10 Best Printers

The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a multifunction ink tank printer that offers a great deal of convenience and efficiency for home use. Its standout feature is the ink tank system, which eliminates the need for traditional cartridges. This can lead to significant cost savings, as it comes with enough ink to last up to three years, supporting up to 14,000 pages in black and 5,200 pages in color printouts. This is equivalent to using up to 72 cartridges, making it an economical choice for frequent printing.

The print quality is impressive, with a resolution of up to 5760x1440 dpi for color prints, ensuring clear and vibrant images. However, print speeds are modest at 10.5 pages per minute, which might not be ideal for users needing rapid document turnaround. For paper handling, it accommodates A4 sheets with a maximum input capacity of 100 sheets, suitable for general home and small office tasks, but possibly limiting for larger volumes.

In terms of connectivity, it is equipped with Wi-Fi and USB options, allowing easy integration with various devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The inclusion of automatic double-sided printing and borderless photo printing adds to its versatility. The Epson Smart Panel app further enhances user experience by allowing remote control of printing, scanning, and setup from smart devices.

One potential drawback could be the initial cost of the printer, which may be higher than typical cartridge-based models. However, the long-term savings on ink could offset this for regular users. Additionally, while it boasts energy efficiency with its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, the operating costs should be considered in the context of individual usage patterns. This printer is particularly well-suited for those seeking a cost-effective and versatile solution for home and small office environments, prioritizing quality and ease of use over high-speed output.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2860 is a great pick if you want to keep printing costs low without sacrificing quality. It’s an inkjet printer with refillable ink tanks, which means instead of buying pricey cartridges, you refill with bottles that last a very long time — one set can print thousands of pages, roughly equal to 72 standard cartridges. This really helps save money over time, especially if you print regularly. The print quality is solid, offering sharp black and color prints with resolutions up to 1200 dpi (black) and 5760 x 1440 dpi (color), so photos and documents look good.

It's fairly fast too, with up to 33 pages per minute in black and 15 in color, which is decent for home or small office tasks but not for heavy-duty jobs. The 100-sheet paper tray is suitable for everyday use, though it might feel limited if you print large volumes. Connectivity is modern and flexible with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing easy printing from phones, tablets, or laptops using Epson’s app, which also handles scanning and copying. It lacks automatic double-sided printing, which could be a downside if you often print two-sided documents.

Its compact size fits well on a desk without taking up much space. This printer performs well for users who want affordable, hassle-free printing with good quality and wireless convenience but don’t need heavy commercial features or duplex printing.

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a versatile ink tank photo printer that boasts a 6-colour ink system, which includes a new grey ink for impressive black and white photos, and is capable of producing high-quality prints up to A3+ size. This makes it a strong candidate for photography enthusiasts looking for vibrant, long-lasting images. The printer offers a mix of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and direct printing from SD cards and USB drives, which provides flexibility for various home and small office setups.

The print quality is notable, although the print speed is moderate, with a maximum of 16 pages per minute for monochrome and 12 pages per minute for colour. This might not be ideal for users needing rapid output, particularly in busy office environments.

One of the printer's standout features is its low operating cost, thanks to the ink tank system that can print up to 2,300 photos before needing a refill, which is both economical and environmentally friendly. Additionally, the included Epson Smart Panel app allows for easy control from smart devices, expanding the printer's usability.

In terms of paper handling, it accommodates various media sizes and types, including a rear tray for specialty media, which is beneficial for artistic projects. The inclusion of heat-free technology ensures energy efficiency and consistent print speeds, though users should be aware of the weight, as at 11.1 kilograms, it is relatively hefty for a home printer.

The printer's DPI might not match some high-end photo printers, yet its balance of cost efficiency, quality output, and connectivity makes it a solid option for hobbyists and small businesses that prioritize printing versatility and operational savings over sheer speed.