Inexpensive doesn't mean cheap: These printers are a wise choice, says Stiftung Warentest
This printer delivers impressive performance during product evaluations.
When it comes to purchasing a new printer, the variety of options can be overwhelming. The price range of printers spans from approximately 50 to 500 euros. The decision largely depends on the frequency and purpose of usage. If you primarily print text, the importance lies in color or black & white photos. Frequent usage also matters; a less expensive printer with high printing costs could still be profitable if used regularly. Conversely, an expensive device with low printing costs could pay for itself quickly with high usage. Stiftung Warentest assists in making an informed decision.
Tech Briefs 10-Gigabit-LAN and WiFi 7 The Fritzbox 4690 is an ideal router Taking into account the usage pattern is crucial. If a printer is rarely used, a less expensive model with high printing costs could be cost-effective. Conversely, a premium device with low printing costs may recoup its cost quickly if the usage is high.
Specialists rarely add value
Most devices on the market are multifunction printers capable of scanning, copying, and printing. If extras like scanning and copying are seldom required, a dedicated print specialist may be less expensive, although the price difference to the versatile, high-performance models isn't substantial.
Where to Shop To maintain control and make a focused selection, the test list compiled by Stiftung Warentest with 213 current printers is a valuable resource. Out of 28 tested devices within the past six months, 28 have good overall ratings. The cheapest of these options costs around 190 euros, while the most expensive is around 560 euros.
Inkjet printers
The best multifunction inkjet printer is the Canon Maxify GX6550, rated 1.9 for quality. It boasts excellent printing, scanning, and copying capabilities and possesses good eco-friendly properties, such as energy conservation. On average, the device costs around 525 euros, but it can often be found for less than 450 euros. Regular usage can save a significant amount of money due to its low printing costs.
The same accolades apply to the Epson Ecotank ET-4850, also rated 1.9, which costs approximately 380 euros and offers effortless handling. In fact, it stands out as the best photo printer in the test.
Where to Shop If the copy function is merely satisfactory, the Epson Ecotank ET-2860 is a relatively inexpensive and convenient alternative priced at around 180 euros. Several other printers received similar overall ratings and share similar construction. These models include the Ecotank ET-2864 and 2865. In doubt, choose the least expensive offer after a quick check of the bestseller list.
The best print specialist among inkjet printers is the Canon MAXIFY GX5550. This printer receives the same 1.9 rating for quality, promises clear printing, low energy consumption, and minimal ink costs. It may be found starting at around 370 euros, and its only real advantage is its compact size compared to multifunction devices.
For those who print infrequently, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b could be an appealing alternative, priced at around 120 euros. Its print results, ink costs, and environmental properties are rated satisfactory.
The best color multifunction laser printer barely manages a good quality rating with a total score of 2.5. The Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw delivers good printing and copying abilities, but the copying features and toner costs were rated as only satisfactory by Stiftung Warentest. The printer's environmental properties did not fare well. The device is seldom sold for less than 400 euros.
Business Headsets Hear voices clearly with the Poly Voyager Legend 50 Much less money must be spent when searching for an economical laser printer only capable of basic printing. In this category, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw holds the best overall score of 2.3. The toner costs and environmental properties are only considered satisfactory for this device. Sometimes it may even be found for prices well below 300 euros.
Black & White Printers are Bundles of Joy
Where to Shop Overall, you can save money by opting for black & white laser printers. The test winner among multifunction devices is the Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II, rated 2.2 for quality. It impresses with excellent printing, copying, and scanning capabilities and is reasonably economical. The device is priced at approximately 330 euros.
The best black & white print specialist is the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, which retails for just under 230 euros. It achieved an overall score of 2.0 and performed well in all disciplines.
If printing is extremely rare, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is a good consideration, although its environmental properties and toner costs are only considered satisfactory. It costs around 175 euros and ranks first in its class for print quality.
Source: ntv.de, kwe
- Stiftung Warentest
- Home Office
- Technology Reviews
Enrichment Insight:When selecting an affordable, high-quality printer, several crucial factors should be considered:
- Printer Type: Laser vs. Inkjet
- Inkjet printers offer advantages such as high-quality photo prints on special paper, the ability to print borderless, and support for various special media like iron-on transfers or coated CDs. However, inkjet prints can be less water and light-resistant, and the print head can dry out if the printer is unused for a long time, leading to ink waste during cleaning cycles. This is particularly disadvantageous for infrequent users.
- Laser printers typically offer more durable prints and tend to be more economical for text-heavy documents and high-volume printing, with no issues like ink drying out.
- Print Quality and Media Compatibility
- The sharpness of printed output on inkjet printers depends heavily on the paper quality, with better papers providing crisper results.
- Inkjet printers excel in photo printing quality if used with suitable special paper, yielding results comparable to traditional photo prints.
- Usage Pattern (Volume and Frequency)
- With low printing volumes, inkjet printers may consume unexpected amounts of ink due to cleaning cycles to prevent drying of print heads.
- High-volume users may benefit more from laser printers or inkjet printers with refillable ink tanks (like Epson EcoTank models), which reduce ongoing ink costs.
- Total Cost of Ownership
- This includes the initial purchase price, cost of consumables like ink or toner, and maintenance expenses.
- Stiftung Warentest highlights significant differences among printers in ongoing costs: some models use expensive cartridges, while others (e.g., EcoTank series) are more cost-effective due to refillable ink tanks.
- Functional Features and Convenience
- Consider multifunction capabilities (printing, scanning, copying, faxing) if needed.
- Features such as wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), compatibility with mobile printing, borderless printing, and print speed are relevant depending on user needs.
- Summary
- Selecting an affordable yet quality printer involves balancing printer type (laser or inkjet), print quality needs (especially for photos), usage frequency, total cost of ownership including ink costs, and desired features. Stiftung Warentest’s testing shows inkjet printers are ideal for photo and color prints but require attention to ink drying and cost, while laser printers are better for text and high-volume printing. Models with refillable ink tanks offer an economical middle ground.
- When considering a new printer, the decision depends on the usage pattern as a less expensive printer with high printing costs can be cost-effective for infrequent users, while high usage may warrant a premium device with low printing costs to recoup the cost quickly.
- The Fritzbox 4690 router, with 10-Gigabit-LAN and WiFi 7, can be a valuable investment for tech enthusiasts, especially considering its performance and price.
- If a multifunction printer's scanning and copying functions are seldom used, a dedicated print specialist could be less expensive and still offer high-performance capabilities.
- In the market for affordable equipment, the Community aid could consider incorporating vocational training programs to equip individuals with skills in technology and gadget repair, fostering self-sufficiency and promoting local entrepreneurship.
