Despite the shift to digital, printers remain essential for home offices, businesses, and educational institutions. You might require a printer for documents, photos, or business projects. Buying the right one can be overwhelming with so many options available.
If you want to buy a printer online, this article will help you decide wisely. We will cover:
- Printer Types & Which One Is Suitable For You
- Key Features to Consider Before You Buy
- Where to Buy a Printer Online
- Best Printers to Buy in 2025
- Installation & Maintenance Tips
By the end, you will feel confident to shop online for a printer.
1. Why Shop Online for a Printer?
Buying an online printer has several advantages:
Broader Choice—Online retailers carry models from all the top manufacturers (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother).
Cheaper Prices & Promotions – Regular sales, bundle packages, and cashback discounts.
Customer Testimonials – Real user feedback before buying.
Convenience – Compare features and prices from home.
Fast Shipping & Easy Returns – Most sellers ship quickly.
If you are ready to buy a printer online, look at the following available types.
2. Printer Types: Which One to Buy?
Inkjet Printers
• Best for: Home use, printing photos
• Pros: Low cost, high-quality print
• Costs: Ink replacement is expensive
Laser Printers
• Best for: Offices, heavy use
• Pros: Fast, low page cost
• Costs: Higher initial cost
All-in-One (Multifunction) Printers
• Print + Scan + Copy + Fax
• Best for: Home offices & small businesses
Photo Printers
• Best for: Professional photographers
• Pros: Exceptional color accuracy
• Costs: Only for photo printing
Portable Printers
• Best for: On-the-go & travel printing
• Pros: Portable, wireless
• Costs: Low paper capacity
Pro Tip: If you print frequently, use a laser printer—it will save you money in the long term.
3. Key Considerations Before You Buy a Printer
Printing Needs
• Infrequent use: Inkjet
• Volume printing: Laser
• Photos: Specialist photo printer
Connectivity Options
• Wi-Fi / Bluetooth – For wireless printing
• USB / Ethernet – Wired connections
• Mobile Printing (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print)
Ink/Toner Costs
• Inkjet: Low-cost printer, high-cost ink
• Laser: High initial cost, low cost per page
Print Speed (PPM – Pages Per Minute)
• Home use: 10-15 PPM
• Office use: 20+ PPM
Paper Handling
• Tray capacity: 50- 250+ sheets
• Duplex (auto double-sided printing) – Saves paper
Brand Reliability
Top printer brands:
• HP – Long-lasting, suitable for home & office
• Canon – Excellent photo printers
• Epson – EcoTank models conserve on ink
• Brother – Suitable for small enterprises
4. Top Sites to Buy a Printer Online
When buying a printer online, shop on these reputable websites:
Amazon
✔ Most selection & best prices
✔ Fast shipping & simple returns
Best Buy
✔ Price match guaranteed
✔ Store pickup available
Walmart
✔ Low-cost options
✔ Free shipping on some models
Newegg
✔ Suitable for bulk orders
✔ Business printers
Manufacturer Websites (HP, Canon, Epson)
✔ Immediate warranty support
✔ Rarely exclusive models
5. Top Printer Recommendations (2025)
- Best All-in-One Inkjet Printer
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e
Fast printing (22 PPM) - Duplexing printing, mobile
- Best Laser Printer for Office
- Brother HL-L2350DW
- Low-toner cost
- Wireless printing
- Best EcoTank Printer (Low Ink Cost)
- Epson EcoTank ET-3850
- Refillable ink tanks
- High-yield
- Best Photo Printer
- Canon PIXMA PRO-200
- Professional photos
- 8-color dye ink system
- Best Portable Printer
- HP Sprocket Select
- Pocket-sized, wireless
- Prints 2.3×3.4″ photos
6. Installation & Maintenance Tips
New Printer Setup
- Unbox & remove all covering tapes.
- Install ink/toner cartridges.
- Wi-Fi/USB connection.
- Download drivers from the manufacturer’s site.
- Test print.
Printer Maintenance
✔ Clean print heads regularly (avoids clogging).
✔ Use original ink/toner (third-party can ruin the printer).
✔ Firmware update for optimal performance.
7. Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Omitting ink/toner costs – Compare costs over a long period.
- If you are buying the wrong kind, identify the right printer.
- Avoiding reviews – Read honest user feedback.
- Failing to check connectivity – Check for compatibility with your devices.
8. FAQs for Purchasing Printers Online
1- Is it safe to buy a printer online?
Yes, from a reputable store like Amazon, Best Buy, or a manufacturer’s website.
2- Which is better – inkjet or laser printer?
⚡ Inkjet for photos & light printing. Laser for heavy-duty volume.
Do printers come with ink/toner?
✅ They all come with starter cartridges, but don’t have much ink.
Can third-party ink be used?
⚠️ Possible but risky—could invalidate warranty or damage print heads.
How long does a printer last?
⏳ 3-5 years with maintenance.
Final Verdict: Where to Buy a Printer Online
- Now that you understand how to buy a printer online, here’s a quick rundown:
- Choose the correct type (Inkjet, Laser, All-in-One).
- Look at ink costs & connectivity.
Buy from trusted stores (Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon). - Read reviews before purchase.
- Upgrading? Look at the best-selling printers today and have easy printing!