10 Best Printers For College Students 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for college students looking for an all-in-one printer that combines functionality and cost savings. One of its biggest strengths is the cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks. This feature greatly reduces costs, allowing students to save up to 90% on ink expenses compared to traditional cartridge systems. With enough ink included to print thousands of pages, it minimizes the frequent need to purchase replacement supplies, which is ideal for busy students.

Print quality is impressive as well, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo technology that ensures sharp text and vibrant color photos, making it suitable for both documents and creative projects. The built-in scanner and copier add further value, allowing students to handle various tasks without needing separate devices.

The print speed is relatively slow, at 10 pages per minute for black and 5 for color, which might be a drawback for those who need to print large volumes quickly. The EcoTank ET-2800 also lacks automatic duplex printing, meaning users have to manually flip pages for double-sided prints, which could be inconvenient for extensive printing tasks. In terms of connectivity, the printer offers both wired and wireless options, making it easy to print from laptops or mobile devices, which is a plus for students who are often on the go. The printer's size is manageable and can fit into most small dorm rooms or study spaces. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is notable for its cost efficiency and versatile functionality, though it may not be the best fit for those needing fast print speeds or automatic duplexing.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a versatile all-in-one printer designed to meet various printing needs, making it a suitable choice for college students. One of its major strengths is the innovative cartridge-free printing system, which significantly reduces the cost of consumables. The high-capacity ink tanks can print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 in color, translating to fewer ink replacements and significant savings. This feature is particularly beneficial for students who need to print large volumes of notes, assignments, and projects. Additionally, the printer comes with up to two years' worth of ink, minimizing the usual hassle of frequent ink purchases.

The print quality is impressive due to Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, which ensures sharp text and vibrant color prints suitable for academic and creative work. However, the print speed is relatively slow—10 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 5 ppm for color—which might be a drawback for students needing quick printouts. The ET-4800’s all-in-one functionality, which includes scanning, copying, and faxing, adds value, allowing students to handle various document-related tasks without needing separate devices. The built-in flatbed scanner and automatic document feeder (ADF) enhance its usability.

In terms of connectivity, the printer supports wired and wireless options, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and can be managed via the Epson Smart Panel App for convenient mobile printing. Voice-activated printing is also a modern touch for hands-free operation. Despite its many features, the printer is relatively compact, with dimensions suitable for a dorm room or small study area. It weighs 11 pounds, making it portable if needed. The limited paper handling capacity, with a 100-sheet input and output tray, might require frequent refills during heavy use periods. The warranty and reliable build quality offer peace of mind, though it’s important to use genuine Epson ink to avoid potential damage not covered under warranty.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 offers a cost-effective and feature-rich solution for college students, balancing affordability, functionality, and ease of use, though its slower print speeds and moderate paper capacity may require consideration.

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a compact, all-in-one inkjet printer well suited for college students who need a reliable device for homework and projects. Its size is friendly for small dorm rooms or study areas, measuring just over 6 inches high and weighing about 16 pounds. Print speeds are decent, offering up to 17 pages per minute in black and about 9.5 ppm in color, which should be enough for everyday student use but might feel slow if printing large volumes frequently. Print quality is good with a high resolution, so text and color graphics come out clear and sharp. The printer supports wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and can be easily managed from a mobile app, allowing printing directly from smartphones or laptops without hassle. It also includes duplex (double-sided) printing and a 20-page automatic document feeder, which saves time on copying or scanning multi-page documents.

The 150-sheet paper tray reduces the need for constant refills, helpful during busy study periods. Being an inkjet, consumable costs might be higher compared to laser printers, so students who print a lot might want to consider this aspect. While it’s not the lightest model, it is reasonably portable for moving between rooms or campuses. Its all-in-one functionality covers printing, scanning, and copying, making it a versatile choice for a student’s varied needs. For those seeking an affordable, space-saving printer with solid wireless capabilities and decent speed, this Brother model presents a practical option, though heavy printing might require some planning around ink replacement.