10 Best Architectural Printers 2025 in the United States

The HP DesignJet T650 is a large-format printer designed for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who need precise, sharp prints for technical drawings, maps, and posters. It supports wide media rolls up to 36 inches and sheets up to 13x19 inches, with automatic switching between sheet and roll feeding, plus a built-in cutter to streamline workflow. The print resolution is a strong point at 2400 x 1200 dpi, ensuring detailed line work and crisp text, which is essential for architectural plans. It prints at a moderate speed of around 2.4 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white, equating to about 82 A1-size prints per hour, balancing quality and productivity well for most office environments.

The printer uses HP's pigment and dye-based 712/713 ink cartridges, designed to deliver durable, vivid prints while also being cost-efficient—maintenance ink consumption is notably low compared to some competitors, helping to reduce ongoing expenses. Connectivity options are versatile, including Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet, enabling easy integration into various office setups and remote management through the HP Smart app. Media handling is flexible with a sheet feeder, roll feed, media bin, and automatic cutter included, allowing for multi-size project prints without manual intervention. The included HP Click software simplifies printing different file types commonly used in design and CAD workflows.

On the downside, the printer is quite heavy (over 120 pounds) and large, requiring dedicated space. Print speeds, while reasonable for fine detailed work, may feel slow if very fast volume printing is needed. It supports only printing (no scanning or copying), which might require additional devices for full office functionality. The 2-year onsite warranty and support add value, providing peace of mind for businesses relying on consistent uptime. The HP DesignJet T650 is a reliable, quality-focused printer ideal for architectural and technical professionals who prioritize print accuracy and versatile media handling with manageable running costs.

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a solid choice for those needing a wide-format printer, especially suited for professional photo and fine art printing. Its print resolution is geared towards high-quality images, making it ideal for detailed architectural prints. The capability to print sizes up to 13” x 19” offers flexibility for various project needs.

It features a 9-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system, which enhances color accuracy and vibrance, crucial for professional-grade outputs. The printer's connectivity options include Wi-Fi and USB, which cater to modern connectivity needs, and it supports mobile device printing, adding to its convenience. The 3.0” LCD screen aids in ease of use by providing easy access to printer settings and status checks.

Media handling is also diverse, with support for various paper sizes and types, including glossy photo paper, which may be beneficial for presentations and marketing materials. On the downside, the print speed typical in high-resolution printers like this might not be very fast, which could be a drawback for high-volume printing needs. Additionally, the cost of consumables, such as the 9 separate ink cartridges, could be relatively high, impacting long-term operational costs. Nonetheless, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300’s strengths in print quality and versatility make it a strong contender for professionals who prioritize quality and precision in their prints.

The Epson SureColor T5170 is a compact and wireless 36-inch printer designed to deliver sharp, detailed prints suitable for architectural drawings and plans. It offers a high print resolution of up to 2880 x 1440 dpi, ensuring fine lines and clear graphics—important for precise architectural details. It’s capable of printing up to A1/D size, but the maximum media size specified is 11 x 17 inches, making it better suited for smaller-format architectural documents rather than large blueprints.

In terms of speed, the printer produces A1/D-size prints in about 31 seconds and prints at about 6 pages per minute for both color and black & white, which is reasonably quick for detailed architectural prints. The use of high-capacity ink cartridges (50 mL for color and 80 mL for black) means you won’t need to replace ink too often, helping to manage consumable costs better compared to smaller cartridges. Connectivity is a strong point, with built-in Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB options allowing easy printing from smartphones, tablets, and desktop devices without complicated setups. The large 4.3-inch color touchscreen makes it straightforward to operate, even for users who aren’t tech-savvy.

However, the media handling is somewhat limited, with a maximum paper size of 11 x 17 inches and a 50-sheet input capacity, which may restrict workflow when printing multiple large-format architectural plans. While it supports duplex (double-sided) printing, it does not handle wide-sheet media duplexing, which could be a drawback if you need double-sided large prints. The Epson SureColor T5170 suits small to medium architectural offices or professionals needing high-quality, smaller-sized prints with flexible wireless connectivity and good ink efficiency. It may not fully satisfy requirements for larger-format blueprint printing or high-volume media handling but offers a good balance of quality, speed, and ease of use.