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 HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is a versatile choice for college students, offering essential functions like printing, copying, and scanning. Its fast print speeds, with up to 18 pages per minute for black and 10 pages per minute for color, make it efficient for handling various academic tasks. The inclusion of 6 months of Instant Ink helps manage the cost of consumables, which can otherwise be a concern for students on a budget. However, do note that this subscription will incur a monthly fee after six months unless canceled, though it offers considerable savings on ink in the long run.

The print quality is professional, suitable for projects and reports requiring high-quality color documents. Connectivity is robust with dual-band Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities via the HP Smart App, which allows for convenience and flexibility. The all-in-one functionality is enhanced by features like an auto document feeder and two-sided printing, streamlining the user experience. Security features and the HP+ smart features add value but require an HP account, internet connection, and original HP ink cartridges.

One downside could be its weight, as at 18 pounds, it might be less portable for students who need to move frequently. Additionally, the printer's reliance on original HP cartridges might limit options and potentially increase long-term costs. Despite these drawbacks, the HP OfficeJet 8015e is a well-rounded option that meets the diverse printing needs of college students.

The Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer appears well-suited for college students primarily due to its cost-effective ink system and multifunctionality. The printer includes enough ink to last up to two years, significantly cutting down on potential refill expenses, and can print thousands of pages, making it economical for students who print frequently. Featuring wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and a USB option, it provides flexibility by easily connecting to various devices like smartphones and PCs.

While the print quality at 4800x1200 DPI for color is quite good for assignments and occasional graphics, the print speed is moderate, with a maximum of 11 pages per minute for black and white and 6 for color. This might be a bit slow for those needing to print large documents quickly. The size and weight of the printer, at 13.2 pounds, are reasonable for shared dorm rooms or small apartments, although it's not exactly portable.

The all-in-one functionality allows for printing, scanning, and copying, which is highly convenient for students needing to scan notes or copy readings. However, the lack of duplex printing could be a downside for those wanting to save paper or print double-sided documents automatically. The 1.35” LCD display is somewhat small, which might make navigation through settings less intuitive. The printer’s simplex (single-sided) printing could also be seen as a limitation in terms of functionality. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Canon MegaTank G3270 offers a solid blend of features that align well with college students' needs, especially in terms of long-term cost savings and multifunction utility.