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 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is a solid choice for occasional use, especially for small businesses and home offices. Its inkjet print technology provides professional-quality color documents with a resolution high enough for forms, reports, and brochures. The print speed is decent, with up to 18 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 10 ppm in color, ensuring efficiency for occasional tasks without being the fastest on the market.

This printer comes with 6 months of Instant Ink, which can be a cost-saving benefit, although users will need to be mindful of the subscription fee after the trial period if they choose to continue. The ink cost is fairly reasonable with this service, as it can save up to 50% on ink costs. The dual-band Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities through the HP Smart app make connectivity straightforward and convenient, allowing you to print, scan, and copy from anywhere. The inclusion of security features like basic encryption and Wi-Fi security is a nice touch for protecting sensitive data.

However, the printer only works with Original HP Ink, and non-HP cartridges are blocked, which could be a downside for those looking for cheaper alternatives. The size and design of the printer are relatively compact and sleek, weighing 18 pounds, making it suitable for most home office spaces. Additional features like the auto document feeder, two-sided printing, and touchscreen further enhance its usability. One potential drawback is the reliance on a constant internet connection and an HP account for utilizing the HP+ smart features. In summary, the HP OfficeJet 8015e offers a good balance of performance, cost-efficiency, and convenience for occasional printing needs, although its dependency on Original HP Ink and HP+ activation might not suit everyone.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a solid choice for occasional home use printing needs. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free supertank design, which eliminates the need for frequent and costly cartridge replacements. This printer uses high-capacity ink bottles that can last up to two years, significantly reducing the cost of ink over time. It also contributes to less environmental waste due to fewer discarded cartridges.

Print quality is impressive, with a resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, making it suitable for both text and color photos. It also includes a high-resolution flatbed scanner and copier, adding versatility for document management. Connectivity options are modern, featuring Wi-Fi and USB, and the ability to print from smart devices via the Epson Smart Panel app. Additionally, voice-activated printing with Alexa provides hands-free convenience.

However, the print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for black and white and 5 pages per minute for color, which might not be ideal for heavy printing tasks. The printer is also on the bulkier side, which could be a consideration for smaller spaces. It lacks automatic duplex printing, which means you need to manually flip pages to print on both sides. Despite these minor drawbacks, this printer offers excellent value for occasional use with substantial savings on ink and reliable performance.