Having a reliable printer is crucial for students of all levels, from high school to college and beyond. This comprehensive guide aims to assist students in finding the best printers that meet their needs while being affordable and dependable. When selecting a printer, considerations such as budget constraints, printing requirements, connectivity options, reliability, and space-saving design play vital roles in making the right choice.
Key Considerations:
– Budget: Students often operate on limited budgets, necessitating the hunt for affordable printing solutions.
– Printing Needs: Evaluating print volume, color versus black and white printing, and compatibility with different paper types.
– Connectivity: Wireless and mobile printing capabilities are essential for on-the-go students.
– Reliability: Consistent performance and durability are critical factors to avoid interruptions in printing tasks.
– Space: Compact printers are preferred to fit into small dorm rooms or study spaces efficiently.
| Printer | Price Range | Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TR8620 (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Canon+PIXMA+TR8620) | $150 $200 |
Wireless, Auto Document Feeder (ADF), Duplex printing, 6-ink system | High-quality prints, versatile features, user-friendly | Larger footprint, can be expensive for ink |
| HP Envy Pro 6455e (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=HP+Envy+Pro+6455e) | $100 $150 |
Wireless, Duplex printing, Mobile printing, Instant Ink compatible | Affordable, compact design, good print quality | Limited ink options, not great for high-volume printing |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2760 (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Epson+EcoTank+ET-2760) | $200 $250 |
Wireless, Duplex printing, High-yield ink tanks | Extremely low running costs, high-capacity ink tanks, good print quality | Large footprint, initial cost can be high |
| Brother MFC-J995DW (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Brother+MFC-J995DW) | $150 $200 |
Wireless, ADF, Duplex printing, Mobile printing, Faxing | Reliable, versatile features, good print quality | Ink can be expensive |
| Canon PIXMA TR4520 (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Canon+PIXMA+TR4520) | $80 $120 |
Wireless, Duplex printing, Mobile printing | Compact and affordable, good print quality, user-friendly | Basic features, not ideal for high-volume printing |
Best Overall Printer for Students:
Canon PIXMA TR8620 Wireless Home Photo All-In-One Printer
Pros:
– Excellent print quality for both photos and documents.
– Versatile, offering printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
– Wireless and mobile printing capabilities.
– Automatic document feeder for easy multi-page printing.
– Affordable pricing compared to similar high-quality printers.
Cons:
– Higher ink costs than some budget-friendly models.
– Requires adequate desk space due to its size.
Find more on Printer Paper Types Explained: Choosing the Right Paper
Specs:
– Print resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
– Print speed: Up to 15 ipm for black and white, 10 ipm for color
– Connectivity: Wireless, USB, Ethernet
– Paper capacity: 100 sheets
– Ink cartridges: 6 individual ink cartridges
– Dimensions: 19.7″ x 14.2″ x 7.3″
The Canon PIXMA TR8620 strikes a balance between features, performance, and price, making it an excellent all-around choice for student printing needs.
Best Budget-Friendly Printer for Students:
HP DeskJet 2755e All-in-One Printer
Pros:
– Extremely affordable for students on tight budgets.
– Compact and lightweight design for small spaces.
– Offers printing, scanning, and copying functions.
– Wireless connectivity for convenient mobile printing.
– Automatic document feeder for efficient multi-page printing.
Cons:
– Print quality is satisfactory but not top-tier.
– Slower printing speed compared to higher-end models.
– Ink costs might offset the initial savings.
Specs:
– Print resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
– Print speed: Up to 7.5 ipm for black and white, 5.5 ipm for color
– Connectivity: Wireless, USB
– Paper capacity: 60 sheets
– Ink cartridges: 2 separate ink cartridges
– Dimensions: 17.1″ x 11.7″ x 5.9″
The HP DeskJet 2755e balances affordability with functionality, catering to students’ basic printing needs without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some key features to consider when choosing a printer for students?
When choosing a printer for students, key features to consider include cost of replacement ink cartridges, printing speed, wireless connectivity options, compatibility with laptops and smartphones, and the ability to print double-sided to save on paper.
Are there any printers specifically designed for students on a budget?
Yes, there are several affordable printer options that are ideal for students on a budget. Look for models that offer good value for money, such as the HP DeskJet 3755, Canon Pixma TS3320, or Epson WorkForce WF-2830.
Can students use a printer on campus or in the library instead of buying their own?
While many campuses and libraries offer printing services, having your own printer can be more convenient and cost-effective in the long run. It allows you to print from the comfort of your dorm room or off-campus housing without having to worry about long lines or limited printing hours.
Do all student printers come with a scanner and copier function?
Not all student printers come with a built-in scanner and copier function. If these features are important to you, look for multifunction printers that offer scanning and copying capabilities in addition to printing.
Are there any environmentally-friendly printer options available for students?
Yes, there are eco-friendly printer options available for students who want to reduce their environmental impact. Look for ENERGY STAR certified printers, models with duplex printing capability to save paper, and printers that use recycled or remanufactured ink cartridges.
Karim 
Bilal