An all-in-one printer that actually works — without costing a fortune in ink — is surprisingly hard to find. We tested 12 models over two months to separate the genuinely good from the ones that look great on a spec sheet but frustrate you within weeks. Here's what we found.
Our Top Picks
#1 Best for Home: Canon PIXMA TR8620a
Canon PIXMA TR8620a
The best-balanced home AIO — exceptional photo quality with a document ADF that doesn't jam.
~$149
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is the all-in-one that doesn't make you choose between document quality and photo quality. Its five-ink system produces noticeably better color than most AIOs in this price range, and the 20-sheet ADF is one of the most reliable we've tested — it handles mixed-weight papers without hesitation.
Pros
- 5-ink system for rich, accurate color
- Fast ADF for multi-page document scanning
- Prints, scans, copies, and faxes
- Easy wireless setup for all platforms
Cons
- Ink costs more per page than EcoTank
- No Ethernet port (Wi-Fi only)
Specs
| Print speed | 15ppm black / 10ppm color |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4800 × 1200 dpi |
| Scan resolution | 1200 × 2400 dpi |
| ADF capacity | 20-sheet single-pass duplex ADF |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, mobile printing |
| Dimensions | 15.7 × 12.2 × 6.4 in |
#2 Best Overall: Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
No cartridges, ever — refillable tanks bring ink cost to near-zero for 2+ years.
~$249
The ET-4850 is the smarter long-term choice for anyone who prints regularly. The higher upfront cost pays for itself within 8–12 months compared to a cartridge-based AIO, and you'll rarely think about ink again. Ethernet connectivity is a bonus that most competitors skip at this price.
Pros
- Refillable ink tanks — lowest long-term cost
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- 35-sheet ADF for fast document scanning
- Prints, scans, copies, faxes
Cons
- Higher upfront price (~$249)
- Bulkier than cartridge-based AIOs
#3 Best Budget AIO: Brother MFC-J4335DW
Brother MFC-J4335DW
INKvestment Tank cartridges bridge the gap — more ink per dollar than standard cartridges.
~$129
Brother's MFC-J4335DW uses INKvestment Tank cartridges that hold considerably more ink than standard cartridges, lowering your cost per page without the tank-refilling system of an EcoTank. It's the right choice if you want low ink costs without the $249 upfront price.
Pros
- INKvestment tanks — lower cost than standard cartridges
- Fast document printing at 20ppm
- Full AIO with 20-sheet ADF
Cons
- Photo quality not as strong as Canon
- Interface feels dated
Also Tested
Office Pick
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e
Smart Tasks automation makes repetitive office printing surprisingly painless.
~$179
High-Volume Pick
Canon MAXIFY GX4020
MegaTank system with a 30K-page monthly duty cycle — for offices that print a lot.
~$399
How We Test All-in-One Printers
For AIOs, testing goes beyond print speed. We scan the same 20-page mixed document on every machine and compare output resolution, ADF reliability (how often it misfeeds), and speed. We also test copy quality at standard and high-quality settings, and run connectivity tests across Wi-Fi, USB, and mobile printing from both iOS and Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an all-in-one? I only need to print.
If you never scan or copy, a single-function printer like the Brother HL-L2350DW is faster, cheaper, and smaller. But scan capability is more useful than people expect — scanning contracts, insurance documents, school forms, and photos for digital storage comes up more often once you have the ability. The price premium for AIO is usually just $20–$40.
What's the difference between a scanner with ADF and one without?
An Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) lets you stack multi-page documents and scan them all automatically without touching the machine. Without an ADF, you manually place each page on the flatbed glass. For occasional single-page scanning, no ADF is fine. For regularly scanning contracts, reports, or forms, an ADF saves significant time.
Which AIO is best for printing photos?
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a leads this category in our AIO tests, thanks to its 5-ink system and dedicated photo paper tray. For serious photo printing up to 13×19", the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a step up — but it's a dedicated photo printer, not a general-purpose AIO.
How long do all-in-one printers last?
A well-maintained AIO printer typically lasts 3–7 years. Brother models in our long-term tracking have averaged 5+ years. Epson EcoTank models also show excellent longevity when the ink reservoirs are kept filled (running dry can damage the printhead). HP and Canon AIOs are more variable, ranging from 3–6 years depending on usage.
Is wireless or wired connection better for an AIO?
Wired Ethernet is more reliable and faster, which matters if multiple people print to the same machine in an office. Wi-Fi is perfectly adequate for home use where one or two people are printing from nearby. Most home users won't notice a difference. If you're in an office environment or experience Wi-Fi reliability issues, look for a model with Ethernet like the Epson ET-4850.
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