10 Best Printer For Occasional Use 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is designed as a versatile and cost-effective option for occasional home printing needs. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This setup can result in significant savings on ink costs, allowing for the printing of thousands of pages before needing a refill. The included ink supply is enough for up to two years, which is great for users who don’t print frequently and want to avoid the hassle of running out of ink unexpectedly.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 impresses with a resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, delivering sharp text and vibrant color images suitable for various paper types. Users can also appreciate its built-in scanner and copier, making it a handy all-in-one solution for basic document needs.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The print speed is relatively modest, with black prints at 10 pages per minute and color at just 5 pages per minute, which may be slow for users with larger print jobs. Additionally, the manual duplexing feature for double-sided printing can be inconvenient, requiring users to flip pages manually. While the EcoTank design helps reduce waste, the upfront cost may be higher compared to traditional cartridge printers. The ET-2800 is lightweight and compact, fitting into smaller spaces, which is a plus for home offices. Connectivity options include both wired and wireless printing, allowing for easy mobile access.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e is a solid choice for home or small office users who need a reliable color inkjet printer without heavy daily use. It offers good print quality with sharp resolution up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for vibrant color documents, suitable for reports and flyers. Print speeds are reasonable for occasional use—up to 20 pages per minute in black and 10 ppm in color—which helps avoid long waits but may feel slow if printing large volumes.

Connectivity is versatile, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and mobile printing via the HP app, making it easy to print from multiple devices including smartphones. The 2.7-inch touchscreen simplifies navigation, and features like automatic two-sided printing and a 225-sheet input tray add convenience for everyday tasks. One advantage is the inclusion of 3 to 6 months of HP Instant Ink service, which can lower ink costs through subscription and home delivery, though ink cartridges are proprietary and may be pricey once the free period ends.

The design is moderately compact, but at around 17.6 pounds, it’s not ultra-light or small. Additional perks include an automatic document feeder for scanning or copying multipage documents and built-in security features to protect your data. This printer only works with official HP cartridges, blocking third-party options, which can increase ongoing costs. For users wanting good print quality, decent speed, and easy wireless setup, this printer meets key needs well but might be less ideal if seeking the cheapest ink or the fastest printing.

The HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw is designed for small teams needing to print, scan, and copy professional-quality color documents. It uses advanced laser technology, which ensures sharp and vibrant prints. With a print speed of up to 26 pages per minute for both black and color, it handles tasks relatively quickly, making it suitable for occasional use in a small office environment.

The printer offers various connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset and USB, ensuring you stay connected without much hassle. It also supports wireless printing through the HP app, making it convenient to print directly from your smartphone. However, the printer's 37.7-pound weight makes it relatively heavy and less portable. Additionally, it uses original HP toner cartridges (218A and 218X), which could be a bit more expensive but ensures high-quality output.

One of its standout features is the built-in HP Wolf Pro Security, which protects your data from cyber threats. The printer also includes auto-duplex printing and a 250-sheet input tray, adding to its efficiency. It is designed to work only with HP cartridges, which might limit your options and increase costs over time. Despite this, its sustainable design, including energy and plastic use reduction, makes it an eco-friendly choice. The HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw combines reliable performance and advanced features, making it a good fit for small teams with occasional printing needs.