10 Best Inkjet Printers (August 2026) Tested and Ranked

Finding the best inkjet printers in 2026 means cutting through a wall of marketing claims about page yields, EcoTanks, and cartridge traps. After testing inkjet printers from every major brand, I can tell you that the gap between a great purchase and a costly mistake comes down to two things: long-term ink costs and whether the printhead clogs when you skip a week of printing.

Our team spent months evaluating print quality, running costs, wireless reliability, and real-world usability across 10 inkjet printers from Canon, Epson, Brother, and HP. We printed everything from dense text documents to borderless photos and scanned stacks of paperwork through automatic document feeders. What we found surprised us in several cases, and it goes against what most forum recommendations suggest.

If you are tired of replacing overpriced cartridges or dealing with dried-out printheads, this guide walks you through the models that actually deliver value. Whether you need a budget home printer, a photo powerhouse, or a portable work companion, we have ranked the top options below. And if you are hunting for a bargain, check out the current printer deals before you commit.

Our Top 3 Inkjet Printers for 2026: Quick Picks

These three cover the spectrum: the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 wins on running costs, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 delivers the best bang for your buck at under $100, and the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is the professional photo printer that serious creatives will love.

Full Comparison: 10 Best Inkjet Printers Side by Side

Before diving into individual reviews, use the table above to compare specs at a glance. Pay special attention to the ink system column, because that determines your cost per page more than any other spec on the list.

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Lowest Long-Term Ink Costs

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the printer I recommend more than any other to people who are sick of cartridge traps. With nearly 8,000 reviews and a 4.0-star average, this is the model that changed how I think about ink costs. Instead of buying cartridges every few months, you fill the built-in tanks with bottles and print for what feels like forever.

Each replacement ink set delivers roughly 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages. To put that in perspective, a standard cartridge might give you 200 pages. The math is not even close, and Epson includes enough ink in the box for up to two years of typical use.

The Micro Piezo heat-free printhead is the other reason this printer stands out. Unlike thermal printheads that heat ink to force it through nozzles, the piezoelectric system uses mechanical pressure. This means less wear on the printhead and fewer clogs when the printer sits unused for a week or two.

Ink Cost Savings That Add Up Fast

I calculated the running costs over a two-year period for a household printing about 150 pages per month. The EcoTank came out dramatically cheaper than any cartridge-based model on this list. Even factoring in the higher purchase price, the break-even point hits around month eight for most users.

The refill bottles cost roughly $12 each for black and $13 for color, and a full set lasts well over a year for typical home use. Reddit users on r/printers consistently call the EcoTank line the best long-term value, and my testing confirms their consensus.

Print Speed and Everyday Performance

At 10 ISO pages per minute for black text, the ET-2800 is not the fastest printer here. But for home and student use, that speed feels perfectly adequate. Color pages drop to 5 ppm, which is fine for occasional photo prints or school projects.

Print resolution reaches 5760 x 1440 dpi for color, which produces sharp text and vibrant photos on glossy paper. I printed several 4×6 borderless photos and was impressed by the color accuracy, especially considering this is not marketed as a dedicated photo printer.

What Holds It Back

The biggest miss is the lack of automatic duplex printing. You have to flip pages manually for two-sided jobs, which is annoying if you print long documents regularly. Some users also report occasional Wi-Fi connectivity hiccups, though I did not experience this during testing.

Overall, if low running costs are your priority, nothing on this list touches the ET-2800. It is the printer I would buy for my own family.

2. Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best Budget All-in-One

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to get a capable inkjet printer. At well under $100 with Prime shipping, this model earned the highest rating on our list at 4.4 stars across over 1,300 reviews. That kind of satisfaction at this price point is hard to ignore.

What makes the TS6520 special is that it includes features usually reserved for pricier models. You get automatic duplex printing, dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity that holds a stable signal, and a 1.42-inch OLED display that makes monitoring ink levels and print status genuinely easy.

The hybrid 2-cartridge ink system delivers text sharp enough for professional documents and color vibrant enough for school projects. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the edges looked on small font sizes, which is not always the case with budget inkjets.

Setup and Connectivity Experience

Canon nailed the setup process with this model. I had it connected to both a 2.4GHz and 5GHz network within five minutes using the Canon PRINT app. Apple AirPrint and Mopria support mean you can print directly from virtually any phone or tablet without installing extra software.

The compact footprint, measuring just 14.8 by 14 by 6.7 inches, fits comfortably on a bookshelf or small desk. At 15.3 pounds, it is also light enough to move around without much effort.

Print Speed and Output Quality

At 14 pages per minute for black text and 9 ppm for color, the TS6520 is one of the faster budget options available. The first page prints in 7.5 seconds for black, which means you are not waiting long for quick jobs.

Borderless printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches means you can produce full-page photos without white margins. Resolution maxes out at 1200 x 1200 dpi, which is solid for everyday printing but not quite professional photo quality.

The Trade-Offs at This Price

The paper tray holds a limited number of sheets, so you will reload more often than with premium models. The 2-cartridge system also means you replace the whole color cartridge even if only one color runs dry, which increases running costs compared to individual ink tanks.

Still, for the price, the TS6520 punches well above its weight. If you need a reliable home printer without a big upfront investment, this is where I would start.

3. Brother Work Smart 1360 – Best for Home Office Productivity

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is the printer I recommend for people running a home office or small business who need speed and document-handling features without spending a premium. At 16 pages per minute for black text, it is one of the fastest inkjets on this list, and the 20-sheet automatic document feeder makes scanning multi-page contracts a breeze.

Over 2,000 reviewers have given this model a 4.0-star rating, praising the combination of duplex printing, cloud connectivity, and the Brother Mobile Connect app. The app lets you manage printing, scanning, and copying directly from your phone, which is genuinely useful when you are away from your desk.

Document Handling and ADF Performance

The 20-sheet automatic document feeder is the standout feature for office users. I loaded a stack of 15 mixed-size pages and the feeder handled them without jamming, pulling each sheet through the scanner cleanly. The 150-sheet input tray also means fewer refill interruptions during heavy print days.

Cloud integration works seamlessly with Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive. I scanned a document directly to my Drive folder without touching a computer, and the process took under a minute.

Print Quality and Speed in Practice

The 16 ppm black speed is legitimately fast for an inkjet at this price. Color pages come in at 9 ppm, and the first page prints in just 6.2 seconds for black text. Resolution reaches 1,200 x 6,000 dpi on Windows, producing crisp documents with clean edges.

The Page Gauge feature displays remaining ink levels as a percentage, taking the guesswork out of when to reorder. This is more helpful than the vague low-ink warnings on most cartridge printers.

Who Should Consider This Model

If you print and scan documents daily for work, the Work Smart 1360 hits a sweet spot between price and functionality. The LC501 ink series is reasonably priced, and Brother’s reputation for reliability is well-earned based on long-term user reviews.

For casual home users who only print occasionally, this model may be overkill. But for anyone who needs a daily workhorse, it is hard to beat at this price.

4. Canon PIXMA TR4720 – Most Affordable 4-in-1 with Fax

With over 16,000 reviews, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is one of the most purchased inkjet printers on Amazon. At under $70, it offers print, copy, scan, and fax functionality in a compact package. That 4-in-1 capability at this price is genuinely remarkable.

The hybrid ink system uses Canon CL-276 color and PG-275 black cartridges, delivering text that is sharp and photos with vibrant color. The 100-sheet front-loading paper tray handles everyday jobs without constant refilling.

All-in-One Features That Actually Work

The automatic document feeder handles multi-page scanning jobs, and the auto 2-sided printing saves paper. The fax function may seem dated, but many home office users still need it for contracts and legal documents. Having it built in means one less device on your desk.

Setup takes about 15 minutes using the Canon PRINT app, and wireless connectivity works reliably across both 2.4GHz networks. Alexa smart reorder is a nice touch for keeping ink stocked automatically.

Print Speed and Quality Realities

At 8.8 ppm for black and 4.4 ppm for color, the TR4720 is the slowest printer on this list. If you print long documents regularly, this will test your patience. For occasional use, though, the speed is acceptable.

Resolution reaches 4800 x 1200 dpi, and borderless photo printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches produces surprisingly good results. Colors are vibrant and text edges are clean, especially considering the low price.

Is the TR4720 Worth It?

If your budget is tight and you need a do-everything printer, the TR4720 delivers more features per dollar than almost anything else. The main drawback is speed, so consider whether you can live with slower output in exchange for the savings.

Some users report setup difficulties, particularly with Wi-Fi pairing. I recommend using the Canon PRINT app rather than the USB setup method for the smoothest experience.

5. HP Envy 6155 – Best Smart Features and AI Printing

The HP Envy 6155 is the newest model on this list, and it brings some genuinely innovative features to the table. HP’s AI capabilities can strip unwanted content from web pages and emails before you print, which saves ink and paper on a regular basis. After using this feature for a few weeks, I can confirm it works better than expected.

The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is HP’s most intuitive interface yet, making navigation feel like using a smartphone. Dual-band Wi-Fi with automatic issue detection means the printer self-diagnoses connectivity problems before they interrupt your workflow.

HP P3 Technology and Print Quality

HP P3 technology is designed to deliver true-to-screen color accuracy, meaning what you see on your monitor is what prints on the page. In my testing, color matching was impressively close, with minimal shift between screen and print output. This matters most for creative work and photo printing.

Print speeds of 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color are solid for a home printer in this price range. The 100-sheet input tray and auto duplex printing round out a well-designed feature set.

Instant Ink Subscription Integration

The Envy 6155 comes with a 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink, the subscription service that automatically delivers ink when your printer detects low levels. I have mixed feelings about ink subscriptions. They work well for consistent users who print regularly, but occasional printers may end up paying for ink they never fully use.

If you decide to keep Instant Ink after the trial, plans start at under $1 per month for light users. The convenience is real, but so is the lock-in effect since the printer only works with original HP chipped cartridges.

Sustainability and Build Quality

The Envy 6155 is made with at least 60% recycled plastic, which is a meaningful step toward reducing e-waste. HP has been pushing sustainability across its product line, and this model shows that commitment without compromising on performance.

As a newer product with just over 120 reviews, long-term reliability is still being established. The early signs are positive, with 70% of users giving it 5 stars and praising the AI features and touchscreen interface.

6. Canon PIXMA TR160 – Best Portable Inkjet Printer

The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the only truly portable inkjet printer on this list, and it fills a niche that no other model here can match. At just 4.5 pounds and measuring 12.7 by 7.3 by 2.6 inches, it slides into a backpack with room to spare. If you need to print contracts on a job site or photos at an event, this is your machine.

The 5-color hybrid ink system produces prints that rival full-size Canon models. Text is sharp, and photos show rich detail with accurate color reproduction. I printed a batch of 4×6 photos at an outdoor event and was impressed by the vibrancy, especially from such a compact device.

Connectivity on the Go

Wireless direct mode is the feature that makes the TR160 work anywhere. You can connect your phone or laptop directly to the printer without needing a Wi-Fi router, which is essential when you are printing at a client site or remote location. The Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria all work seamlessly.

USB-C connectivity means you can connect modern laptops and tablets without adapters. The 1.44-inch OLED display shows ink levels and printer status clearly, even in bright outdoor light.

Print Speeds and Paper Handling

At 9 ppm black and 5.5 ppm color, the TR160 is not fast, but portability is the trade-off. The 50-sheet paper tray is adequate for mobile use, and the printer handles paper sizes from 3.5 x 3.5 inches up to legal-size 8.5 x 14.

Borderless printing is supported on multiple photo sizes, which makes this printer popular with photographers who sell prints at craft fairs and events. The 5-color ink system includes a dedicated photo black cartridge for deeper shadows and richer contrast.

Who Needs a Portable Printer?

The TR160 is not for everyone. If you print at a desk, a full-size all-in-one makes more sense. But for real estate agents, mobile notaries, event photographers, and traveling professionals, having a quality inkjet that fits in a bag is a genuine productivity booster.

It is print-only, so you lose scanning and copying capabilities. Consider whether you can live without those features before choosing portability over versatility.

7. Brother Work Smart 1410 – Best Touchscreen and Cloud Integration

The Brother Work Smart 1410 is the step-up model from the 1360, and the extra investment buys you a significantly better interface. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen makes navigating menus, selecting cloud services, and managing print jobs feel effortless. If you have ever struggled with tiny LCD screens and cryptic button combinations, this display is a revelation.

With print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities, the 1410 covers every office function in a single compact unit. The 20-sheet ADF handles multi-page scanning jobs, and the 150-sheet paper tray keeps you printing without constant refills.

Touchscreen and Cloud Workflow

The 2.7-inch touchscreen is the best display on any sub-$150 inkjet I have tested. Menus are clear, responsive, and logically organized. You can browse files on Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, or OneDrive directly from the screen and print without involving a computer.

This cloud-first workflow is perfect for hybrid workers who store documents online rather than on a local hard drive. I scanned a signed contract directly to my OneDrive folder in under 30 seconds, which is the kind of efficiency that saves real time over weeks of use.

Print Performance Details

Print speeds match the 1360 at 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color, with a first-page-out time of 6.2 seconds for black text. Resolution reaches 1,200 x 6,000 dpi on Windows, producing documents with professional-level sharpness.

The auto duplex printing works reliably across long documents. I ran a 30-page double-sided job without a single jam or misfeed, which speaks to the paper handling quality Brother has built into this model.

Is the 1410 Worth the Upgrade?

If the touchscreen and cloud features matter to your workflow, the price difference over the 1360 is easily justified. The Brother Mobile Connect app adds mobile printing and scanning, and the Energy Star certification keeps power consumption reasonable.

At 169 reviews, this is a newer product, so long-term reliability data is still building. The early returns are strong, with 70% of users awarding 5 stars.

8. Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 – Best for Photo Enthusiasts

The Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 is the photo enthusiast’s choice on this list. With a 4.3-inch touchscreen, 30-page ADF, and the ability to print borderless photos up to 8 x 10 inches, it sits between consumer all-in-ones and professional photo printers. Nearly 4,000 reviewers have given it a 4.1-star rating, with particular praise for print quality.

The individual ink cartridge system is a significant advantage over 2-cartridge budget models. When one color runs out, you replace only that cartridge instead of wasting the remaining colors. Over time, this saves money for users who print a lot of photos.

Photo Printing Quality and Features

The XP-7100 prints photos that genuinely look professional. Colors are vibrant, skin tones are accurate, and fine details hold up even at larger sizes. The borderless printing capability means no white borders on your photos, which gives prints a polished, lab-quality appearance.

You can print directly from USB drives or SD cards using the 4.3-inch touchscreen to select and edit photos. This is a feature I did not know I needed until I used it, and it eliminates the need to transfer photos to a computer first.

Document Handling and Connectivity

The 30-page ADF handles multi-page scanning and copying efficiently. Auto duplex printing saves paper on two-sided documents. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and USB, giving you flexibility in how you connect.

The XP-7100 also supports specialty media, including DVDs and CD printing. This niche feature appeals to creative users who produce media for distribution or archival purposes.

Considerations Before Buying

Stock availability is a concern, with limited units remaining at most retailers. The printer requires Epson genuine ink cartridges, which means no third-party alternatives if you want reliable operation. Individual cartridges cost more per unit but waste less ink overall.

If photo quality is your top priority and you want all-in-one convenience, the XP-7100 is the best balance on this list. Just be prepared to buy genuine Epson ink.

9. Brother MFC-J805DW INKvestment – Best for Low-Maintenance Printing

The Brother MFC-J805DW INKvestment takes a different approach to solving the ink cost problem. Instead of refillable tanks like the EcoTank, Brother uses reengineered cartridges that hold significantly more ink and feed into an internal storage tank. The result is up to one full year of printing with the ink that comes in the box.

With over 2,100 reviews and a 4.2-star rating, this model has built a strong following among users who want low-maintenance printing without committing to a tank system. The Page Gauge feature shows exactly how many pages worth of ink remains, eliminating the guesswork of traditional low-ink warnings.

How the INKvestment Tank System Works

The INKvestment system uses standard-looking cartridges that hold far more ink than typical cartridges. These feed into an internal tank that stores extra ink, delivering continuous printing without the mess of manually refilling bottles. It is a hybrid approach that combines cartridge convenience with tank-level capacity.

Based on printing approximately 150 pages per month, the included ink lasts about a year. That means no ink purchases for 12 months, which dramatically reduces the total cost of ownership compared to standard cartridge printers.

Connectivity and Versatility

This model offers the widest connectivity options on this list, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Bluetooth. The Ethernet port is a standout for office environments where wired networking is preferred. Bluetooth adds convenience for direct mobile printing.

The MFC-J805DW handles print, copy, and scan functions with auto duplex printing and a 150-sheet paper tray. Print resolution reaches 1200 x 1200 dpi for black and 6000 x 2400 dpi for color, producing sharp documents and vivid photos.

Trade-Offs to Consider

Stock is limited and this model is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer than other options on this list. Some users report ink drying issues with intermittent use, which is a common inkjet problem. The 2-year warranty is generous and provides peace of mind.

Reddit users consistently praise Brother for accepting third-party ink without locking users out, which is a significant trust factor that separates Brother from HP and Canon on the cartridge compatibility front.

10. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Best Professional Photo Printer

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is in a different category from every other printer on this list. It is a dedicated professional photo printer with an 8-color dye-based ink system, borderless printing up to 13 x 19 inches, and the ability to produce an A3+ print in just 90 seconds. This is the printer for serious photographers, artists, and anyone who needs gallery-quality output.

The 8-color ChromaLife100+ ink system produces a color gamut that standard 4-color printers simply cannot match. Reds are deeper, blues are richer, and skin tones have a subtlety that makes portrait prints look like they came from a professional lab. At 4.3 stars across 176 reviews, the satisfaction rate is high among buyers who understand what this printer is designed to do.

The 8-Color Ink Advantage

Eight individual ink cartridges give the PRO-200S a dramatically wider color gamut than any 4-color or 5-color printer. The system includes photo-specific inks that improve gradation in highlight and shadow areas, producing prints with a tonal range that approaches fine art quality.

Each cartridge is replaced individually, so you only swap the colors you actually use. This is more efficient than combined color cartridges and ensures consistent print quality across long print runs.

Print Sizes and Media Handling

The PRO-200S handles paper sizes from 3.5 x 3.5 inches up to 13 x 19 inches, plus panorama sizes up to 13 x 39 inches. Whether you are printing wallet-size photos or large gallery prints, this machine covers an extraordinary range of media.

The 3.0-inch color LCD makes it easy to check ink levels, monitor print status, and adjust settings without a computer. Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity provide flexible networking options for studio environments.

Is the PRO-200S Right for You?

This is a print-only device with no scanning or copying capabilities. At 2 ppm, it is not built for office document workflows. The 32-pound weight and large footprint mean it needs a dedicated space on a sturdy desk or table.

If you are a photographer or creative professional who sells prints, creates portfolios, or produces fine art reproductions, the PRO-200S delivers quality that justifies its price. For everyone else, the models higher on this list will serve you better at a fraction of the cost.

How to Choose the Right Inkjet Printer

Choosing from the best inkjet printers comes down to matching your actual usage patterns to the right technology. Here is how I break down the decision based on months of testing and real user feedback from communities like r/printers and r/BuyItForLife.

Ink Tank vs Cartridge: The Real Cost Difference

This is the single most important decision you will make. Cartridge printers cost less upfront but charge you far more per page over time. Ink tank printers like the Epson EcoTank cost more initially but save hundreds over two to three years of ownership.

My cost analysis showed that for a household printing 150 pages per month, the EcoTank ET-2800 breaks even against a budget cartridge printer around month eight. After that, the savings compound rapidly. If you plan to keep your printer for two or more years, an ink tank system almost always wins financially.

Brother’s INKvestment system offers a middle ground, using high-capacity cartridges that feed into an internal tank. You get cartridge convenience with near-tank-level page yields, which appeals to users who do not want to handle ink bottles.

Print Speed vs Print Quality: What Matters for You

Print speed matters more than most people realize until they are waiting on a 20-page document. The Brother Work Smart models at 16 ppm black are the fastest inkjets on this list, while the Canon PIXMA TR4720 at 8.8 ppm is the slowest.

Print quality, measured in DPI, determines how sharp text appears and how vibrant photos look. For text-only users, any printer here will produce acceptable quality. For photo printing, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S with its 8-color system is in a class of its own.

Think about what you print most often. Documents favor speed, while photos favor resolution and color depth. No single printer maximizes both.

Inkjet vs Laser: Which One Do You Actually Need

This question comes up constantly on Reddit forums. The short answer is that inkjet printers win for color printing, photos, and versatility. Laser printers win for high-volume black-and-white document printing with lower per-page costs.

If you print mostly text documents and rarely need color, a monochrome Brother laser printer will serve you better than any inkjet on this list. Inkjets are the right choice when you need color output, photo printing capability, or the flexibility of an all-in-one device at a lower purchase price.

One critical factor Reddit users emphasize: laser printers do not have the clogging and drying problems that plague inkjets used infrequently. If you print less than once a week, seriously consider a laser printer instead.

Connectivity and Smart Features Checklist

Modern inkjet printers offer Wi-Fi, USB, and sometimes Ethernet connectivity. Dual-band Wi-Fi, found on the Canon PIXMA TS6520 and HP Envy 6155, provides more stable connections by supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.

Cloud printing integration is increasingly important for hybrid workers. The Brother Work Smart models lead here with direct access to Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive from the touchscreen. Mobile printing through apps like Canon PRINT, Brother Mobile Connect, and HP Smart is standard across all models on this list.

If you use a Chromebook, all ten printers on this list are compatible. For more Chromebook-specific recommendations, check our dedicated printers for Chromebook guide.

Preventing Ink Clogs: Tips for Occasional Users

Ink clogging is the number one complaint about inkjet printers, and no competitor guide I found adequately addresses prevention. The truth is that inkjets need regular use to keep printheads clear. If you print at least one page per week, most modern printers will stay clog-free.

The Epson EcoTank’s Micro Piezo heat-free printhead is more resistant to clogging than thermal printheads because it does not bake ink residue into the nozzles. This is a genuine technical advantage for occasional users.

If your printer does clog, running the built-in cleaning cycle usually fixes it. However, cleaning cycles waste ink, so prevention through regular use is always better than treatment.

Subscription Ink Services: Worth It?

HP Instant Ink, included with the Envy 6155, and Epson’s similar ReadyPrint service automatically deliver ink based on your actual usage. For users who print consistently, these services can reduce per-page costs significantly.

The catch is lock-in. HP printers with Instant Ink only work with HP chipped cartridges, meaning you cannot use cheaper third-party ink. Brother is notably more permissive about third-party cartridges, which is a major reason Reddit communities recommend Brother models so strongly.

My recommendation is to use the included trial period, track your actual savings, and cancel if the math does not work for your printing volume. Subscription services make the most sense for users who print between 50 and 300 pages per month.

Inkjet Printer FAQs

Final Verdict: Which Inkjet Printer Should You Buy?

If you want the lowest running costs and a printer that will not nickel-and-dime you on ink, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the clear winner. For budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable all-in-one without spending much, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 delivers exceptional value. And if you are a photo professional who needs gallery-quality output, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is worth every penny.

For home office users, the Brother Work Smart 1360 or 1410 offer the best combination of speed, document handling, and cloud features. Occasional printers should prioritize models with piezoelectric printheads to avoid clogging headaches.

The best inkjet printers in 2026 are the ones that match your actual printing habits. Use our comparison table, weigh the running costs, and pick the model that fits how you really print. Your wallet will thank you for choosing wisely.