Best Scanner Printer – Top 5 Picks & Review

Imagine needing to save an important document, but your old printer just copies it blurry. Or maybe you have a stack of old photos you want to digitize, but the process feels like a puzzle. We’ve all been there! Choosing a scanner printer can feel overwhelming. So many buttons, so many features, and what does “DPI” even mean?

That’s where we come in. This blog post is your friendly guide to understanding scanner printers. We’ll break down what makes a good one and help you avoid common mistakes. You’ll learn how to pick a device that makes scanning and printing easy, saving you time and frustration.

By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about what to look for. We’ll cover everything from speed and quality to how much space it takes up. Get ready to turn those confusing choices into clear solutions!

Our Top 5 Scanner Printer Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Scanner Printer Detailed Reviews

1. HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer

HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included, AI-enabled (588S5A)

Rating: 8.8/10

The HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included, AI-enabled (588S5A) is a handy tool for any home. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease. This printer is designed for simple, everyday tasks like printing schoolwork, recipes, or letters. Its smart features make printing documents from the web or emails much easier, so you don’t waste paper.

What We Like:

  • The HP AI feature is great for printing web pages and emails perfectly. It removes extra stuff so you only print what you need.
  • It’s a wireless printer, so you can connect easily from your phone, computer, or tablet.
  • The HP app makes printing, scanning, and copying very simple.
  • You get a 3-month free trial of HP Instant Ink. Ink gets delivered to your door before you run out.
  • It has a compact design that fits well in small spaces.
  • It’s made with recycled plastic and is energy efficient.
  • The simple ICON LCD screen makes it easy to use.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Print speeds are a bit slow at 5.5 ppm for color and 7.5 ppm for black.
  • This printer only works with HP ink cartridges.
  • After the 3-month Instant Ink trial, you have to pay a monthly fee unless you cancel.

This HP DeskJet 2855e is a solid choice for basic home printing needs. It offers convenience and smart features that simplify everyday tasks.

2. Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan

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

Rating: 8.6/10

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a powerful, all-in-one printer designed for busy small businesses. It’s a compact machine that packs a punch, combining a laser printer, scanner, and copier into one convenient device. This black and white printer delivers sharp, high-quality documents quickly and efficiently, making it a fantastic addition to any home office or small business setup.

What We Like:

  • It’s a 3-in-1 machine: printer, scanner, and copier all in one.
  • It prints and scans really fast, saving you time.
  • It has a 50-page feeder for scanning and copying multiple pages at once.
  • You can connect to it in many ways: dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB.
  • The Brother Mobile Connect app lets you print and scan from your phone.
  • It works with Alexa, which is super handy.
  • The Refresh subscription trial helps you save money on toner.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This printer only prints in black and white, so it’s not for color photos or documents.
  • The initial setup for the wireless connection might take a little patience.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a smart choice for small businesses that need a reliable and speedy monochrome printer. Its connectivity options and mobile app support make it easy to manage your printing needs from anywhere.

3. Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Automatic Duplex Printing and 1.8” Color Display

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)

Rating: 9.1/10

The Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable printer for their home or home office. It handles printing, copying, and scanning all in one neat package, making it super convenient. This printer creates great-looking prints that really pop.

What We Like:

  • It’s an all-in-one, so you can print, copy, and scan with just one machine.
  • You can easily print from and scan to popular cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox using its simple color display.
  • It has automatic duplex printing, which means it prints on both sides of the paper automatically, saving you paper.
  • The 20-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) makes scanning and copying multi-page documents a breeze.
  • It prints pretty fast, up to 16 pages per minute for black and white.
  • You can connect it wirelessly or with a USB cable, giving you flexible options.
  • The Brother Mobile Connect app lets you manage your printer from your phone, including checking ink levels with Page Gauge.
  • It comes with a trial of the Brother Refresh Subscription service.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 1.8-inch color display is functional but might feel a bit small for some users.
  • The print speeds in color (9 ppm) are decent but not the fastest available for high-volume color printing.

This Brother Work Smart 1360 printer is packed with features that make it a smart and efficient addition to any home or home office setup. It truly helps you get your work done with ease.

4. HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer

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)

Rating: 9.0/10

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e is a fantastic all-in-one printer designed specifically for home offices. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease. You can print professional-quality color documents like reports and flyers. It even comes with a 3-month Instant Ink trial to get you started.

What We Like:

  • HP AI perfectly formats web pages and emails, saving paper and frustration.
  • It prints fast, up to 20 pages per minute in black and white.
  • The printer includes auto 2-sided printing and an auto document feeder for efficiency.
  • Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi keeps you connected without problems.
  • The HP app makes printing, scanning, and copying from your phone or tablet simple.
  • HP Wolf Essential Security helps protect your network from online threats.
  • A large 2.7-inch touchscreen with a phone-like interface is easy to use.
  • It’s made with over 45% recycled plastic, making it a more sustainable choice.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The printer only works with HP cartridges that have HP chips.
  • Firmware updates might block non-HP cartridges in the future.

This printer offers smart features and convenience for any home office. It’s a solid choice for getting your work done efficiently and professionally.

5. Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print

Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Works with Alexa

Rating: 9.1/10

The Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is a handy device that can do a lot. It lets you print, copy, and scan documents all from one machine. Plus, it works with Alexa, so you can control it with your voice. This printer is great for home or a small office.

What We Like:

  • It’s an all-in-one, so it handles printing, copying, and scanning.
  • You can get ink delivered right to your door with the Canon PIXMA Print Plan.
  • It prints with great detail, up to 4800 x 1200 dpi.
  • It can automatically print on both sides of the paper (duplex printing).
  • It connects wirelessly, so no messy cords.
  • It works with Alexa for easy voice commands.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The initial setup might take a little time for some users.
  • While it’s good for everyday use, it might not be the best for super high-volume printing jobs.

This Canon printer offers a lot of convenience for your daily tasks. It’s a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and versatile home printer.

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Scanner Printer

A scanner printer, also known as an all-in-one or multifunction printer, is a fantastic tool for home and office. It combines printing, scanning, and copying into one convenient device. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for a scanner printer, keep these important features in mind:

  • Print Quality:
    • Resolution (DPI): This tells you how sharp your prints will be. Higher DPI means more detail. For everyday documents, 600 DPI is good. For photos, look for 1200 DPI or higher.
    • Color vs. Black & White: Do you need to print in color? Most modern printers handle both.
    • Inkjet vs. Laser: Inkjet printers are great for photos and are often cheaper upfront. Laser printers are faster and better for lots of text documents, with toner that lasts longer.
  • Scanning Capabilities:
    • Optical Resolution: Similar to print resolution, this affects scan detail. A higher number means a clearer scan.
    • Scan Speed: How fast can it scan a page? This matters if you have many documents to digitize.
    • Document Feeder (ADF): Some printers have an automatic document feeder. This lets you scan many pages at once without putting them on the glass one by one. It saves a lot of time!
    • Flatbed Size: Most have a standard letter-size flatbed. Some offer larger sizes for books or legal documents.
  • Connectivity:
    • USB: The most basic way to connect to your computer.
    • Wi-Fi: Lets you print wirelessly from your computer, phone, or tablet. This is super convenient.
    • Ethernet: A wired network connection, good for offices.
    • Cloud Printing: Some printers let you print directly from cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
  • Ease of Use:
    • Display Screen: A color touchscreen makes it easier to navigate menus and settings.
    • Software: Look for user-friendly software for printing, scanning, and managing your files.

Important Materials and Build Quality

Scanner printers are usually made of plastic. The quality of the plastic can affect how sturdy the printer feels. A well-built printer won’t rattle or feel cheap. Check reviews to see what other users say about the construction. The scanner glass should be clean and free of scratches for good scans.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

  • Improve Quality:
    • High DPI: As mentioned, higher DPI for both printing and scanning means better detail.
    • Good Ink/Toner: Using genuine ink or toner cartridges from the manufacturer usually gives the best results.
    • Latest Drivers: Make sure you install the latest software and drivers for your printer. These updates often improve performance and quality.
  • Reduce Quality:
    • Low DPI: Printing or scanning at a low resolution will make images and text look fuzzy.
    • Third-Party Ink: Sometimes, cheaper third-party ink can cause color issues or clog the print heads.
    • Dust and Smudges: A dirty scanner glass or print heads can lead to lines or spots on your prints and scans.
    • Old Drivers: Outdated software can cause compatibility problems and prevent the printer from working its best.

User Experience and Use Cases

Scanner printers are designed for everyday tasks.

  • Home Use: Perfect for printing homework, scanning important documents, making copies of recipes, or printing photos. Families love the convenience.
  • Small Office/Home Office (SOHO): Businesses can use them for printing invoices, scanning client files, and making quick copies. The wireless features are a big plus for multiple users.
  • Students: Ideal for printing essays, scanning notes, and copying textbook pages.

The user experience is usually straightforward. You connect the printer, install the software, and follow the on-screen prompts. Wireless setup makes it easy to print from any device in your home or office.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between an inkjet and a laser scanner printer?

A: Inkjet printers spray tiny drops of ink onto paper, making them great for colorful photos. Laser printers use a laser and toner powder, which is faster and better for printing lots of text documents.

Q: Do I need Wi-Fi for a scanner printer?

A: Not necessarily, but Wi-Fi makes it much easier to print from multiple devices like laptops, tablets, and phones without plugging them in.

Q: What does DPI mean?

A: DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. It tells you how much detail a printer can put on paper or a scanner can capture from a page. More dots mean a clearer picture.

Q: Is an automatic document feeder (ADF) worth it?

A: Yes, if you scan many pages regularly. An ADF lets the printer scan a stack of papers automatically, saving you a lot of time and effort.

Q: How do I keep my scanner printer working well?

A: Keep the scanner glass clean. Run the printer’s cleaning cycle now and then. Use good quality ink or toner. Always install the latest software updates.

Q: Can I print photos with any scanner printer?

A: Most inkjet scanner printers can print good photos. Laser printers are usually not as good for photo printing.

Q: What if I only need to print and not scan?

A: You can buy printers that only print. However, all-in-one scanner printers are very popular because they offer more functions in one machine.

Q: How much does ink or toner cost?

A: Ink and toner can be a big ongoing cost. Laser printers often have cheaper toner per page than inkjet ink. Check the cost of replacement cartridges before you buy.

Q: Can I scan to my phone or tablet?

A: Many modern scanner printers allow this through their own apps or by connecting through Wi-Fi. This is very handy.

Q: What is the warranty like on these printers?

A: Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty. Always check the warranty information when you buy.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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