10 Best Printer For Occasional Use 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is designed as a versatile and cost-effective option for occasional home printing needs. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This setup can result in significant savings on ink costs, allowing for the printing of thousands of pages before needing a refill. The included ink supply is enough for up to two years, which is great for users who don’t print frequently and want to avoid the hassle of running out of ink unexpectedly.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 impresses with a resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, delivering sharp text and vibrant color images suitable for various paper types. Users can also appreciate its built-in scanner and copier, making it a handy all-in-one solution for basic document needs.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The print speed is relatively modest, with black prints at 10 pages per minute and color at just 5 pages per minute, which may be slow for users with larger print jobs. Additionally, the manual duplexing feature for double-sided printing can be inconvenient, requiring users to flip pages manually. While the EcoTank design helps reduce waste, the upfront cost may be higher compared to traditional cartridge printers. The ET-2800 is lightweight and compact, fitting into smaller spaces, which is a plus for home offices. Connectivity options include both wired and wireless printing, allowing for easy mobile access.

The HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is a solid choice for occasional use, especially for small businesses and home offices. Its inkjet print technology provides professional-quality color documents with a resolution high enough for forms, reports, and brochures. The print speed is decent, with up to 18 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 10 ppm in color, ensuring efficiency for occasional tasks without being the fastest on the market.

This printer comes with 6 months of Instant Ink, which can be a cost-saving benefit, although users will need to be mindful of the subscription fee after the trial period if they choose to continue. The ink cost is fairly reasonable with this service, as it can save up to 50% on ink costs. The dual-band Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities through the HP Smart app make connectivity straightforward and convenient, allowing you to print, scan, and copy from anywhere. The inclusion of security features like basic encryption and Wi-Fi security is a nice touch for protecting sensitive data.

However, the printer only works with Original HP Ink, and non-HP cartridges are blocked, which could be a downside for those looking for cheaper alternatives. The size and design of the printer are relatively compact and sleek, weighing 18 pounds, making it suitable for most home office spaces. Additional features like the auto document feeder, two-sided printing, and touchscreen further enhance its usability. One potential drawback is the reliance on a constant internet connection and an HP account for utilizing the HP+ smart features. In summary, the HP OfficeJet 8015e offers a good balance of performance, cost-efficiency, and convenience for occasional printing needs, although its dependency on Original HP Ink and HP+ activation might not suit everyone.

The Brother HL-L2460DW is a compact monochrome laser printer, making it a reliable choice for occasional use in home offices or by small teams. Its print technology ensures consistent, high-quality black & white documents with a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, suitable for clear text and detailed graphics. With a print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, it handles tasks quickly, and the automatic duplex printing feature helps save paper by printing on both sides.

Connectivity options are robust, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, along with mobile printing capabilities via the Brother Mobile Connect App, which adds convenience for users who prefer printing from their smartphones or tablets. The printer's design is compact, with dimensions of 14.2 x 14 x 7.2 inches and a weight of 15.6 pounds, making it easy to fit in smaller spaces. Additionally, it has a 250-sheet capacity paper tray, which minimizes the frequency of reloading paper.

The printer is monochrome only, limiting it to black & white output, and it doesn't include scanning or copying features, which could be a drawback for users needing an all-in-one solution. The cost of toner could be a consideration, but Brother offers a subscription service that may help reduce expenses. The unit is backed by a 1-year warranty and extensive support options, adding peace of mind. This printer is well-suited for users who need efficient, high-quality black & white printing without the need for additional multifunction features.