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10 Best Printer That Doesnt Use Ink 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - White, Medium

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,281
Print Technology
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
13232 reviews

Print Technology
The ink tank system is satisfying to fill and lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges, reducing plastic waste.
Print Quality
Print quality is excellent, producing sharp text and vibrant color photos without ink smudges or off colors.
Connectivity Options
Despite some connectivity issues with the app, the overall quality and ink longevity make this printer a great purchase.
Cost of Consumables
The printer is very economical, saving users tons of money on ink while maintaining high-quality output.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a versatile all-in-one printer designed for home use, offering a unique cartridge-free printing solution. It uses high-capacity ink tanks that drastically reduce the need for tiny, expensive ink cartridges, making it a cost-effective option for families. The savings from its replacement ink bottles are substantial, allowing users to print thousands of pages before needing a refill, which is both economical and environmentally friendly as it reduces cartridge waste.

This printer's print quality is impressive, producing sharp text and vibrant color photos thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, suitable for various types of paper. However, its print speed is modest, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color, which might be slow for high-volume printing needs. The built-in scanner and copier add convenience, although the absence of automatic dual-sided printing can be a drawback for those requiring efficient bulk document handling.

Connectivity options include both wired and wireless, supporting mobile printing for added flexibility. The printer accommodates a range of paper sizes and types, but its maximum input sheet capacity of 100 may not be sufficient for users with heavy printing demands. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is generally reliable, backed by a 2-year limited warranty, making it a solid option for home users looking for a budget-friendly, eco-conscious printing solution.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,281
Print Technology
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
13232 reviews

Print Technology
The ink tank system is satisfying to fill and lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges, reducing plastic waste.
Print Quality
Print quality is excellent, producing sharp text and vibrant color photos without ink smudges or off colors.
Connectivity Options
Despite some connectivity issues with the app, the overall quality and ink longevity make this printer a great purchase.
Cost of Consumables
The printer is very economical, saving users tons of money on ink while maintaining high-quality output.
#2

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa

Rating
9.6
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Cost of Consumables

Most important from
1678 reviews

Print Quality
The print quality is exceptional, producing crisp, clear documents much better than any ink printer I've used before.
Connectivity Options
Setting up and using the printer is straightforward, and it communicates flawlessly over Wi-Fi.
Cost of Consumables
The printer's toner lasts a very long time, making it a cost-effective solution for regular printing needs.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome laser printer that stands out in the ink-free printer category, especially for small businesses or home offices. One of its primary strengths is its fast printing speed, capable of producing documents at up to 36 pages per minute. This impressive speed, combined with a 50-page automatic document feeder, makes it highly efficient for multi-page tasks like scanning and copying. The print quality is reliable, delivering sharp black and white documents, which is essential for professional settings.

In terms of connectivity, the DCP-L2640DW offers multiple options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, making it versatile for different user needs. The Brother Mobile Connect app is a fantastic feature for those who like to manage their printing tasks from their smartphones, enhancing convenience.

Being a monochrome printer, it only prints in black and white, which might limit users who occasionally need color documents. The toner cartridges, while efficient, can be an ongoing cost, and while the Refresh Subscription Service offers savings, it may not appeal to all users. Additionally, the printer weighs 25 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some to move or position. The DCP-L2640DW is suitable for those who primarily need reliable black and white printing with added functionalities like scanning and copying. It excels in environments where speed and efficiency are key, but those requiring color printing or looking for a lightweight option may want to explore other alternatives.

Rating
9.6
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Cost of Consumables

Most important from
1678 reviews

Print Quality
The print quality is exceptional, producing crisp, clear documents much better than any ink printer I've used before.
Connectivity Options
Setting up and using the printer is straightforward, and it communicates flawlessly over Wi-Fi.
Cost of Consumables
The printer's toner lasts a very long time, making it a cost-effective solution for regular printing needs.
#3

Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel, Wireless Thermal Printer Supports 8.5 x 11 Inch Thermal Paper, Bluetooth Machine Includes Carry Case and 3 Rolls of Paper Kit, Black

Rating
9.4
Print Technology
Print Speed
Print Quality

Most important from
1522 reviews

Print Technology
Using thermal paper eliminates the need for costly ink cartridges, significantly reducing ongoing expenses.
Print Speed
Print speed is sufficient to handle multiple documents quickly, saving valuable time.
Print Quality
Print quality is decent with adjustable settings for light, medium, and dark prints, offering good clarity for documents.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connection to smartphones is seamless, allowing instant printing right after setup.
Paper Handling
Thermal paper may curve initially but can be flattened easily, maintaining professional-looking prints.
Cost of Consumables
Using thermal paper eliminates the need for costly ink cartridges, significantly reducing ongoing expenses.

The Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer is a compact, travel-friendly device that uses thermal printing technology, meaning it doesn’t need ink, toner, or ribbons. This makes it cost-effective and low-maintenance, but it requires special thermal paper, which is included with the printer and must be replenished. It prints in black and white at a resolution of 300 DPI, suitable for clear office documents or contracts, though it doesn't support color printing.

Print speed is quite good for a portable printer, about 35 pages per minute, which is sufficient for light to moderate use. The printer can handle standard paper sizes up to 8.5 x 11 inches and comes with a built-in paper bin that helps keep things tidy on the go. Connectivity options include Bluetooth for easy pairing with smartphones and laptops, as well as USB for wired connections. Battery life is solid, offering up to 3 hours of continuous printing or around 360 pages on a full charge, which is impressive for a portable model.

This printer only supports single-sided printing and does not have scanning or copying features. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for travelers, students, or professionals who need quick, ink-free prints outside of an office. While it may feel limited if you require heavy or color printing, it serves as a reliable choice for portable, inkless monochrome printing.

Rating
9.4
Print Technology
Print Speed
Print Quality

Most important from
1522 reviews

Print Technology
Using thermal paper eliminates the need for costly ink cartridges, significantly reducing ongoing expenses.
Print Speed
Print speed is sufficient to handle multiple documents quickly, saving valuable time.
Print Quality
Print quality is decent with adjustable settings for light, medium, and dark prints, offering good clarity for documents.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connection to smartphones is seamless, allowing instant printing right after setup.
Paper Handling
Thermal paper may curve initially but can be flattened easily, maintaining professional-looking prints.
Cost of Consumables
Using thermal paper eliminates the need for costly ink cartridges, significantly reducing ongoing expenses.

Buying Guide for the Best Printer That Doesnt Use Ink

When choosing a printer that doesn't use ink, you're likely looking at laser printers or thermal printers. These types of printers use different technologies to produce prints without the need for traditional ink cartridges. Laser printers use toner, which is a powder, while thermal printers use heat-sensitive paper. Understanding the key specifications of these printers will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs, whether it's for home, office, or specialized printing tasks.
Print TechnologyPrint technology refers to the method a printer uses to produce text and images on paper. For non-ink printers, the main types are laser and thermal. Laser printers use a laser beam to transfer toner onto paper, which is then fused using heat. Thermal printers use heat to create images on special heat-sensitive paper. Laser printers are ideal for high-volume printing and offer sharp text and graphics, making them suitable for office environments. Thermal printers are often used for printing receipts, labels, and barcodes, making them perfect for retail and logistics.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and indicates how quickly a printer can produce printed pages. This is important if you need to print large volumes of documents quickly. Laser printers typically offer higher print speeds, ranging from 20 to 50 PPM or more, making them suitable for busy offices. Thermal printers vary in speed depending on their use case, with some models designed for rapid receipt printing. Consider your typical print volume and how often you need to print large batches when evaluating print speed.
Print QualityPrint quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines the clarity and detail of the printed output. Higher DPI values mean better print quality. Laser printers generally offer high print quality, with common resolutions around 600 to 1200 DPI, making them suitable for professional documents and graphics. Thermal printers usually have lower DPI, around 200 to 300 DPI, which is sufficient for text and simple graphics like barcodes. Choose a printer with a DPI that matches your need for detail and clarity in your prints.
Duty CycleThe duty cycle is the maximum number of pages a printer can produce in a month without experiencing reliability issues. This is crucial for understanding the printer's durability and suitability for your printing needs. Laser printers often have high duty cycles, ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 pages per month, making them ideal for high-demand environments. Thermal printers have varying duty cycles depending on their design and intended use. Assess your average monthly print volume to ensure the printer you choose can handle your workload.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your printer to your devices. Common options include USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Laser printers often come with multiple connectivity options, allowing for flexible setup in different environments. Wi-Fi and Ethernet are particularly useful for office settings where multiple users need to access the printer. Thermal printers may also offer various connectivity options, especially those used in retail settings where wireless connections can be beneficial. Consider your setup and how you plan to connect to the printer when evaluating this spec.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as its paper tray capacity. Laser printers typically support a wide range of paper sizes and types, including standard letter, legal, and various envelope sizes, with large input and output trays for high-volume printing. Thermal printers are usually more specialized, often designed for specific paper types like receipt rolls or label sheets. Think about the types of documents you need to print and the volume of paper you use to choose a printer with suitable paper handling capabilities.
Cost of ConsumablesThe cost of consumables includes the price of toner for laser printers and thermal paper for thermal printers. This is an important factor for long-term cost efficiency. Laser printers use toner cartridges, which can be more expensive upfront but often yield a high number of pages, making them cost-effective for high-volume printing. Thermal printers require special thermal paper, which can vary in price depending on the quality and type. Consider the ongoing costs of consumables in relation to your printing volume to choose a printer that fits your budget and usage patterns.

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