Printer Buying Guide

Become an expert in printer types and capabilities to help you discover the ideal printer for your needs. 
Printer Buying Guide. Become an expert in printer types and capabilities to help you discover the ideal printer for your needs.
PRE-PURCHASE BUYING GUIDE
Your resource to identifying the right printer for your needs.
Signs You Might Need A New Printer
Poor Print Quality: Do your prints consistently lack clarity, show streaks, or appear faded, despite maintenance efforts?
Frequent Paper Jams or Print Errors: Are you dealing with persistent paper jams, misfeeds, or costly print errors?
Slow Printing Speeds: Is your current printer slowing down your productivity?
High Maintenance Costs: Constantly shelling out for repairs, replacement parts, or expensive ink and toner?
Outdated Technology: Missing out on modern features like wireless connectivity, mobile printing, improved security, duplex printing, or compatibility with newer operating systems?
Signs you might need a new printer: Poor Print Quality: Do your prints consistently lack clarity, show streaks, or appear faded, despite maintenance efforts? Frequent Paper Jams or Print Errors: Are you dealing with persistent paper jams, misfeeds, or costly print errors? Slow Printing Speeds: Is your current printer slowing down your productivity? High Maintenance Costs: Constantly shelling out for repairs, replacement parts, or expensive ink and toner? Outdated Technology: Missing out on modern features like wireless connectivity, mobile printing, improved security, duplex printing, or compatibility with newer operating systems?
Rachel's Expert Tip: It's important to upgrade your inkjet printer every 3-5 years and your laser printer every 5-7 years. Older printers may produce poor quality documents and lack essential security features.
What are key considerations for choosing a printer? Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your printing volume and the types of documents you frequently print. Consider Costs: Balance initial purchase price, ongoing maintenance costs, and cost per page to find the best value. Check Features: Evaluate connectivity options, print speed, print quality, and paper handling capabilities to match your requirements. Evaluate Space: Ensure the printer fits your available space and aligns with your office or home design preferences. Think Green: Opt for energy-efficient and eco-friendly models to minimize environmental impact.
Key Considerations For Choosing A Printer
Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your printing volume and the types of documents you frequently print.
 Consider Costs: Balance initial purchase price, ongoing maintenance costs, and cost per page to find the best value.
 Check Features: Evaluate connectivity options, print speed, print quality, and paper handling capabilities to match your requirements.
 Evaluate Space: Ensure the printer fits your available space and aligns with your office or home design preferences.
 Think Green: Opt for energy-efficient and eco-friendly models to minimize environmental impact.
Our Top-Rated Picks, For Wherever You Print.
BEST FOR HOME
Epson EcoTank
ET-2800
$239.99
  • All-in-one printer with up to 2 years of ink included in the box.
  • High-resolution printing and scanning; perfect for saving family memories.
  • Features wireless connectivity for easy printing.
  • Compatible with Epson T522 ink bottles.
BEST FOR HOME OFFICE
Brother Laser
DCP-L2640DW
$209.99
  • All-in-one black and white laser printer.
  • Compact and affordable; perfect for any space.
  • Incredibly fast print speeds; perfect for those who need documents in a pinch.
  • Compatible with Brother TN830 toner cartridges.
BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
HP OfficeJet Pro
9135E
$329.99$429.99
  • All-in-one printer with fast speeds to meet any business needs.
  • Professional quality output with a high paper capacity.
  • Integrated Wolf Pro Security to protect sensitive information.
  • Compatible with HP 936 ink cartridges.
Types of Printers
To know what printer type is right for you, review to select the most cost-effective and suitable option based on your printing volume, quality needs, and long-term maintenance costs.
Inkjet Printers: Uses low-cost ink cartridges, making them ideal for vibrant colors and images. Perfect for users with low to moderate printing needs, a lower initial budget, and those who frequently print on various paper types like photo or glossy paper. Best For: home or home office users, students, photographers/artists.
Inkjet Printers
Uses low-cost ink cartridges, making them ideal for vibrant colors and images. Perfect for users with low to moderate printing needs, a lower initial budget, and those who frequently print on various paper types like photo or glossy paper.
Best For: home or home office users, students, photographers/artists.
Tank Printers
A type of Inkjet printer that uses high volume ink bottles instead of cartridges. Comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box. Cost-effective & eco-friendly: typically lower cost per page than traditional inkjet cartridges.
Best For: users who have high-volume printing needs and are looking for cost-efficient, high-quality color printing solutions.
Tank Printers: A type of Inkjet printer that uses high volume ink bottles instead of cartridges. Comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box. Cost-effective & eco-friendly: typically lower cost per page than traditional inkjet cartridges. Best For: users who have high-volume printing needs and are looking for cost-efficient, high-quality color printing solutions.
Laser Printers: Uses toner cartridges that are cost-effective and quick for high print demand environments. Great for fast speed and sharp, text based professional documents.  Best For: Offices and businesses that require high-speed, high-volume printing of text-heavy documents.
Laser Printers
Uses toner cartridges that are cost-effective and quick for high print demand environments. Great for fast speed and sharp, text based professional documents.
Best For: Offices and businesses that require high-speed, high-volume printing of text-heavy documents.
Top Printer Picks From Our Experts
BEST SELLER
HP OfficeJet Pro
9125E
$209.99$309.99
  • Prints at 22 pages per minute, perfect for a home office or personal workspace.
  • Print right from your phone with a user-friendly print app.
  • Compatible with HP 936 ink cartridges.
BEST FOR COST EFFICIENCY
Epson EcoTank
ET-2850
No reviews yet
  • Up to 2 years of ink included in the box.
  • Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. traditional ink cartridges.
  • Compatible with EPSON 502 cartridges.
BEST PERFORMANCE PRINTER
Brother Laser
MFC-L2820DW
$264.99
  • Prints 34 pages per minute, capable of keeping up with heavy print loads.
  • Print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities with an automatic document feeder.
  • Compatible with Brother TN830 toner.
Key Printer Features
All-In-One
All-in-one function allows for print, scan, & copy functionality in one printer. They come in space-saving designs with versatile functionality and user-friendly features for enhanced productivity.
Best for: all users, whether for home, a home office, or working in an office.
Key features:
  • Handle multiple document tasks (print, scan, copy, fax) in one device
  • Connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and USB
  • User-friendly interfaces for easy operation
  • Available in both inkjet and laser models
  • Cater to different needs in terms of print quality, speed, and volume
    • All-In-One. All-in-one function allows for print, scan, & copy functionality in one printer. They come in space-saving designs with versatile functionality and user-friendly features for enhanced productivity. Best for: all users, whether for home, a home office, or working in an office. Key features: Handle multiple document tasks (print, scan, copy, fax) in one device Connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and USB User-friendly interfaces for easy operation Available in both inkjet and laser models Cater to different needs in terms of print quality, speed, and volume
    Double sided printing (also known as duplexing) is a feature that allows printers to print on both sides of the paper. Manual double sided print requires the user to take the paper out of the printer and refeed it into the printer. Automatic duplexing prints two-sided seamlessly without any user input.  Key aspects of duplexing:  Time-saving Efficient paper handling Reduced paper waste (by printing on both sides) Improved document management
    Double-Sided Printing
    Double sided printing (also known as duplexing) is a feature that allows printers to print on both sides of the paper. Manual double sided print requires the user to take the paper out of the printer and refeed it into the printer. Automatic duplexing prints two-sided seamlessly without any user input.
    Key aspects of duplexing:
  • Time-saving
  • Efficient paper handling
  • Reduced paper waste (by printing on both sides)
  • Improved document management
    • Print Speed
    Measured in Pages Per Minute (PPM), and often separated out by color, or black and white printing. Print speed is an important feature to consider when deciding which printer to purchase if efficiency, productivity, and saving time are important to you.
    Here are our recommended print speed based on usage:
  • For Home: Shop 10ppm & below
  • For Home Offices: 11-24ppm
  • For Small Businesses: 25-39ppm
    • Print Speed. Measured in Pages Per Minute (PPM), and often separated out by color, or black and white printing. Print speed is an important feature to consider when deciding which printer to purchase if efficiency, productivity, and saving time are important to you. Here are our recommended print speed based on usage: For Home: Shop 10ppm & below For Home Offices: 11-24ppm For Small Businesses: 25-39ppm.
    Wired vs Wireless. Most modern printers come with wireless capability. Any wireless printer can function the same as a wired printer with the addition of a USB cable. However wired printers cannot be made wireless unless through the addition of an ethernet cable. *If you seek a wired printer please note that cables aren't included in the box Consider a wired printer for: A stable connection & faster data transfer Faster data transfer Higher security/less likely to be hacked Straightforward compatibility Consider a wireless printer for: Flexibility to print from multiple devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) Easy sharing with multiple users Less clutter Ensured compatibility with future devices
    Wired vs Wireless
    Most modern printers come with wireless capability. Any wireless printer can function the same as a wired printer with the addition of a USB cable. However wired printers cannot be made wireless unless through the addition of an ethernet cable.
    *If you seek a wired printer please note that cables aren't included in the box
    Consider a wired printer for:
  • A stable connection & faster data transfer
  • Higher security/less likely to be hacked
  • Straightforward compatibility
    • Consider a wireless printer for:
  • Flexibility to print from multiple devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets)
  • Easy sharing with multiple users
  • Less clutter
  • Ensured compatibility with future devices
    • Anatomy of a Printer
    Ever wonder what makes up a printer and what each component's purpose is? Check out our diagram:
    Anatomy of a Printer
    POST-PURCHASE RESOURCES
    Tips from our Experts to keep your printer up & running.
    Quick Guide: Setting up your printer
  • Remove packaging and place the printer on a stable surface near a power outlet.
  • Plug in the power cord and turn on the printer.
  • Insert ink/toner cartridges as per the manual.
  • Load paper into the input tray, adjusting the guides.
  • Connect the Printer using wifi, an ethernet cable, or USB, as per the manual.
  • Download and install the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
  • Print a test page to verify functionality.
  • If applicable, register your printer online for warranty and support.
  • Set up optional features like mobile printing or scanning as needed.
    • Quick Guide: Setting up your printer. Remove packaging and place the printer on a stable surface near a power outlet. Plug in the power cord and turn on the printer. Insert ink/toner cartridges as per the manual. Load paper into the input tray, adjusting the guides. Connect the Printer using wifi, an ethernet cable, or USB, as per the manual. Download and install the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.  Print a test page to verify functionality. If applicable, register your printer online for warranty and support. Set up optional features like mobile printing or scanning as needed.
    What printer parts and accessories do I need? Extra Ink or Toner Cartridges: The cartridges in the printer box are typically starter cartridges that won't last as long as normal cartridges. Have spare cartridges on hand to avoid running out during crucial print jobs. Photo Paper or Specialty Paper: For printing photos, presentations, or other specialized documents. Surge Protector or Power Strip: Protects the printer from power surges and ensures stable electricity supply. Printer cables: If not included in the printer box; if you want to create a wired connection. Wireless Adapter (if not built-in): Adds Wi-Fi connectivity to printers without it, allowing wireless printing. Printer Stand or Cabinet: Organizes supplies and provides storage for paper and cartridges. External Paper Trays (optional): Increase paper capacity or support different paper sizes.
    What printer parts and accessories do I need?
    Extra Ink or Toner Cartridges: The cartridges in the printer box are typically starter cartridges that won't last as long as normal cartridges. Have spare cartridges on hand to avoid running out during crucial print jobs.
     Photo Paper or Specialty Paper: For printing photos, presentations, or other specialized documents.
     Surge Protector or Power Strip: Protects the printer from power surges and ensures stable electricity supply.
     Printer cables: If not included in the printer box; if you want to create a wired connection.
     Wireless Adapter (if not built-in): Adds Wi-Fi connectivity to printers without it, allowing wireless printing.
     Printer Stand or Cabinet: Organizes supplies and provides storage for paper and cartridges.
     External Paper Trays (optional): Increase paper capacity or support different paper sizes.
    Top Selling Printer Supplies & Accessories
    Be ready to print right away with the right supplies by ordering ink, toner, and paper together. Staples makes it easy.
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    How and Why should I calibrate my printer?
    Ensuring your printer is calibrated is crucial for achieving precise and consistent color reproduction.
    How to calibrate your printer:
     Use Built-in Tools: Many printers offer built-in calibration tools or software to guide you through the process.
    Adjust Settings: Access your printer’s color management settings via its control panel or computer software. Fine-tune parameters such as brightness, contrast, gamma, and color balance for accurate results.
     Print Test Pages: Use specialized test pages with color swatches, gradients, and grayscale patterns to evaluate color accuracy and consistency.
     Regular Maintenance: Calibration isn’t a one-time task. Perform it periodically, especially when changing ink cartridges or when printing conditions change significantly.
    How and Why should I calibrate my printer?. Ensuring your printer is calibrated is crucial for achieving precise and consistent color reproduction. How to calibrate your printer: Use Built-in Tools: Many printers offer built-in calibration tools or software to guide you through the process.  Adjust Settings: Access your printer’s color management settings via its control panel or computer software. Fine-tune parameters such as brightness, contrast, gamma, and color balance for accurate results. Print Test Pages: Use specialized test pages with color swatches, gradients, and grayscale patterns to evaluate color accuracy and consistency. ​​​​​​​Regular Maintenance: Calibration isn’t a one-time task. Perform it periodically, especially when changing ink cartridges or when printing conditions change significantly.
    Additional Support For You & Your Printer
    Staples is here for you with warranties, Tech Help Plus, and an easy recycling program.
    Warranty - Staples Accident Protection & Tech Help Plan

    From repair to replacement, we've got you covered with no additional fees or deductibles. We'll keep you up and running!
    Review the product page for your printer to review warranty options.

    Tech Help Plus

    24/7 Tech help available from set-up to troubleshooting issues for all your connected devices across your household.
    Powered by Asurion

    Tech Recycling

    We offer an environmentally responsible way to recycle old electronic devices. Prepay 2-way shipping, 100% contactless, and guaranteed secure data destruction.

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