The Best Printers for 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Top Picks
In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens, printers remain an essential tool for many. Whether you're printing school assignments, business documents, or cherished family photos, having a reliable printer at home or in the office can make all the difference. As we dive into 2025, the printer market has evolved with cutting-edge technology, offering faster speeds, better quality, and more affordable ink options. But with so many choices, how do you pick the best printer for your needs? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the top printers for 2025, based on expert reviews, real-world testing, and the latest trends. Let’s find the perfect printer for you!
Why You Still Need a Printer in 2025
Before we jump into the list, let’s address the elephant in the room: why do we even need printers in a digital age? For starters, not everything works better on a screen. Studies show that reading physical documents can improve comprehension, especially for students. Plus, there’s the convenience of having hard copies of tickets, contracts, or receipts—things you can’t always rely on a phone for. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the satisfaction of holding a freshly printed photo. Printers in 2025 aren’t just relics of the past; they’re smarter, more efficient, and designed to fit modern lifestyles.
How I Chose the Best Printers for 2025
To compile this list, I leaned on insights from trusted tech sites like CNET, PCMag, and Tom’s Guide, where experts have tested dozens of models for speed, print quality, and cost-effectiveness. I also considered user feedback, focusing on real-world performance over marketing hype. My criteria? Printers had to excel in at least one key area—be it affordability, photo printing, or office productivity—while offering value for money. With that in mind, here are the best printers for 2025.
1. HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e: Best Overall Printer for Home and Small Offices
If you’re looking for a do-it-all printer that balances performance and price, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e tops the list. CNET crowned it the best overall pick for 2025, and it’s easy to see why. This all-in-one inkjet printer delivers crisp text, vibrant colors, and speedy output—up to 22 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white documents. It’s perfect for home offices or small businesses with moderate printing needs.
Why It Stands Out
- Print Quality: Words come out sharp, and colors pop without bleeding.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, and mobile printing via HP’s intuitive app make it a breeze to use.
- Ink Savings: Pair it with HP’s Instant Ink subscription, and you’ll save on refills (more on that later).
Who It’s For
The 9125e is ideal for anyone juggling work-from-home tasks and family printing jobs. It scans, copies, and prints with ease, though it’s not the fastest for high-volume offices.
Drawback
It’s not built for photo enthusiasts—colors are great, but not pro-level. Still, for $250-$300 (depending on sales), it’s a steal.
2. Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW: Best Inkjet for Low-Cost Printing
For those tired of shelling out cash for ink, the Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW is a game-changer. Tom’s Guide calls it the “best home printer with affordable ink,” and it’s a favorite for 2025. This all-in-one inkjet comes with a year’s worth of ink in the box thanks to its extra-large cartridges.
Why It Stands Out
- Ink Efficiency: Up to 6,000 black-and-white pages or 5,000 color pages from one set.
- Versatility: Print, scan, copy, and fax—all in a compact design.
- Speed: Up to 12 ppm, decent for home use.
Who It’s For
Budget-conscious households or small offices that print regularly but hate ink costs. At around $200, it’s a no-brainer for value seekers.
Drawback
Its paper tray (150 sheets) might frustrate heavy users, and photo quality is good but not exceptional.
3. Brother MFC-L8905CDW: Best Laser Printer for Offices
When it comes to office-grade performance, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW shines. RTINGS.com named it the best office printer for 2025, and it’s a color laser powerhouse. With a print speed of 32 ppm and a 250-sheet tray (expandable to 1,300), it’s built for busy workspaces.
Why It Stands Out
- Durability: Handles up to 60,000 pages monthly.
- Sharp Output: Laser precision for text and graphics.
- Features: Duplex printing, scanning, and a 5-inch touchscreen.
Who It’s For
Small-to-medium businesses needing reliable, high-volume printing. Priced at $600-$650, it’s an investment that pays off.
Drawback
It’s overkill for casual home use, and color toner isn’t cheap.
4. Canon PIXMA G7020: Best for Photo Printing on a Budget
Photo buffs, meet the Canon PIXMA G7020. Digital Trends praises its balance of affordability and photo quality for 2025. This inkjet uses a refillable ink tank system, ditching cartridges for bottles that deliver thousands of pages—or prints.
Why It Stands Out
- Photo Quality: Rich tones and fine detail, rivaling pricier models.
- Ink Tanks: 7,700 color pages or 6,000 black-and-white pages per refill.
- Wireless: AirPrint and Google Cloud Print support.
Who It’s For
Hobbyists or families who love printing photos without breaking the bank. It’s around $350, a sweet spot for quality and cost.
Drawback
Print speed (13 ppm black, 6.8 ppm color) is sluggish for documents.
5. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550: Best Premium Photo Printer
For serious photographers, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is PCMag’s top pick for 2025. This wide-format inkjet handles everything from 4x6 snapshots to 13x19-inch masterpieces, all with stunning clarity.
Why It Stands Out
- Six-Color Ink: Delivers pro-level vibrancy and accuracy.
- EcoTank: Low-cost ink bottles last for thousands of prints.
- Versatility: Prints on cardstock, CDs, and more.
Who It’s For
Artists and photographers willing to spend $700 for gallery-worthy results.
Drawback
It’s pricey and bulky—not ideal for small spaces or casual users.
6. Nelko Thermal Label Printer—Best for Small Businesses and Shipping
If you run an Etsy shop or ship packages regularly, the Nelko Thermal Label Printer is a standout. CNET raves about its speed and simplicity for 2025, making it a must-have for label printing.
Why It Stands Out
- Speed: Blazing fast at 150 mm/s.
- Ease: Bluetooth app control for quick label printing.
- Cost: No ink needed—just thermal paper.
Who It’s For
E-commerce sellers or anyone needing fast, affordable labels. It’s under $100, a bargain for the niche.
Drawback
It’s single-purpose—no documents or photos here.
7. Brother HL-2390DW: Best Budget Monochrome Laser Printer
For black-and-white printing on a dime, the Brother HL-2390DW is Tom’s Guide’s budget champ for 2025. This laser printer is simple, speedy, and cheap to run.
Why It Stands Out
- Affordability: Around $150 with low toner costs.
- Speed: 36 ppm for quick document runs.
- Duplex: Automatic two-sided printing.
Who It’s For
Students or home users who need reliable text printing without frills.
Drawback
No color or scanning—strictly a printer.
Inkjet vs. Laser: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between inkjet and laser printers can feel daunting, but it boils down to your needs:
- Inkjet: Best for color printing, photos, and lighter workloads. Models like the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e and Canon PIXMA G7020 excel here.
- Laser: Ideal for high-volume text and durability. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW and HL-2390DW are top dogs.
Inkjet ink can be pricier per page, but tank systems (like Brother’s INKvestment or Epson’s EcoTank) close the gap. Laser toner lasts longer but costs more upfront. For a deeper dive, check out PCMag’s Inkjet vs. Laser guide.
Ink Costs: The Hidden Factor
Printers are like razors—the real cost is in the refills. Here’s how 2025’s best tackle ink:
- Subscriptions: HP Instant Ink (used by the 9125e) delivers ink to your door for $5-$20/month based on usage.
- Tank Systems: Canon’s G7020 and Epson’s ET-8550 use refillable bottles, slashing costs to pennies per page.
- Toner: Laser models like the MFC-L8905CDW use toner, which lasts longer but can hit $100+ per cartridge.
Brother’s INKvestment system stands out for upfront value—buy the MFC-J995DW, and you’re set for a year.
Trends Shaping Printers in 2025
What’s new this year? Printers are getting smarter:
- AI Integration: Some models optimize ink usage or suggest print settings via apps.
- Sustainability: EcoTank and thermal printers cut waste with inkless or refillable designs.
- Compact Designs: The Nelko and HL-2390DW prove power doesn’t need bulk.
For more on trends, Digital Trends has a great overview.
How to Pick the Right Printer for You
Still unsure? Ask yourself:
- What do I print? Photos? Go for the ET-8550 or G7020. Text? HL-2390DW or MFC-L8905CDW.
- How much? Light use favors inkjets like the MFC-J995DW; heavy use screams laser.
- Budget? Start with the HL-2390DW ($150) or stretch to the ET-8550 ($700).
Test your needs against these picks, and you’ll land on a winner.
Final Thoughts: The Best Printers for 2025 Await
Whether you’re a student, a small business owner, or a photography nut, 2025’s best printers offer something for everyone. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e steals the crown for versatility, while the Brother INKvestment MFC-J995DW wins on ink savings. For offices, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW dominates, and photo lovers will adore the Epson ET-8550. Even niche needs—like shipping labels—get covered with the Nelko.
Ready to buy? Check out these models on Amazon or Best Buy for the latest deals. Happy printing!