10 bestPrinter For Occasional Useof August 2026
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Colour All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy
Epson
9.9
2
Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, ADF and Ethernet – Ideal for Your Home Office
Epson
9.8
3
Brother DCP-L2640DW Business Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer with 700 Prints in-Box
Brother
9.6
4
Canon PIXMA G3270 - MegaTank Ink Tank Wireless Printer, Colour All-in-One, Printer, Scanner, Copier, Mobile Friendly, Black
Canon
9.4
12% off
5
Brother HL-L2465DW Monochrome Laser Printer with Wireless Connectivity All-in-One Print, Copy and Scan Functions for Home and Office Use - Compact Design
Brother
9.2
OtherUp to 18% off
HP LaserJet M209dw Compact Monochrome Printer with Automatic Two-Sided Printing | 6GW62F Gray
HP Envy 6155e All-in-One Printer with 3 Months Instant Ink
Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer with Copy, Scan and Fax, Duplex, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
Brother MFC-J1260W Work Smart Wireless Colour Inkjet All-in-One Printer Scanner Copier for Home Office 150-Sheet Tray 16ppm Black 9ppm Colour with LC501 Starter Ink (MFCJ1260W)
6
HP Envy Inspire 7958e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best for Home, Instant Ink with HP+, 3 Months Instant Ink Included
HP
8.9
7
Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer for Home Office –Duplex on Ink & Toner with a Refresh Subscription
Brother
8.7
8
Brother Color Laser Printer with Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM Output, Duplex Feature, Mobile Device Compatible, 250-Sheet Paper Tray for Professional Home Office Printing (HL-L3220CDW)
Brother
8.4
9
Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw - All in One, Wireless Laser Printer
Canon
8.1
10
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Printer, Scanner, Copier
HP
7.9
A Guide to Selecting the Best Printer For Occasional Use
Choosing a printer for occasional use means you want something reliable that won’t give you trouble if it sits unused for a while. The right printer should be easy to maintain, simple to set up, and not require frequent ink or toner replacements. Think about what you’ll print most often—documents, photos, or both—and how much space you have for the printer. Also, consider how you want to connect to the printer, such as via USB, Wi-Fi, or even from your phone. By focusing on your actual needs and understanding the main features, you can find a printer that fits your lifestyle and won’t cause headaches when you need it.
Printer Type (Inkjet vs. Laser)
The type of printer you choose—inkjet or laser—affects how well it handles occasional use. Inkjet printers are versatile and good for both photos and documents, but their ink can dry out if not used regularly. Laser printers use toner, which doesn’t dry out, making them better for infrequent printing, especially if you mostly print text. If you print photos or color documents occasionally, an inkjet might be better, but for mostly black-and-white documents, a laser printer is often more reliable for occasional use.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity refers to how you connect your devices to the printer. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and sometimes Ethernet. USB is simple and reliable for one computer, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth let you print from multiple devices, including phones and tablets, without cables. For occasional use, wireless options add convenience, especially if you want to print from different rooms or devices. Choose the connectivity that matches how and where you plan to print.
Print Speed
Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm) and tells you how fast the printer can produce documents. For occasional use, super-fast speeds aren’t usually necessary, but you don’t want to wait forever for a page to print. Low speeds (under 10 ppm) are fine for light, infrequent printing, while moderate speeds (10–20 ppm) are better if you sometimes print longer documents. Think about your patience and how often you’ll need to print multiple pages at once.
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is measured in dots per inch (dpi) and affects how sharp and clear your prints look. Higher dpi means better detail, which is important for photos or graphics, while lower dpi is usually fine for text. For occasional document printing, a standard resolution (600 x 600 dpi or similar) is enough. If you want to print photos or images, look for higher resolution. Match the print quality to what you plan to print most often.
Cartridge/Toner Longevity
This refers to how long the ink or toner lasts before needing replacement. For occasional use, you want cartridges or toner that won’t dry out or expire quickly. Laser printers have toner that lasts longer and doesn’t dry out, making them ideal for infrequent use. If you choose an inkjet, look for models with individual color cartridges or those designed for low maintenance. Consider how often you want to deal with replacing ink or toner and pick accordingly.
Size and Footprint
The size and footprint of a printer determine how much space it will take up in your home or office. For occasional use, a compact printer is often best, especially if you don’t have a dedicated workspace. Smaller printers are easier to store and move, but may have fewer features. Think about where you’ll keep the printer and how much space you can spare, then choose a size that fits comfortably.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance includes things like cleaning print heads, replacing cartridges, and running diagnostic checks. Some printers need more attention than others, especially inkjets, which can clog if left unused. Laser printers generally require less maintenance. If you want a hassle-free experience, look for printers with self-cleaning features or those known for low maintenance. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to spend keeping your printer in good shape.
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