Finding the right A3 printer scanner copier depends on your workload, color needs, and ink strategy. This guide highlights five top options that balance speed, versatility, and cost per page. Each product suits different buyers—office teams needing speed, home offices needing cost-effective ink, or creative setups requiring wide-format capability. Below you’ll see a quick comparison to help choose the best fit for your workflow.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Small to mid-size offices | Color laser with fast output and duplex scanning |
| Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 | Wide-format needs | 13 x 19 in printing with reliable PrecisionCore tech |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw | Budget-conscious teams | Fast black-and-white output with all-in-one features |
| HP Smart Tank 5101 | Low-cost, high-volume printing | Two years of ink included; cartridge-free design |
| Epson EcoTank ET-15000 | Creative or enterprise-grade color | All-in-one with wide format up to 13 x 19 in and high-capacity ink |
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer
Best for small offices that require fast color laser output with built-in scanning and copying. This model delivers up to 19 pages per minute in color and black-and-white, with dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0 for flexible connectivity. A 50-sheet ADF and a 250-sheet paper tray support moderate workloads with automatic duplex printing to save paper. Suitable for teams needing dependable color documents and occasional fax functionality.
Best for: Teams needing reliable color laser printing with integrated copy/scan functionality. Choose this if you prioritize fast color output and straightforward network sharing. Limitation: Not the lowest cost per page for high-volume color printing compared with ink-tank options.
Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 Wide-Format All-in-One
Best for users who need wide-format printing up to 13 x 19 inches with reliable color. PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology supports high-speed color and black-and-white output, making it a strong option for large-format project proofs, posters, or architectural prints. Note the device emphasizes genuine Epson cartridges for warranty and performance consistency. Best for: creatives or small studios that require wide-format color fulfillment. Caution: ink system management and long-term running costs should be planned around dye/pigment ink compatibility.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw
Best for small to medium teams seeking a compact, fast monochrome all-in-one. It prints and copies up to 35 pages per minute, with built-in duplex scanning and automatic document feeder for fast multipage jobs. Connectivity supports reliable wireless and wired options to keep the office network stable. Choose this if you mainly scan and copy black-and-white documents and need a dependable device with solid office-grade performance. Limitation: color printing isn’t available, which may be a drawback for documents needing color emphasis.
HP Smart Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One
Best for home offices with high-volume color needs at a low cost per page. This cartridge-free design comes with up to two years’ ink included, enabling thousands of pages without frequent cartridge changes. It copies, scans, and prints with reliable wireless performance. Best for: households or small setups prioritizing low ongoing ink costs and minimal maintenance. Caution: initial setup and ongoing ink scheduling should be managed to maximize the benefit of two-year ink packages.
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One
Best for teams needing full color capability and wide-format flexibility in one robust package. The EcoTank system ships with high-capacity refillable ink tanks and support for scanning, copying, faxing, and color printing up to 13 x 19 inches. It’s designed to minimize running costs over time compared with cartridge-based rivals. Best for: color-heavy print jobs and professional-looking wide-format documents. Limitation: initial cost may be higher, and ink replenishment requires periodic attention to refilling tanks.
Buying Guide
What should I consider when choosing an A3 printer scanner copier?
- Print capability: Do you need color, black-and-white, or wide-format (up to 13 x 19 in)?
- Ink strategy: Cartridges vs. refillable tanks; consider long-term cost per page.
- Paper handling: Look at input capacity (tray size) and document feeder speed for multi-page jobs.
- Connectivity: Assess network options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB) and compatibility with your devices.
- Workload and speed: Match pages-per-minute and duty cycle to your typical daily tasks.
- Space and footprint: Ensure the unit fits your desk or cabinet with room for paper handling.
- Warranty and support: Check for warranty terms and ease of service for business use.
Practical buying tips
- For frequent color posters or marketing materials, prefer color-capable models with reliable ink systems.
- Wide-format needs point to models that print up to 13 x 19 inches; verify media compatibility for your projects.
- Ink-tank options offer the lowest running costs for high-volume printing; plan ink replenishment timing to maximize savings.
- Small teams should balance speed with cost-per-page, choosing a model appropriate for black-and-white heavy workloads with optional color.
FAQ
- Q: Do I need an A3 printer if I never print wider than A4? A: If you rarely use A3, a standard A4/A3-capable unit may be overkill; consider a compact A4 all-in-one to save space and cost.
- Q: Are ink-tank printers better for home use? A: Ink-tank models typically offer lower running costs for high-volume color printing and fewer cartridge replacements.
- Q: Is single-pass duplex scanning available on these models? A: Some models feature duplex scanning and auto document feeders, which speed up multi-page scans and copies.
- Q: Can these printers fax? A: Several listed models include fax functionality; confirm features if faxing is essential.
- Q: What is the best choice for a small design studio? A: A wide-format color model with reliable ink systems and flexible media support is ideal for design work and proofs.
- Q: Do official cartridges affect warranty? A: Use of non-genuine cartridges can affect warranty; follow manufacturer recommendations for best results.