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The best printer not only makes your work easier when creating hard copies of your digital files but will also help you get the job done within the shortest time possible and reliably. Besides, most printers can help you tackle a wide range of printing tasks. Depending on your printing needs, you can buy a monochrome or full-colour printer.
However, finding an ideal printer is not easy since there are several options to choose from. Additionally, not all printers are reliable, so you should take your time and weigh all the available options before picking a particular model. To help you find a printer that offers value for money, we have compiled a list of the 6 best printers that you can buy in Australia.
TL;DR: The #1 Printer for Most People 👇
The WorkForce Pro WF-4835 boasts a 50-page automatic document feeder, an auto-duplex function, a 500-sheet input tray, and a large touchscreen that will give you quick access to the primary functions. If you need a printer that is both powerful and efficient, choose the Epson Workforce WF-4835!
It does not matter whether you are looking for a printer to use in your office or home, this guide provides you with some of the top-rated printers that can dramatically improve the quality of your printouts. Plus, we have covered several products to increase your chances of finding the best printer for your printing needs. Don’t have time to read the entire piece?
The Best Printers to Buy Today in Australia
- Best Overall Printer: HP OfficeJet Pro 9010e All-in-One Printer
- Best for Most People: Epson Workforce WF-4835 Multifunction Printer
- Best Printer for Home: Epson Expression Home XP-5100
- Best Monochrome Printer: Brother HL-L2350DW Mono Laser Printer
- Best Printer for Small Business: HP Envy 6430e All-in-One Printer
- Best Printer for Home Use with Cheap Ink: Canon PIXMA Home TS5160 Printer
- Best Budget Printer: HP DeskJet 2722e All-in-One Printer
1. Best Overall Printer: HP OfficeJet Pro 9010e All-in-One Printer
Why we like it:
- Wi-Fi enabled for fast and easy connectivity
- 18PPM for colour printouts and 22PPM for B&W
- Double-sided scanning for user convenience
- Self-healing Wi-Fi automatically resolves wireless connectivity issues
What customers say:
“Does pretty well everything that was advertised. Easy to set up and connect to wifi. Small footprint, fast enough for its price. Recommended.”– Rob McKay
Claiming the top spot on our list of best printers is the HP OfficeJet Pro 9010e All-in-One Printer due to its amazing features, multifunctional design, and great performance. And as the name implies, this equipment can perform a range of functions.
When testing this printer, we were not only able to print but also scanned, faxed, and made copies of different documents. Furthermore, it supports double-sided scanning, meaning you can scan both sides of a document in a single pass. Upon subscription, you will get up to six months of free ink that can help you get started. Simply create an HP account and ensure the printer has a stable internet connection.
The printer has a large colour touch screen that will let you know the mode that is currently in use. But most importantly, it allows you to configure the printer according to your needs. Besides, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9010e has a straightforward design, so you won’t experience any problems when printing.
Because the screen is backlit, you can comfortably use this inkjet printer in low-light environments. The fact that it’s Wi-Fi enabled makes it even more convenient. With this feature in place, you can print from just about any device that utilises Wi-Fi technology.
Alternatively, you can plug the device that you want to print from into the printer’s USB port. But that is not all; the printer can automatically detect and resolve wireless connectivity issues through its self-healing feature. You will be happy to know that this unit can print in colour and monochrome.
The printing speed for colour printouts is 18PPM, while that for monochrome is 22PPM. In addition to this, the OfficeJet Pro 9010e features an automatic document feeder that will save you the hassle of loading sheets manually. On the downside, the printer is rather noisy compared to most printers in its class.
2. Best for Most People: Epson Workforce WF-4835 Multifunction Printer
Why we like it:
- Utilises PrecisionCore technology for heat-free printing
- Comes with two 250-sheet trays for high-volume printing
- The auto duplex printing feature will save you time
- Large LCD colour screen for easy navigation
What customers say:
“I purchased it for my home office. Works really well and was so easy to set up. Prints nice photos too. Scanning is a breeze and I can use my phone to print from the Epson app. Really love this unit.”–Jax
Featuring two 250-sheet trays, the Epson Workforce WF-4835 Multifunction Printer is one of the best high-volume printers money can buy. Plus, it comes from a brand that is known the world over for making some of the most reliable printers.
Like the HP OfficeJet Pro 9010e, the Epson Workforce WF-4835 is a favourite among most people because it is easy to setup, offers quality printouts, and also has a low running cost. It uses affordable ink that you can replace without draining your wallet. The automatic document feeder on this machine can handle up to 50 sheets of paper at a go, so you won’t have to load the unit from time to time.
Aside from printing, this multifunctional printer can be used for faxing, copying, and scanning applications. It will provide you with quality results in all scenarios. To make it even better, it will allow you to print both sides of your media at a go. This will save you a lot of time and also boost your performance when handling paperwork.
The WF-4835 is equipped with Epson’s PrecisionCore technology for heat-free printing. It has a printing speed of 12PPM when handling coloured printouts and 25PPM for B&W. The cartridge slots are strategically placed to give you easy access when replacing the ink.
What’s more, the printer is Wi-Fi enabled, so it can wirelessly connect to all compatible devices. The Smartphone Connect feature allows for quick connectivity through QR code scanning. It also has a USB port that can prove helpful when printing from devices that don’t have Wi-Fi.
The 10.92cm LCD touch screen is wide enough, thus making it easy to navigate the available functions. Despite having a large sheet capacity, the Workforce WF-4835 has a small footprint, so it does not take up a lot of space.
3. Best Printer for Home: Epson Expression Home XP-5100
Why we like it:
- Intuitive control panel for one-touch printing, scanning, and copying
- Precision-built printhead for high-quality printouts
- Uses individual ink cartridges for easy replacement
- Auto two-sided printing for added convenience
What customers say:
“Very nice printer…excellent quality of printing, super easy to install and use with wifi on multiple devices. Definitely recommend as an add-on to home offices!”–Panos
The Epson Expression Home XP-5100 is compact yet stylish. We recommend this equipment to anyone who is looking for a home office printer. Similar to most modern-day printers, it supports Wi-Fi connectivity and will allow you to print straight from your tablet, smartphone, laptop, etc.
To add to this, it has an SD card slot that enables you to print media from memory cards. The slot is placed on the front side for your convenience. Below the slot is an indicator light that will let you know if the printer is reading the card. This inkjet printer is very easy to use, thanks to its simple design.
Also, it features an intuitive control panel that allows for quick selection of functions. The loading tray can hold up to 150 sheets, which is great for a printer of this size. More on the tray, it is fitted with a reliable lock system that will ensure it stays shut when the printer is running.
The XP-5100 uses individual ink cartridges, so it can operate even when one or multiple colours are depleted. This feature will greatly reduce the running cost since it allows you to replace only the cartridge that you need.
Much like the Epson Workforce WF-4835, this model does not generate heat when creating prints. It is equally lightweight, meaning you can carry it from one spot to another without straining yourself.
Epson also provides you with decent software support through its iPrint app. The application is convenient in that it allows you to print documents, webpages, photos, and other media even when you are not close to the printer. To top it all up, the printer is very affordable and is therefore ideal for those on a tight budget.
4. Best Monochrome Printer: Brother HL-L2350DW Mono Laser Printer
Why we like it:
- Large-capacity tray for uninterrupted printing
- Compatible with both Mac OS and Windows operating systems
- Wireless connectivity for user convenience
- Straightforward design for easy usage
What customers say:
“Bought this as a workhorse printer for all the black and white printing I need to do in my home office. Very pleased with its print quality and compact size. Much more economical than using my colour inkjet for this task. I also like it’s 2 sided printing capability. If you only need a mono printer this is an excellent choice.”–Scott
The Brother HL-L2350DW Mono Laser Printer boasts a large-capacity sheet tray that will allow you to print up to 250 sheets without worrying about loading the machine with a new rim of papers. Plus, it has a printing speed of 30ppm, making it ideal for small scale printing.
Like most of the printing machines that we have tested, you can use the HL-L2350DW in the office or at home. It’s compact, meaning it won’t take up a lot of space. To add to its list of features, this printer provides you with two connectivity options that you can choose from.
You can use the USB port and can as well connect the printer to other devices wirelessly through Wi-Fi. Both will provide you with a reliable connection for fast data transfer. Additionally, this printer is compatible with Mac OS and Windows operating systems, so it won’t limit you in any way.
When it comes to print quality, the Brother HL-L2350DW uses laser technology for clear printouts. In fact, it is one of the best monochrome printers that you can consider adding to your workspace. It’s also more affordable compared to most monochrome printers with similar features.
5. Best Printer for Small Business: HP Envy 6430e All-in-One Printer
Why we like it:
- Automatic Wi-Fi healing for uninterrupted printing, scanning, faxing, and copying
- Auto feeder for enhanced performance
- Comes with six months of ink to get you started
- Simple design for easy and quick setup
What customers say:
“Easy to set up. Looks good and works well however I did have some issues initially for my phone and the printer to sync and talk to each other. Once you get it to work it’s a great printer, compact and modern looking.”–AS
If the OfficeJet Pro 9010e is too large for your printing needs, the HP Envy 6430e All-in-One Printer can be a great alternative. It shares several features with the 9010e, making it yet another reliable HP printer that you can invest in. This printer can greatly assist those with small businesses, thanks to its all-in-one design.
However, this printer has a slow printing speed compared to the OfficeJet Pro 9010e. The print speed for black printouts is 10PPM, while that for coloured media is 7PPM. During testing, it easily printed two-sided papers simultaneously without sacrificing quality.
The input tray can hold a maximum of 100 sheets, allowing for continuous printing. On the other hand, the automatic document feeder at the top has a 35-sheet capacity, while the output tray can accommodate up to 25 sheets. This makes it ideal for small businesses that require low voulume printouts.
The other thing that we liked about this printer is its intuitive panel. It will give you easy access to the printer functions, thereby saving your time. Additionally, the materials from which it is made are of great quality, so you can buy this inkjet printer knowing that it will last.
With the help of HP’s smart app, you can easily configure the printer according to your printing needs. And the best part is that the app is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems.
When you buy the Envy 6430e and subscribe to the manufacturer’s ink programme, you will get cartridges that can last you up to six months. This may, however, vary depending on the volume of papers that you print and the frequency of use.
6. Best Printer for Home Use with Cheap Ink: Canon PIXMA Home TS5160 Printer
Why we like it:
- Auto duplex print function for quick printing
- App support for smooth operation
- Expandable output tray for easy adjustability
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled for wireless printing
What customers say:
“Great if you just need ad hoc printing and scanning at home. Easy to set up on phone and laptop! And the scan app is great! I wouldn’t get it if you printing /scanning loads at a time but for the price and a home use – it’s great.”–Kim
The Canon PIXMA Home TS5160 Printer is also another high-performance printer that you can consider buying. Due to its size and paper handling volume, we recommend this unit for home use.
It offers a long list of wireless connectivity options that you can choose from, so it can work with a variety of devices. That said, it will allow you to print from your gadgets via Bluetooth, Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, and Wi-Fi. You can also make use of the USB port when dealing with wired devices and thumb drives.
With this printer, you can scan and make copies of your documents without using a separate machine. It is designed in such a way that you can gain quick access to the primary functions within the shortest time possible.
To add to this, you can adjust the output tray based on your needs. The auto duplex function will cut down your printing time by half, thus boosting your productivity. On top of that, the LCD screen will take the guesswork out of the mode selection process, allowing for fast customisation.
And like most inkjet printers on our list, the Canon PIXMA Home TS5160 comes with a set of cartridges and step-by-step setup instructions that will make your work easier. The control panel not only has a simple design but is also adjustable. As such, you can set it at an angle that suits you.
7. Best Budget Printer: HP DeskJet 2722e All-in-One Printer
The HP DeskJet 2722e All-in-One Printer is one of the most affordable units that we tested . It has a printing speed of 7.5PPM (B&W) and also features a 60-sheet tray that will allow you to load the papers with ease.
However, we noticed that this printer is rather slow when printing in colour. On the plus side, this equipment can print, copy, and scan wirelessly through Wi-Fi. Also, the HP Smart app made setup a cinch. We were able to get the printer up and running in less than ten minutes.
If the device that you are using does not support wireless connectivity, you can connect it to the printer using the USB port. The LCD screen and control panel are conveniently placed at the top for quick access.
On the downside, the screen is a bit small and also monochrome. Still, it provides you with a detailed summary of the mode and the type of connection that you are using. The replacement cartridges for the DeskJet 2722e are inexpensive, so you won’t have to worry about the running cost.
And even though it has limited features compared to the high-end models, the print quality is pretty decent. If you frequently print on a small scale, this may just be the right printer for you. As you have seen, it has all the basic features that you may look for in a home printer.
How We Researched the Best Printers
We spent close to 8 months researching and testing the best printers Australia has to offer. Based on our findings, we picked 7 printers and tested them for print quality, printing speed, and ease of use. We also considered other factors such as connectivity and running cost for each unit that was tested.
Acquiring the printers was the hardest part since most models don’t come cheap. However, we were able to find reasonably priced options that seem to offer good value for money.
Thankfully, we didn’t have to buy two of the printers that we tested since they are the ones that we use in our office. We used each test model to create black and white printouts in the first phase of the testing process and compared the results.
Additionally, we produced colour printouts, taking into account colour accuracy and sharpness. Our team also printed photos and checked for breaks in colours and overall photo quality. We used A4 papers for all the aspects that we tested to ensure that we got consistent results.
All the printers delivered high quality printouts, but there was a significant variation in printing speed from one printer to another, especially when printing in colour. We were particularly impressed with the HP OfficeJet Pro 9010e All-in-One Printer. It delivered quality printouts and also offered impressive printing speeds with low running cost.
Printers: Buying Guide
When buying a printer, ensure that you choose one that caters for all your needs. However, knowing which brand or model to go for can at times be difficult due to the range of options available on the market.
Also, we understand that doing the research work can be overwhelming. It’s both time-consuming and exhausting since you have to analyse hundreds of products before finding the ideal printer.
Well, you will be happy to know that we have done all the heavy lifting for you, so all you have to do is read through to find the info that you need. As you have seen, we’ve also listed some of the best printers that you can buy in Australia. Feel free to pick any that suits your printing needs and budget.
What to Consider When Buying a Printer
Whether you are looking for a home printer or an office printer, the below-listed factors can help you in your search for the best printer Australia has to offer:
Type
Printers can be categorised based on the type of ink and printing technology used. There are two main types of printers that you can buy, laser or inkjet. Inkjet printers are a favourite among most people because they are affordable. The ink cartridges used on these machines are equally inexpensive, making them an ideal choice for home printing.
To get the best results, we recommend that you go for the full-colour models. They are exceptionally versatile and can come in handy when tackling a variety of printing tasks. Unlike inkjet printers that use liquid ink, laser printers use powdered ink, also known as toner.
Although laser printers are more expensive than their inkjet counterparts, they print faster. Additionally, toner cartridges last longer than inkjet cartridges. This makes laser printers ideal for office use.
Print speed
We bet you wouldn’t want to buy a printer that operates at a slow speed. This will not only waste your time but also frustrate you. A printer’s printing speed is measured in PPM (pages per minute).
Before buying a printer ensure that you check the PPM under product specifications. Nonetheless, you should keep in mind that a printer can have more than one PPM value because printing speed varies based on the type of printout that you are creating.
To elaborate a printer may take a longer time to create a coloured printout, while monochrome printouts take a shorter time to produce. A good office printer should have a PPM of 20-40. If you are planning on printing a large volume of papers, you should consider buying a model with a higher PPM.
Duty cycle
The duty cycle indicates the number of pages that a printer can print in a month. It is important to check this parameter as this will help you avoid common printer complications.
You shouldn’t exceed the printer’s maximum print volume as this can cause wear and tear to the moving parts. It is advisable that you keep the monthly print output below the recommended print volume.
Connectivity
This is probably one of the most important factors that should be taken into account when shopping for a printer. Most printers utilise USB technology, while some models can connect to other devices wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. A few of these machines have SD card slots for added convenience.
When it comes to connectivity, you need to consider the type of devices that you will be printing from. It would be wise to buy a printer that offers multiple connectivity options since this will allow you to work with a variety of devices.
Printout quality
The quality of printouts varies from printer to printer. It is determined by the quality of ink used, type of printer, and printing software. The printer’s DPI (dots per inch) can also guide you during the decision-making process. This indicates a printer’s ability to create high-quality printouts.
Energy efficiency
As with all electrical appliances, printers have different energy efficiency ratings. You should see to it that you pick a unit that is not energy intensive. This way, you will be able to run the printer for long hours without incurring extra utility costs.
Design
Printers differ in terms of size, shape, and overall performance. If you have limited space in your home or office, you should buy a compact printer that can fit in the available space. But most importantly, you should check if the printer in question has all the features that you need.
Initial and running cost
Printers come at different prices depending on the brand, model, type, and performance. As earlier stated, laser printers are more expensive than the inkjet variety. You can find a good inkjet printer for as low as $100.However, some models may cost as high as $1,000, so the final decision is yours to make. You should keep in mind that most low-end printers are not as reliable.
The running cost is often determined by the type of ink that you are using. Toner cartridges tend to cost more than liquid ink cartridges. That being said, you need to buy a printer that won’t stress you financially when it’s time to replace the ink.
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Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
