Frugal Choices Can Save You in the Long Run: Recommended Printers by Stiftung Warentest
Effective Printer Suitable for Foundation Operations
The wide variety of printers available today means making the right choice can be overwhelming. Ranging from around 50 to 500 euros, the decision depends on various factors, such as the frequency of use, the importance of photo printing, black and white or color preference, and the need for extras like scanning and copying.
Stiftung Warentest is here to help you make the best decision.
Tech Talk: 10-Gigabit LAN and Wi-Fi 7While the Fritzbox 4690 may be an enticing router option, focus on assessing printers for your specific needs.
Specialists Rarely Pay Off
Most of the devices available are multifunction printers offering various functionalities. If you never need the extras, you might opt for a less expensive print specialist. However, the price differences between these and versatile, top-performing options aren't substantial.
Stiftung Warentest's test list, including 213 currently available printers, helps maintain an organized selection. 28 devices received good overall ratings in their recent tests, ranging in price from around 190 euros to 560 euros.
Inkjet Printers
Canon Maxify GX6550: Quality Over Price
The Canon Maxify GX6550, with a quality rating of 1.9, stands out as the best multifunctional inkjet printer. It excels at printing, scanning, and copying, has excellent environmental attributes, and boasts strong power conservation. However, it comes with a higher price point of around 525 euros. But if used regularly, its low printing costs can make it an economical choice in the long run.
Epson Ecotank ET-4850: Economical Beauty
The Epson Ecotank ET-4850 also earns the top spot with a quality rating of 1.9. At around 380 euros, it's more affordable than the Canon competitor, offers user-friendly handling, and is the top photo printer in the test field.
If photo quality isn't a major concern and the copy function can only be satisfactory, consider the Epson Ecotank ET-2860, an equally cost-effective but more affordable option priced at around 180 euros.
Canon MAXIFY GX5550: Best Inkjet Print Specialist
The Canon MAXIFY GX5550 boasts a quality rating of 1.9, making it the best inkjet print specialist. It delivers impressive print quality, consumes little power, and features low ink costs. Its primary advantage over multifunction devices is its compact footprint, available for around 370 euros.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b: Affordable Alternative
Ideal for occasional printing, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b, costing around 120 euros, offers satisfactory results, ink costs, and environmental properties.
Laser Printers: A Budget-friendly Option
Laser printers are generally cheaper, especially black and white models, which we'll discuss next.
Black and White Laser Printers
Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II: Quality and Affordability
Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II, with a quality rating of 2.2, stands as the best multifunctional black and white laser printer. It provides excellent print quality, is economical, and costs around 330 euros.
Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw: A More Affordable Alternative
The Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, priced at just under 230 euros, is a top black and white print specialist. It received an overall score of 2.0 and excels in all disciplines.
Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw: Best for Rare Printing
Despite only being rated as satisfactory for environmental properties and toner costs, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is an affordable choice, costing around 175 euros, and offers superior print results in its category.
Sources: ntv.de, kwe
- Stiftung Warentest
- Home Office
- Technology Tests
- While considering printers, focus on assessing them based on your specific needs, despite the Fritzbox 4690 being an enticing router option.
- Stiftung Warentest's test list, including 213 available printers, helps maintain an organized selection, with 28 devices receiving good overall ratings that range in price from 190 to 560 euros.
- The Epson Ecotank ET-2860, an affordable option at around 180 euros, is a cost-effective choice for those prioritizing economical gadgets, with satisfactory print results and reasonable ink costs, but with a limited focus on photo quality.
- In the realm of black and white laser printers, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw, priced at around 175 euros, offers superior print results in its category, making it a suitable budget-friendly option for infrequent printing tasks.
