Have you ever tried to print a detailed blueprint, a vibrant poster, or a large spreadsheet on a standard sheet of paper, only to have the text look cramped and unreadable? We have all been there, squinting at tiny fonts and losing important details in the margins. Whether you are an architect, a graphic designer, or a busy office manager, the limitations of a standard printer can truly stall your creativity and productivity.
Choosing the right 11×17 printer feels like a daunting task. The market is flooded with technical jargon, confusing features, and high price tags. You might worry about wasting money on a machine that takes up too much desk space or produces poor image quality. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when you just want a reliable tool that gets the job done right the first time.
You do not have to navigate this search alone. In this guide, we break down the top models to help you find the perfect fit for your specific needs. We will cover essential features like print speed, ink costs, and paper capacity in simple, easy-to-understand terms. By the end of this post, you will feel confident and ready to pick a printer that brings your biggest ideas to life. Let’s dive into the best 11×17 printers on the market today and find the one that works for you.
Top 11X17 Printer Recommendations
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- High-performance wide-format printing — accomplish more with fast wide-format printing up to 13" x 19"
- High-speed printing — PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology streamlines workflow with 25 black/12 color ISO ppm and fast first-page-out
- Print-shop quality — DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks deliver sharp text and vivid colors
- Designed for productivity — engineered for durability, reliability and heavy workloads
- The OfficeJet Pro 9730e is perfect for offices printing professional-quality color documents like floorplans, mood boards and spreadsheets. Print speeds up to 18 ppm color, 22 ppm black.
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- EASILY ACHIEVE VIBRANT, SCREEN-ACCURATE PRINTS – Print true to screen with the world's first and only wide-format printer with P3 for a wider color gamut vs. sRGB
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and two 250-sheet input trays
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 Wireless All-In-One Printer is a versatile machine that meets your office's needs. You can print off standard and wide-format documents swiftly thanks to the PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, while the DURABrite Ultra ink dries quickly to help prevent smudging. The automatic 2-sided printing and scanning helps you accomplish tasks faster, while the wireless capabilities let you print from almost anywhere using your smart device.
- Built-in wireless (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) connection offers cable-free convenience.
- Use Epson Connect Solutions to stay productive while on the go. Functions include Epson Email Print, Epson Remote Print, Epson Smart Panel app (iOS and Android), Epson iPrint app (iOS and Android) and Creative Print app (iOS and Android).
- Print from almost anywhere using Apple AirPrint, Android printing and Mopria Print Service.
- Produces wide-format prints up to 13" x 19".
- The OfficeJet Pro 9720e is perfect for offices printing professional-quality color documents like floorplans, mood boards and spreadsheets. Print speeds up to 18 ppm color, 22 ppm black.
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- EASILY ACHIEVE VIBRANT, SCREEN-ACCURATE PRINTS – Print true to screen with the world's first and only wide-format printer with P3 for a wider color gamut vs. sRGB
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and two 250-sheet input trays
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESS: This multifunction printer makes it easy to print, copy, scan, and fax, and includes one 1,800-page yield black ink cartridge and one 750-page yield cartridge for each color in cyan, yellow, and magenta in the box(2).
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: A 250-sheet paper tray(3), 50-page single-sided ADF(3), and automatic duplex (2-sided) printing for media-handling capabilities on paper up to 11”x17”. Multiple user interface via wireless network(4), Ethernet, or USB.
- SPEED & QUALITY: Engineered with MAXIDRIVE Technology with print speeds of up to 31 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 30 ppm in color(5). The Brother PerfectPrint Auto Detection System helps support reliable print quality.
- INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: With Wi-Fi Direct, print wirelessly without an external network connection. Print from and scan to Cloud apps(6), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the 2.7” color touchscreen for easy operation.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: The power of printing at your fingertips. Go mobile with the simple-to-use Brother Mobile Connect app(7) that delivers onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from a mobile device.
- UP TO 1-YEAR OF INK IN-BOX¹ – Enjoy long-lasting, uninterrupted printing with up to 1 year of ink included to reduce frequent cartridge replacements.
- PROFESSIONAL LEDGER-SIZE PRINTING – Print up to 11" x 17" documents with vibrant color and crisp text from a 250-sheet paper tray, multipurpose tray, and 50-page ADF².
- BROTHER MAXIDRIVE INKJET TECHNOLOGY – Our fastest and most durable INKvestment Tank print engine yet, built for high-volume, high-quality output.
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS – Connect via dual-band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, or USB, and print or scan on the go with the Brother Mobile Connect App³.
- 3.5" COLOR TOUCHSCREEN FOR EASY CONTROL – Manage print, copy, scan, and fax functions right from the intuitive color display.
- Print, copy, scan and fax all from 1 machine with this Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 Wireless All-in-One Color Printer. The printer is capable of delivering wide-format prints up to 13" x 19", while the PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology helps produce printouts quickly. The DURABrite Ultra ink dries quickly to ensure smudge-free results, and the 500-sheet capacity is built to meet the demands of your office.
- Built-in wireless (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) connection offers cable-free convenience.
- Use Epson Connect Solutions to stay productive while on the go. Functions include Epson Email Print, Epson Remote Print, Epson Smart Panel app (iOS and Android), Epson iPrint app (iOS and Android) and Creative Print app (iOS and Android).
- Print from almost anywhere using Apple AirPrint, Android printing and Mopria Print Service.
- Produces wide-format prints up to 13" x 19".
- HIGH-SPEED PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE – Print up to 28 ppm¹ in both black and color with Brother MAXIDRIVE technology for maximum productivity.
- SUPPORTS 11" X 17" LEDGER DOCUMENTS – Create standout presentations, proposals, and plans with ledger-size print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities.
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Includes a 250-sheet paper tray and 50-page automatic document feeder for smooth, efficient workflows.
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS – Dual-band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, USB, and mobile app support keep you connected however you work.
- ADVANCED TRIPLE-LAYER SECURITY – Protect sensitive data and documents with secure device connections and network safeguards
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Perfect 11×17 Printer
If you work with blueprints, posters, or large spreadsheets, a standard printer will not work. You need an 11×17 printer, often called a tabloid printer. These machines handle larger paper sizes with ease. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you pick the best model for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these essential features:
- Wide-Format Support: Ensure the printer handles 11×17 paper (ledger size) through the main tray.
- Duplex Printing: This feature allows the printer to print on both sides of the paper automatically.
- Connectivity: Look for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing options. These make printing from your phone or laptop much faster.
- Scanning and Copying: Some models include a large scanner bed. This is vital if you need to digitize large documents.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in your printer affect its lifespan. Look for a sturdy paper feed mechanism. Cheap plastic rollers often break or jam. Metal components in the print path usually last longer. Also, check the ink or toner capacity. High-yield cartridges save you money in the long run. They also require fewer changes during big projects.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things change how your prints look:
- DPI (Dots Per Inch): Higher DPI means sharper images. Look for at least 1200 x 1200 DPI for professional graphics.
- Ink Type: Pigment-based inks resist water and fading. Dye-based inks offer brighter colors for photos.
- Paper Quality: Using thin or cheap paper causes bleeding. Use heavier cardstock or high-quality bond paper for the best results.
- Maintenance: Dust inside the printer ruins quality. Clean the print heads regularly to prevent streaks.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the printer. Architects and engineers need precision for technical drawings. Graphic designers need color accuracy for marketing materials. If you work from home, look for a compact design. If you work in an office, look for a model with a large paper tray. A larger tray means you spend less time refilling paper. Always read user reviews to see if the software is easy to install.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can 11×17 printers print standard letter size?
A: Yes. Almost all wide-format printers can handle 8.5×11 paper as well.
Q: Are these printers much larger than normal ones?
A: They are usually wider and heavier. Make sure you have enough desk space before buying.
Q: Do I need special ink for wide-format printing?
A: No, you use the same ink cartridges designed for that specific printer model.
Q: Is laser or inkjet better for 11×17?
A: Inkjet is better for photos and posters. Laser is better for fast, high-volume text documents.
Q: How do I prevent paper jams?
A: Keep the paper path clean and do not overfill the paper tray.
Q: Can I print borderless documents?
A: Many photo-focused 11×17 printers offer borderless printing, but check the specs first.
Q: Are these printers expensive to run?
A: Larger pages use more ink. Buying high-yield cartridges helps reduce the cost per page.
Q: Do I need a wired connection for large files?
A: A wired Ethernet connection is often faster and more stable for large, high-resolution files.
Q: Can I use heavy cardstock?
A: Most 11×17 printers have a rear feed slot for thicker paper types.
Q: How often should I print to keep the ink flowing?
A: Print a test page at least once every two weeks to prevent the ink from drying in the nozzles.