Best Printers for Occasional Use

When it comes to finding the best printer for occasional use, it's essential to consider factors such as reliability, print quality, and overall value. Whether you need to print the occasional document,... boarding pass, or family photo, having a reliable printer on hand can make a world of difference. With an array of printers on the market, each boasting unique features and capabilities, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your occasional printing needs. To help simplify your search, we've curated a list of top-rated printers based on user reviews, ensuring that you can make an informed decision and find the perfect printer for your intermittent printing requirements.
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What to look for in a printer for occasional use

1. Ink Type and Longevity

Look for printers that use ink cartridges or toner with a long shelf life, as some inks can dry out if not used regularly. Laser printers are often a good choice for occasional use because their toner doesn’t dry out like inkjet cartridges.

2. Print Quality

Even if you print infrequently, you’ll want crisp text and clear images. Check reviews or sample prints to ensure the printer delivers the quality you need for documents, photos, or both.

3. Connectivity Options

Consider models with wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making it easy to print from multiple devices without needing to physically connect each time.

4. Size and Footprint

Since you won’t be using your printer every day, choose a compact model that fits easily into your workspace or can be stored away when not in use.
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  1. 1
    HP 6555e All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 3-Month Free Trial Included* Great!

    About this product

    An all-in-one white inkjet printer offering print, copy, and scan functions plus a 3-month Instant Ink trial.

    An all-in-one white inkjet printer offering print, copy, and scan functions plus a 3-month Instant Ink trial.

    What customers like

    • Compact and sleek design
    • User-friendly touchscreen interface
    • Easy setup process
    • High print and scan quality
    • Cost-effective ink program
    (2,433)
    $149.99
    SAVE $60
    Your price for this item is $149.99
  2. 2
    Epson Expression Home XP-4200 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer Best printer ever!

    About this product

    An all-in-one wireless inkjet printer delivering crisp prints, scans, and copies in black or colour.

    An all-in-one wireless inkjet printer delivering crisp prints, scans, and copies in black or colour.

    What customers like

    • Versatile wireless connectivity options
    • Easy setup and installation
    • Double-sided and fast printing
    • High print and scan quality
    • Compact and space-saving design
    (2,159)
    $119.99 Your price for this item is $119.99
  3. 3
    Epson Expression Home XP-5200 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer Love the new Printer

    About this product

    A highly functional wireless all-in-one inkjet printer that produces great quality documents and photos.

    A highly functional wireless all-in-one inkjet printer that produces great quality documents and photos.

    What customers like

    • Efficient ink usage and individual ink cartridges
    • Affordable price and good value
    • Easy setup and connectivity
    • Good print and scan quality
    • Versatile all-in-one features
    (284)
    $99.99
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $99.99
  4. 4
    HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 3-Month Free Trial Included* Great Printer for home use

    About this product

    An all-in-one white wireless printer offering effortless printing, scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder.

    An all-in-one white wireless printer offering effortless printing, scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder.

    What customers like

    • Affordable with efficient ink options
    • Easy setup process
    • High print and scan quality
    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Convenient wireless and app connectivity
    (1,415)
    $59.99
    SAVE $45
    Your price for this item is $59.99
  5. 5
    HP 6155e All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 3-Month Free Trial Included* I love the suggestion from the best buy rep and I purchase it

    About this product

    An all-in-one white inkjet printer featuring a colour touchscreen and dual-band, self-healing Wi-Fi connectivity.

    An all-in-one white inkjet printer featuring a colour touchscreen and dual-band, self-healing Wi-Fi connectivity.

    What customers like

    • Reliable wireless connectivity and app integration
    • Compact and modern design
    • Easy setup and user-friendly interface
    • Versatile all-in-one functionality
    • High print quality with vibrant colors
    (2,504)
    $119.95 Your price for this item is $119.95
  6. 6
    HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 3-Month Free Trial Included* Great buy at Best Buy!

    About this product

    A versatile white wireless printer offering printing, scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder for convenience.

    A versatile white wireless printer offering printing, scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder for convenience.

    What customers like

    • Easy and quick setup
    • High print and scan quality
    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Versatile all-in-one functionality
    • Reliable wireless and mobile connectivity
    (1,087)
    $79.99
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $79.99
  7. 7
    Canon PIXMA G4270 Wireless Megatank All-In-One Supertank Inkjet Printer - Only at Best Buy It's the best thing I have invested in a long time

    About this product

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in black with high-yield megatanks for efficient mobile printing.

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in black with high-yield megatanks for efficient mobile printing.

    What customers like

    • Fast printing speed
    • Easy setup process
    • High print and photo quality
    • Cost-effective ink tanks
    • Reliable wireless connectivity
    (71)
    $429.99 Your price for this item is $429.99
  8. 8
    HP Officejet 250 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer Best printer I ever purchased! I love this little machine you can take ANYWHERE!

    About this product

    An all-in-one wireless inkjet printer offering portable printing, scanning, and copying with Wi-Fi Direct support.

    An all-in-one wireless inkjet printer offering portable printing, scanning, and copying with Wi-Fi Direct support.

    What customers like

    • Simple setup and user-friendly interface
    • Reliable multifunction performance
    • Good print and scan quality
    • Highly portable and lightweight
    • Easy wireless and USB connectivity
    (406)
    $599.89 Your price for this item is $599.89
  9. 9
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 3-Month Free Trial Included* Great printer, good deal and an amazing warranty

    About this product

    An efficient white wireless all-in-one inkjet printer offering fast print speeds and intuitive app connectivity.

    An efficient white wireless all-in-one inkjet printer offering fast print speeds and intuitive app connectivity.

    What customers like

    • Excellent print quality
    • Easy and intuitive setup
    • Versatile all-in-one features
    • Convenient wireless and app connectivity
    • Fast and efficient printing
    (2,095)
    $149.99
    SAVE $140
    Your price for this item is $149.99
  10. 10
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 12-Month Free Trial Included* - Only at Best Buy All in One-Great Printer

    About this product

    An efficient white wireless all-in-one inkjet printer offering fast print speeds and an intuitive print app.

    An efficient white wireless all-in-one inkjet printer offering fast print speeds and an intuitive print app.

    What customers like

    • Versatile all-in-one features
    • Easy and fast setup
    • Convenient HP Instant Ink subscription with free trial
    • Reliable wireless and mobile connectivity
    • High print quality and speed
    (1,319)
    $219.97
    SAVE $100
    Your price for this item is $219.97

FAQ

What features should I look for in a printer for occasional use? + -

For occasional use, consider a printer with low maintenance requirements, reliable ink or toner longevity, and easy setup. Wireless connectivity and compatibility with multiple devices can also add convenience.

Is an inkjet or laser printer better for infrequent printing? + -

Laser printers are often recommended for occasional use because toner cartridges do not dry out like inkjet cartridges. However, if you occasionally need to print colour photos or graphics, an inkjet may be preferable.

How can I prevent ink from drying out in a printer that is used rarely? + -

To prevent ink from drying out, try to print a test page every few weeks. Alternatively, consider a laser printer, as toner does not dry out over time.

Are there printers designed specifically for low-volume printing? + -

Yes, some compact and entry-level printers are designed for low-volume printing. These models typically have simple features and are cost-effective for users who print only occasionally.

What maintenance tips help keep a seldom-used printer in good condition? + -

Keep your printer in a dust-free environment, update its firmware regularly, and run cleaning cycles as recommended by the manufacturer. Printing a test page periodically can also help maintain print quality.

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Some products may be subject to Environmental Handling Fees (EHF) depending on your province. Learn more about EHFs.