Inkjet printers are printing machines capable of printing high-quality photos and documents. Photos and documents printed with this printer are more durable and rich in color. There are various brands of inkjet printers that are well known and widely used, such as Canon, Epson, Brother, and HP.
Each manufacturer has different types of inkjet printers with different types of paper and ink that are suitable for use. This time we will explain about how to choose a best inkjet printer for you. We will also provide ten recommendations for these tools.
How to choose an inkjet printer?
Inkjet printers are printers that have a higher resolution and are more compact than laser printers. In addition, inkjet printers can also be used with low power consumption.
To choose an inkjet printer, you need to pay attention to several things. Apart from the quality side, you also need to consider the operational costs.
Determine the number of ink colors as needed
First of all, determine the number of colors on the printer according to your needs. Basically, inkjet printers have four basic colors, namely blue (cyan), magenta, yellow, and black. This amount is enough for those of you who want to use it to print standard documents or images.
If you want to print photos with better results, we recommend using a printer with five colors or more. There are several manufacturers who add the number of colors in their products, such as Epson and Canon.
Epson added two other colors, namely light blue (light cyan) and light magenta (light magenta). Meanwhile, Canon adds a gray color for more vivid photo prints.
On the other hand, there is also a monochrome type that only has one color. You can choose this product if you print documents more often.
There are also printers that use a hybrid ink system. This system will divide the black ink according to its designation. You can use black ink for documents (pigment) and for photo printing (dye) so that the results are better.
Choose by ink type
Most inkjet printers use three types of ink, namely dye-based, pigment-based, or both. Choose the one that best suits you.
Dye-based, suitable for printing on glossy photo paper
Dye-based ink is suitable for those of you who often print photos on glossy or glossy photo paper. The price is also more economical than pigment inks. So, you can still save money even though you often use it to print in large quantities.
This type of ink takes a long time to dry. However, the resulting color is brighter and richer so it will look beautiful on glossy paper.
Pigment-based, durable and not easy to fade
This type of ink does not seep into the paper fibers, but only colors the surface. This ink is suitable for printing documents because the printouts are very clear.
For printing photos, this type of ink will also provide sharper print results. Prints with pigment inks do not fade when exposed to water and do not fade when exposed to light.
Choose the type of cartridge based on the frequency of use and the cost
There are at least two types of cartridges used in inkjet printers. The choice of cartridge will affect the cost when the cartridge needs to be replaced. In addition, some brands are also only compatible with one type of cartridge. Check out the following points to find out more.
Split cartridge, practical because it can be refilled separately
This type of cartridge is recommended for those of you who want to save on ink replacement costs. This type is a type of cartridge that is separate from each other.
So, if one type of ink runs out, you can immediately replace it without the need to change to another color. This type is a cartridge that is suitable for those of you who use one particular color more often when printing.
Integrated cartridge, easier to maintainstore.hp.com
This type of cartridge is recommended for those of you who often print monochrome. All ink with each color is located in one cartridge. Therefore, this type of cartridge is more compact and is commonly used in small-sized printers.
However, this type cannot change only one ink color. If you run out of one of the ink colors, you will need to replace it entirely. Therefore, this type is suitable for those of you who do not use the printer very often.
Consider choosing a printer with an ecotank system
For those of you who often use printers, you should use a type that has an ecotank system. This type uses bottles as ink storage.
So, when the ink runs out, you can refill the bottle according to its color. Buying ink will be cheaper than buying cartridges. This type is suitable for those of you who want to save on printing operational costs.
If you choose a large bottle, it will certainly come in handy when you are going to print in bulk. Printers with this ecotank system are indeed more expensive. However, this type is very good for long-term use.
Select printer connection method
Not only with cables, now you can connect printers and other gadgets with a wireless connection. In your opinion, which connection method is the most efficient?
Connection via Wi-Fi, can be connected with multiple devices
If the printer can be connected to Wi-Fi, you can print directly from a laptop or smartphone without the need for cables.
You just need to make sure that the printer is filled with sufficient amount of paper when you want to use it. That way, you can print documents or photos right away, even from different rooms.
Connection via NFC or AirPrint, can connect directly to smartphone
If you frequently print via your smartphone or tablet, we recommend using a printer that has NFC or AirPrint features. If it is NFC compatible, you can send data via smartphone and print easily.
You can directly print photos taken via smartphones practically without having to transfer data first. For iPhone or iPad, we recommend choosing a printer that supports connection via AirPrint.
Choose by resolution size
If you want to enlarge and print photos with high quality, choose an inkjet printer that has a high resolution. The resolution in the printer determines the maximum number of dots of color in 1 inch. The high resolution shows how clear and smooth the print is.
It is said that the human eye cannot distinguish the quality of images at resolutions between 300–600 dpi. In fact, many photographers print their photos with that resolution.
If you want to print an enlarged image or an image with sharp detail, at least choose a printer with a resolution of 600 dpi.
We recommend that you do not use dye-based ink because it soaks into the paper. On the other hand, pigment-based inks are recommended for printing high-quality photos.
Select the desired print speed
If you often print in large quantities, consider a printer with a high speed. Currently, the majority of printers use the HDI unit to express speed.
IPM indicates the number of pages produced in 1 minute with reference to the ISO/IEC 24734 standard. However, there are also manufacturers who state the speed in seconds.
To print at a large size, choose one that supports A3 paper
If you want to print on large paper sizes, make sure you choose a printer that can print on A3 paper. Now there are many printers that can print on A3 or B4 paper, not only A4.
Usually, this type of printer can also function as a fax machine, photocopier, or scanner. By buying this multifunction printer, you can save more space and costs.
This type of printer is very suitable for use in the office because of its practicality.
Top 10 recommended inkjet printers
Below we will present ten recommendations for the best inkjet printers based on brands from Canon, Epson, Brother, and HP. By applying the voting method we described above, please choose according to your preferences and needs.
1. Epson Ink Tank Printer - L120
This Epson printer uses cartridges whose ink can be refilled. You will no longer have trouble when you run out of ink. Products that use the connection method via USB also have speeds of up to 8.5 ipm for monochrome printing and 4.5 ipm for color printing.
For those of you who want to save money, this printer can be an alternative choice. With one bottle of black ink, you can print up to 4,500 sheets. Then, for printing in tricolor combinations, you can produce up to 7,500 sheets in a single refill.
- Number of ink colors: 4 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
- Ink type: Not mentioned
- Cartridge type: Tank
- Ecotank: Yes
- Connection method: USB
- Resolution: Maximum 720 dpi x 720 dpi
- Print speed: 8.5 ipm (black), 4.5 ipm (color)
- Paper size: A4 (maximum paper size 8.5 x 44 inches)
2. HP Ink Tanks 319 - Z6Z13A
Do you often find it difficult to refill ink? If so, you can use this HP printer. This printer uses an ink tank system which makes it easy to refill through the ink bottle without worrying about spilling. You don't have to worry about wasted ink when refilling.
You also don't have to worry about the quality of its ink. HP claims the black ink is darker and sharper. In addition, printouts on your documents will last up to 22 times longer. This also applies to photo and image prints, you know!
- Number of ink colors: 4 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
- Ink type: Dye-based (color), pigment-based (black)
- Cartridge type: Tank
- Ecotank: Yes
- Connection method: USB
- Resolution: 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi (black), 4800 dpi x 1200 (color)
- Print speed: 14 seconds (black), 18 seconds (color)
- Paper size: A4, B5, A6, DL envelope
3. HP DeskJet Ink Advantage All-in-One Printer 3776 - 7FM65B
This printer is a multifunction inkjet printer (print, scan, copy) with a small size. Its size, features, and price make it worth recommending for students living in boarding houses or studio-type apartments.
This product can be relied on to print documents quickly, including when task deadlines. To print a document with black ink, you only need to wait 15 seconds. Great and frugal, right?
- Number of ink colors: 4 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
- Ink type: Dye-based (color), pigment-based (black)
- Cartridge type: Split: black Integrated: tricolor (cyan, magenta, yellow)
- Ecotank: Not mentioned
- Connection method: USB, Wi-Fi
- Resolution: 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi (black), 4800 dpi x 1200 dpi (color)
- Print speed: 19 seconds (black), 15 seconds (color)
- Paper size: A4, letter
4. Canon PIXMA - TS307
If you want to print photos without any hassle, this product is a great choice. With its Smartphone Copy feature, this printer can print directly from your smartphone without the need for a cable connection.
You only need to install the Canon Print Inkjet/SELPHY mobile app to connect to the printer. With this application, you can print photos and other documents from anywhere, as long as the printer is in standby.
- Number of ink colors: Not mentioned
- Ink type: Not mentioned
- Cartridge type: Integrated cartridge
- Ecotank: No
- Connection method: IEEE Wireless LAN, USB
- Resolution: 4800 dpi x 1200 dpi
- Print speed: 7.7 ipm (black), 4.0 ipm (color)
- Paper size: A4, LTR, 4 inches x 6 inches, 5 inches x 7 inches, custom sizes (width 89–215.9 mm, length 127–676 mm)
5. Brother Inkjet Printer - HL-T4000DW
There are times when you want to save paper when it comes to printing. At this point you can rely on this printer. This product has an automatic two-sided printing feature. As a result, you can save as much as 50% of the original paper.
In addition, this product also has mobile printing and scanning facilities without having to turn on the PC first. You can access Brother Cloud Apps and WebConnect directly from the printer. Not only that, you can also print directly from the flash so it's more practical.
- Number of ink colors: 4 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
- Ink type: Not mentioned
- Cartridge type: Tank
- Ecotank: Yes
- Connection method: USB, LAN, Wi-Fi
- Resolution: 4800 dpi x 1200 dpi
- Print speed: 6 seconds
- Paper size: A4, letter, executive, B5, A3, ledger, B4, legal, folio, A5, B6, A6, photo 4 inch x 6 inch, indexcard 5 inch x 8 inch, photo 3.5 inch x 5 inch, photo 5 inch x 7 inch, C5 envelope, com-10 envelope, DL envelope, monarch envelope, mexico legal, india legal
6. Canon PIXMA - G3020
When your printing needs are high, the printer will generally be on standby for a long time. This of course has an impact on electricity bills, right? To save energy, we recommend this product.
Canon Pixma G3020 is equipped with an auto on/off feature to save power. The printer will turn off automatically when not in use. Meanwhile, it will turn on again when there is a print command from a laptop, smartphone, or cloud. Sophisticated, yes!
- Number of ink colors: 4 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
- Ink type: Pigment
- Cartridge type: Tank
- Ecotank: Not mentioned
- Connection method: Wi-Fi
- Resolution: 4800 dpi x 1200 dpi
- Print speed: 9 seconds (black), 16 seconds (color)
- Paper size: A4, A5, A6, B5, LTR, LGL, executive (184.2 mm x 266.7 mm), legal india (215 mm x 345 mm), foolscap (215.9 mm x 330.2 mm), F4, oficio2 (215.9 mm x 330.2 mm), b-oficio (216 mm x 355 mm), m-oficio (216 mm x 341 mm), 4 inches x 6 inches, 5 inches x 7 inches, 7 inches x 10 inches, 8 inches x 10 inches, envelopes DL, envelopes COM10, envelopes C5, envelopes monarch (98.4 mm x 190.5 mm), square (3.5 inches x 3.5 inches, 5 inches x 5 inches) , card (91 mm x 55 mm), custom sizes: width 55–216 mm, length 89–1200 mm
7. Epson EcoTank All-in-One Ink Tank Printer - L3110
Do you want to print images with sharp details? If yes, then take a look at this one product. The maximum resolution reaches 5760 dpi x 1440 dpi, making it able to print more optimally.
In addition, this printer can also print images or photos on 4R size paper borderless. One more advantage, this multifunction printer is priced at a price that is quite pocket-friendly, you know.
- Number of ink colors: 4 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
- Ink type: Not mentioned
- Cartridge type: Tank
- Ecotank: Yes
- Connection method: USB
- Resolution: 5760 dpi x 1440 dpi
- Print speed: 10 seconds (black), 16 seconds (color)
- Paper size: Legal, indian-legal (215 mm x 345 mm), 8.5 in x 13 in, letter, A4, 16K (195 mm x 270 mm), B5, A5, B6, A6, hagaki (100 mm x 148 mm) , 5 inches x 7 inches, 4 inches x 6 inches, envelopes #10, DL, C6
8. Brother Ink Refill system printer – Wifi, Mobile-Print 3-in-One - DCP-T510W
This printer has a paper tray that can hold up to 150 sheets. You can also adjust the tray according to various paper sizes plus a manual single-slot. Therefore, this product is perfect for those of you who want to print quickly even when you are busy.
This product is also equipped with a single line LCD and control panel. This feature will make it easier to navigate the settings menu when printing. The LCD screen will also display a warning if the printer has an error.
- Number of ink colors: 4 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
- Ink type: Not mentioned
- Cartridge type: Tank
- Ecotank: Yes
- Connection method: USB and built-in Wi-Fi
- Resolution: Windows: 6000 dpi x 1200 dpi Mac : 3600 dpi x 1200 dpi
- Print speed: 8 seconds (black), 14 seconds (color)
- Paper size: A4, LTR, EXE, legal, folio, A5, A6, photo (102 mm x 152 mm), indexcard (127 mm x 203 mm), photo-2L (127 mm x 178 mm), C5 envelope, com-10, DL envelope, monarch
9. HP OfficeJet 7110 Wide Format ePrinter - H812a
This inkjet printer is suitable if you want high-quality prints for marketing purposes. This printer can print up to A3 size with four pigment ink colors.
You can print 800 pages of brochures, flyers, posters, and other marketing needs every month. With high-resolution color printouts, your brochures and posters will certainly be more attractive!
- Number of ink colors: 4 (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
- Ink type: Pigment
- Cartridge type: Split cartridge
- Ecotank: No
- Connection method: USB, ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Resolution: 600 dpi x 1200 dpi (black), 4800 dpi x 1200 dpi (color)
- Print speed: 15 seconds (black), 19 seconds (color)
- Paper size: A4, letter, B4, tabloid, A3
10. Canon PIXMA - Wireless Portable Printer - TR150
Business people who travel frequently should have this product from Canon. Its compact and lightweight body can be taken with you wherever you go. Printing important documents in a fast time is not a problem anymore.
Equipped with a wireless connection, you can even print directly from your smartphone. For matters of power, this printer can be used with an external battery that you can buy separately.
- Number of ink colors: Not mentioned
- Ink type: Pigment
- Cartridge type: Integrated cartridge
- Ecotank: No
- Connection method: USB, Wi-Fi
- Resolution: 4800 dpi x 1200 dpi
- Print speed: 9 ipm (black), 5.5 ipm (color)
- Paper size: A4, A5, B5, letter, legal, envelope (DL, COM10), square (5 inches x 5 inches, 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches), card size (91 mm x 55 mm), 4 inches x 6 inches, 5 inches x 7 inches, 7 inches x 10 inches, 8 inches x 10 inches
Conclusion
After reading our review, have you found the right inkjet printer? We hope that some of the tips on how to choose an inkjet printer above can help you. Each product has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Choose a product that suits your printing needs. If you adjust to your preferences, you will get the best printer for you to use. Happy choosing!
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