10 Best Wireless Printers For College Students 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is designed for college students seeking an efficient and cost-effective wireless printer. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free printing system, utilizing high-capacity ink tanks that can save users up to 90% on ink costs compared to traditional cartridges. This is particularly beneficial for students who frequently print assignments, lecture notes, and presentations, as it offers a massive yield of around 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 pages in color. Additionally, the printer comes with up to two years of ink included, minimizing the stress of running out of supplies during critical times.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 employs Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, ensuring sharp text and vibrant colors that can meet the demands of both academic and creative projects. The built-in scanner and copier add to its versatility, allowing students to not only print but also digitize documents and make copies directly, which is handy for sharing materials or preserving notes.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The print speed is relatively modest, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages for color. This might be a concern for students needing quick turnaround times for larger print jobs. Additionally, while it offers both wired and wireless connectivity, some users may find the manual duplex printing a bit cumbersome compared to models that support automatic double-sided printing.

Weighing 8.8 pounds, the printer is moderately portable, but its dimensions may not fit into smaller living spaces comfortably. Lastly, while the initial investment can be justified by the long-term savings on ink, students should factor in the space it will occupy and whether they need the advanced features it offers. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is an excellent choice for college students who prioritize cost savings and versatility, provided they can accommodate its size and print speed.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e is a solid choice for college students who need a reliable wireless printer for printing homework, reports, and presentations. It offers good print quality, with sharp colors and clear black text, suitable for most academic documents. The print speed is decent—up to 20 pages per minute for black and white, and 10 pages per minute for color—so it can handle daily printing without long waits. Connectivity is versatile, including dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and Apple AirPrint, making it easy to print from laptops, smartphones, or tablets. The 225-sheet input tray and automatic document feeder help manage multiple pages smoothly, which is handy for scanning or copying multi-page assignments.

One standout feature is automatic two-sided printing, which saves paper and is great for double-sided handouts. The printer is not very compact, weighing about 17.6 pounds and roughly the size of a small desktop appliance, so it’s best for a dorm room or study area rather than carrying around frequently. Ink costs can add up since it uses dye-based cartridges typical for inkjets, but HP’s Instant Ink subscription included for 3 to 6 months delivers ink to your door, reducing the hassle of running out unexpectedly. The touchscreen interface is user-friendly, making navigation straightforward even if you’re not tech-savvy. Security features protect your data when printing wirelessly, which is a plus for privacy.

On the downside, it only works with HP cartridges, blocking third-party ink which might limit cost-saving options. Also, while it's designed for home and small office use, it might be overkill if you only need occasional prints due to its size and ink costs. This printer is well suited for students who print regularly and want convenience, quality, and wireless flexibility, but those seeking ultra-portable or ultra-budget options might want to consider smaller or monochrome-only printers.

The Canon PIXMA TR160 is a strong choice for college students needing a portable wireless printer. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry in a backpack, which is great for printing on the go between classes or at different locations. The print quality is impressive, delivering sharp black text and vibrant colors thanks to its 5-color hybrid ink system, supporting various sizes including borderless and square prints—ideal for printing both documents and photos.

In terms of speed, the printer offers moderate printing rates with about 9 pages per minute in black and 5.5 in color. While not the fastest, it's reasonable for typical student use like essays or project materials. Connectivity is straightforward through the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and even a direct wireless mode that lets you print without needing a Wi-Fi router—handy if you often print from different devices or locations.

The 50-sheet paper tray handles common paper sizes well, including letter and legal, plus some photo sizes. This capacity suits occasional to moderate printing but might require frequent refills if printing heavily. An OLED display is a nice touch for quick status checks like ink levels, helping avoid surprises. Ink costs might be higher due to the 5-color ink system, and while the printer supports USB connectivity, it lacks Ethernet or more advanced options, which is generally sufficient for students relying mostly on wireless printing. The Canon PIXMA TR160 effectively balances portability and print quality, making it a practical pick for students who value mobility and good-looking prints, though its slower speed and potential ink expenses could be downsides for heavy or budget-conscious users.