The quest for the perfect printer in 2026 is more complex than ever, with inkjet and laser models converging in features while diverging in cost. CNET's expert testing team has sifted through dozens of machines to deliver definitive picks for home users, students, and small businesses.
CNET’s annual roundup of the best printers for 2026 evaluates each model on print speed, image quality, paper handling, connectivity, and total cost of ownership. The review covers everything from budget inkjets under $150 to fast color laser printers that cost over $500. The goal is to help buyers match their printing habits—whether occasional photo prints or daily office documents—with the right device.
Printers have evolved significantly over the last five years. Wireless connectivity, mobile printing via AirPrint and Mopria, and subscription ink services are now standard. The COVID-19 era fueled demand for home-office gear, and manufacturers have responded with compact all-in-one units that scan, copy, and fax. In 2026, sustainability is also a selling point: several models use recycled plastics and offer refillable ink systems to cut waste.
The best printer 2026 list includes standout models from HP, Brother, Canon, and Epson. For example, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9016e earns top marks for low cost-per-page and seamless integration with HP Instant Ink. Brother's HL-L2460DW monochrome laser remains the budget champion for high-volume text printing. Canon's Pixma series continues to excel for photo enthusiasts. The article lists exact street prices, print speeds in pages per minute, and measured cost per page for each recommendation.
Analysts note that the printer market is stable but increasingly segmented. All-in-one inkjets dominate the home sector, while laser printers hold the small-business sweet spot. Third-party cartridges and refillable tank systems are chipping away at the traditional razor-and-blades model. Experts advise buyers to calculate five-year operating costs rather than sticker price alone.
Looking ahead, smart printers with AI-driven maintenance and voice-controlled commands are emerging. CNET will continue to update its rankings as new models release throughout 2026. Buyers should also watch for seasonal discounts, especially on last year's models, which often deliver similar performance at a fraction of the price.
Technology
→ Neutral
Best Printer for Your Home or Office in 2026: Tested by Our Experts
Whether you use your printer for school, a small business or everyday household tasks like printing photos, we’ve identified the top options worth considering.
James Bricknell
CNET
2 min read
4/10
Key Takeaways
- CNET tested over 25 printer models across inkjet, laser, and all-in-one categories for its 2026 rankings.
- The best printer for most homes was the HP OfficeJet Pro 9016e, offering a cost per page of under 4 cents for black and white.
- Brother’s HL-L2460DW monochrome laser printer retails below $200 and prints up to 36 pages per minute, ideal for high-volume office documents.
- Canon’s Pixma TS8620 earned top photo quality scores, with borderless 4x6 prints in under 45 seconds.
- Nearly 70% of the printers recommended include auto-duplex printing and support for both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 as standard features.
Frequently Asked Questions
CNET recommends the HP OfficeJet Pro 9016e for most homes because of its low cost per page, reliable wireless printing, and included HP Instant Ink subscription. It prints high-quality color documents and photos at a reasonable price.
For a small office, the Brother HL-L2460DW monochrome laser printer is a top pick. It offers fast print speeds up to 36 pages per minute, automatic duplex printing, and a very low cost per page, making it ideal for high-volume black-and-white documents.
Laser printers are generally better for high-volume black-and-white text printing due to faster speeds and lower cost per page. Inkjet printers excel at color photo printing and have lower upfront costs for occasional use. The choice depends on your primary printing needs.
An all-in-one printer that includes scan, copy, and sometimes fax functions is recommended if you need those capabilities at home or in a small office. For dedicated printing only, a single-function printer is cheaper and more compact.
Budget inkjet printers start around $80 and are sufficient for occasional use. For low ongoing costs in a home office, expect to spend $150–$300 on a mid-range inkjet. Color laser printers start around $300, while monochrome lasers are available from $150. Always consider total cost of ownership, including ink or toner replacement.
Topics
Original source
www.cnet.com
Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to post a comment or reply.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!