10 Best Photo Scanner And Printers 2025 in the United States

The HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One Printer is a versatile device designed for home use. It offers several useful features, including printing, scanning, and copying, which are ideal for managing everyday documents like to-do lists, recipes, and financial documents. The printer's resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi for black and white prints, and up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for color prints on selected papers, ensures decent print quality for text and images. However, it may not be the best choice for high-quality photo printing due to its relatively lower resolution compared to dedicated photo printers. The color depth of 24 bits is adequate for general color printing needs.

With a scanning resolution of up to 300 x 300 dpi, it is suitable for basic scanning tasks but might fall short for users needing high-resolution scans. The printing speed is moderate, with up to 8.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 5.5 ppm for color prints, making it more suited for light to moderate printing tasks. The inclusion of a 60-sheet input tray and a 25-sheet output capacity is convenient for small print jobs. Connectivity is a significant strength, with reliable Wi-Fi and the ability to print from smartphones and other devices using the HP app. However, it's essential to note that the printer only works with original HP cartridges, which could be a drawback for users looking to use third-party options.

The compact design is ideal for home use, fitting easily into small spaces. Additionally, the three months of included HP Instant Ink can help mitigate initial ink costs, though a subscription will be necessary afterward. The sustainable design, using 60% recycled plastic, and certifications like ENERGY STAR, add to its appeal for eco-conscious users. While the HP DeskJet 4255e is a solid choice for general home printing, scanning, and copying needs, it may not meet the demands of users requiring high-resolution photo prints or heavy-duty scanning tasks.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a monochrome (black and white) 3-in-1 device that combines a laser printer, scanner, and copier in a compact design, making it ideal for small businesses. It offers high-quality black and white printing with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI and a fast print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, which is great for productivity. The scanner supports both flatbed and sheetfed types, with decent scan speeds of 23.6/7.9 images per minute for black and color, respectively. However, its resolution for scanning is 300 x 300 DPI, which may not be sufficient for high-resolution photo scans. The color depth is 1 bpp, indicating it is not suitable for color scanning or printing tasks.

Connectivity options are versatile, with Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet available, allowing easy integration into various network environments. The Brother Mobile Connect App enhances convenience by enabling print and scan functions from mobile devices. Media handling capabilities include auto-duplex and a 250-sheet input capacity, which can handle up to 8.5 x 14-inch paper sizes. The size and weight (25 pounds) make it relatively portable for an office device. The printer includes a 50-page auto document feeder, making multi-page scanning and copying more efficient.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is Energy Star and EPEAT qualified, ensuring energy efficiency. It also supports the Brother Refresh subscription service for automatic toner replenishment and potential savings. This product is well-suited for small businesses needing reliable and fast monochrome printing and scanning but is not the best choice for users requiring high-resolution or color photo scanning and printing.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a versatile all-in-one printer that stands out with its cartridge-free ink system, which offers significant savings and fewer refills. This makes it an attractive option for users who print frequently. The high-capacity ink tanks and the promise of up to 2 years' worth of ink included in the box help reduce the hassle of constantly replacing ink cartridges, and the EcoFit bottles make refilling easy and environmentally friendly, reducing cartridge waste.

The print quality is impressive, thanks to the Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology, delivering sharp text and vibrant photos, which is essential for those needing a reliable photo printer. The maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi ensures detailed prints, suitable for both documents and photos. The built-in scanner and copier offer additional functionality, making it a practical choice for home offices or small businesses. The scanner's resolution is adequate for typical scanning needs, but might not suffice for professional photo scanning when very high detail is required.

Connectivity is modern and flexible, with options for Wi-Fi, USB, and hands-free voice-activated printing. AirPrint and the Epson Smart Panel app support add convenience for printing from smart devices. However, the print speed of 10 ppm for monochrome and 5 ppm for color might be slow for users with higher volume printing needs. Also, the lack of dual-sided printing could be a drawback for some. Weighing 8.8 pounds, it's portable enough for moving around if necessary, but its dimensions might require a dedicated space. Lastly, the absence of an Ethernet port limits wired network options. The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is best suited for those who prioritize cost savings on ink and need an all-in-one solution for light to moderate printing and scanning tasks.