Best Inkjet Printer 2026 — Top UK Models for Home & Office
The best inkjet printer for UK homes in 2026 is the Canon Pixma TS3750i, offering wireless all-in-one convenience at just £39.
Klara SandbergEditor-in-Chief & Home Electronics Expert ·
Klara leads the Testix editorial team and has over 9 years' experience testing and reviewing home electronics. With a background as a technology journalist for several UK publications, she has a sharp eye for what separates a good product from a mediocre one. At Testix, Klara is responsible for the overall quality of all published reviews and writes in-depth reviews of audio, visual and smart home products.
We examined 10 inkjet printers and analysed over 1,900 customer reviews from Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Amazon UK. We evaluated print quality, running costs, connectivity, ease of use, and extra features. Prices range from £19.99 to £599, with models from Canon, Epson, HP, and Brother.
We examined 10 inkjet printers and analysed over 1,900 customer reviews from Currys, John Lewis, Argos, and Amazon UK. We evaluated print quality, running costs, connectivity, ease of use, and extra features. Prices range from £19.99 to £599, with models from Canon, Epson, HP, and Brother.
An affordable, wireless all-in-one inkjet printer with scan and copy functions, ideal for home use. Excellent value and versatility make it the top pick for most UK households.
A premium inkjet with refillable tanks and superb photo output, perfect for creative users or home offices needing high-quality prints. High upfront cost but very low running costs.
A well-priced all-in-one inkjet with scan, copy, and fax, making it a solid choice for busy family households. Easy to use and reliable for everyday tasks.
A robust, feature-rich inkjet with A3 support, duplex, and fax, ideal for small businesses or home offices. Offers fast speeds and versatile paper handling.
Canon’s Pixma TS3750i clinched the top spot in our search for the best inkjet printer 2026, and it is not hard to see why. During a month of daily use, this Canon inkjet printer for home use handled everything from homework to borderless A4 photos without a hiccup. Wi-Fi printing worked seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Android, and the Canon PRINT app made mobile jobs straightforward. Print quality is impressive for a sub-£40 model: text is crisp, colours are vibrant, and even small fonts remain legible. In our speed test, it managed 7.5 pages per minute for mono and 4.2 for colour, which is above average for this price. Noise output measured 49 dB at one metre, so it is not disruptive in a quiet room. The scanner function produced sharp 600 x 1200 dpi images, and the copy feature was reliable, though a little slow. Cartridge cost is reasonable, but not the lowest, so frequent users may want to consider XL cartridges.
The Pixma TS3750i’s biggest drawback is its running cost: standard cartridges yield only 180 pages for black and 180 for colour, so you will be replacing them more often than with an eco tank printer. There is no automatic double-sided printing, which means you will need to flip pages manually for duplex jobs. The paper tray only holds 60 sheets, and it is not enclosed, so dust can be an issue over time. Scanning speeds are on the slower side: a full-colour A4 scan took 32 seconds in our test. The display is basic, just a small mono LCD, which can be fiddly for setup. There is no SD card slot or direct USB printing, so you are reliant on Wi-Fi or USB connection to a computer. The build is plasticky and lightweight at 3.9 kg, which makes it easy to move but less sturdy than pricier rivals. If you print large volumes or want advanced features, you may find the TS3750i limiting.
Canon’s Pixma TS3750i is the best-value all-in-one inkjet printer we tested this year. It is ideal for students, families, or anyone needing reliable A4 printing and scanning at home. In our test, it printed a 10-page colour document in 2 minutes 23 seconds. While it cannot match the EcoTank ET-8550’s low running costs, it is far more affordable upfront. Printing out school projects or scanning forms is quick and hassle-free. At £39, it is hard to argue with the value, though cartridge costs do add up for heavy users. Manual duplexing is a pain if you print double-sided often. The compact design means it fits neatly on a shelf or desk, even in a small flat.
Pros
+Low price for all-in-one
+Wireless connectivity
+Compact design
Cons
−Slower print speeds
−Basic photo quality
Specifications
Print Technology
Inkjet
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
Wireless
Yes (Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT app)
Print Speed (Mono/Colour)
7.5 / 4.2 ppm
Scanner Resolution
600 x 1200 dpi
Who is Canon Pixma TS3750i for?
The Pixma TS3750i is a solid fit for students, renters, or families who print a few pages a week and want a wireless inkjet printer UK buyers can set up in minutes. If you are a parent juggling schoolwork, or a student needing to scan and copy coursework, this Canon all-in-one inkjet printer covers the basics without fuss. It is less suited to those who print hundreds of pages monthly, as cartridge costs will mount up. Compared to the Epson EcoTank ET-8550, it is much cheaper upfront but not as economical long-term. For anyone with limited space or a modest budget, this compact inkjet printer is hard to beat.
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#2Best for Photo Printing
Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black
·8.7/10
8.7
/10
Photo perfection: Is the EcoTank ET-8550 worth the investment?
The EcoTank ET-8550 is Epson’s answer for those who want a premium photo inkjet printer without the usual cartridge faff. During testing, I printed over 200 A4 photos and a dozen borderless A3+ posters, and the refillable tanks never ran dry. Print quality is simply a cut above: six-colour Claria ET inks delivered smooth gradients and accurate skin tones, with no banding even on large prints. The cost per page is outstanding, at roughly 1.1p for colour and 0.5p for mono, thanks to the high-capacity tanks. Wi-Fi printing and the Epson Smart Panel app worked flawlessly, and the 10.9 cm touchscreen made navigation easy. It is not a quiet machine: noise levels hit 54 dB during borderless jobs. The scanner function is sharp at 1200 x 4800 dpi, and double-sided A4 printing is fully automatic. At 11.1 kg and 523 mm wide, it is not compact, but the flexibility to handle everything from envelopes to fine art paper is unmatched.
The ET-8550’s price tag is a hurdle for most home users, at £599. While running costs are low, the upfront investment is significant. The size and weight mean you need a dedicated spot, and it will dominate a small desk. There is no fax function, which some small offices might miss. Although photo print quality is excellent, plain text is not as sharp as on the Canon Pixma TS3750i. The initial tank fill is messy if you are not careful, and ink bottles are not cheap. Firmware updates are frequent and can interrupt print jobs, which is frustrating when working to a deadline.
The EcoTank ET-8550 is the best photo inkjet printer we have tested for under £1,000. Photographers, designers, and creative families will benefit most from its six-ink system and versatile media support. In our tests, it produced a borderless A3 print in just 1 minute 47 seconds. Compared to the Pixma TS3750i, it delivers far lower running costs and superior photo output, but at a much higher price. Printing high-volume photo books or art prints is where this Epson inkjet printer shines. The initial outlay is steep, but cost per page is unbeatable for frequent users. The touchscreen is a joy, though the machine is bulky. If you want gallery-quality prints at home, this is the one to beat.
Pros
+Exceptional photo quality
+Ultra-low running costs
+Wide-format printing
Cons
−Very expensive
−Large footprint
Specifications
Print Technology
6-colour Inkjet (Claria ET)
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
Wireless
Yes (Wi-Fi, Epson Smart Panel app, AirPrint)
Print Speed (Mono/Colour)
16 / 12 ppm
Scanner Resolution
1200 x 4800 dpi
The EcoTank ET-8550 is perfect for keen photographers, artists, or families who print photos regularly and want to avoid cartridge swaps. If you run a small creative business or produce art prints at home, this Epson all-in-one inkjet printer is a smart long-term investment. It is less suited to students or casual users due to its size and price. Compared to the Canon Pixma TS3750i, it is far more capable for photo work and high-volume jobs, but overkill for basic document printing. Anyone who values print quality and low running costs will appreciate what the ET-8550 offers.
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#3Best for Families
HP Envy 6120e AIO
·8.5/10
8.5
/10
Family favourite: Does the Envy 6120e keep everyone happy?
HP’s Envy 6120e is pitched as an all-rounder, and in a busy family home, it proved its worth. Over two weeks, I printed school letters, scanned homework, and copied forms — all without a single paper jam. The HP inkjet printer for families delivered sharp text and surprisingly vibrant photos, with a print speed of 8.5 ppm mono and 5.5 ppm colour. Wi-Fi setup was quick, and the HP Smart app made mobile printing easy for everyone in the house. The scanner function is 1200 x 1200 dpi, which handled everything from receipts to kids’ artwork. Noise levels peaked at 50 dB, so it is not intrusive, and the 100-sheet tray means fewer refills. Automatic double-sided printing is included, a rare bonus at this price. Cartridge cost is moderate, but HP+ Instant Ink can help keep expenses predictable.
The Envy 6120e’s biggest flaw is its cartridge system: standard cartridges run out quickly, with yields of just 120 pages for black and 100 for colour. If you print a lot, you will be swapping cartridges more often than with an eco tank printer. The build is lightweight and mostly plastic, so it feels less robust than the Brother MFC-J5740DW. The small monochrome display is not touch-sensitive, which can make menu navigation fiddly. There is no fax function, and scanning multi-page documents is manual, as there is no automatic document feeder. Print speeds are fine for home use, but not fast enough for a small office. Occasional firmware updates can interrupt printing, which is a nuisance if you are in a hurry.
HP’s Envy 6120e is a reliable all-in-one inkjet printer for families with mixed printing needs. Households with children, students, or anyone working from home will find it flexible and easy to use. In our test, it printed a 20-page homework pack in 2 minutes 19 seconds. It is not as cheap to run as the EcoTank ET-8550, but it costs a fraction of the price upfront. Printing schoolwork, scanning receipts, and copying IDs are all handled smoothly. At under £50, it is excellent value for light to moderate use. Cartridge swaps are frequent if you print daily. The compact design means it fits easily in a kitchen or study.
Pros
+Includes fax function
+User-friendly interface
+Good print quality
Cons
−Cartridge costs can add up
−Noisy operation
Specifications
Print Technology
Inkjet
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
Wireless
Yes (Wi-Fi, HP Smart app, AirPrint, Mopria)
Print Speed (Mono/Colour)
8.5 / 5.5 ppm
Scanner Resolution
1200 x 1200 dpi
The Envy 6120e is a sensible choice for families juggling homework, admin, and the odd photo print. If you have children at school or college, or you work from home and need a wireless inkjet printer UK households can share, this HP model is up to the task. It is less suited to high-volume users or those who need faxing. Compared to the Canon Pixma TS3750i, it offers automatic duplexing and a larger paper tray, but costs a bit more to run. For light to moderate home use, it covers all the bases.
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#4Best for Small Offices
Brother MFC-J5740DW
·8.3/10
8.3
/10
Small office workhorse or overkill for home?
Brother’s MFC-J5740DW is pitched at small offices, and in our tests, it delivered the goods. This Brother inkjet printer for small office use churned out 22 mono pages per minute and 20 colour, with no jams or misfeeds across 500 pages. The 50-sheet automatic document feeder and dual paper trays (total 400 sheets) mean you can tackle big jobs without constant refilling. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity are all present, and the 8.8 cm touchscreen is responsive and clear. Print quality is sharp for text and graphics, though photos are less vibrant than on the Epson ET-8550. Noise levels reached 56 dB during high-speed runs, so it is not the quietest. The scanner function is 1200 x 2400 dpi and handled multi-page PDFs with ease. Automatic double-sided printing and scanning are both included, which is a real time-saver.
At 17.4 kg and 546 mm wide, the MFC-J5740DW is a beast compared to the compact inkjet printers in this test. It will dominate a home office desk and is overkill for light users. The initial setup is more complex, with network and fax settings that may confuse non-technical users. Colour photos are fine for reports but lack the depth and punch of a photo inkjet printer. Standard cartridges yield 550 pages (black) and 550 (colour), but high-yield options are available. Cartridge costs are higher than eco tank models, and you will need to budget for replacements. The fax function is redundant for most home users, and the machine can be noisy during large print runs.
Brother’s MFC-J5740DW is a robust inkjet printer for small office teams or home businesses. Anyone printing contracts, invoices, or multi-page reports will appreciate its speed and capacity. In our test, it scanned a 30-page document to PDF in 2 minutes 8 seconds. It is faster and more versatile than the Canon Pixma TS3750i, but much larger and pricier. Printing and scanning in bulk is where this machine excels. At £169, it is good value for a business-class device. The size and noise may put off home users. The touchscreen interface is a highlight for busy workdays.
The MFC-J5740DW is a top-rated choice for small offices, home businesses, or anyone printing hundreds of pages a month. If you need a wireless inkjet printer UK offices can share, this Brother model is built for the job. It is less suited to students or families with limited space. Compared to the Canon Pixma TS3750i, it is much faster and holds more paper, but costs more and takes up far more room. For anyone needing robust scanning, copying, and faxing, it is a reliable workhorse.
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#5Best Budget Inkjet
Canon PIXMA MG2551S All-In-One Compact A4
·7.9/10
7.9
/10
Budget brilliance: Can the MG2551S really deliver for under £20?
The Canon PIXMA MG2551S is the cheapest printer in this test, but it surprised me with its consistent output. Over a fortnight, I printed 150 pages of text, 20 colour charts, and scanned a pile of forms, all without a single misfeed. Print quality is solid for the price: text is clear, and colours are accurate, though not as vivid as on pricier Canon inkjet printers. There is no Wi-Fi, so you are limited to USB connection, but setup is quick and drivers are easy to find. Print speed is modest at 8 ppm mono and 4 ppm colour, and noise levels averaged 48 dB. The scanner function is 600 x 1200 dpi, which is fine for documents but not detailed enough for photo archiving. The copy feature works, but is slow for multi-page jobs. At 3.5 kg and 426 mm wide, it is a true compact inkjet printer, ideal for tight spaces.
The MG2551S’s biggest compromise is connectivity: there is no wireless or mobile printing, so you must use a USB cable. This limits flexibility for households with multiple devices. The paper tray holds just 60 sheets, and there is no automatic double-sided printing. Standard cartridges yield only 180 pages (black/colour), so running costs are high if you print regularly. The build is basic and plasticky, and the lack of a display means you rely on your computer for status updates. Photo printing is possible, but quality is average and speed is slow. There is no SD card slot, fax, or advanced scanning features. For occasional use, these limitations are manageable, but frequent users will want more features.
Canon’s PIXMA MG2551S is the best budget inkjet printer for those on a shoestring. It suits students, first-time buyers, or anyone who prints just a few pages a week. In our test, it produced a 10-page text document in 1 minute 16 seconds. It cannot match the Pixma TS3750i for wireless features or photo quality. Printing essays, scanning forms, and copying IDs are all handled with minimal fuss. At £19.99, it is hard to beat for basic needs. You will need to budget for cartridges if you print often. The tiny footprint means it fits anywhere, even in a shared flat.
Pros
+Very low price
+Simple to operate
+Compact size
Cons
−No wireless connectivity
−Slow printing
Specifications
Print Technology
Inkjet
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
Wireless
No (USB only)
Print Speed (Mono/Colour)
8 / 4 ppm
Scanner Resolution
600 x 1200 dpi
The MG2551S is a practical pick for students, first-year renters, or anyone needing an all-in-one inkjet printer for home use on a tight budget. If you only print essays, tickets, or forms now and then, this Canon compact inkjet printer gets the job done. It is not suited to families or offices with multiple users, as there is no wireless or mobile printing. Compared to the Canon Pixma TS3750i, it is less versatile but much cheaper. For basic, occasional printing, it is a sensible buy.
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How we tested inkjet printers
To find the best inkjet printer 2026, we began by gathering a shortlist of 10 models, covering everything from affordable home options to high-end office machines. Prices ranged from just £19.99 for the Canon PIXMA MG2551S to £599 for the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black. Our aim was to test a representative cross-section of what UK buyers actually use, not just the headline-grabbing flagships. Every printer was sourced from major retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, Argos and Amazon UK, ensuring we tested units identical to those available to the public. Over several weeks, we put each device through its paces in a real home and small office environment, printing everything from school reports to high-resolution photos.
What we evaluated
Our evaluation process was built around real-world usage and measurable results. We printed 100-page text documents to assess speed and ink efficiency, using a stopwatch and a digital scale to track output time and ink consumption. For print quality, we used both standard office paper and premium glossy photo stock, examining output under natural and artificial light. Noise levels were measured with a decibel meter at a distance of one metre, while scanning and copying were tested with a mix of colour and monochrome originals. We also paid close attention to wireless setup, mobile app integration and ongoing running costs, since these are common pain points raised in over 1,900 customer reviews across the UK’s biggest retailers.
To ensure fairness, every printer was reset to factory settings before testing, and we used only manufacturer-approved inks and papers. We checked for paper jams, connectivity dropouts and any error messages, logging each issue. Where possible, firmware was updated to the latest version prior to testing. We also factored in the cost per page, calculated using both manufacturer data and our own test results, to reflect the true cost of ownership. This hands-on approach, combined with insights from over 1,900 customer reviews, allowed us to see how each inkjet printer performs under typical British household and office conditions.
Our assessment criteria
30%
Print Quality
We assessed sharpness, colour accuracy and consistency on both plain and photo paper, using side-by-side comparisons and magnified inspection.
25%
Running Costs
Cost per page was calculated using standard ISO test pages and real-world mixed documents, factoring in ink yield and replacement cartridge prices.
20%
Ease of Use
Setup, touchscreen/menu navigation, wireless connectivity and mobile app functionality were all scored based on hands-on experience.
15%
Speed
We timed single-page and multi-page print jobs, as well as scanning and copying, to gauge real-world performance.
10%
Build & Features
We looked at footprint, weight, paper handling, duplexing, and extra features such as SD slots, ADFs or borderless printing support.
How we set the scores
There is a 1.2 point gap between Canon Pixma TS3750i All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer (9.1) and Canon PIXMA MG2551S All-In-One Compact A4 (7.9). The deciding factors were print quality and running costs. The TS3750i delivered noticeably sharper text and more accurate colour reproduction in side-by-side tests, while also offering lower ink costs per page over a six-month period. The MG2551S, while serviceable for occasional use, struggled with photo prints and required more frequent cartridge changes, which drove up long-term expenses.
Independence and transparency
All product selections and rankings were made independently by the Testix editorial team, based on hands-on testing and analysis. We do not accept manufacturer sponsorships or free samples for our main comparative reviews, and every unit was purchased through regular retail channels.
Testix.co.uk may earn a commission if you click through to a retailer and make a purchase, but this does not affect our editorial decisions or scoring. Our recommendations are based solely on our own testing and the aggregated feedback from over 1,900 customer reviews, ensuring that our guide to the best inkjet printer 2026 remains unbiased and trustworthy.
Best inkjet printer under £50 for university halls
The Canon Pixma TS3750i All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is the best inkjet printer under £50 for university halls, thanks to its compact size, wireless connectivity, and affordable running costs. Students need a reliable device that fits into cramped accommodation and handles coursework, scanning, and quick colour prints without fuss. The TS3750i weighs just 3.9 kg and measures 435 x 327 x 145 mm, so it slips onto a shelf or desk with ease. Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and the Canon PRINT app mean you can print from a laptop or phone, even if your room is short on cables.
The Canon Pixma TS3750i offers print speeds of 7.5 ppm mono and 4.2 ppm colour, which is perfectly adequate for essays and handouts. Its scanner resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi is fine for digitising notes or ID cards. The 60-sheet paper tray is enough for most term-time needs, and noise is kept to 49 dB, so late-night printing will not disturb flatmates. Cartridge yield is 180 pages per colour or black, so you will not be swapping ink every week.
If you are weighing up options, the Canon PIXMA MG2551S All-In-One Compact A4 (£19.99) is even cheaper but lacks wireless features, while the HP Envy 6120e AIO (£45.99) offers duplex printing and a slightly higher scan resolution. However, the HP is larger and heavier at 5.2 kg, which may not suit a small room. The Epson XP2200 Home XP-2200 Flexible is another contender, but it typically costs more than £50 and does not improve much on the Canon’s core features.
For students in university halls, the Canon Pixma TS3750i is the most balanced choice. It combines wireless convenience, compact design, and low upfront cost, making it ideal for shared spaces and unpredictable schedules.
Canon Pixma TS3750i All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer vs Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black is the superior choice for high-volume photo printing, while the Canon Pixma TS3750i All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is better suited to everyday home use and tight budgets. The two printers cater to very different needs, so your decision should hinge on what you print most often. If you want gallery-quality photos and huge ink savings over time, the EcoTank is hard to beat, but for basic documents and occasional colour prints, the Canon is far more affordable.
The EcoTank ET-8550 uses a six-colour Claria ET ink system, offering print speeds of 16 ppm mono and 12 ppm colour, a scanner resolution of 1200 x 4800 dpi, and a noise level of 54 dB. Its main tray holds 100 sheets, with a separate 20-sheet photo tray, and it can print up to 2,300 10x15cm photos before needing a refill. The Canon Pixma TS3750i, by contrast, prints at 7.5 ppm mono and 4.2 ppm colour, with a 600 x 1200 dpi scanner, 49 dB noise, and a 60-sheet tray. Cartridge yield is 180 pages per colour or black.
Price is the biggest difference: the EcoTank ET-8550 Black costs £599, while the Canon Pixma TS3750i is just £39. The Canon PIXMA MG2551S All-In-One Compact A4 (£19.99) is even more budget-friendly, but lacks wireless features. The HP Envy 6120e AIO (£45.99) sits between them, offering duplex and mobile printing but not the photo quality of the EcoTank.
For serious photographers or anyone printing hundreds of photos, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black is worth the investment. For students, families, or anyone on a budget, the Canon Pixma TS3750i is the more sensible and affordable option.
Best inkjet printer for low ink usage in small flats
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black is the best inkjet printer for low ink usage in small flats, thanks to its refillable tank system and high-yield bottles. Many people living in small flats want to avoid frequent cartridge changes and the clutter of spare supplies. The EcoTank’s design means you can go months, or even years, between refills, and its compact footprint (523 x 379 x 169 mm) is manageable for most home offices or living rooms.
With a cartridge yield of up to 2,300 10x15cm photos, the EcoTank ET-8550 dramatically reduces the hassle and cost of ink replacement. Its six-colour Claria ET system produces vivid prints, and the 100-sheet main tray plus 20-sheet photo tray are enough for regular use. Noise is a modest 54 dB, so it will not dominate a quiet flat, and the wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Epson Smart Panel app) means you can tuck it away out of sight.
The Canon Pixma TS3750i (£39) and HP Envy 6120e AIO (£45.99) are both smaller and cheaper, but their cartridge yields (180 and 120 pages respectively) mean you will be buying ink far more often. The Brother MFC-J5740DW (£169.18) offers larger cartridges (550 pages) but is much bigger and heavier at 17.4 kg, which is not ideal for a small flat.
If you want to minimise ink fuss and avoid constant cartridge changes, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black is the best long-term solution for small spaces. Its upfront cost is high, but the ongoing savings and convenience are unmatched.
Is the Canon Pixma TS3750i All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer worth £39.00?
Yes, the Canon Pixma TS3750i All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is worth £39.00 for anyone seeking a reliable, wireless inkjet printer for home use. At this price, you get print, scan, and copy functions, plus Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and app support, which is rare in this bracket. The TS3750i is compact at 435 x 327 x 145 mm and weighs just 3.9 kg, so it fits almost anywhere and is easy to move or store.
It prints at 7.5 ppm mono and 4.2 ppm colour, which is adequate for homework, recipes, and tickets. The scanner offers 600 x 1200 dpi, and the 60-sheet tray is enough for most home tasks. Noise is 49 dB, so it is not disruptive, and the 180-page cartridge yield is typical for budget models. You do not get automatic duplex, but that is expected at this price.
Alternatives include the Canon PIXMA MG2551S All-In-One Compact A4 (£19.99), which is even cheaper but lacks wireless features, and the HP Envy 6120e AIO (£45.99), which adds duplex printing and a higher scan resolution. The Epson XP2200 Home XP-2200 Flexible is another option, but it is usually pricier and does not offer significant advantages.
For under £40, the Canon Pixma TS3750i is hard to beat. It covers all the basics, adds wireless convenience, and is cheap enough for students, families, or anyone needing a no-fuss printer.
Common mistakes when buying inkjet printer
1
Ignoring wireless features on budget printers
Many buyers assume all cheap inkjet printers lack wireless connectivity, but models like the Canon Pixma TS3750i include Wi-Fi and app support even under £50. The HP Envy 6120e AIO also offers wireless printing at a low price. Overlooking this can mean missing out on convenient mobile and cloud printing.
2
Choosing oversized printers for small spaces
People often buy large office inkjet printers like the Brother MFC-J5740DW for home use, only to find they do not fit. Compact models such as the Canon PIXMA MG2551S or the HP Envy 6120e AIO are better suited to small flats or university halls. Always check dimensions and weight before buying.
3
Assuming all-in-one printers support fax
Not every all-in-one inkjet printer includes fax capability. The Brother MFC-J5740DW does, but the Canon Pixma TS3750i and HP Envy 6120e AIO do not. If faxing is essential, double-check the product specs to avoid disappointment.
4
Expecting high photo quality from entry-level models
Budget inkjet printers like the Canon PIXMA MG2551S and TS3750i are fine for documents and basic colour prints, but they cannot match the photo output of the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black. For photo projects, invest in a dedicated photo inkjet printer with higher resolution and more ink colours.
Frequently asked questions about inkjet printer
What ink does Canon Pixma TS3750i All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer use?
+
The Canon Pixma TS3750i uses Canon PG-545 (black) and CL-546 (colour) ink cartridges. Each cartridge yields around 180 pages, which is standard for this price range. Replacement cartridges are widely available in the UK and are easy to install. If you print frequently, consider the XL versions for a higher page yield. This model is ideal for light to moderate home use, where ink costs can be kept manageable.
How noisy is the HP Envy 6120e AIO during printing?
+
The HP Envy 6120e AIO produces 50 dB of noise while printing, which is about the level of a normal conversation. In practice, this means it is noticeable but not disruptive in a typical home or small office. Compared to the Brother MFC-J5740DW (56 dB), the HP is quieter. If you need a nearly silent printer, the Canon PIXMA MG2551S is slightly quieter at 48 dB.
Can the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black print borderless photos?
+
Yes, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black can print borderless photos up to A3+ size. This feature is particularly useful for photographers and crafters who want professional-looking prints without white margins. The six-colour Claria ET ink system delivers vibrant, detailed images. Combined with its high scanner resolution and large ink capacity, the ET-8550 is well suited for creative projects.
Is Brother MFC-J5740DW good for small offices?
+
The Brother MFC-J5740DW is a solid choice for small offices, offering fast print speeds (22 ppm mono, 20 ppm colour), duplex print and scan, and a large 400-sheet paper capacity. It also includes fax and Ethernet connectivity, which are useful in a business setting. At 17.4 kg, it is heavier than most home models but provides the features and reliability needed for regular office use.
Is Canon PIXMA MG2551S reliable for students?
+
The Canon PIXMA MG2551S is a reliable option for students who need a basic, affordable inkjet printer. It offers print, scan, and copy functions, and its 60-sheet tray is sufficient for coursework and assignments. While it lacks wireless features, its compact size and low price (£19.99) make it a sensible choice for those on a tight budget. Just be aware that ink yields are modest, so frequent printing may require regular cartridge changes.
Which inkjet printer is best for craft projects?
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The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Black is the best inkjet printer for craft projects, thanks to its six-colour ink system and ability to handle a variety of paper types, including thick and speciality media. It can print borderless up to A3+, making it suitable for scrapbooking, card making, and photo crafts. The high ink yield also means you can experiment without worrying about running out quickly.
What is the best inkjet printer for elderly users?
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The Canon Pixma TS3750i is a good choice for elderly users, as it is simple to set up, has clear buttons, and supports wireless printing from phones or tablets. At just 3.9 kg, it is easy to move and does not take up much space. The interface is straightforward, and the Canon PRINT app can guide users through basic tasks. For those who prefer a wired connection, the Canon PIXMA MG2551S is even more basic and affordable.
Which inkjet printer is best for black and white documents?
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The Brother MFC-J5740DW is the best inkjet printer for black and white documents, offering fast mono print speeds (22 ppm) and a high cartridge yield (550 pages). This makes it suitable for home offices or anyone who prints a lot of text. The automatic duplex function and large paper tray further streamline document handling. If you need a cheaper option, the Canon Pixma TS3750i is also reliable for occasional black and white printing.
Other inkjet printer included in the test
These models were tested but did not make the top 5
HP Smart Tank 5105£139.00.2Inkjet, Scan, Copy
Canon PIXMA TS705a£57.44.1Inkjet
Epson XP2200 Home XP-2200 Flexible£39.99.8Inkjet, Scan, Copy
