What is the Best Printer for Small Businesses or Home Offices?
In the evolving landscape of remote work and small enterprise growth, having a reliable printer is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re running a boutique design studio, a local accounting firm, or a home-based consultancy, choosing the best printer for small businesses or home offices can significantly enhance productivity and cost-efficiency. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for your needs?
This comprehensive guide will explore the top features to look for, recommended models, and key considerations to help you choose the perfect printer for your workspace.
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Why Your Small Business or Home Office Needs the Right Printer
Your printer plays a vital role in daily operations. From printing invoices, contracts, and marketing materials to scanning documents for digital storage, the right printer helps streamline tasks and present your business professionally. A poor-quality or outdated machine can cause delays, increase maintenance costs, and affect the quality of your output.
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Types of Printers for Small Businesses and Home Offices
Before we dive into the best options, it’s essential to understand the different types of printers commonly used in small business environments:
1.
Inkjet Printers
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Best for: Colour-rich documents and photo printing.
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Pros: Lower upfront cost, great colour depth.
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Cons: Ink can be expensive, slower than laser printers.
2.
Laser Printers
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Best for: High-volume black and white printing.
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Pros: Faster print speed, lower cost per page, ideal for text-heavy documents.
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Cons: Higher upfront cost, colour models more expensive.
3.
All-in-One (Multifunction) Printers
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Best for: Offices needing scanning, copying, and faxing.
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Pros: Combines multiple devices into one, saves space and money.
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Cons: Larger footprint, may cost more than standalone printers.
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Key Features to Look for in a Small Business or Home Office Printer
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Print Speed and Volume
Look for printers with fast print speeds (measured in pages per minute, or PPM) and a monthly duty cycle that meets or exceeds your typical usage.
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Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and cloud printing support (e.g., Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint) are essential for today’s wireless workplaces.
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Cost Per Page (CPP)
Calculate long-term costs by considering the cost of ink or toner and the number of pages each cartridge yields.
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Duplex Printing
Automatic double-sided printing can save paper and reduce costs, especially useful for documents and presentations.
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Scan & Copy Functions
A scanner is vital for digitising paperwork, while copying helps with quick document reproduction. Look for high-resolution scanning options.
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Compact Size
Especially for home offices or tight spaces, consider the physical dimensions and whether the unit can comfortably fit into your workspace.
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Top Printer Recommendations for Small Businesses and Home Offices (2024)
Here are some of the best printers on the market, tailored for small offices or home-based businesses:
1. Brother MFC-L2750DW XL (Monochrome Laser All-in-One)
Best for: Small offices with moderate to heavy document needs.
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Type: Monochrome Laser, All-in-One
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Print Speed: Up to 36 ppm
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, NFC
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Features: Duplex scanning and printing, 50-sheet auto document feeder, large toner yield
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Why it’s great: Low cost per page, long-lasting toner, fast performance.
2. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e (Color Inkjet All-in-One)
Best for: Colour document printing and scanning versatility.
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Type: Inkjet, All-in-One
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Print Speed: 22 ppm (black), 18 ppm (colour)
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, Mobile Printing
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Features: Smart tasks, duplex printing, cloud-enabled
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Why it’s great: Excellent print quality, compact design, smart app integration.
3. Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw (Color Laser All-in-One)
Best for: Offices needing fast, high-volume colour output.
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Type: Colour Laser, All-in-One
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Print Speed: 22 ppm
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
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Features: Touchscreen, duplex printing, large paper tray
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Why it’s great: Professional-grade output, easy to use, secure document features.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-3850 (Supertank Inkjet All-in-One)
Best for: Eco-conscious users and long-term savings.
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Type: Inkjet, All-in-One
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Print Speed: 15.5 ppm (black), 8.5 ppm (colour)
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Voice-activated printing
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Features: Refillable ink tanks, ultra-low running cost
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Why it’s great: Extremely low cost per page, less frequent refills, ideal for consistent colour printing.
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Laser vs. Inkjet: Which is Better for Your Office?
|
Feature |
Laser Printer |
Inkjet Printer |
|---|---|---|
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Cost per page |
Lower for text |
Higher for colour |
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Speed |
Generally faster |
Slower for large volumes |
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Print quality |
Crisp text |
Rich colour and photo printing |
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Upfront cost |
Higher |
Lower |
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Maintenance |
Less frequent toner replacements |
Frequent ink cartridge refills |
|
Ideal for |
Text-heavy office documents |
Creative businesses needing colour |
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Tips to Choose the Best Printer for Your Business
📌 Assess Your Monthly Printing Volume
Are you printing 500 pages or 5,000? Your ideal printer should support your average usage without exceeding its duty cycle.
📌 Prioritise Features You’ll Actually Use
Don’t overpay for faxing if you never use it. Focus on core features like scanning, cloud access, or colour quality.
📌 Think Long-Term
Cheaper printers often have higher ink or toner costs. A slightly higher upfront investment may lead to savings down the road.
📌 Consider Support and Warranty
A good warranty and local service options (like those offered by providers such as Printcom) can save you headaches down the line.
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Printcom: Your Partner in Choosing the Right Printer
If you’re based in Perth or surrounding areas, Printcom is the local authority in industry-specific printer solutions for small businesses and home offices. With over 30 years of experience and partnerships with leading brands like Brother, HP, Epson, and Canon, Printcom can help you choose, install, and maintain the best printer for your unique needs.
Services Offered by Printcom:
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Expert consultation to match your print volume and needs
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Managed Print Services (MPS) to lower print costs
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On-site support and maintenance
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Supply of genuine ink, toner, and accessories
📍 Location: 53 Railway Parade, Mount Lawley WA
📞 Phone: (08) 6270 5500
🌐 Website: www.printcom.com.au
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Conclusion
So, what is the best printer for small businesses or home offices? The answer depends on your specific requirements—volume, budget, functionality, and available space. Laser printers offer fast, text-heavy output at a low cost per page, while inkjets provide vibrant colour and flexibility for creative needs. Ultimately, the best solution balances performance, quality, and cost-efficiency, backed by expert support and long-term reliability.
If you’re in Perth and want personalised help selecting the perfect device, Printcom is ready to help you make the right choice for your business or home office.
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