Pricey Options Often Prove Cheaper in the Long Run: Printers Recommended by Stiftung Warentest
This printer serves as an effective item for assessment purposes.
Is splurging on a pricey printer worth it or should you opt for a cheaper alternative? The answer lies in how frequently you use the device and its intended purpose. Stiftung Warentest helps make the decision easier.
If you're on the hunt for a new printer, you'll find plenty of options at varying prices - from about 50 to 500 euros. Whether a high-end device is a wise investment or a budget-friendly model is the better pick depends on factors such as usage frequency, necessity for photo printing, color vs. black and white requirements, and extra features like scanning and copying capabilities.
One important consideration is usage frequency. If you print infrequently, a less expensive printer with higher printing costs can be cost-effective. Conversely, an expensive device with low printing costs might quickly pay for itself if the output is high.
Specialist Printers Hardly Worth the Investment
Most devices available are multifunction printers capable of printing, scanning, and copying. If you never make use of extra features, you might be able to save a few bucks with a print specialist, but the price difference between the versatile, value-for-money options and specialists isn't staggering.
To maintain an organized and focused approach when shopping, the test list from Stiftung Warentest with 213 currently available printers is an excellent resource. Of the devices tested in the past six months, 28 have received good overall ratings. The cheapest option runs around 190 euros, while the most expensive hovers around 560 euros.
Inkjet Printers: The Best Multifunctional Inkjet Option is the Canon Maxify GX6550
The best multifunctional inkjet printer according to Stiftung Warentest is the Canon Maxify GX6550, which boasts a quality rating of 1.9. It delivers excellent printing, scanning, and copying results while also excelling in environmental considerations like power consumption.
On average, Stiftung Warentest assigns a price of 525 euros for the device, but it can often be found for less than 450 euros. Its low printing costs make it a wise long-term investment, especially for regular usage.
Another top performer, also receiving the same overall rating, is the Epson Ecotank ET-4850. This model is priced around 380 euros and is simpler to operate. Notably, it also offers the best photo printing performance in the test field.
If the copying function leaves a bit to be desired, the Epson Ecotank ET-2860 can be an equally economical yet significantly cheaper alternative with starting prices around 180 euros. Various other printers received the same overall rating, many of which are identical in construction. When in doubt, the cheapest option after a quick check of the bestseller list may be your best bet.
The most economical inkjet print specialist on the market is the Canon MAXIFY GX5550 with a quality rating of 1.9. It offers excellent printing, low ink costs, and a smaller footprint, but its advantages over multifunction devices are primarily that of size. Prices start at around 370 euros.
If you print sparingly, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b for around 120 euros may pique your interest. Its results, ink costs, and environmental properties received satisfactory ratings.
The Best Color Multifunction Laser Printer Barely Achieves a Good Quality Rating
The best color multifunction laser printer scores only an average quality rating with an overall score of 2.5. The Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw prints and copies well but lags in copy features and toner costs. Its environmental properties also leave room for improvement. The printer is seldom available for under 400 euros.
When looking for a good laser printer that can simply print, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw has the edge with an overall score of 2.3. However, toner costs and environmental properties are also only satisfactory for this device. With some luck, it can be found for prices well below 300 euros.
Black and White Printers: Better Deals with Cheaper Options
If you stick with black and white printing, investing in a black-and-white laser printer can result in a better deal. The Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II is the test winner among multifunctional devices, with a quality rating of 2.2. It not only prints, copies, and scans well but is also quite economical. The device's price is around 330 euros.
The best black and white print specialist is the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, available for just under 230 euros. It performed exceptionally well in all disciplines.
If you print sparingly, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is worth considering, despite only achieving satisfactory ratings for environmental properties and toner costs. It costs around 175 euros and boasts the best print results in its category.
[1] ntv.de[2] kwe[3] Stiftung Warentest[4] home office[5] Technik-Tests
- Enrichment Data:
- The Canon Maxify GX6550 inkjet printer is recommended for its excellent overall performance, efficient ink usage, and low printing costs.
- The Epson Ecotank ET-4850, also with exceptional overall performance, stands out for its economical ink usage, refillable ink tanks that reduce waste, and low printing costs.
- The Epson Ecotank ET-2860 is an economical inkjet printer that performs well at a lower price point, offering benefits like refillable ink tanks and decent photo printing capabilities.
- The HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b, despite satisfactory ratings, is an affordable option for infrequent printing needs.
- For color multifunction laser printers, the Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw, while achieving an average overall rating, offers solid print and copy performance.
- A variety of black-and-white laser printers such as the Canon i-Sensys LBP633Cdw, Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, and Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw cater to home office users seeking efficient and cost-effective printing options.
- The Canon Maxify GX6550, a highly rated inkjet printer, is often found for less than 450 euros, making it a budget-friendly choice with low printing costs, perfect for regular usage.
- The Epson Ecotank ET-4850, priced around 380 euros, is another top performer known for its impressive photo printing capabilities.
- The Epson Ecotank ET-2860, an equally economical option, is a significantly cheaper alternative with starting prices around 180 euros, providing decent photo printing performance.
- Conversely, when focusing on home-and-garden lifestyle or technology, a less expensive printer may be suitable for infrequent printing needs, like the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b, priced around 120 euros.
