Printer Buying Guide - Home Office Edition

Looking to buy a new printer for your home office or upgrade your existing one? With so many options available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. And then there are so many things like brands, printer types, price points, and a lot more to consider.

But you don’t have to be confused by all the available options. This printer buying guide will help you choose the right printer for your home office. We will discuss the key factors to look for in your printer and the types of printers available. On top of that, we will also provide some recommendations to make the selection process easier for you.

Key Factors When Choosing a Home Office Printer:

When choosing a home office printer, there are a lot of factors you need to consider. Here are a few of these factors to help make your decision easier:

• Print Volume & Speed:

The first thing you need to consider is the printing volume and speed you need with your printer. Ask yourself, how many pages will I be printing per week? Once you have the number, also ask yourself what your PPM (Pages Per Minute) expectations for home use are. If you're regularly printing large batches of documents or client materials, speed and monthly duty cycle matter. A great option would be to look for laser printers that can handle at least 20+ pages per minute and support automatic duplexing to save time and paper.

• Print Quality:

Another factor you need to consider for your home office printer is the print quality you need. For that, check the DPI rating of the printer you are buying. A good DPI (dots per inch) rating ensures crisp text and professional graphics. For text-heavy documents, 600 x 600 DPI is sufficient. As for presentations or colour charts, go for higher resolutions like 1200 x 1200 DPI. Choose the DPI based on your unique requirements.

• Connectivity & Workflow:

Most modern home offices demand wireless printing compatibility and cloud flexibility. When choosing your home office printer, you need to make sure it supports these features:

• Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and mobile print support
• Compatibility with services like AirPrint, Mopria, Google Cloud Print, or Wi-Fi Direct
• Offers mobile app support for remote printing (e.g., Xerox Print & Scan)

• Size & Noise:

Most home offices have limited workspaces to arrange everything. So, if you have a small home office, you need to opt for a printer with compact dimensions. Another thing you need to consider is the noise that printers make. For quieter home environments, make sure to choose a printer with little to no noise. A great option would be to go for a laser printer as they are more compact and silent compared to bulkier and noisier inkjet printers.

• Cost Efficiency:

When buying a home office printer, you need to understand the costs associated with it. You don’t just have to pay for the paper, toner, and ink, but also need to consider the energy costs that come with the printer running. Consider a laser printer, as it has a lower cost per page than inkjets. Also, go for a printer with an efficient energy-saving mode to help you save costs.

Types of Printers for Home Offices:

Best Printers for Home Offices

So, what type of printer do you need for your home office? Based on your unique requirements, there are multiple types of printers available to choose from.

• All-in-One Printers:

These are printers that offer multiple functions in one. You get print, scan, copy (and fax in some models). All-in-one Printers are perfect for remote workers who handle everything from paperwork to creative content.

• Single-Function Printers:

If you only require printing at your home office, you can go with the single-function printers. These models only support printing and can be simpler, affordable, and faster. They are ideal for users looking for low-maintenance options.

• Colour vs Mono Printers:

Do you need to print colour documents or just the normal black and white? Colour printers are ideal for users who work with creatives, such as presentations and other colourful documents. They can cost more and require more maintenance. If you are mostly printing standard documents, mono printers are the best choice for you, and they also keep the costs low.

Looking for deeper insights? Check out the complete Printer Buying Guide by Box.co.uk.

Our Top Home Office Printer Recommendations:

Here are a few of the recommendations for a home office printer from Box.co.uk that you can check out:

• Xerox C Series – Perfect for Home Offices:

Explore Xerox C Series Printers

When it comes to compact laser printing, the Xerox C Series stands out. These printers are fast, quiet, reliable, and feature-rich. They are perfect for professionals working from home who need laser-sharp quality and seamless connectivity. Here are a few popular models from this series to check out for your home office:

• Xerox C320 (Highly Recommended):

The Xerox C320 is a powerful and compact laser printer perfect for printing high-quality colour documents. Its fast printing and secure connectivity make it the best option for your home office. With this printer, you get a perfect balance between performance and home-office efficiency. Some notable features of this printer are:

• Colour laser printer with fast, high-quality output
• Compact design ideal for home desks and small office spaces
• Reliable wireless and mobile printing
• Built-in security features and energy efficiency
• A fantastic all-rounder for busy home offices

Other models in the Xerox C Series:

• Xerox C235: An amazing all-in-one option perfect for remote work setups and small home office teams.
• Xerox C325: Another all-in-one option with faster processing and mobile workflow support.

• HP – Reliable and User-Friendly:

Explore HP Printers 

HP’s home office lineup is known for easy setup and consistent performance. It offers advanced features and amazing support. Here are a few notable HP printer options from this lineup:

• HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e: All-in-one inkjet with fast colour prints and HP+ smart features.
• HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4102fdn: Mono laser with duplex and scanning, compact and efficient.
• HP ENVY Inspire 7920e: Stylish inkjet, great for both documents and occasional photo printing

• Canon – Great for Mixed Printing Needs:

Explore Canon Printers

Canon offers solid inkjet options for users who need to print everything from reports to occasional photos. Here are some popular options available from this lineup:

• Canon PIXMA TS5350i: A 3-in-1 inkjet printer with wireless connectivity, ideal for everyday printing tasks.
• Canon PIXMA G3570: A 3-in-1 inkjet printer featuring refillable ink tanks for cost-effective, high-volume colour printing.
• Canon PIXMA G4570: A 4-in-1 inkjet printer with fax functionality, suitable for comprehensive home office tasks.

• Brother – Practical and Business-Focused:

Explore Brother Printers

Brother is known for its dependable laser printers and affordable toner costs. Some popular brother printers for your home office include:

• Brother HL-1212WVB: A compact mono laser printer with wireless connectivity, perfect for straightforward document printing.
• Brother DCP-L5510DW: A multifunction mono laser printer offering high-resolution printing and wireless capabilities for more demanding tasks.

Wrapping Up:

Choosing the right printer for your home office eco-friendly comes down to understanding your specific needs, whether it’s high-speed printing, top-notch quality, multi-functionality, or cost efficiency. By considering factors like print volume, connectivity, size, and overall cost, you can make a smarter investment that boosts your productivity and fits your workspace.

From reliable laser printers like the Xerox C Series to versatile all-in-ones from HP, Canon, and Brother, there’s a perfect printer out there for every type of home office setup. Use this guide as your starting point, compare your options, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a printer that works just as hard as you do.

FAQs:

• What type of printer is best for a busy home office?

For busy home offices, going for an all-in-one printer might be an excellent choice as it provides more efficiency and cost savings. For regular documents, go for laser all-in-one printers. As for colour charts or photos, choose an inkjet all-in-one model.

• Should I choose a single-function printer or an all-in-one?

Choosing between a single-function or an all-in-one printer depends on your unique requirements. If you occasionally print and do not require other functionalities such as scanning or copying, going for a single-function printer might be the right choice. However, if you print regularly, an all-in-one printer can be highly cost-effective in the long run.

• Do laser printers need refills?

Unlike inkjet printers, laser printers use toners, a powder instead of liquid inks. The toner cartridges are replaced instead of being refilled when they have served their purpose. However, toner cartridges last longer than liquid ink, providing a higher page yield.

• How much paper capacity do I need?

The paper capacity you need with your printer depends entirely on your usage. For daily home use, a printer with a 100-150-sheet tray capacity might suffice. However, if you print often, consider a printer with a 250-500 sheet capacity to reduce frequent refilling and streamline your workflow.

• Should I choose a monochrome or a colour printer?

If you print regular documents, going for a monochrome printer can help save costs. However, if you print coloured documents like PDF files and presentations, opting for a colour printer may be the right choice.