That said, having so many choices can make choosing one particular model something of a chore. But we’ve curated a list of some of the best HP printers currently available to help streamline the process. Just make sure to read our guide to multifunction printers if you’re looking to get the most out of your new printer. As an all-in-one, the 4155 allows you to easily print, copy, scan, or fax with minimal fuss. Setup out of the box is a snap, too. Just pull the printer out, power it on, connect to a device and print away, and the Smart app will guide you step-by-step to connecting to additional devices. As for prints itself, the 4155 offers a respectable eight pages per minute for black and white prints, as well as 5.5 pages per minute for color copies. With two standard input trays having a combined capacity of 650 sheets and a 250-sheet output bin, the LaserJet Enterprise M554dn is truly meant for heavy-duty printing tasks. It has a print speed of up to 35ppm (color and black) and a monthly duty cycle of up to 80,000 pages. Using the companion ‘JetAdmin’ web app, network administrators can manage networked printers, set printing policies, and do a lot more. HP LaserJet Enterprise M554dn uses USB and Gigabit Ethernet for connectivity, with support for mobile printing solutions like HP Roam for Business included in the mix as well. Theano Nikitas is a Maryland-based tech writer whose work has appeared on CNET, DPreview, Tom’s Guide, PopPhoto, and Shutterbug, among others.
What To Look For In An HP Printer
Printing Technology & Quality
Most of the printers available today can be broadly classified into two categories based on the printing technology they use - Inkjet and Laser. While the former uses small droplets of ink that are projected onto paper, the latter involves transferring electrically charged powdered ink to the paper’s surface. These printing mechanisms also govern the prices - inkjet printers are usually quite cheaper in comparison to laser printers. However, laser printers have better print quality than inkjet printers.
(Monthly) Printing Volume
If your printing requirements are quite basic (maybe a few dozen pages a month), you’ll have no trouble(s) with a mid-range inkjet printer. On the other hand, if you run a small/big business and need to print thousands of pages on a monthly basis, we’d suggest investing in a laser printer. For heavy-duty printing, laser printers are not only faster, but also tend to be more cost-efficient than inkjet printers
Connectivity Features
Even the most basic printers these days come with wireless connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. And while that’s indeed convenient, if you need reliable connectivity, you should consider products that offer wired connectivity options like USB and Ethernet. In addition, things like the ability to print from SD cards and direct mobile printing are obviously beneficial.
Single Or Multi-Function
A vast majority of printers (including budget options) come with several different functionalities. Aptly named “All-In-One” printers, these devices include scanning and copying features as well. If you need those additional features, an “All-In-One” is undoubtedly the way to go. That said, if your only requirement is printing, it’s advisable to go for standalone printers, even if they are a bit more expensive. They may not have a dozen features, but you will get great print quality.