Tips to pick the best printer for your money

When it’s time to buy a new printer, the choices can be overwhelming. Printers come in many shapes, sizes, and capabilities—and what’s “best” depends heavily on your actual needs. You want one that delivers good quality, fast enough performance, and reasonable running costs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making sure you pick the printer that gives the best value for your money.

What to Figure Out First

Before you get into model comparisons and seller deals, ask yourself these core questions:

1. What will you print, and how often?
   • Mostly text (letters, reports)?
   • Photos or colour graphics?
   • Heavy usage (dozens to hundreds of pages monthly) or occasional printing?
2. How important is quality?
   • Do you need fine, sharp small text (e.g. contracts)?
   • Are image/photo quality and colour accuracy important?
   • Is gloss or special paper involved?
3. How fast do you want it?
   • Time-sensitive? Printing dozens of pages or doing double-sided work means speed matters.
4. What features matter?
   • Duplex (automatic two‐sided printing)
   • Scanning / copying / fax (all‑in‑one)
   • Connectivity options: USB / USB‑direct‑share / Ethernet / Wi‑Fi / Wireless mobile printing
5. What will it cost to run?
   • Ink or toner cost per page
   • How often consumables last (yield)
   • Are there cheaper refill or bulk options (ink tanks, high‑yield cartridges)?

Key Printer Types Compared

To make an informed decision, it helps to know how the main types stack up.

Must‑Have Features to Look For

These are features that may add upfront cost, but turn out to be important if you use the printer regularly.

• Duplex printing / scanning: Saves paper and time. If you often print double‑sided documents (reports, school homework, etc.), or need to scan both sides, having automatic duplex capability is a big convenience.
• Input tray size & paper handling: Larger input trays mean fewer refills. If your printer can handle special paper (glossy photo paper, heavyweight paper, envelopes, labels), that’s a plus.
• Connectivity options:
  • Wi‑Fi or Wireless Printing (from phones/tablets)
  • Ethernet (useful for offices or wired network)
  • USB direct input/tray
  • Cloud or mobile printing capabilities (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print alternatives, wireless direct)
• Multifunction capabilities: If you need scanning, copying, maybe faxing, getting an all‑in‑one will often cost less (and take up less space) than separate devices.
• Durability & warranty: Look for brands/models known for long life; check for good warranty terms. Parts that wear (rollers, print heads, fusers) can affect running costs or downtime.

Calculating Total Cost of Ownership

That’s where many people go “oh!” when they see their printer sitting there but the ink replacement costs more than they expected. Upfront price is only part of the picture. Here’s how to judge real value:

1. Cost per page (CPP):
   Take the cost of the cartridge or toner, divide by the number of pages it claims to print. Compare across models. Brand “high‑yield” or “XL” cartridges usually give better CPP.
2. Consumable price variation:
   Some brands charge a premium; third‐party or refilled cartridges/ink may be cheaper—but check quality and whether warranty is affected. Ink tank systems often reduce these variable costs sharply.
3. Frequency of replacements & yield:
   More frequent replacements mean more downtime and more hassle (plus cost). A printer that uses high yield cartridges or large tanks may cost more up front but save money long term.
4. Electricity & maintenance:
   Consider power usage (especially if always on), cost of replacement parts or service, and whether the print quality degrades over time (which can lead to replacing sooner).

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be aware of these traps so you don’t end up spending more than you bargained for:

• Buying a very cheap printer, but with very expensive cartridges or very low yield.
• Over‑estimating your print needs: buying a high‑volume laser when you print only occasionally—wasted capacity and higher cost.
• Neglecting aftersales support or warranty—cheap dealers sometimes provide little backup.
• Ignoring paper compatibility or special media: if you occasionally want photos or thick paper, check whether your printer supports it.
• Skipping sample prints or image quality checks—pictures in brochures often look better than real output.

Decision Guide: What to Pick Based on Your Situation

Here’s a quick decision grid:

Practical Tips Before You Buy

• Go see sample prints in person if possible—retailers often have test prints you can inspect.
• Read user reviews, especially for real‐world cost per page and reliability issues.
• Factor in warranty and support in your country or region.
• Watch for bundled deals: sometimes you can get extra cartridges, better warranty, or freebies that improve value.
• Consider the long view: sometimes paying more up front gives much lower costs and frustration in the long run.

Conclusion

Choosing the best printer for your money isn’t about getting the cheapest unit—it’s about getting the right balance of features, quality, and running costs for how you print. When you carefully match your needs (volume, photo vs text, speed, features) with what each printer type offers—and factor in consumables and real cost per page—you’ll be much more satisfied with your decision. Keep this guide as your checklist, and you’ll avoid paying more than necessary while still getting what you need.