Choosing a home office printer today is not as simple as it once was. Between cartridge-based models, refillable ink tanks, and laser options, each type comes with its own trade-offs in cost, print quality, and ease of maintenance. For home office use, the right printer needs to handle more than just the occasional document; it often has to scan, copy, or deliver consistent results without unexpected breakdowns.
Below are five printers that stand out for different reasons. They each meet common home office needs, but their differences in print technology, running costs, and features mean one may be a better fit than another depending on the type of work being done.
Best Home Office Printers: Quick Comparison
| Printer | Type | Print Speed | Print Quality | Running Costs | Price (Amazon) |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless | Ink Tank | ~10 ppm (B/W), 5 ppm (Color) | Sharp text, average color | Very low (ink bottles) | $849 – Buy Now |
| Brother MFC-J4335DW INKvestment Tank | Hybrid Inkjet | ~20 ppm (B/W), 19 ppm (Color) | Good text, decent color | Moderate (lower than standard inkjets) | $189 – Buy Now |
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless | Ink Tank (6-color) | ~12 ppm (B/W), 8 ppm (Color) | Excellent color fidelity, smooth gradients | Low per page, but higher maintenance | $687 – Buy Now |
| HP DeskJet 2855e | Cartridge Inkjet | ~7 ppm (B/W), 5 ppm (Color) | Adequate for text, weak in color/photo | High (frequent cartridge replacement) | $89 – Buy Now |
| Brother Work Smart 1360 | Monochrome Laser | ~32 ppm | Excellent sharp text | Low (toner lasts thousands of pages) | $109 – Buy Now |
Best Home Office Printers: Top Picks
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless
Quick Highlights
- Cartridge-free ink tank design
- Low ongoing running costs
- Wireless connectivity
- Price – $849 – Buy Now
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is built around Epson’s refillable ink tank system, which significantly lowers the cost per page compared to cartridge-based models. For users who primarily print documents, the ET-2800 offers a long-term cost advantage and avoids the frustration of frequent cartridge replacements. Its print quality is more than adequate for text, and grayscale performance is consistent.
However, the ET-2800 is not designed for speed or premium photo output. Color documents are slower to process, and photo prints often lack the vibrancy of higher-end inkjet or six-color systems. Another limitation is its basic feature set: it lacks some advanced scanning or multifunction capabilities found in competitors. It is best suited to offices that need frequent, low-cost printing but don’t rely heavily on color accuracy or speed.
Pros
- Extremely economical running costs
- Solid text printing quality
- Reliable for routine office use
Cons
- Slow color and photo printing
- Limited features compared to multifunction models
- Ink tanks require occasional manual cleaning if idle
Brother MFC-J4335DW INKvestment Tank
Quick Highlights
- All-in-one functionality (print, scan, copy, fax)
- Hybrid ink system for reduced cartridge costs
- Automatic duplex printing
- Price – $189 – Buy Now
The Brother MFC-J4335DW positions itself as a versatile machine for home offices that require more than just printing. With scanning, copying, and faxing included, it is effectively a compact office hub. Its INKvestment hybrid system helps reduce the cost per page compared to standard cartridges, making it a more economical choice than many traditional inkjet devices.
That said, the hybrid design means users are still tied to cartridges in some form. While the long-lasting cartridges do extend replacement cycles, the overall running cost is not as low as a pure tank system. Print speed is solid for text but drops noticeably for color documents. Its scanner is functional but not outstanding in terms of resolution or speed. For offices balancing occasional color printing with multifunction needs, it remains a practical option.
Pros
- Multifunction features in one device
- Competitive running costs for an inkjet
- Duplex printing saves paper
Cons
- Still partly reliant on cartridges
- Color printing slower and less cost-efficient
- Scanner quality is adequate but not exceptional
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless
Quick Highlights
- Six-color ink system for improved photo output
- Wide-format printing support
- Wireless and mobile printing features
- Price – $687 – Buy Now
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is designed for environments where color fidelity and detail matter. Its six-ink configuration produces richer tones, smoother gradients, and more accurate color reproduction compared to standard four-ink systems. This makes it a strong candidate for creative offices, marketing teams, or anyone who needs reliable photo or graphic output at home.
This capability comes at a cost. The ET-8550 is more expensive both to purchase and to maintain, especially if left idle, as ink systems are prone to clogging. It also requires more desk space and has slower throughput for large jobs. Still, for users who consistently need high-quality photo and graphic prints, it offers results that lower-tier printers cannot match.
Pros
- Excellent photo and graphic quality
- Wide-format support adds flexibility
- Long-term ink savings compared to cartridges
Cons
- High purchase price
- Large footprint and slower speeds
- Inks can dry or clog if underused
HP DeskJet 2855e
Quick Highlights
- Compact design for small spaces
- Low upfront purchase price
- Simple setup and use
- Price – $89 – Buy Now
The HP DeskJet 2855e is an entry-level printer aimed at households or offices with minimal printing needs. Its small footprint and affordable purchase price make it appealing for occasional use, such as forms, schoolwork, or basic correspondence. Setup is straightforward, and wireless connectivity adds convenience.
However, cost per page is high, especially when printing in color, and cartridges need frequent replacement. Print speeds are modest, and output quality is serviceable but unremarkable. The 2855e is best thought of as a lightweight option for users who print only a handful of pages per month. For higher volumes, its operating costs outweigh its initial affordability.
Pros
- Affordable entry price
- Small, lightweight design
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- High running costs per page
- Ink dries out if left unused
- Limited durability for heavy workloads
Brother Work Smart 1360
Quick Highlights
- Monochrome laser printer
- Fast output with sharp text quality
- Toner lasts significantly longer than ink
- Price – $109 – Buy Now
The Brother Work Smart 1360 focuses squarely on black-and-white printing. As a monochrome laser printer, it offers speed, reliability, and sharp text output that remains consistent even across high page volumes. Toner also has the advantage of not drying out, making it practical for offices where usage may be irregular.
Its lack of color printing is the most obvious limitation. Depending on the exact model configuration, scanning and copying may also be absent. While toner cartridges can appear costly upfront, the per-page expense is low compared to inkjets. For home offices with heavy text-based workloads, this printer is dependable and efficient.
Pros
- Fast and reliable text printing
- Low long-term running costs
- Toner unaffected by periods of inactivity
Cons
- No color printing capability
- Limited multifunction support
- Higher upfront toner replacement cost
Conclusion
For general home office use, the Brother MFC-J4335DW offers the most balanced approach, combining multifunction capability with reasonable running costs. Those with frequent document needs and minimal color requirements may find the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 or Brother Work Smart 1360 more efficient over time. For creative users or those prioritizing color accuracy, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 provides quality beyond standard office models. Finally, the HP DeskJet 2855e remains a simple, affordable choice for households or offices where printing is only an occasional task.
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