The Best Printers for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Top Models
In a world where digital screens dominate, the humble printer remains an essential tool for homes, offices, and creative spaces. Whether you’re printing school assignments, business reports, or cherished family photos, having a reliable printer can make all the difference. As we step into 2025, printer technology continues to evolve, offering faster speeds, better quality, and more cost-effective solutions. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best printer for your needs?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the best printers for 2025, based on expert reviews, real-world testing, and the latest innovations. From budget-friendly inkjets to high-performance laser models, we’ve got you covered. This article is optimized for search engines with key phrases like "best printers for 2025," "top printers 2025," and "printer reviews 2025" naturally woven in, ensuring you find the info you need while helping others discover it too. Let’s dive into the top picks and what makes them stand out!
Why You Need a Printer in 2025
Before we get to the list, let’s talk about why printers still matter. Even with cloud storage and e-tickets, physical documents are far from obsolete. A 2024 survey by Statista showed that 68% of U.S. households still own a printer, and that number is expected to hold steady into 2025. From printing shipping labels for small businesses to creating photo keepsakes, printers bridge the gap between digital and tangible.
In 2025, the best printers go beyond basic functions. They offer wireless connectivity, eco-friendly ink options, and even AI-driven features to streamline your workflow. Whether you’re a student, a remote worker, or a photographer, there’s a model tailored to your needs. So, what are the standout printers for 2025? Let’s break it down.
How We Chose the Best Printers for 2025
To compile this list, we leaned on expert reviews from trusted sources like CNET, PCMag, and ZDNET, alongside hands-on testing data from sites like RTINGS.com and Tom’s Guide. We considered print quality, speed, cost per page, connectivity, and versatility—key factors for any buyer in 2025. Our picks span various categories: home use, small offices, photo printing, and budget options.
The Best Printers for 2025: Top Picks
1. HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e – Best Overall Printer for Home and Small Offices
- Price: Around $290
- Type: Inkjet All-in-One (Print, Scan, Copy)
- Key Features: 20 ppm (pages per minute), wireless printing, low ink costs with HP Instant Ink
- Why It’s Great: The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability, making it our top pick for 2025.
This all-in-one inkjet printer is a workhorse for home offices and small teams. According to CNET’s review, its print speed is impressive at 20 ppm for black-and-white documents, and the text comes out crisp and professional. It supports mobile printing via HP Smart, Apple AirPrint, and Wi-Fi Direct, so you can print from your phone or laptop with ease.
What sets it apart in 2025? The optional HP Instant Ink subscription slashes printing costs to as low as 3 cents per page. For a family printing homework or a freelancer handling invoices, this is a game-changer. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the 250-sheet paper tray means fewer refills. If you need a reliable, all-purpose printer, this is it.
Pros: Fast, affordable ink, versatile connectivity
Cons: No fax capability, slightly bulky
Where to Buy: HP Official Site or major retailers like Amazon.
2. Brother MFC-L8905CDW – Best Laser Printer for Offices
- Price: Approximately $620
- Type: Color Laser All-in-One
- Key Features: 32 ppm, duplex printing, 5-inch touchscreen
- Why It’s Great: For high-volume printing, this Brother laser model delivers speed and durability.
Laser printers are the go-to for offices, and the Brother MFC-L8905CDW tops the list in 2025. RTINGS.com praises its sharp, detailed output and blazing 32 ppm speed—perfect for busy work environments. It’s a color laser, so you get vibrant graphics alongside crisp text, and the automatic duplexing saves paper.
With a 250-sheet tray (expandable to 1,300), it’s built for heavy use. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and NFC, making it a breeze to integrate into any office setup. While toner costs can add up, Brother’s high-yield cartridges keep the per-page cost competitive. This is the best printer for 2025 if you’re running a small business or need consistent, high-quality output.
Pros: Lightning-fast, excellent print quality, robust build
Cons: High upfront cost, toner isn’t cheap
Where to Buy: Brother Official Site or Best Buy.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 – Best Budget Inkjet Printer
- Price: Around $240
- Type: Inkjet All-in-One
- Key Features: Refillable ink tanks, 10 ppm (black), 4,500-page yield per ink set
- Why It’s Great: Say goodbye to expensive cartridges with this eco-friendly, low-cost gem.
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a standout for budget-conscious buyers in 2025. Instead of cartridges, it uses refillable ink tanks, and ZDNET estimates one set lasts for 4,500 black-and-white pages or 7,500 color pages. That’s years of printing for most households! At 10 ppm for black and 5 ppm for color, it’s not the fastest, but the savings are hard to beat.
It’s wireless, supports duplex printing, and includes scanning and copying functions. Setup is straightforward, and the bottled ink system is mess-free. For students, families, or anyone tired of overpriced ink, this is one of the best printers for 2025.
Pros: Super-low ink costs, reliable performance, compact
Cons: Slower print speeds, basic display
Where to Buy: Epson Official Site or Walmart.
4. Canon ImagePrograf PRO-310 – Best Printer for Photo Enthusiasts
- Price: Around $849
- Type: Wide-Format Inkjet
- Key Features: 9-color ink system, 13-inch prints, professional-grade quality
- Why It’s Great: Photographers and artists will love this premium photo printer.
For those who demand gallery-quality prints, the Canon ImagePrograf PRO-310 is a 2025 standout. ZDNET highlights its 9-color Lucia PRO II ink system, which delivers stunning color accuracy and depth. It handles up to 13-inch-wide paper, making it ideal for posters, portraits, and fine art.
Print speeds are slower (around 2 ppm), but quality trumps haste here. The LCD monitor and Wi-Fi connectivity add convenience, while the Chroma Optimizer reduces bronzing for a flawless finish. It’s pricey, but for professionals or hobbyists, it’s worth every penny.
Pros: Exceptional photo quality, wide-format capability
Cons: Expensive, slow for text documents
Where to Buy: Canon Official Site or B&H Photo.
5. Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW – Best Affordable All-in-One Printer
- Price: Around $200
- Type: Inkjet All-in-One
- Key Features: High-yield ink, 12 ppm, compact design
- Why It’s Great: Affordable upfront and over time, this Brother model is a home-run for home use.
The Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW continues to impress in 2025, earning high marks from Tom’s Guide for its low ink costs and solid performance. It comes with a year’s worth of ink in the box, and its high-yield cartridges keep printing affordable long-term. At 12 ppm, it’s faster than many budget inkjets, and the output is sharp for both text and photos.
It’s wireless, supports duplex printing, and fits neatly on a desk. For small households or remote workers on a budget, this is one of the best printers for 2025.
Pros: Great value, decent speed, low running costs
Cons: Small paper tray (150 sheets), no touchscreen
Where to Buy: Brother Official Site or Amazon.
6. Nelko Thermal Label Printer – Best for Small Businesses and Shipping
- Price: Around $100
- Type: Thermal Label Printer
- Key Features: Bluetooth app control, fast label printing, no ink needed
- Why It’s Great: Small businesses shipping products will adore this compact, cost-effective label printer.
Thermal printers are niche but essential, and the Nelko shines in 2025. CNET raves about its lightning-fast label printing and Bluetooth app, which lets you print directly from your phone. No ink means zero maintenance costs—just buy thermal paper or stickers.
It’s perfect for Etsy sellers, eBay merchants, or anyone mailing packages regularly. The only downside? It’s limited to single-sheet printing unless you rig up a roll holder. Still, for under $100, it’s a steal.
Pros: Cheap to run, portable, easy setup
Cons: No roll support, labels only
Where to Buy: Nelko Official Site or Amazon.
Printer Types Explained: Inkjet vs. Laser vs. Thermal
Not sure which type suits you? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Inkjet: Versatile and affordable, great for homes and photos. Examples: HP OfficeJet, Epson EcoTank.
- Laser: Fast and durable, ideal for offices and high-volume printing. Example: Brother MFC-L8905CDW.
- Thermal: Ink-free and specialized for labels or receipts. Example: Nelko Label Printer.
For most users, inkjets strike the best balance, but your needs dictate the choice.
Key Features to Look for in 2025 Printers
When shopping for the best printers for 2025, keep these features in mind:
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile printing are must-haves for modern convenience.
- Print Speed: Measured in ppm, faster is better for busy users (e.g., 32 ppm on the Brother MFC-L8905CDW).
- Cost Per Page: Look for models with high-yield ink or toner (Epson EcoTank excels here).
- All-in-One Functionality: Printing, scanning, and copying in one device saves space and money.
- Eco-Friendliness: Refillable tanks and duplex printing reduce waste.
How to Optimize Your Printer Experience in 2025
Got your dream printer? Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Use High-Quality Paper: Cheap paper can jam or dull your prints.
- Update Firmware: Manufacturers like HP and Epson roll out updates for better performance.
- Maintain It: Clean printheads and run test pages every few weeks to prevent clogs.
- Leverage Apps: HP Smart, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Epson Connect simplify printing from anywhere.
The Future of Printing in 2025 and Beyond
What’s next for printers? Experts predict more AI integration—like auto-adjusting print settings based on content—and a push toward sustainability with biodegradable ink and recyclable parts. Brands like Epson and HP are already leading the charge with tank-based systems, and 2025 could see even greener innovations.
Final Thoughts: Which 2025 Printer Is Right for You?
Choosing the best printer for 2025 depends on your unique needs. For a versatile home office companion, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is unbeatable. Need speed and volume? Go for the Brother MFC-L8905CDW. On a budget? The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 or Brother MFC-J995DW won’t disappoint. Photographers should splurge on the Canon ImagePrograf PRO-310, while small businesses shipping goods can’t go wrong with the Nelko Thermal Label Printer.
No matter your pick, these top printers for 2025 blend cutting-edge tech with practical value. Ready to buy? Check out the links to HP, Brother, Epson, Canon, and Nelko for the latest deals. Happy printing!