since the ink is not a liquid, it does not have to be replaced often. However, LED printers do have limitations and are more expensive than other models.
• A3 printers: These printers are made to print on paper larger than A4-sized paper. The military and large companies use them. They are more expensive because of their larger size, but they also have more advanced functions. A3-sized paper is used for posters and other large documents.

More Printer FAQs

Which printer has the cheapest ink cartridges?

The Canon Maxify GX70201 is the perfect choice for those who want to save money in the long run. Although other printers may be cheaper upfront, the GX70201 and its smaller version, the Canon Maxify GX6020, have estimated printing costs of only 2 cents per page, compared to other models that cost over 2.2 cents for black and white and 13.9 cents for color pages. This may not seem like much, but it can increase over time. For example, if you print 50,000 pages, you can save $100 with the Canon models. The savings are even greater for color pages, with the GX70201 saving 11.9 cents per page. So, if you print 3,000 pages, you can save up to $357, more than compensating for the difference in the retail price.

Can my printer connect to my Chromebook?

Unfortunately, Chromebooks do not have a Bluetooth function. However, if your printer has a Wi-Fi or wired connection capability, you can connect your Chromebook to it.

Which printers can be used for sublimation?

Many inkjet printers can be converted into sublimation printers by replacing their regular ink with dye-sublimation ink. The type of printers that can be converted, most commonly found are EcoTank printers, which are typically more expensive than normal inkjet printers. However, if you’re looking for a printer that can be used for sublimation, our recommendation is the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 and other similar models.

What’s the best printer for you?

Although there are many different types of printers, each with its unique features and benefits, it is important to understand them in terms of functionality and when considering the device’s size and weight. Indeed, printers vary from small portable devices to large office machines. They come in various designs with varying levels of ease of use. Since the industry has grown and is technologically advanced, the market has become very competitive. There are now many branded, affordable models from which to choose, but the decision requires careful consideration of many factors. If you’re considering purchasing a new printer, here’s what you need to know about some of the essential elements:

• Price: Printers range in price, but they are generally affordable. Traditional office printers can set you back anywhere between $70 to several thousand of dollars. It’s always a good idea to get the most value for your money, especially when budgets are tight in the workplace.
• Size and weight: Size matters more than weight when choosing a printer, as you’ll want to ensure that the device can be placed on a desk without taking up too much space. Many printers today are designed to fit right on top of other office equipment.
• Print speed: The speed of the printer is measured in pages per minute and determines how quickly you can get on with your work. There are, however, other factors that contribute to printing speed, such as the printer’s memory and processor. A faster print speed also allows for more processes at once, helping you save time because you can complete more tasks in a short space of time. Having a faster processor and more extensive memory help to achieve this.
• Duty cycle: The duty cycle of your printer refers to how many pages it can print per minute. Over the years, printers have improved in several areas, but their duty cycle has remained the same. Most printers have a duty cycle ranging from 600 pages to a remarkable 2,000 pages.
• Color: The amount of color your printer can produce can significantly vary the outcome. It depends on the size of the printer and whether it has multiple cartridges. Most color printers use four or five different inks to produce different colors.
• Network: Many new models have different networking options, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet. A printer with Wi-Fi allows you to connect to it wirelessly and transfer documents directly to your computer or iPad. These printers are ideal for anyone looking to make the most of their time and save paper by saving directly to digital format than printing a hard copy.
• Noise: If a printer is used in an office, it is important to consider how loud it is when operating. Some models can produce up to 73 decibels of noise; you should choose one that produces the least amount of noise.
• Paper type: There are two types of paper. One is designed to print text, while the other is designed to print images and photos. Most paper is designed to have a C1-C7 sensitivity level, meaning that the color print will depend on the ink. Some papers have anti-static properties, and some are glue resistant, but this requires you to pay extra.
• Ink type: Ink cartridges are the lifeline of most printer models, as they determine the quality of prints. There are two main types of ink cartridges, single-use and reusable. Reusable cartridges have a higher capacity and can produce more prints, but they cost more. On the other hand, single-use costs less and can produce more prints, but it runs out of ink more quickly. Since ink costs vary from one cartridge to the next, you will want to choose wisely.
• Input: Most printers require input to determine what kind of paper or print is needed. You will want to ensure that the printer you are buying has the information designed for your needs.
• Memory cards: If you plan on printing documents from your smartphone, you will want to make sure that your printer can print directly from memory cards. It is beneficial if you have a reliable internet connection, as it will allow you to transfer files quickly and easily.
• Connectivity: If you want to share your printer with other devices, whether a laptop, USB hub, or wireless access point, make sure that the printer is compatible. Some printers are designed only for a single device; others have multiple ports so that you can connect various computers through one device.
• Paper size: The paper size relates to who will use the printer. Smaller formats and paper types are suitable for home use, while larger sizes are ideal for many business and office applications.
• Resolution: Resolution is essentially how clear the image will look. Bigger printers and resolutions can produce clearer images than smaller printers, but the difference in resolution does not matter for most home users. The resolution and quality of the print depending on the type of paper used.
• Warranty: Many printers come with a comprehensive warranty, so it is important to check on this. Whether it is from the manufacturer or the company designated by the manufacturer, ensure that you purchase a warranty that works for your needs.