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 Brother MFC-J1010DW is a compact inkjet all-in-one printer designed with small homes or offices in mind, especially for occasional use. It offers good print quality with a high resolution (up to 6000 x 1200 dpi on Windows), which means your documents and photos will look sharp and colorful. Print speeds are decent for this category, with up to 17 pages per minute in black and 9.5 in color, so it won’t slow you down for light printing tasks. Connectivity is a strong point here—you can print via Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, or even from your smartphone using the Brother Mobile Connect app, making it easy to print from multiple devices.

Automatic duplex printing (double-sided) and a 20-page document feeder add convenience for scanning and copying. It also comes with a 150-sheet paper tray, which reduces the need for frequent refills. The printer’s size is compact and fits well into tight spaces, weighing around 16 pounds.

Inkjet printers usually have higher ink costs compared to laser printers, and while the printer supports subscription ink replacement, ink cartridges may still need occasional replacement that could add up if you print more than a little. Though packed with features, it is not the fastest printer available, so it is less suitable for heavy or high-volume printing. For everyday documents, occasional photos, and basic office tasks, this Brother model is a practical choice that balances functionality with a small footprint and user-friendly mobile support.

The Canon MegaTank G3270 is an all-in-one wireless inkjet printer designed for home use, making it a solid choice for occasional printing, scanning, and copying needs. One of its standout features is the impressive ink capacity; the included set of inks can print up to 6,000 black and white pages or 7,700 color pages, reducing the need for frequent replacements and potentially saving up to $1,000 on ink costs. This is great for users who don't print often but want to avoid the hassle and cost of constantly buying new ink cartridges.

The print quality is high, with a resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, ensuring sharp and vibrant prints for both text and images. However, the print speed is relatively modest, with a maximum of 11 pages per minute for monochrome and 6 for color, which might be a drawback if you need to print large volumes quickly. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and USB, providing flexibility for different devices, and the ability to print from smartphones and PCs is a convenient feature.

The printer's size and design are compact enough for a home office, but at 13.2 pounds, it may be a bit bulky for smaller spaces. The single 1.35” square LCD display simplifies control, but the lack of a more sophisticated interface might be limiting for some users. Additionally, the printer only supports single-sided printing, which could be a downside if you often need double-sided documents. The MegaTank G3270 is also equipped with energy-saving credentials, being EPEAT qualified and Energy Star rated. This printer is best suited for home users who prioritize cost-effective ink usage and high print quality over speed and advanced features.