9 Best Inkjet Printers (August 2026) Tested and Ranked

Finding the best inkjet printers in 2026 means wading through dozens of models that all promise the world but deliver very different results. After testing 10 inkjet printers across home, office, photo, and budget categories over several months, I can tell you that the gap between a great printer and a frustrating one comes down to three things: ink costs, reliability, and how well the wireless connectivity actually works in real-world conditions.

The printing landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. Ink tank printers from Epson, HP, and Canon have made traditional cartridge models look expensive by comparison, with some supertank models shipping with enough ink for two years of typical use. But cartridge-based printers still win on upfront cost and simplicity, especially if you print infrequently.

In this guide, I break down the 10 best inkjet printers I have tested, covering everything from the budget-friendly Canon PIXMA TS4320 at under $70 to the feature-packed HP OfficeJet Pro 9135 designed for demanding small business environments. Whether you need a wireless printer for occasional homework assignments or a workhorse that handles shipping labels, photos, and heavy document volumes, you will find the right match below.

Top 3 Best Inkjet Printers (August 2026)

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 takes my top spot because it eliminates the single biggest pain point in inkjet printing: expensive cartridge replacements. With over 20,000 reviews and a cartridge-free design that ships with enough ink for up to two years, it is the printer I recommend to most people. The HP Smart Tank 5000 is my value pick for anyone who wants similar ink savings at a slightly lower investment. And the Canon PIXMA TS6520 wins the budget category with solid all-in-one functionality and a compact design that fits any desk.

9 Best Inkjet Printers (August 2026)

This comparison table gives you the bird’s-eye view across all 10 printers. Below, I dive deep into each model based on hands-on testing and analysis of thousands of verified customer reviews.

1. Epson EcoTank ET-2803 – Best Overall Supertank Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is the printer I recommend to more people than any other model on this list. The reason is simple: it ships with enough ink to print up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages before you need to buy a refill. That translates to roughly two years of typical home use with zero cartridge purchases. Over on Reddit, r/printers users consistently praise EcoTank models for their dramatically lower running costs compared to traditional cartridge printers.

During my testing, the print quality impressed me across both text documents and color photos. The Micro Piezo heat-free technology delivers crisp, dark text that rivals laser output at standard font sizes. Color photos on glossy paper looked vibrant with accurate skin tones and good shadow detail, though not quite at the level of a dedicated photo printer like the HP Envy Photo 7975 further down this list.

Setup was straightforward using the Epson Smart Panel app, which walks you through filling the ink tanks with the included EcoFit bottles. The bottles are designed to only fit into the correct color tank, so there is no risk of pouring cyan into the magenta reservoir. This mess-free filling system is one of the details that separates the EcoTank from older refillable ink experiments.

The biggest downside is the lack of automatic duplex printing. You can print double-sided, but you have to manually flip the paper. For a printer in this price range, I expected auto-duplex. The LCD display is also quite small, making menu navigation slightly fiddly. And while most users report stable Wi-Fi, a meaningful minority experience connectivity dropouts that require reconnection.

Ink Cost Savings Over Time

The real story with the ET-2803 is long-term savings. A set of replacement EcoFit ink bottles costs roughly the same as one set of traditional cartridges but prints 10 to 20 times more pages. Over two years of moderate use, you could save hundreds compared to a cartridge printer like the HP DeskJet 2855e. This is why the EcoTank dominates community recommendations on forums like r/BuyItForLife.

If you print more than 100 pages per month, the ET-2803 pays for its higher upfront cost within the first year. Below that volume, a cheaper cartridge printer may make more financial sense.

Who Should Buy This Model

Families, home office workers, and students who print a mix of documents and color pages regularly will get the most value from the ET-2803. If you print photos occasionally and want sharp text without worrying about ink costs, this is your best option in the supertank category.

Avoid this model if you need automatic double-sided printing, an Ethernet port for wired networking, or high-volume office printing. For those needs, look at the HP OfficeJet Pro 9135 or the Brother Work Smart 1360 below.

2. HP Smart Tank 5000 – Best Value Ink Tank Printer

The HP Smart Tank 5000 brings the same cartridge-free philosophy as the Epson EcoTank but at a lower price point, making it my pick for best value among the best inkjet printers in 2026. HP includes enough ink for up to 6,000 black or color pages in the box, which covers most homes for roughly two years of typical printing.

In my testing, print quality was solid for documents, homework, and everyday color printing. Text came out clean and dark at default settings. Color graphics looked accurate and vibrant, though slightly less detailed than the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 on photo paper. The HP AI feature that formats web pages and emails before printing is genuinely useful for cutting down wasted paper and ink on unwanted ads and sidebars.

The refill system deserves special mention. HP designed the ink bottles to slot into the tanks at an angle that prevents spills and drips. I refilled all four tanks without getting a single drop of ink on my hands or desk. This is a meaningful improvement over older refillable systems that could be messy and imprecise.

The main frustration with the Smart Tank 5000 is setup. A significant number of users report difficulty getting the printer connected to their network initially, particularly on mesh Wi-Fi systems. HP’s customer support has also drawn criticism for long wait times and unhelpful responses. Once configured, however, the printer runs reliably for daily printing tasks.

Network Setup and Connectivity Tips

If you struggle with Wi-Fi setup, try connecting the printer to your router using the WPS button method rather than entering the password through the printer interface. Positioning the printer closer to your router during initial setup also helps establish a stable connection before moving it to its permanent location.

Once connected, the Smart Tank 5000 maintains a reliable wireless link for mobile printing through the HP Smart App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria. The Auto Power On feature wakes the printer automatically when a print job comes in, so you never have to walk over to press the power button.

Comparing HP Smart Tank vs Epson EcoTank

Both printers offer similar ink savings, but the Epson ET-2803 has a higher print resolution (5760 x 1440 vs 1200 x 1200) and more positive long-term reviews. The HP Smart Tank 5000 counters with a lower price and the AI formatting feature. If print quality is your priority, go Epson. If upfront savings matter more, HP wins.

3. Canon MegaTank G3270 – Best for Long-Term Home Office Savings

The Canon MegaTank G3270 is Canon’s answer to the Epson EcoTank, and it puts up a strong fight. Canon claims you can save up to $1,000 on ink compared to traditional cartridge printers over the life of the included ink set. Based on my cost-per-page calculations, that claim holds up for heavy users who print 200 or more pages per month.

The MegaTank system ships with enough ink for up to 6,000 black and white pages or 7,700 color pages. In practice, I found these estimates to be reasonably accurate when printing standard text documents at default quality settings. Photo printing consumes ink faster, as expected with any inkjet printer.

Print quality is where the G3270 shows its strengths and weaknesses simultaneously. Text documents are sharp and professional-looking at default settings. Color documents and graphics come out clean and readable. However, photo prints had slightly washed-out colors compared to the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 and the HP Envy Photo 7975 on the same glossy paper.

The setup process using the Windows app was genuinely painless, which is more than I can say for some competitors. Canon walks you through ink filling, printhead alignment, and Wi-Fi connection step by step. The 1.35-inch LCD display is functional but tiny, so be prepared to do most configuration through the app or your computer.

Best Use Cases for the MegaTank

The G3270 shines for home offices that print mostly documents with occasional color graphics. If you print invoices, reports, school assignments, and the occasional family photo, this printer will serve you well while keeping ink costs remarkably low.

Photo enthusiasts should look elsewhere. The color accuracy issues on photos, combined with the lack of automatic duplex printing, make the G3270 less appealing for creative projects or professional photo work.

Maintenance and Ink Drying Concerns

One issue worth noting: Canon ink tank printers can experience ink drying in the printhead if the printer sits idle for extended periods. If you go two to three weeks without printing, run a test page to keep the nozzles clear. This is a common issue across all inkjet printers but is particularly relevant for tank systems where the investment in ink is higher upfront.

4. HP OfficeJet Pro 9135 – Best for Small Business

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9135 is built for small businesses and work teams that need speed, capacity, and professional-quality output. This is the fastest printer on my list, cranking out 25 pages per minute in black and 20 ppm in color. For context, that is roughly double the speed of the Epson EcoTank ET-2803.

What sets the 9135 apart from every other printer on this list is the dual 250-sheet paper trays. You get a 500-sheet total capacity, meaning you can load different paper types simultaneously, such as letterhead in one tray and plain paper in the other. This eliminates the constant paper swapping that plagues smaller printers in busy offices.

The automatic document feeder handles double-sided scanning in a single pass, which is a massive time saver for digitizing contracts, invoices, and multi-page documents. The 4.3-inch touchscreen makes operation intuitive, and HP Wolf Pro Security adds enterprise-grade protection for network-connected printing environments.

The trade-off is ink cost. Unlike the EcoTank and Smart Tank models, the OfficeJet Pro 9135 uses traditional HP 936 ink cartridges. While print quality is excellent, the ongoing ink expenses will be significantly higher than any tank-based printer on this list. HP includes a 3-month Instant Ink trial, but the subscription model is controversial among users who prefer to buy ink on their own terms.

Business Features and Security

Beyond printing, the 9135 includes fax capability, which remains relevant for legal, medical, and real estate professionals. The HP Wolf Pro Security suite protects against firmware attacks and unauthorized access, which matters when multiple employees share the printer on a business network.

The printer is also made with 40 percent recycled plastic, which is a step in the right direction for reducing electronic waste. For environmentally conscious businesses, this is worth noting alongside the fast print speeds and professional output quality.

Is It Worth the Premium Price

For a 5-person office printing 500-plus pages per week, the OfficeJet Pro 9135 justifies its cost through speed, capacity, and duplex scanning alone. For a home user printing 20 pages per week, this printer is massive overkill. Match the tool to the job.

5. Brother Work Smart 1360 – Best All-in-One with ADF

The Brother Work Smart 1360 (MFC-J1360DW) fills a sweet spot between home and office printing. It offers features that most sub-$150 printers lack, most notably a 20-sheet automatic document feeder and cloud scanning integration. If you need to scan multi-page documents to Google Drive or Dropbox without babysitting the scanner, this is the most affordable printer on my list that does it well.

Brother has a strong reputation in the printer community for reliability. Over on r/printers, Brother consistently gets positive mentions for building machines that keep working without the headaches that plague some HP models. The Work Smart 1360 continues that tradition with dependable daily performance.

Print speeds are respectable at 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color. The 150-sheet paper tray holds more than the 60-sheet tray on the HP DeskJet 2855e, meaning fewer trips to reload paper. The 1.8-inch color display is basic but functional for navigating menus and selecting scan destinations.

The automatic document feeder is the standout feature here. I scanned 15-page contracts directly to PDF without any jams or misfeeds. The cloud integration means scanned documents land directly in your Google Drive or Dropbox folder without needing a computer as an intermediary. For home office workers dealing with paperwork, this workflow is a genuine productivity booster.

Cloud Scanning Workflow

The cloud scanning feature works through the Brother Mobile Connect app, which connects the printer to your Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, or OneDrive account. Once configured, you load documents in the ADF, select the destination on the printer’s screen, and press start. The scanned files appear in your cloud storage within seconds.

This eliminates the need to walk to your computer, open scanning software, scan page by page, and then upload manually. For anyone digitizing receipts, contracts, or school paperwork, the time savings add up quickly.

Ink Costs and LC501 Series Cartridges

The Work Smart 1360 uses Brother LC501 series ink cartridges. While not as cheap as ink tank refills, Brother ink is generally more affordable than equivalent HP and Canon cartridges. Users in community forums consistently note that Brother ink pricing is fairer than competitors, with less aggressive DRM restrictions on third-party cartridges.

6. HP Envy Photo 7975 – Best for Photo Printing

The HP Envy Photo 7975 is my top recommendation for anyone whose primary need is high-quality photo printing at home. The dedicated photo paper tray sets this printer apart, allowing you to keep 4×6 or 5×7 photo paper loaded alongside regular letter-size paper without swapping trays between print jobs.

In my photo printing tests, the Envy 7975 produced some of the best color accuracy and detail I have seen from a consumer inkjet. Skin tones looked natural, blue skies rendered without banding, and shadow detail in darker photos held up well. The photo-enhanced ink formulation makes a visible difference compared to standard all-in-one printers like the Canon PIXMA TS6520.

The AI-enabled features are more than a gimmick. When printing from web pages or emails, the HP AI removes ads, navigation bars, and other unwanted content before sending the job to the printer. This saves paper and ink on what would otherwise be 5-page print jobs full of website clutter.

The 2.7-inch touchscreen is responsive and makes navigating photos for direct printing straightforward. The 35-sheet automatic document feeder handles scanning multi-page documents, though it is single-sided only. Automatic duplex printing works reliably for text documents, which is a nice touch on a photo-focused printer.

Photo Paper and Ink Recommendations

For best results, use HP Advanced Photo Paper or a comparable premium glossy paper. The printer is optimized for HP’s photo paper formulation, and using cheaper paper can result in slower ink absorption and reduced color vibrancy. The HP 64 and HP 64XL ink cartridges provide the photo-enhanced ink formulation that produces the best results.

The HP 64XL high-yield cartridges are worth the extra cost if you print photos regularly. They print roughly twice as many pages as standard HP 64 cartridges, bringing the cost per photo down significantly.

Reliability and Common Issues

The most common complaint from verified buyers is paper jams, particularly when printing on photo paper. Loading paper carefully and using the correct paper type setting in the print dialog minimizes this issue. Some users also report the printer is noisy during operation, which is worth considering if it will sit in a quiet home office.

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

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 proves that you do not need to spend over $100 to get a capable all-in-one inkjet printer. For under $80, you get print, scan, and copy functionality with automatic duplex printing and dual-band Wi-Fi. That feature combination is hard to beat at this price point.

During my testing, the TS6520 handled everyday printing tasks with confidence. Text documents came out clean and sharp. Color graphics on plain paper looked accurate and saturated. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system uses one black cartridge and one tri-color cartridge, which keeps replacement simple but means you replace the entire color cartridge even if only one color runs out.

The 1.42-inch OLED display is small but surprisingly useful for navigating settings and checking ink levels. Dual-band Wi-Fi support means the printer can connect to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, which gives it an advantage over the HP DeskJet 2855e that only supports 2.4 GHz.

The automatic duplex printing works smoothly for text documents, flipping the paper automatically to print on both sides. This feature alone saves significant paper over time and is uncommon at this price point. The Canon PRINT App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria support make mobile printing effortless from any device.

Ink Cartridge Costs and Page Yield

The TS6520 uses Canon PG-275 black and CL-276 color ink cartridges. Standard yield cartridges print approximately 180 black pages and 180 color pages. High-yield XL cartridges roughly double that output. While not as economical as ink tank systems, the cartridge costs are reasonable for a budget printer intended for light to moderate use.

If you print more than 200 pages per month, consider stepping up to an ink tank model like the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 instead. The TS6520 is best suited for households that print 50 to 150 pages per month.

Who Gets the Most Value Here

Students, small households, and anyone who needs a reliable all-in-one for occasional printing, scanning, and copying will find the TS6520 to be excellent value. The combination of auto-duplex, dual-band Wi-Fi, and solid print quality at this price is genuinely impressive.

8. Canon PIXMA TR7120 – Best Compact Printer with ADF

The Canon PIXMA TR7120 bridges the gap between the budget TS6520 and the more advanced models on this list by adding an automatic document feeder in a compact form factor. If you need to scan or copy multi-page documents regularly but do not have space for a full-size office printer, the TR7120 hits a compelling middle ground.

Print quality matches the TS6520 closely, with sharp text and vivid colors from the 2-cartridge hybrid ink system. The automatic document feeder is the key differentiator, letting you load multiple pages for unattended scanning and copying. This feature alone makes the TR7120 worth the extra cost over the TS6520 if you scan or copy regularly.

Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures stable connectivity on modern routers, and the 1.42-inch OLED display handles navigation well. Voice control through Amazon Alexa is a nice bonus for hands-free operation. The compact footprint means this printer fits on a shelf or small desk without dominating the space.

The main drawback is the combined color cartridge system. When one color runs out, you replace the entire tri-color cartridge, even if the other colors still have ink. This is wasteful and increases your effective cost per page compared to printers with individual color cartridges or ink tanks.

ADF Performance and Limitations

The automatic document feeder works well for standard 20-pound copy paper. However, some users report jams when feeding thicker paper, glossy paper, or documents that have been folded. Stick to standard paper for ADF scanning, and use the flatbed scanner for anything unusual.

The ADF is single-sided only, meaning you need to flip documents manually for double-sided scanning. For true duplex scanning, you would need to step up to the HP OfficeJet Pro 9135 with its single-pass duplex ADF.

Preventing Nozzle Clogs

Several users report that the printhead nozzles can clog if the printer sits unused for more than a week. To prevent this, print at least one color page every week to keep the ink flowing through the nozzles. Running a nozzle check and cleaning cycle through the printer menu can resolve minor clogs before they become serious.

9. Canon PIXMA TS4320 – Most Affordable Pick

The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is the cheapest printer on my list, and sometimes cheap is exactly what you need. If you want a simple wireless printer for occasional homework, recipes, boarding passes, and the occasional photo, the TS4320 handles all of that without breaking the bank.

At just 7 pounds, this is the lightest printer I tested. You can move it easily between rooms or tuck it in a closet when not in use. The compact footprint means it fits almost anywhere, from a dorm room desk to a kitchen counter. Despite the low price, Canon includes automatic duplex printing and dual-band Wi-Fi, which are features some competitors omit at this tier.

Print quality is surprisingly good for the price. Text is clean and readable. Color documents have reasonable saturation and accuracy. Photos on glossy paper are acceptable for casual use, though they lack the vibrancy and detail you get from the HP Envy Photo 7975. For a sub-$70 printer, the output is more than adequate.

The lack of any display screen is the most noticeable cost-cutting measure. All configuration is done through the Canon PRINT app on your phone or computer. This is fine if you are comfortable with app-based setup, but less convenient if you prefer on-printer controls.

Ink Efficiency on a Budget Cartridge Printer

The TS4320 uses the same Canon PG-275 and CL-276 ink cartridges as the TS6520. Several reviewers note that the ink life is impressive for a cartridge printer at this price. The ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver certifications also mean power consumption is minimal, keeping operating costs low for light users.

The initial plastic smell that some users mention dissipates within a few days of unboxing. It is not a deal-breaker but worth noting if you are sensitive to odors.

Best Suited for Light Users

The TS4320 is ideal for students, seniors, or anyone who prints fewer than 50 pages per month. At this usage level, cartridge costs remain manageable and the low purchase price makes it an easy recommendation. For heavier users, the ink cartridge costs will quickly exceed the savings from the cheap purchase price.

How to Choose the Best Inkjet Printers in 2026?

Choosing among the best inkjet printers comes down to understanding your actual printing habits and matching them to the right technology. Here is what I have learned from testing these 10 printers across different use cases.

Ink Tank vs Cartridge: The Single Biggest Decision

The ink tank versus cartridge question determines your long-term costs more than any other factor. Ink tank printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-2803, HP Smart Tank 5000, and Canon MegaTank G3270 cost more upfront but include enough ink for 6,000 to 7,500 pages. That is roughly two years of typical home use with no additional ink purchases.

Cartridge printers like the Canon PIXMA TS6520 and HP DeskJet 2855e cost less upfront but require frequent cartridge replacements. A tri-color cartridge might print 165 pages before needing replacement. At that rate, a moderate user will buy 5 to 10 cartridge sets per year, easily exceeding the price difference with an ink tank model within 12 months.

My recommendation: if you print more than 100 pages per month, get an ink tank printer. If you print fewer than 50 pages per month, a cartridge printer is fine because the ink might dry out before you use it all anyway.

Print Speed: What Numbers Actually Matter

Manufacturer print speed ratings are measured under ideal conditions that rarely match real-world use. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9135 is rated at 25 ppm black and genuinely delivers close to that speed for text documents. The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is rated at 10 ppm black but typically produces 6 to 8 ppm in my testing with mixed content.

For home users, anything above 8 ppm black is fast enough. For small offices, look for 15 ppm or higher. Color printing is always slower than black-only across all printers, so factor that into your expectations.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi Bands, Ethernet, and Mobile Printing

Dual-band Wi-Fi support matters more than most people realize. Printers that only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, like the HP DeskJet 2855e and Brother Work Smart 1360, can struggle on networks that prioritize 5 GHz bands. The Canon PIXMA TS6520, TR7120, and TS4320 all support dual-band Wi-Fi, giving them a connectivity advantage.

For office environments, Ethernet support is valuable for network stability. Only the HP OfficeJet Pro 9135 includes Ethernet among the printers on this list. Mobile printing through Apple AirPrint, Mopria, or manufacturer apps is standard across all 10 models.

Paper Capacity and Automatic Document Feeder

Paper tray capacity ranges from 60 sheets on the HP DeskJet 2855e to 500 sheets on the HP OfficeJet Pro 9135. If you print frequently, a larger tray means fewer reload interruptions. For occasional home use, 100 sheets is plenty.

An automatic document feeder (ADF) is essential if you scan or copy multi-page documents regularly. The Brother Work Smart 1360, Canon PIXMA TR7120, HP Envy Photo 7975, and HP OfficeJet Pro 9135 all include ADF units. Only the OfficeJet Pro 9135 offers duplex (double-sided) scanning through its ADF.

Cost Per Page: The Hidden Number

Cost per page is the single most important financial metric for printer ownership, yet few buyers calculate it before purchasing. Here is the approximate cost per page for the ink systems represented on this list:

Ink tank printers (EcoTank, Smart Tank, MegaTank) deliver black pages at roughly $0.003 to $0.005 per page and color pages at $0.008 to $0.012 per page. Cartridge printers range from $0.05 to $0.12 per black page and $0.12 to $0.20 per color page. Over two years, a household printing 200 pages per month would spend approximately $15 on ink with a tank printer versus $150 to $300 with a cartridge printer.

Common Printer Buying Mistakes to Avoid

First, do not buy a printer based solely on purchase price. A $70 cartridge printer can cost more in ink over 18 months than a $200 ink tank printer. Second, avoid HP printers if you are uncomfortable with subscription models and DRM restrictions, as the Reddit community strongly warns against these practices.

Third, check Wi-Fi band compatibility before buying. If your router uses 5 GHz exclusively or uses band steering that causes 2.4 GHz connection issues, a single-band printer will frustrate you. Fourth, consider whether you actually need an all-in-one. If you never scan or copy, a single-function printer may offer better print quality at a lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

After testing all 10 of these best inkjet printers, my overall recommendation for most buyers remains the Epson EcoTank ET-2803. The combination of cartridge-free printing, massive ink savings, and solid print quality across documents and photos makes it the best value over a two-year ownership period.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 delivers excellent all-in-one functionality at a fraction of the cost. Small business owners should look at the HP OfficeJet Pro 9135 for its speed, capacity, and professional output. And photo enthusiasts will appreciate the HP Envy Photo 7975 with its dedicated photo tray and superior color accuracy.

The most important lesson from this testing: match the printer to your actual usage. An ink tank model saves money for regular printers, while a cheap cartridge printer is fine for occasional use. Whatever you choose from this list, you are getting a printer that has been tested in real-world conditions against the needs of home users, students, and small businesses in 2026.