Answering your search for a reliable all-in-one device, this buying guide highlights five versatile printers that combine printing, scanning, and copying well. Each option targets different buyer needs—from compact home offices to small-business setups—so you can pick the best fit for your workflow. The table below compares core strengths at a glance to help you decide quickly.
| Product | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Brother DCP-L2640DW | Small office, mono printing | Fast monochrome printing and duplex scanning |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 | Color documents and home offices | Fast color printing, Instant Ink option |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 | Budget-friendly color needs | Vibrant prints, versatile all-in-one |
| Brother MFCJ1360DW | Home office with cloud use | Compact, cloud app connectivity |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Home use with flexibility | All-in-one with fax and auto document feeder |
The following sections describe each option in detail. Each product is evaluated for who they’re best for, why they’re a good fit, and one practical caveat to consider before purchasing.
Best For Small Offices: Brother DCP-L2640DW
The Brother DCP-L2640DW combines a monochrome laser printer with a scanner and copier in a compact package. Best for small teams that primarily print black-and-white documents, it delivers up to 36 pages per minute and scan speeds that support efficient document handling. A 50-page auto document feeder adds convenience for multi-page copying and scanning, while built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet enable flexible multi-device connectivity. This makes it ideal for a small office with shared devices and a need for quick, steady output. Caution: color printing is not supported, so this device is best when color is not required.
Best For Color Printing At Home: HP OfficeJet Pro 8125
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 is designed for home offices that need vibrant color prints and reliable multifunction capabilities. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease and includes an auto duplex printer feature for efficient double-sided output. The model is positioned for users who value color documents like reports, graphics, and marketing materials. Its strength lies in fast color performance and a beneficial Instant Ink option that helps control ongoing supply costs. Caution: color ink cartridges can be more expensive long-term if you print heavily in color.
Budget-Friendly All-in-One: Canon PIXMA TS6520
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers a value-focused all-in-one experience with strong print quality for both documents and photos. It’s a good pick for hybrid workers or households that need a flexible all-in-one with decent color reproduction. Setup is straightforward for smartphones and PCs, enabling quick printing, scanning, and copying without fuss. Caution: the device’s overall speed is solid for color tasks, but it’s not built for high-volume office workloads.
Compact Cloud-Ready Workhorse: Brother MFCJ1360DW
The Brother MFCJ1360DW is a compact all-in-one designed for home offices with cloud app integration. It supports printing, copying, and scanning with Wi-Fi connectivity, and it includes a user-friendly color display. It’s well-suited for households that rely on cloud storage and collaboration tools. Caution: while solid for everyday use, its color printing and speed are modest compared to dedicated color office printers.
Flexible Home Use: Canon PIXMA TR4720
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a versatile home option with wireless all-in-one capabilities, including fax and auto document feeder. It’s aimed at households that want an adaptable device for a range of tasks from documents to light copying and scanning. While it provides good versatility, it may not excel in high-volume printing or heavy color workloads compared to dedicated color office printers. Caution: some users may prefer faster multi-page color tasks or more robust paper handling for heavy use.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing an all-in-one printer:
- Print technology: Laser is typically faster and better for text-heavy monochrome work; inkjet is versatile for color and photos.
- Color needs: If you require rich color for marketing materials, prioritize color-capable models with reliable color output.
- Paper handling: Look for input trays, automatic duplexing, and ADF capacity that match your workload.
- Connectivity: Consider Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and cloud compatibility for your devices and workflow apps.
- Running costs: Ink or toner costs, plus subscription options like Instant Ink, can affect long-term expenses.
- Size and placement: Compact devices suit small desks; larger models handle higher volumes and faster scans.
Practical buyer questions
- Is a color printer worth it for home use? If you print photos, charts, or marketing materials, color capability adds value; otherwise, mono may suffice for documents.
- Should I pick a model with an ADF? An ADF helps with multi-page scanning and copying; a duplex feature saves paper.
- What about cloud printing? Cloud app support simplifies printing from smartphones and cloud storage services.
- Do I need Fax? Only choose if you frequently send or receive faxes; many users can skip it.
- Which model is best for small offices? A mono laser with fast print speeds and reliable scanning is ideal for workflow efficiency.
- Are subscription ink services worth it? They can reduce surprise ink costs but review terms and usage patterns before subscribing.
FAQ
- What is the best all-in-one for a small home office? A device with reliable mono printing and strong scanning is ideal for papers and documents, while a color option is better if you frequently print graphics or photos.
- Do these models support duplex printing? Yes, several listed models offer auto duplex printing to save paper.
- Can I print from mobile devices? Most listed printers support mobile printing via cloud apps or wireless connections.
- Are there trials for ink subscriptions? Some models include trials like Instant Ink with benefits for the first months.
- Is high-volume color printing necessary at home? It’s rarely required unless you produce frequent color documents or flyers.
- What’s the main trade-off between laser and inkjet? Laser is faster and better for text; inkjet offers better color accuracy and photo quality.