10 Best Printers For College Students 2025 in the United States

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.

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 DeskJet 2827e is a compact, wireless all-in-one printer designed with home and small office tasks in mind, making it a decent option for college students who need basic printing, scanning, and copying. It offers decent print quality, especially for color documents, thanks to its high color resolution, which is great for class notes, assignments, and occasional photo prints. The print speed is moderate—about 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5.5 ppm for color—which means it’s not the fastest but should be enough for typical student use without heavy-volume demands.

Connectivity is a strong point, with reliable Wi-Fi, USB, and compatibility with popular apps like Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, allowing easy printing from laptops, smartphones, or tablets. The HP app also simplifies scanning and copying directly from your phone. It has a 60-sheet input tray, which is adequate for light to moderate daily use but might require frequent refilling during busy periods. One limitation is the lack of automatic double-sided (duplex) printing, which means you’ll need to manually flip pages if you want to save paper.

The printer comes with a 3-month trial of HP’s Instant Ink subscription service, which can help manage ink costs by automatically delivering ink before you run out, though after the trial it becomes a paid service. The use of recycled plastic and energy-efficient certifications are nice touches for environmentally aware users. At around 7.5 pounds and with a compact design, it’s portable enough to fit in dorm rooms or small study spaces. This printer represents a solid choice for college students seeking an easy-to-use, affordable all-in-one printer for everyday tasks, being best suited for light to moderate printing rather than heavy, high-speed needs.