10 Best Wireless Printers For College Students 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is designed for college students seeking an efficient and cost-effective wireless printer. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free printing system, utilizing high-capacity ink tanks that can save users up to 90% on ink costs compared to traditional cartridges. This is particularly beneficial for students who frequently print assignments, lecture notes, and presentations, as it offers a massive yield of around 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 pages in color. Additionally, the printer comes with up to two years of ink included, minimizing the stress of running out of supplies during critical times.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 employs Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, ensuring sharp text and vibrant colors that can meet the demands of both academic and creative projects. The built-in scanner and copier add to its versatility, allowing students to not only print but also digitize documents and make copies directly, which is handy for sharing materials or preserving notes.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The print speed is relatively modest, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages for color. This might be a concern for students needing quick turnaround times for larger print jobs. Additionally, while it offers both wired and wireless connectivity, some users may find the manual duplex printing a bit cumbersome compared to models that support automatic double-sided printing.

Weighing 8.8 pounds, the printer is moderately portable, but its dimensions may not fit into smaller living spaces comfortably. Lastly, while the initial investment can be justified by the long-term savings on ink, students should factor in the space it will occupy and whether they need the advanced features it offers. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is an excellent choice for college students who prioritize cost savings and versatility, provided they can accommodate its size and print speed.

The HP OfficeJet 8015e is a solid choice for college students looking for a reliable wireless printer that can handle various tasks like printing, scanning, and copying. One of its key strengths is the inclusion of six months of Instant Ink, which can significantly reduce ink costs by delivering ink directly to your door when you need it. This feature is particularly beneficial for students who may print frequently but want to avoid running out of ink at critical times.

Print quality is impressive, with the ability to produce high-resolution color documents, making it suitable for printing reports and presentations. The print speed is decent too, reaching up to 18 pages per minute in black and 10 pages per minute in color, which is helpful for students managing tight deadlines. Connectivity options are robust, featuring dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing for easy wireless printing from smartphones and laptops via the HP Smart app. This adds convenience, especially for those who work from various locations on campus.

On the downside, the printer's reliance on original HP cartridges might be a drawback for budget-conscious students, as it blocks the use of third-party cartridges. This could lead to higher long-term ink costs if not managed carefully. Additionally, while the printer has a compact design, it still weighs around 18 pounds, which may be a consideration for students who need to transport it frequently. The HP OfficeJet 8015e also comes with advanced security features, helping to protect sensitive information—a vital aspect for students working with personal or academic data. However, those who require a very high volume of printing might find the maximum input capacity of 225 sheets limiting.

The HP DeskJet 4255e is a wireless all-in-one color inkjet printer that is particularly well-suited for college students looking for a versatile and compact device. One of its main strengths is its multifunctionality, as it can print, scan, and copy, which is ideal for various school-related tasks. The print quality is decent with a resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi for black and white and 4800 x 1200 dpi for color prints, making it sufficient for printing reports, documents, and even color projects or photos. However, the print speed is relatively slow, at 8.5 ppm for black and 5.5 ppm for color, which might be a drawback for those needing to print large volumes quickly.

Connectivity is a strong point, with reliable single-band Wi-Fi and an easy-to-use HP app that allows printing directly from smartphones and other devices, adding convenience for students who are often on the go. The printer also includes a 60-sheet input tray and a 25-sheet output capacity, which should be adequate for most home and student needs but may require frequent refilling for heavy use. One potential downside is the ongoing cost of ink, as it uses HP's Instant Ink subscription service. While the first three months are included, students should be aware of the potential long-term costs. Additionally, the printer is designed to work only with original HP cartridges, limiting the use of less expensive third-party options.

The compact size and light weight of 10.6 pounds make it easy to fit in small dorm rooms or study areas. Additional features like the auto document feeder and sustainable design (made with 60% recycled plastic) add value. The LED display and basic control panel are user-friendly, though they may not offer as advanced functionality as some higher-end models. To summarize, the HP DeskJet 4255e is a solid choice for college students looking for a reliable, multifunctional, and compact printer, though they should consider the slower print speeds and potential ongoing ink costs.