Top 5 Printer Scanners: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Imagine this: you have an important document that needs to be sent to your teacher, but it’s only on paper. Or maybe you found a cool picture in a book you want to save on your computer. How do you get that paper onto your screen? That’s where a printer with a scanner comes in! These handy machines do two jobs: they print out pictures and words from your computer, and they also copy paper documents into digital files.

But when it’s time to buy one, it can feel like a puzzle. There are so many choices! Some are big and bulky, others are small and sleek. Some print in color, others only in black and white. How do you know which one is best for your home or schoolwork? It’s tricky to figure out what features you really need without getting confused by all the technical words.

Don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down what a printer with a scanner actually does. We’ll talk about the important things to look for, like how fast it prints or how clear it scans. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about choosing the perfect printer with a scanner for all your printing and copying adventures. Let’s dive in!

Our Top 5 Printer With Scanner Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Printer With Scanner Detailed Reviews

1. Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa

Rating: 8.6/10

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a powerful, all-in-one laser printer designed for small businesses. It prints, scans, and copies in sharp black and white. This machine is built for speed and efficiency, helping you get your work done faster.

What We Like:

  • It’s a 3-in-1 machine, saving space by combining a printer, scanner, and copier.
  • Prints documents super fast, up to 36 pages per minute.
  • Scanning is quick too, with a 50-page automatic document feeder for multi-page jobs.
  • Connects wirelessly using both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, or through Ethernet and USB.
  • The Brother Mobile Connect app lets you print and scan from your phone or tablet.
  • Works with Alexa for voice commands.
  • Offers a trial for the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service to save money on toner.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It only prints in black and white, not color.
  • The Refresh Subscription Service might not be for everyone, and the trial period needs to be managed.

This Brother printer is a smart choice for small businesses that need a reliable and fast black and white printing solution. Its handy features and mobile connectivity make it a productive addition to any office.

2. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer

Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black

Rating: 9.1/10

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer is a versatile and user-friendly machine designed to handle all your home printing needs. This black printer is packed with features like wireless connectivity, a built-in fax, and an auto document feeder, making it a convenient addition to any home office or busy household. It prints, copies, scans, and faxes, offering a complete solution for document management. Plus, it’s designed for easy ink replacement and supports mobile printing, so you can print from your phone or tablet.

What We Like:

  • It’s a 4-in-1 printer: print, copy, scan, and fax all in one place.
  • The auto document feeder makes copying and scanning multi-page documents super easy.
  • You can print automatically on both sides of the paper, saving you time and paper.
  • It prints great-looking documents, photos, and even borderless prints.
  • Setting up and replacing ink cartridges is a breeze.
  • The printer is ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it’s good for the environment and saves energy.
  • You can connect it to Alexa to get reminders when you’re low on ink and even have it reorder ink for you from Amazon automatically.
  • It has a paper capacity of 100 sheets, which is good for everyday printing.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The print speeds of 8.8 / 4.4 pages per minute might be a bit slow for large print jobs.
  • While it has a 1-year warranty, some users might prefer a longer guarantee.

This Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a smart choice for busy households that need a reliable all-in-one printer. Its smart features, like Alexa integration for ink reordering, add a modern touch to everyday printing tasks.

3. HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer

HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-Home, 3 Month Instant Ink Trial Included, AI-Enabled (588S6A)

Rating: 9.0/10

The HP DeskJet 4255e is a fantastic choice for any home looking for an easy-to-use, all-in-one printer. It handles printing to-do lists, letters, and even recipes with ease. Its wireless capabilities and smart features make printing from your phone or computer a breeze.

What We Like:

  • HP AI makes printing web pages and emails look perfect, saving paper.
  • It can print, copy, and scan, making it a versatile tool for home.
  • The automatic document feeder is a handy feature for scanning multiple pages.
  • Reliable Wi-Fi automatically fixes connection problems.
  • The HP app lets you print, scan, and copy from your smartphone or tablet.
  • You get a 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink, so ink is delivered to your door.
  • Its compact design fits well in any home.
  • The simple LCD screen makes basic printing easy to understand.
  • It’s made with recycled plastic and is eco-friendly.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Print speeds are a bit slow for color printing (5.5 ppm).
  • It only works with HP cartridges, so you can’t use other brands.
  • After the 3-month Instant Ink trial, there’s a monthly fee unless you cancel.

This printer is a great addition to any home, offering convenience and smart features. It’s a solid option for all your everyday printing needs.

4. HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer

HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-Home, 3 Month Instant Ink Trial Included, AI-Enabled (6W7F0A)

Rating: 9.0/10

Meet the HP DeskJet 4227e, your new best friend for all your home printing needs. This all-in-one printer is designed to make your life easier, handling everything from to-do lists and letters to recipes and important documents. It’s super easy to use and fits perfectly in any home.

What We Like:

  • The HP AI feature is amazing! It makes sure your web pages and emails print perfectly, without any wasted paper or weird layouts. It’s like having a smart helper for your printing.
  • Printing wirelessly is a breeze. The Wi-Fi connection is reliable and fixes itself if there are any problems.
  • You can print, scan, and copy right from your phone or tablet using the easy HP app.
  • The 3-month Instant Ink trial is a great bonus. You get ink delivered to your door before you run out.
  • It’s compact and looks good in any room.
  • The printer is made with recycled plastic and is good for the environment.
  • It comes with an auto document feeder and a handy 60-sheet input tray.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Print speeds are on the slower side for color printing (5.5 ppm) compared to some other printers.
  • The printer only works with HP ink cartridges, so you can’t use off-brand ones.

The HP DeskJet 4227e is a fantastic choice for families who need a reliable and smart printer for everyday tasks. Its user-friendly features and eco-friendly design make it a standout.

5. HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer

HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, copy, fax, ADF, Duplex printing best-for-office, 3 month Instant Ink trial included, AI-enabled (403X0A)

Rating: 9.1/10

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is a powerful wireless all-in-one printer designed for busy offices. It handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with ease. This printer creates professional-looking color documents, making it ideal for presentations, brochures, and flyers. Its smart features, like AI-powered formatting and reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, help streamline your workflow.

What We Like:

  • Prints professional-quality color documents for business needs.
  • HP AI ensures perfectly formatted prints from web pages and emails, saving paper.
  • Fast printing speeds of up to 18 ppm color and 22 ppm black.
  • Includes auto-duplex printing and scanning, plus an auto document feeder.
  • Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi connection that automatically fixes issues.
  • User-friendly HP app allows printing, scanning, copying, and faxing from any device.
  • Comes with a 3-month Instant Ink trial for convenient ink delivery.
  • Built-in HP Wolf Pro Security protects your data from cyber threats.
  • Easy to use with a 2.7-inch color touchscreen and a simple interface.
  • Made with over 40% recycled plastic, showing a commitment to sustainability.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The printer is designed to only work with HP cartridges and will block others.
  • Firmware updates are periodic and might affect cartridge compatibility over time.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is a smart choice for offices needing high-quality color printing and efficient document management. Its advanced features and security make it a valuable addition to any workspace.

Choosing the Best Printer With a Scanner: Your Guide

Buying a printer that also scans can be a smart move. It saves space and money. This guide will help you pick the right one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

1. All-in-One Capability

Most printers with scanners are “all-in-one” devices. This means they can print, scan, and often copy. Some even fax. This is the main reason people buy them. It’s like having three or four machines in one.

2. Print Quality

Look at the print resolution. Higher numbers mean sharper text and clearer pictures. For everyday documents, 600 x 600 dpi is usually fine. For photos, aim for 1200 x 1200 dpi or higher.

3. Scan Quality

Scan resolution is also important. A higher dpi (dots per inch) means you get more detail when you scan. This is good for old photos or detailed documents. Most home users will find 600 dpi sufficient.

4. Speed

Check the pages per minute (ppm) for both printing and scanning. Faster speeds mean less waiting. If you print a lot, a faster printer is better. Some scanners also have automatic document feeders (ADFs) that scan many pages quickly.

5. Connectivity

Most printers connect via USB. Many also offer Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi lets you print from your computer, phone, or tablet without cables. Some even have Bluetooth.

6. Ink or Toner Type

Printers use either ink cartridges or toner cartridges. Inkjet printers are good for color photos. Laser printers are usually faster and cheaper for black and white text. Consider the cost of replacement cartridges.

7. Paper Handling

Think about the types and sizes of paper you’ll use. Some printers can handle different paper weights and sizes, like photo paper or cardstock. Also, check the paper tray capacity.

Important Materials and Design

Printers are usually made of plastic. The quality of the plastic can affect how sturdy the printer feels. Look for a printer that doesn’t feel flimsy. The scanner bed should be smooth and easy to clean. Some printers have a flatbed scanner, which is good for single pages or books. Others have an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for scanning multiple pages at once.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Improving Quality
  • Higher Resolution: As mentioned, higher dpi for both printing and scanning means better detail.
  • Good Ink/Toner: Using genuine brand ink or toner often gives the best results.
  • Driver Software: Updated printer drivers help your computer and printer work together smoothly.
  • Paper Quality: Using good quality paper makes a big difference in how your prints look.
Reducing Quality
  • Low Resolution Settings: If you choose low settings, your prints and scans will look less clear.
  • Using Old or Dried Ink: This can cause streaks and faded colors.
  • Dirty Scanner Glass: Smudges on the scanner glass will show up on your scanned images.
  • Using the Wrong Paper: Some paper types don’t work well with certain printers.

User Experience and Use Cases

Home Use

For most homes, a basic all-in-one printer is perfect. You can print homework, scan school projects, and copy important documents. Wi-Fi is a great feature for families so everyone can print from their own device.

Small Office/Home Office (SOHO)

If you run a small business from home, you might need a faster printer with a larger paper capacity. An ADF is very useful for scanning lots of documents quickly. Look for models that have good network features.

Students

Students need a reliable printer for essays and projects. A scanner is handy for digitizing notes or saving articles. Wireless printing is a big plus for dorm rooms.

Photography Enthusiasts

If you want to print your own photos, you’ll need a printer with excellent photo printing capabilities. Look for high print resolution and support for photo paper. A good scanner can help you digitize old photos too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is an All-in-One printer?

A: An All-in-One printer is a device that can print, scan, and copy. Some can also fax.

Q: What does DPI mean?

A: DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. It measures how many tiny dots of ink fit into one inch of space. Higher DPI means a clearer image.

Q: What is an ADF?

A: ADF stands for Automatic Document Feeder. It’s a part of the scanner that can feed multiple pages one after another, so you don’t have to place each page manually.

Q: Inkjet vs. Laser: Which is better for me?

A: Inkjet printers are good for color photos. Laser printers are usually faster and cheaper for black and white text documents.

Q: How do I connect my printer wirelessly?

A: Most printers with Wi-Fi connect by following the setup instructions that come with the printer. You usually connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.

Q: Can I print from my smartphone?

A: Yes, many modern printers let you print directly from your smartphone or tablet using an app or Wi-Fi.

Q: How do I know if a printer will print good photos?

A: Look for printers with high print resolution (like 4800 x 1200 dpi or higher) and those that specifically mention photo printing quality.

Q: What is duplex printing?

A: Duplex printing means the printer can automatically print on both sides of the paper. This saves paper.

Q: How often do I need to replace ink or toner?

A: This depends on how much you print. High-yield cartridges last longer. You’ll get notifications from your printer when ink or toner is low.

Q: Are there printers that scan very quickly?

A: Yes, printers with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) are designed for fast scanning of multiple pages.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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