Imagine needing to print a school project, then immediately needing to scan an important document. If you have separate machines for each, it can be a hassle. Juggling multiple devices takes up space and can be confusing. That’s where the magic of a combination printer scanner, also called an all-in-one, comes in handy!
But choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need something for quick home use, or a workhorse for a busy office? What about print quality, scanning speed, or even how much ink it uses? These questions can make your head spin! Don’t worry, we’re here to help you cut through the noise.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a good combination printer scanner. We’ll cover the key features to look for and help you figure out which one fits your needs and budget perfectly. Get ready to make your printing and scanning life much, much easier!
Top Combination Printer Scanner Recommendations
No. 1
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable. (588S5A)
- The DeskJet 2855e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm color, 7.5 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
- KEY FEATURES – Color printing, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable Wii-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues.This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable.
- 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
No. 2
Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Automatic Duplex Printing and 1.8” Color Display | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1) (MFC-J1360DW) (Uses LC501 Series Inks)
- BEST FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Get all your work done with an all-in-one multifunction printer. Print, copy, and scan on one compact printer for home use and home offices. Brother inkjet printers produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED PRINTING FEATURES: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6) .
No. 3
HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, ADF, Duplex Printing Best-for-Home Office, 3 Month Instant Ink Trial Included, AI-Enabled (405T6A)
- The OfficeJet Pro 8125e is perfect for home offices printing professional-quality color documents like business documents, reports, presentations and flyers. Print speeds up to 10 ppm color, 20 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
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 225-sheet input tra
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- 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.
No. 4
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
No. 5
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank with Scan and Copy, The Ideal Basic Home Printer - Black
- Features Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology for color printing, scanning, and copying. Delivers black-and-white print speeds of up to 10 pages per minute.
- Innovative cartridge-free printing utilizes high-capacity ink tanks, eliminating the need for traditional ink cartridges.
- High-capacity ink bottles provide a high page yield, allowing you to print thousands of detailed black and color pages before needing a replacement.
- Includes up to 2 years of ink in the box based on average monthly print volumes, reducing the frequency of out-of-ink frustrations.
- EcoTank design helps reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills by utilizing refillable ink bottles.
No. 6
HP Smart Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One Refillable Printer, Scanner, Copier with 2 years of Ink included, Wireless printer-for-home use. (1F3Y0A)
- SET IT UP ONCE AND PRINT WITH CONFIDENCE. No complicated maintenance. Just easy, reliable printing you can count on.
- INK FOR YEARS. NOT MONTHS. Up to 2 years of ink included. Get thousands of pages of cartridge-free printing. More pages, less hassle
- KEEPS PRINTING WELL AFTER COMPETITORS HAVE QUIT. No complex maintenance. Sharper text, richer colors.[2] Only with HP Smart Tank
- INNOVATION YOU CAN TRUST. Cartridge-free printing that keeps you printing longer with fewer interruptions, powered by the trusted HP innovation you rely on today
- PREMIUM SUPPORT - Strong technical expertise to solve issues faster.
No. 7
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer Duplex Printing, White – Home Printer with Copier/Scanner, 1.42” OLED Display, Intuitive Control Panel, Compact Design
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
No. 8
HP Smart Tank 5000 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer, Scanner, Copier with 2 Years of Ink Included, Best-for-Home, Cartridge-Free, Refillable and AI-Enabled. (5D1B6A)
- SET IT UP ONCE AND PRINT WITH CONFIDENCE. No complicated maintenance. Just easy, reliable printing you can count on.
- INK FOR YEARS. NOT MONTHS. Up to 2 years of ink included. Get thousands of pages of cartridge-free printing. More pages, less hassle
- KEEPS PRINTING WELL AFTER COMPETITORS HAVE QUIT. No complex maintenance. Sharper text, richer colors.[2] Only with HP Smart Tank
- PREMIUM SUPPORT - Strong technical expertise to solve issues faster
- THE LAST PRINTER YOU'LL EVER NEED. Enjoy years of refillable, cartridge-free printing.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your All-in-One Printer Scanner
Are you tired of juggling different devices for printing and scanning? A combination printer scanner, also known as an all-in-one or multifunction printer, can simplify your life. These handy gadgets do it all, saving you space and hassle. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a combination printer scanner, keep these important features in mind:
- Printing Technology:
- Inkjet: These are great for home use and photos. They use liquid ink.
- Laser: These are faster and better for lots of text documents. They use toner powder.
- Scanning Resolution: This tells you how clear the scanned image will be. Higher numbers mean better detail. Look for at least 600 dpi (dots per inch) for good results.
- Connectivity:
- USB: Connects directly to your computer.
- Wi-Fi: Lets you print and scan wirelessly from any device on your network. This is super convenient.
- Ethernet: Connects to your network with a cable.
- Paper Handling:
- Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): This lets you scan multiple pages at once without putting them on the glass.
- Duplex Printing: This feature prints on both sides of the paper automatically. It saves paper and time.
- All-in-One Functions: Make sure it prints, scans, and copies. Some also fax.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your printer scanner will last. Most are made of durable plastic.
- Plastic Casing: Look for sturdy, good-quality plastic. It should feel solid, not flimsy.
- Internal Components: While you can’t see them, well-made internal parts mean fewer jams and better performance. Reading reviews can give you clues about reliability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your printing and scanning experience better or worse.
- Print Quality:
- Ink/Toner Quality: Using the brand’s ink or toner usually gives the best results.
- Paper Type: Different paper works better for photos or text.
- Printer Settings: Adjusting settings like print quality can make a big difference.
- Scan Quality:
- Resolution Settings: Always scan at the highest resolution you need.
- Cleanliness: Keep the scanner glass clean. Dust and smudges show up on scans.
- Lighting: Good lighting helps when scanning photos or delicate items.
- Speed: How fast it prints and scans matters. Check the pages per minute (ppm) for printing and scan time.
- Ease of Use: A simple control panel and easy software make a big difference.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your printer scanner. This will help you choose the right one.
- For Home Offices: You need reliable printing for documents and good scanning for paperwork. Wi-Fi is a must for easy sharing. ADF is helpful for scanning many papers.
- For Students: Affordable inkjet models are often a good choice. They handle essays and occasional photo printing well.
- For Photographers: Look for inkjet printers with high-quality photo printing capabilities and good color accuracy.
- For Busy Families: A user-friendly model that everyone can use is important. Wi-Fi makes it easy for multiple people to print from their devices.
Choosing the right combination printer scanner means thinking about your needs. With these tips, you’ll find a device that makes printing and scanning a breeze!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a combination printer scanner?
A: A combination printer scanner is one device that can print documents and scan them. It also usually copies.
Q: What’s the difference between inkjet and laser printers?
A: Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are good for photos. Laser printers use toner powder and are faster for text.
Q: What does DPI mean for scanning?
A: DPI stands for dots per inch. It measures how much detail a scanner can capture. Higher DPI means a clearer scan.
Q: Is Wi-Fi important for a printer scanner?
A: Wi-Fi is very helpful. It lets you print and scan from any device on your home network without wires.
Q: What is an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)?
A: An ADF is a part of the scanner that lets you put a stack of papers in. It feeds them one by one for scanning.
Q: What is duplex printing?
A: Duplex printing means the printer can print on both sides of a piece of paper automatically.
Q: How do I get the best scan quality?
A: You get the best scan quality by using a high resolution setting and making sure the scanner glass is clean.
Q: Should I use brand-name ink or toner?
A: Using brand-name ink or toner usually gives you the best print quality and can help your printer last longer.
Q: How do I know if a printer scanner is good quality?
A: Look for sturdy plastic, read user reviews for reliability, and check the warranty.
Q: Can I print photos with a combination printer scanner?
A: Yes, many combination printer scanners can print photos. Inkjet models are often best for this.