The search for a machine that prints crisp letters, vibrant images, and legal-sized forms without constant cartridge drama is a hunt for a unicorn. You need reliable duplexing, mobile connectivity, and a cost per page that doesn’t rival the price of the printer itself. A true all-purpose printer must juggle fast output, versatile media handling, and a low total cost of ownership for years.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I’ve spent hundreds of hours analyzing print engine types, refillable tank capacities, laser toner yields, and wireless protocol reliability to separate real value from marketing hype in this category.
You need a machine that handles homework, invoices, shipping labels, and family photos without hiccups, so we reviewed the top contenders to find the most versatile all-purpose printer for your home or small office.
How To Choose The Best All-Purpose Printer
For a true all-purpose machine, you’re balancing print technology, running costs, and connectivity against your specific mix of tasks. A printer that excels at photo prints might bleed you dry with expensive color cartridges for simple forms, while a monochrome laser cannot fulfill the ‘all-purpose’ promise if you need seasonal flyers and cards.
Decide Between Inkjet and Laser
Inkjet printers, especially the newer cartridge-free tank models, offer fantastic color output for photos and graphics at a low cost per page. However, they can be slower, and the ink can smear if not properly dried. Monochrome laser printers, on the other hand, produce sharp, water-resistant text at high speeds, but are generally limited to black and white documents. For a true all-purpose role, a color inkjet with a high-yield tank system or a color laser printer are the primary candidates.
Evaluate Your Long-Term Costs
The sticker price is a trap. Budget-friendly cartridge printers lure you in with a low initial cost, but replacement cartridges can cost as much as the printer itself after just a few hundred pages. Mid-range and premium SuperTank or MegaTank models include enough bottled ink for thousands of pages upfront, drastically reducing your cost per page. Similarly, laser printers use toner cartridges that last for thousands of prints, making them economical for high-volume text tasks.
Prioritize Features That Matter
Automatic duplex printing (double-sided) is non-negotiable for serious paper savings and professional looking reports. An auto document feeder (ADF) is a huge time saver for scanning or copying multi-page documents without standing over the machine. Wi-Fi connectivity options like dual-band 2.4/5GHz, Wi-Fi Direct, and a dedicated mobile app ensure you can print from your phone or laptop without a wired connection. Touchscreen interfaces make setup and daily navigation far more intuitive than a few LED buttons.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Color Laser | High-volume color documents | 19 ppm color | Amazon |
| Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 | Ink Tank | High-volume color prints | 3000 pages per ink set | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2980 | SuperTank | Low cost per page | 6600 pages black ink | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | Monochrome Laser | Fast B&W document printing | 36 ppm B&W | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw | Monochrome Laser | Office security and fax | 35 ppm B&W | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw | Monochrome Laser | Small team productivity | 40 ppm B&W | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Color Inkjet | Budget home printing | 15 ppm B&W | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is a true workhorse for a small office or demanding home user. Its color laser engine delivers fast, professional-quality documents and reports at up to 19 pages per minute in both color and monochrome. The 50-sheet auto document feeder, automatic duplex printing, and a robust 250-sheet paper tray make it incredibly productive for unattended scanning, copying, and faxing.
The 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts allows you to automate routine tasks with ease. Users consistently praise its sharp print quality and reliable wireless performance across Linux, Mac, and Windows devices. While the color toner cartridges carry a higher initial replacement cost than ink, the speed and durability of the laser output justify the premium for a business-centric machine.
Early adopters have noted that the machine is quiet and that the colors look vibrant right out of the box. The ability to use generic, high-yield cartridges can also significantly lower the long-term operating costs. It is a true all-in-one that excels at high-volume text and graphics without the fear of ink drying out.
Why it’s great
- Fast color and B&W laser printing at 19 ppm.
- Large 3.5-inch color touchscreen with customizable shortcuts.
- Excellent automatic duplex and 50-sheet ADF for productivity.
Good to know
- Color toner is more expensive upfront than ink-jet alternatives.
- Larger footprint compared to compact inkjet models.
2. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020
The Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 bridges the gap between high-volume home use and small office demands. With a single set of GI-25 ink bottles, you can print up to 3,000 sheets in black and 3,000 in color, which obliterates the per-page cost of traditional cartridge printers. The pigment-based inks and auto duplex printing deliver crisp text and water-resistant color documents, making it a strong mid-range alternative to a color laser.
Its compact desktop design houses a 35-sheet auto document feeder, a 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen, and reliable wireless connectivity. Users consistently report easy setup on both Mac and iPhone, with efficient Wi-Fi printing and no paper jams. The quiet operation and surprisingly fast output for an inkjet make it a pleasure to use for daily tasks.
The main limitation reported by a minority of users involves handling thicker cardstock, which can result in pronounced curl. Also, like any tank system, the initial investment is higher, but the included ink bottles pay for themselves rapidly for anyone printing more than casual pages per month. It is a superb choice for those who want color prints without the cartridge guilt.
Why it’s great
- Extremely low cost per page with 3,000-page ink sets.
- Pigment-based inks produce sharp text and water-resistant color.
- Compact design with 35-sheet ADF and auto duplex.
Good to know
- Cardstock prints can show a pronounced curl.
- Higher upfront cost than entry-level cartridge printers.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2980
The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 offers a remarkable value proposition: three years of ink included out of the box, eliminating the constant hassle of cartridge purchases. The cartridge-free design uses large refillable ink tanks that are mess-free and cost-effective. With capacity for up to 6,600 pages in black and 5,500 in color, the per-page savings are transformative for a medium-traffic home or student user.
Fast dry prints with no smearing are a highlight, and the wireless setup via the Epson Smart Panel app is straightforward for most users, though Windows connections may require a couple of attempts. The print quality is good for office documents and standard photo prints, and the auto duplex function works reliably for double-sided reports.
The primary trade-off with the ET-2980 is the lack of an auto document feeder, which means multi-page scanning or copying requires manual page-by-page operation. The small LCD screen is functional but has a narrow viewing angle, and some users have reported issues with output tray closure being finicky. For users who prioritize low running costs over raw speed, this is a compelling choice.
Why it’s great
- Exceptional value with up to 3 years of ink cartridges included.
- Supremely low cost per page with refillable ink tanks.
- Fast dry, smear-resistant prints.
Good to know
- Does not include an auto document feeder.
- Some users report finicky tray control and narrow viewing angle on the screen.
4. Brother MFC-L2820DW
The Brother MFC-L2820DW combines the reliability of monochrome laser printing with a compact footprint ideal for tight desks. Print speeds of up to 36 pages per minute make it faster than most inkjets, and the laser output is water-resistant and incredibly sharp. The 50-sheet auto document feeder and automatic duplex printing make scanning and copying long documents effortless.
Connectivity is flexible with dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB, plus a 2.7-inch touchscreen for intuitive navigation. Users who have owned previous Brother models praise this one for its improved print and scan quality, and many report it as a reliable upgrade from slower inkjet printers. The setup process, while sometimes requiring manual SSID entry, is forgiving and works well after initial configuration.
The clear limitation is that it prints only in monochrome, so it cannot serve any color-related tasks like photos or brochures. Some users note that the mobile printing experience through Brother’s app can feel a little clunky. For anyone whose primary need is fast, sharp black-and-white documents, this is a fantastic, compact workhorse.
Why it’s great
- Fast monochrome laser printing at 36 ppm.
- Compact footprint with built-in 50-sheet ADF and auto duplex.
- Flexible dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity.
Good to know
- Monochrome only — no color printing capability.
- Mobile printing app could be more polished.
5. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is designed for small to medium offices that need fast, secure, and professional monochrome printing. It prints up to 35 pages per minute and includes an auto document feeder, automatic duplex, and a fax machine, delivering everything a busy team needs in one box. The inclusion of HP Wolf Pro Security provides customizable settings to protect sensitive data.
Connectivity is robust with intelligent Wi-Fi that seeks out the best connection, plus Ethernet and Bluetooth options. Users who have run over 20,000 pages through this machine in under a year report zero paper jams, and the Economode setting can drastically extend toner life. Setup is generally smooth for those familiar with HP’s app-based configuration.
The most significant downside is HP’s firmware strategy, which can block third-party toner cartridges if updates are applied. Users strongly recommend avoiding firmware updates to maintain access to less expensive alternatives. Also, a few isolated reports mention early failure of the control panel or Wi-Fi connectivity, though this is uncommon. For a secure, high-speed office printer, this is a solid contender.
Why it’s great
- Fast 35 ppm monochrome printing with robust security features.
- Includes an auto document feeder, auto duplex, and fax for full office functionality.
- Economode can double cartridge life for high-volume printing.
Good to know
- Firmware updates can block third-party toner cartridges.
- Occasional reliability issues reported with the control panel or Wi-Fi.
6. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw is a speed demon for monochrome document printing, churning out up to 40 pages per minute. This makes it the fastest standard-speed printer in this lineup, ideal for busy small teams where every second counts. The 250-sheet input tray and 50-sheet auto document feeder handle large jobs with minimal user intervention.
It offers award-winning reliability and an easy setup process, with users reporting effortless configurations that even auto-healed after a power outage. The HP Smart app provides robust mobile printing capabilities, and the first page emerges in just 7 seconds. Many owners have purchased multiple units for different locations, praising their consistent performance.
Like its 3101fdw sibling, this HP uses chips to block non-HP toner cartridges, meaning you must stick with OEM cartridges or avoid critical firmware updates. The initial toner cartridge is a starter unit yielding about 1,000 pages, so a high-yield replacement will be needed sooner for busy offices. If speed is your top priority, this machine delivers.
Why it’s great
- Blazing 40 ppm monochrome print speed.
- Fast 7-second first page out time.
- Reliable WiFi that reconnects after power outages.
Good to know
- HP firmware blocks use of third-party toner cartridges.
- Starter toner yields only about 1,000 pages.
7. Canon PIXMA TS7720
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is a compact, budget-oriented all-in-one that handles the core functions of printing, copying, and scanning. It boasts a 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen for intuitive navigation and supports automatic duplex printing, which is a rare and welcome feature at this entry point. Print speeds of 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color are adequate for light household use.
Setup is fairly quick, but reviews indicate it is not entirely plug-and-play; manual connection to a Wi-Fi router is required. The print quality for text is sharp, and color photos are decent for a two-cartridge system, though they lack the vibrancy of models with dedicated photo inks. The compact white design fits nicely on a small desk or shelf.
The major drawbacks are the lack of an auto document feeder and the typical cartridge-based cost structure. Replacement ink costs can add up quickly, and some users report the printer consumes ink faster than expected, halting work in just a few days of heavy use. Connectivity issues and default power-off settings that cannot be saved are also common complaints. It is a functional entry point for very light, occasional printing.
Why it’s great
- Low initial purchase price for an all-in-one.
- Includes a 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen and auto duplex printing.
- Compact design for small desks.
Good to know
- No auto document feeder for multi-page scanning.
- Cartridge-based system leads to higher per-page costs.
- Frequent reports of connectivity issues and ink consumption.
FAQ
Can a monochrome laser printer handle all my printing needs?
What is the difference between a SuperTank and a regular inkjet printer?
How do I connect an all-purpose printer to my Wi-Fi network?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the all-purpose printer winner is the Brother MFC-L3720CDW because it offers exceptional color laser speed, robust security features, and an intuitive large touchscreen, making it a powerhouse for demanding home and small offices. If you want the lowest possible running costs, grab the Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 with its incredible 3,000-page ink sets. And for a compact monochrome workhorse at a great value, nothing beats the Brother MFC-L2820DW.