High-end printers may come with a hefty price tag, but these cost-efficient models might surprise you, according to Stiftung Warentest
Printer demonstrates commendable performance in assessment phase
Purchasing a new printer presents a multitude of options, with prices ranging from around 50 to 500 euros. The ideal device depends on various factors such as regularity of use, importance of photo printing, color vs black and white, and frequency of scanning and copying.
The Cost-Effective Route
When it comes to multifunction printers, specializing in one function rarely justifies the price difference compared to versatile, high-performance alternatives. The most significant cost savings often come from multifunction devices that offer printing, scanning, and copying functionalities.
Stiftung Warentest's Recommendations
To simplify the decision-making process, Stiftung Warentest offers a test list with 213 currently available printers, with 28 devices receiving good overall ratings in the past six months. The cheapest option costs around 190 euros, while the most expensive is approximately 560 euros.
Inkjet Printers
For those seeking excellence in multifunctional inkjet printers, consider the Canon Maxify GX6550. With a quality rating of 1.9, it ranks as a top choice, offering outstanding performance, good environmental properties, and low printing costs. You can find it for less than 450 euros, making it a great value for frequent users.
Another excellent option is the Epson Ecotank ET-4850, another ink tank model with a similar overall rating of 1.9. It is considerably cheaper, with prices starting around 380 euros, and excels in photo printing.
For those who prioritize the copy function, the more affordable Epson Ecotank ET-2860 is an equally budget-friendly option, priced from around 180 euros. Other models like the Ecotank ET-2864 and 2865 offer similar performance and construction at potentially lower prices, making them another cost-effective choice.
Laser Printers
In the laser printer category, the Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw is the best color multifunction printer, earning a good quality rating of 2.5. Although its copy features, toner costs, and environmental properties are only rated as satisfactory, it delivers impressive printing and copying capabilities. Prices start at around 400 euros.
If you are looking for a good laser printer with fewer features, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw is your best bet, with an overall score of 2.3. Its toner costs and environmental properties are only rated as satisfactory, but its printing capabilities are exceptional, and it's available for prices well below 300 euros.
Black and White Printers
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, black and white laser printers are hard to beat. The Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II is the top choice among multifunctional devices, earning a quality rating of 2.2 and offering outstanding printing, copying, and scanning capabilities. It starts at around 330 euros.
The best black and white print specialist is the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, available for just under 230 euros. It achieved an overall score of 2.0 and delivered top-notch performance in all categories.
For occasional printing, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is a cost-effective choice, despite being rated only satisfactory for its environmental properties and toner costs. It's available for around 175 euros and offers the best print results in its category.
Source: ntv.de, kwe
- Stiftung Warentest
- Homeoffice
- Technik-Tests
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
Stiftung Warentest evaluates various inkjet printers based on criteria such as printing costs, functionality, and environmental attributes. The following models from their testing are noteworthy for their cost-effectiveness and good performance:
- Canon Maxify GX6550: Known for its low printing costs and excellent performance[3].
- Epson Ecotank ET-4850: Recognized for its cost-effectiveness, especially for frequent users[3].
Both of these printers belong to the ink tank or refillable systems, which tend to offer lower operational costs compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. However, precise ratings and detailed information might differ between test editions and criteria highlighted by Stiftung Warentest. For a comprehensive comparison and in-depth ratings, consult the latest Stiftung Warentest reports or online resources.
- In the multifunction printer category, the Canon Maxify GX6550, with prices starting around 450 euros, is a cost-effective choice, offering high performance and low printing costs, as per Stiftung Warentest's recommendations.
- For those who prioritize photo printing, the Epson Ecotank ET-4850 is another cost-effective inkjet printer, priced from around 380 euros, excelling in this area, according to Stiftung Warentest.
- In the black and white laser printer category, the Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II, available for around 330 euros, is a cost-effective choice, offering outstanding printing, copying, and scanning capabilities, as per Stiftung Warentest's evaluations.
- For occasional printing, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is a cost-effective choice, despite being rated only satisfactory for its environmental properties and toner costs. It offers the best print results in its category and is available for around 175 euros, according to Stiftung Warentest.
