Welcome to BuySmart.ai, your AI shopping assistant, where we understand that the right technology can make all the difference in a student's academic journey. As we step into 2024, the landscape of printers and scanners continues to evolve, offering an array of features designed to cater to the diverse and dynamic needs of students. Whether you're crafting a thesis, compiling research, or simply managing day-to-day assignments, having a reliable printer and scanner at your disposal is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the best printers and scanners that stand out in the current market, tailored specifically for students who demand efficiency, quality, and value for money. We'll navigate through the crucial factors that should influence your decision, such as print speed, image resolution, and the ever-important cost of maintenance. With a focus on wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities, we ensure that you're equipped with the tools to print and scan from anywhere, be it the comfort of your dorm room or the convenience of a campus café.
Moreover, we recognize that the upfront cost is just the tip of the iceberg. That's why we'll also guide you through the long-term considerations, such as ink or toner expenses, to ensure that your choice is not only effective but also economical in the long run. From multifunctional devices that combine printing and scanning into a seamless experience to standalone scanners for those larger-than-life projects, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore the devices that promise to enhance your academic life, backed by reputable brands known for their quality and customer support. Let's find the perfect match for your scholarly endeavors in 2024.
Epson EcoTank ET-2760: Best Cost-Effective Printer for Students
EcoTank ET-2760 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Print... -- 320(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 stands out for its innovative approach to printing, eliminating the need for traditional ink cartridges. This model is designed to be cost-effective over time, offering up to 90% savings on ink with its low-cost replacement bottles. It's an ideal choice for students or anyone looking to reduce their printing expenses without sacrificing quality. With features like auto 2-sided printing, easy wireless networking, and voice-activated printing, it combines convenience with efficiency.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for students, home offices, or small businesses that require regular printing and are looking to minimize ongoing ink costs. It's also a great fit for environmentally conscious users who appreciate the reduced waste associated with cartridge-free printing.
PROS | CONS |
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✅ Saves up to 90% on ink costs with low-cost replacement bottles | ❌ Higher initial purchase price compared to traditional inkjet printers |
✅ Up to 2 years of ink included, reducing the need for frequent purchases | ❌ Limited to a 50-sheet input capacity, which may require frequent paper refills for heavy users |
✅ Cartridge-free printing for less waste and more savings | ❌ Wireless connectivity issues may occur, depending on the network environment |
HP Envy 6055 All-In-One: Versatile All-in-One Printer for Students and Home Use
HP ENVY 6055e Wireless All-in-One Color Printer with 3 months Free Insta... -- 79.99(Office Depot)
ENVY 6055e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, copy, Easy setup,... -- 79.99(Amazon)
HP Envy 6055e All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer -- 79.99(HP)
HP Envy 6055 Wireless All-in-One Printer | Mobile Print, Scan & Copy (5S... -- 79.99(Amazon)
HP - Envy 6055 Wireless All-in-One Instant Ink-Ready Inkjet Printer - Wh... -- 98.3(Bonanza - Gen-X Computers)
Why We Picked It
The HP Envy 6055 All-In-One stands out for its versatility and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for students and home users alike. With capabilities to print, scan, and copy, it covers all the basic needs for managing documents and creative projects. The inclusion of HP+ Smart Features and the HP Smart App enhances its functionality, allowing for mobile printing, advanced scanning features, and easy setup. Its affordability, combined with the option to save up to 50% on ink with an HP Instant Ink subscription, makes it a cost-effective solution for regular printing needs.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for students and home users who need a reliable, all-in-one solution for their printing, scanning, and copying needs. It's particularly beneficial for those who value the convenience of wireless and mobile printing. However, it might not be the best fit for users with high-volume printing needs due to the potential high cost of ink without an HP Instant Ink subscription.
PROS | CONS |
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✅ Easy setup and mobile printing with HP Smart App | ❌ Ink costs can be high without an HP Instant Ink subscription |
✅ Includes HP+ Smart Features for enhanced functionality | ❌ Printer is designed to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry |
✅ 3 months of free Instant Ink with HP+ subscription | ❌ Monthly fee applies after the initial 3 months of free Instant Ink |
Canon Pixma TR4520: Best Compact Printer for Students and Home Offices
PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer with Mobile Printing, Bla... -- 89.95(Amazon)
PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer with Mobile Printing, Pri... -- 138.92(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Canon Pixma TR4520 is a versatile and cost-effective all-in-one printer that is particularly well-suited for students and home offices. Its compact design makes it ideal for small spaces like dorm rooms, and it offers convenient features such as mobile printing, an automatic document feeder, and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy to handle a variety of tasks without the need for a bulky setup.
Who It's For
This printer is best fit for students living in dorms or anyone in need of a space-saving printing solution at home. It's also a good match for those who frequently use their smartphones or tablets for printing tasks. However, it may not be the best choice for environments where high-volume, fast-paced printing is required.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✅ Affordable price point | ❌ Slower print speed compared to some competitors |
✅ Wireless printing and compatibility with Alexa | ❌ Ink costs can add up with frequent use |
✅ Automatic two-sided printing and built-in ADF | ❌ Limited paper handling capacity |
Brother HL-L2350DW: Best Monochrome Printer for High-Volume Printing
HL-L2350DW Series Compact Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer - Mobile Pri... -- 184.4(Amazon)
Brother Hl-l2350dw Series Compact Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer - Mo... -- 184.4(Amazon)
Compact Monochrome Laser Printer, HL-L2350DW, Wireless Printing, Duplex ... -- 189.9(Amazon)
Brother Hl-l2350dw Compact Monochrome Laser Printer, Wireless Printing, ... -- 219.98(Walmart - liam50008)
HL-L2350DW Monochrome Compact Laser Printer with Wireless and Duplex Pri... -- 189.9(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Brother HL-L2350DW is chosen for its robust performance in monochrome printing, offering high-speed output and cost efficiency, which is ideal for students and home offices that require frequent document printing without the need for color.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for students, home offices, or small businesses that need to print large volumes of black and white documents quickly and want to keep operating costs low. It's not suitable for those who need to print in color or require advanced scanning and copying features.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✅ Fast printing speeds of up to 32 pages per minute | ❌ Lacks color printing capabilities |
✅ Automatic duplex printing for two-sided documents | ❌ No automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning |
✅ Wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities | ❌ Limited to basic LCD display without touchscreen functionality |
Canon Pixma MG3620: Budget-Friendly All-in-One Printer
Canon PIXMA MG3620 Wireless All-In-One Printer, White -- 54.99(Canon)
Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-In-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile and Ta... -- 54(Amazon)
Canon PIXMA MG3620 Wireless Inkjet All-in-One Printer - Black -- 94.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Canon Pixma MG3620 stands out as a budget-friendly all-in-one printer that doesn't compromise on functionality. It offers the convenience of wireless printing from mobile devices, automatic two-sided printing, and a compact design that saves space. With its ability to produce high-quality prints for both documents and photos, it's an excellent choice for home users who need versatility without breaking the bank. The integration with Alexa for smart reorders of ink or toner ensures you're never caught off guard without supplies, making it a smart, user-friendly option.
Who It's For
This printer is ideal for students, home offices, or anyone who needs a reliable, cost-effective printing solution that supports mobile and tablet printing. It's especially suited for those who appreciate the convenience of printing directly from their mobile devices and are looking for an easy way to manage their ink supplies without a subscription. However, it might not be the best fit for users who are not tech-savvy or those who prefer a printer with a straightforward, hassle-free setup process.
PROS | CONS |
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✅ Affordable price point for a versatile all-in-one printer | ❌ Setup process can be complicated for some users |
✅ Supports mobile and tablet printing, including Airprint and Google Cloud Print | ❌ Print speed may not be sufficient for high-volume printing needs |
✅ Smart reorders with Alexa to never run out of ink or toner | ❌ Limited paper capacity of 100 sheets might require frequent refills for heavy users |
HP Tango X: Stylish Smart Home Printer
Tango X Smart Wireless Color All-in-One Inkjet Printer with Indigo Cover... -- 199.98(Amazon)
HP - Tango X Wireless Instant Ink Ready Printer with Linen Cover - White -- 189.95(eBay - beckettnwreckit)
HP Tango x Smart Wireless Printer W Mobile Print, Scan, Copy + HP Instan... -- 219.99(Walmart - Venu)
Universal HP Tango X Smart Wireless Printer with Indigo Linen -Cover – M... -- 209.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The HP Tango X stands out for its innovative approach to home printing, combining style with smart technology. It's designed to cater to the modern user who values both aesthetics and functionality, offering mobile and cloud-based printing solutions. Its compatibility with Alexa for voice-activated printing and the HP Smart App for easy scanning and copying from anywhere adds a layer of convenience that's hard to find in other models. The inclusion of a stylish indigo linen cover not only protects the device but also allows it to blend seamlessly into any home decor.
Who It's For
Ideal for tech-savvy families and individuals who prioritize convenience and style in their printing needs. The HP Tango X is perfect for those who frequently print from mobile devices, need easy access to cloud-based services, and appreciate the ability to command their printer via voice. It's also a great match for users looking for a printer that doesn't compromise on design, fitting elegantly into modern homes.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✅ Voice-activated printing with Alexa for hands-free convenience | ❌ Higher price point compared to similar feature models |
✅ Elegant design with indigo linen cover, blending into home decor | ❌ Manual duplex printing requires manual intervention for two-sided printing |
✅ Mobile and cloud-based printing with high-quality scanning and copying | ❌ Limited paper handling capacity may not suit high-volume printing needs |
Epson WorkForce WF-2830: Affordable All-in-One Printer for Students
Workforce WF-2830 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer, Print Scan C... -- 123.5(Amazon)
Epson WorkForce WF-2830 All-in-One Inkjet Printer -- 123.84(Amazon)
Epson WorkForce WF-2830 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer, Print ... -- 102.99(Amazon)
212 Claria Ink Standard Capacity Black & Color Cartridge Combo Pack (T21... -- 40.95(Amazon)
Epson WorkForce WF-2830DWF -- 145.5(Walmart - Superdeal store)
Epson WorkForce WF-2830 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer with - Black -- 168.95(Walmart - Spirit Tech)
Why We Picked It
The Epson WorkForce WF-2830 stands out as an affordable all-in-one printer that meets the diverse needs of students by offering fax capabilities, auto 2-sided printing, and wireless connectivity. Its fast printing speed, easy wireless setup, and high-quality performance with pigment black Claria ink for crisp text make it a versatile choice for both academic and personal use. The inclusion of a 1.4" color LCD for easy navigation and a 30-page auto document feeder enhances its functionality, making it a practical tool for efficient multitasking.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for students and home office users who require a multifunctional device for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing without breaking the bank. It's ideal for those who value convenience and efficiency in their study or work environment, especially with its wireless printing capabilities and automatic 2-sided printing. However, it may not be the best fit for users with heavy printing needs due to the potential for frequent ink cartridge replacements.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✅ Affordable with multifunction capabilities (print, scan, copy, fax) | ❌ Ink cartridges may require frequent replacement with heavy use |
✅ Wireless connectivity and easy setup for convenient printing from various devices | ❌ Printing speed for color documents may not meet the needs of all users |
✅ Automatic 2-sided printing and 30-page auto document feeder for efficient multitasking | ❌ Limited paper tray capacity (100 sheets) might be inconvenient for larger print jobs |
Brother MFC-J995DW: Best All-in-One Printer for Efficient Ink Management
MFC-J995DW INKvestmentTank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Mobile D... -- 637(Amazon)
Brother MFC-J995DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with... -- 637(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Brother MFC-J995DW is a feature-rich all-in-one printer that stands out for its INKvestment Tank technology, which offers high efficiency and low cost per page. This technology, combined with the ability to print for up to a year without needing to replace ink cartridges, makes it a smart choice for students and home offices that require frequent printing without the hassle of constant ink purchases.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for students, home office users, and small businesses that need reliable, cost-effective printing with the convenience of wireless connectivity and mobile device printing. It's also a good fit for those who want to monitor their ink usage efficiently with the Brother intelligent Page Gauge.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✅ Up to 1 year of ink included, reducing cartridge replacement frequency | ❌ Bulkier design requires more desk space |
✅ INKvestment Tank system for uninterrupted printing and cost savings | ❌ Higher initial cost compared to some entry-level printers |
✅ Intelligent Page Gauge to monitor ink usage and remaining ink levels | ❌ May be overkill for users with minimal printing needs |
Canon Selphy CP1300: Best Portable Photo Printer for Memories
Selphy CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer with AirPrint and Mopria De... -- 139.99(Amazon)
Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer with AirPrint and Mop... -- 169.79(Amazon)
SELPHY CP1300 Compact Photo Printer Black + 2X KP-108IN Color Ink & Pape... -- 199.95(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Canon Selphy CP1300 stands out for its compact size, ease of connectivity, and the quality of its photo prints. It's designed for those who value the ability to print memories on the go, directly from their smartphones or tablets. With features like AirPrint, Mopria Device Printing, and the Canon Print app, it offers a seamless printing experience. The inclusion of dye-sublimation technology ensures that photos are not only instantly dry but also water-resistant and can last up to 100 years, making it an excellent choice for preserving memories.
Who It's For
Perfect for students, travelers, or anyone who loves to capture and share memories instantly. It's especially suited for those who prioritize photo printing over documents and appreciate the convenience of printing from mobile devices. The Selphy CP1300 is not the best fit for someone looking for a versatile printer that can handle a wide range of printing tasks beyond photos.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✅ Compact and portable design with optional battery pack for on-the-go printing | ❌ Limited to photo printing; not suitable for document printing |
✅ Supports a variety of photo sizes and types, including sticker paper | ❌ Paper tray capacity is relatively small (18 sheets with postcard size paper cassette) |
✅ Easy connectivity with smartphones and tablets through various methods | ❌ Requires specific Canon paper and ink, which may add to the ongoing cost |
Samsung Xpress M2024W: Best Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
MLT-D111S Toner Cartridge High Yield Compatible for Samsung MLT-D111S 11... -- 26.94(Amazon)
(TM Compatible Toner Cartridge Replacement for Samsung 111S 111L MLT-D11... -- 32.99(Amazon)
MLT-D111S Compatible M2020W Toner Cartridge Replacement for Samsung MLT-... -- 31.19(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Xpress M2024W is a solid choice for those in need of a straightforward, efficient monochrome laser printer. Its compact size makes it ideal for small workspaces, while NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity offer convenient wireless printing options. This printer is designed for users who require reliable and quick document printing without the bells and whistles of multifunction devices.
Who It's For
This printer is best suited for individuals or small businesses that primarily print text documents and do not require color output. It's also a good fit for those who appreciate the convenience of printing from mobile devices via NFC or Wi-Fi. However, it's not suitable for those who need to print in color or require scanning and copying functions.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✅ Compact design suitable for small spaces | ❌ Does not support color printing |
✅ NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy wireless printing | ❌ Lacks scanning and copying capabilities |
✅ Affordable and efficient for monochrome document printing | ❌ Limited to basic printing functions |
Thanks for checking out the best printers and scanners for students! If you need more help or recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy shopping!