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10 Best Plotter Printers 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

HP DesignJet T650 Large Format 36-inch Plotter Printer, Includes 2-Year Onsite Warranty Support (5HB10T) - New Model

The HP DesignJet T650 is a solid choice for architects, engineers, and professionals who need precise, large-format prints like technical drawings, posters, and maps. It supports wide media up to 36 inches and can handle both rolls and sheets automatically, which saves time and effort during multi-size projects. The print resolution is sharp at 2400 x 1200 dpi, delivering crisp lines and clear text, essential for detailed CAD work. Print speed is quite reasonable, with about 25 seconds per A1-sized page, making it efficient for busy offices.

It uses HP’s original pigment and dye-based inks, which provide durable and vibrant colors, but to maintain print quality and longevity, OEM cartridges are recommended. Connectivity options are versatile, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, and the HP Smart app allows printing from mobile devices easily. The included HP Click software simplifies file handling by supporting common formats and automating print settings, reducing waste and errors.

On the maintenance side, the printer offers cost-effective upkeep with significantly less ink used for maintenance tasks compared to competitors, plus a reassuring 2-year onsite warranty with quick support. However, it is a fairly heavy unit at over 120 pounds, so it requires dedicated space and setup. Print speed, while decent, may not satisfy users who need ultra-fast high-volume production. Also, it’s print-only, with no scanning or copying features. This printer fits well for users who prioritize high-quality, large-format technical prints with good media versatility and reliable support, but it may be less ideal if you need multifunction features or the fastest throughput.

#2

Epson SureColor T5170 36” Wireless Printer, White

Rating
9.1
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Media Handling

Most important from
271 reviews

Print Resolution
Prints are detailed and frame-worthy, even with the limited color spectrum, making it suitable for posters and photos.
Print Speed
The Epson T5170 prints quickly and cleanly, with reliable print drivers for various operating systems.
Media Handling
Finding the right paper rolls can be tricky; ensure you have 2" core paper to avoid compatibility issues.
Ink Types
High capacity ink cartridges are essential as the included ones deplete quickly, and keeping spare ink on hand is advised.
Connectivity Options
The wireless connectivity is dependable, and firmware upgrades are automatically applied.
Software Compatibility
Epson's support has been commendable, and the printers work seamlessly with MacOS, even for large-format prints.
Maintenance and Support
The printer maintains performance even after extended periods of downtime without requiring maintenance cycles.

The Epson SureColor T5170 36” Wireless Printer stands out in the plotter-printer category with several notable strengths. It achieves high print resolution up to 2400 x 1200 dpi, ensuring clear and detailed prints, which is crucial for technical drawings and large-format prints. The fast print speed, delivering A1/D-size prints in just 31 seconds, makes it efficient for high-demand environments. Its design is compact, with a sleek and minimal footprint, making it a good fit for smaller office spaces. Additionally, the large 4.3” LCD color touchscreen simplifies operation, making it user-friendly even for those less tech-savvy.

The integrated wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi Direct, allows for easy printing from a variety of devices without needing a router, which adds to its convenience. High-capacity ink cartridges mean less frequent replacements, which is a cost and time saver. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. It is relatively heavy at 101 pounds, which may affect portability and setup. The print speed is decent but only at 6 ppm for both monochrome and color prints.

While it includes automatic duplex printing and a standard 1-year warranty, users might find the input sheet capacity of 50 somewhat limiting if they have large print volumes. Also, its lack of dual-sided printing may be a downside for those needing this feature. While it offers good software compatibility, users need to ensure their systems are supported to avoid any connectivity issues. The Epson SureColor T5170 offers a well-rounded package suitable for professionals needing high-quality, large-format printing, but it's essential to weigh its portability and volume limitations based on your specific needs.

Rating
9.1
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Media Handling

Most important from
271 reviews

Print Resolution
Prints are detailed and frame-worthy, even with the limited color spectrum, making it suitable for posters and photos.
Print Speed
The Epson T5170 prints quickly and cleanly, with reliable print drivers for various operating systems.
Media Handling
Finding the right paper rolls can be tricky; ensure you have 2" core paper to avoid compatibility issues.
Ink Types
High capacity ink cartridges are essential as the included ones deplete quickly, and keeping spare ink on hand is advised.
Connectivity Options
The wireless connectivity is dependable, and firmware upgrades are automatically applied.
Software Compatibility
Epson's support has been commendable, and the printers work seamlessly with MacOS, even for large-format prints.
Maintenance and Support
The printer maintains performance even after extended periods of downtime without requiring maintenance cycles.
#3

Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 36" - Large Format 5 Color Poster & Plotter Printer with Media Detection, Color Calibration, Printer Stand/Catch Basket, 300 ml of Ink, and 2-Year Warranty

Rating
8.2
Print Resolution
Maintenance and Support

Most important from
5 reviews

Print Resolution
Delivers reliable, high-quality prints that meet professional standards.
Maintenance and Support
Customer service is responsive and supportive, enhancing the overall experience.

The Canon imagePROGRAF TM-340 is a wide-format plotter-printer designed for precise color printing up to 36 inches wide, making it suitable for professionals needing detailed prints like architects or graphic designers. It delivers sharp images with a high resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi, ensuring fine detail in both color and black-and-white prints. The print speed is modest at about 2.7 pages per minute, so while it's not the fastest option, it is adequate for quality-focused tasks rather than high-volume jobs.

This model uses pigment-based inks, which provide durable and fade-resistant prints, ideal for long-lasting documents or presentations. It includes a complete starter kit with ink, printhead, and a roll of bond paper, so you can start printing right away. The stand and basket help manage large prints conveniently. Connectivity is straightforward with USB 2.0 and built-in Gigabit Ethernet, allowing easy setup in an office network or direct connection to a computer. The 4.3-inch adjustable touchscreen makes operation user-friendly, even if you're not very technical. However, it only supports simplex (single-sided) printing, which may limit some use cases.

Media handling is flexible, supporting various paper types including bond, glossy films, and posters, but the maximum input capacity is 100 sheets or rolls, suitable for small to mid-size projects. The printer does not have scanning or copying functions, focusing solely on high-quality printing. Maintenance-wise, it comes with a one-year on-site warranty and an installed maintenance cartridge, which should help reduce downtime and service hassle. While the printer is quite heavy at 225 pounds, the included stand helps with placement. This printer is a solid choice if you need a reliable, high-resolution wide-format printer with good color accuracy and pigment inks for professional prints, but it may not be the best fit if fast output or duplex printing is a priority.

Rating
8.2
Print Resolution
Maintenance and Support

Most important from
5 reviews

Print Resolution
Delivers reliable, high-quality prints that meet professional standards.
Maintenance and Support
Customer service is responsive and supportive, enhancing the overall experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Plotter Printers

Choosing the right plotter printer can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Plotter printers are essential for producing large-scale graphics, architectural plans, engineering drawings, and other detailed documents. To make an informed decision, you need to consider several key specifications that will determine the printer's performance and suitability for your specific requirements.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution refers to the level of detail and clarity a plotter printer can produce, measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher DPI values mean finer detail and sharper images. For technical drawings and blueprints, a resolution of 600 DPI may suffice, while high-quality graphics and posters may require 1200 DPI or more. Choose a resolution based on the level of detail needed in your prints.
Print SpeedPrint speed indicates how quickly a plotter printer can produce prints, usually measured in pages per minute (PPM) or square feet per hour. Faster print speeds are beneficial for high-volume printing environments. If you need to produce large quantities of prints quickly, look for a plotter with higher print speeds. For occasional or lower volume printing, a slower speed may be acceptable.
Media HandlingMedia handling refers to the types and sizes of paper and other materials a plotter printer can accommodate. This includes the maximum width of the media, the types of paper (e.g., glossy, matte, vinyl), and the ability to handle rolls or sheets. Consider the largest size you will need to print and the types of media you plan to use. Ensure the plotter can handle your specific requirements.
Ink TypesPlotter printers use different types of ink, such as dye-based, pigment-based, or UV-curable inks. Dye-based inks are vibrant and suitable for indoor use, while pigment-based inks are more durable and resistant to fading, making them ideal for outdoor applications. UV-curable inks offer high durability and are suitable for a wide range of materials. Choose the ink type based on the durability and appearance you need for your prints.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect to and control the plotter printer. Common options include USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Some plotters also offer cloud printing capabilities. If you need to share the printer among multiple users or print from various devices, look for models with versatile connectivity options. Ensure the connectivity options align with your workflow and network setup.
Software CompatibilitySoftware compatibility refers to the plotter printer's ability to work with various design and CAD software. Ensure the plotter supports the software you use, such as AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, or other design programs. Compatibility with your preferred software ensures a smooth workflow and reduces the risk of compatibility issues.
Maintenance and SupportMaintenance and support involve the ease of maintaining the plotter printer and the availability of customer support. Consider the frequency of required maintenance tasks, the availability of replacement parts, and the quality of customer support. A plotter that is easy to maintain and comes with reliable support can save you time and reduce downtime.

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