The modern AIO printer is supposed to simplify your workflow—print, copy, scan, and sometimes fax from a single box. But the reality is that many models arrive with half-empty starter cartridges, confusing Wi-Fi setups, and firmware updates that lock out affordable third-party toner. The wrong choice wastes time and money for years.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I’ve spent years filtering through technical specs, real user experiences, and maintenance costs to identify which all-in-one printers actually deliver on their promise of convenience.
Whether you need crisp monochrome documents for a home office or vibrant color labels for a creative side hustle, finding the right best aio printer means weighing print speed against long-term operating costs and reliability.
How To Choose The Best AIO Printer
Selecting an all-in-one printer involves more than matching your desk color. The three pillars are print technology, page volume, and total cost of ownership. Each dictates how the printer performs daily and how much you’ll spend over its lifetime.
Inkjet vs. Laser
Inkjet printers excel at photo-quality color and are generally cheaper upfront. Laser printers produce sharper text, faster speeds, and lower per-page costs for black-and-white documents. For a home office that prints mostly text, a monochrome laser is the economical choice. For mixed document and photo use, a color inkjet or a color laser handles the range.
Duplex Printing and Auto Document Feeders
Automatic duplex printing prints on both sides of the page without manual flipping—critical for saving paper on multi-page reports. An auto document feeder (ADF) lets you scan or copy a stack of pages unattended. Both features save time and frustration on routine tasks.
Connectivity and Mobile Support
Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) provides stable connections in crowded networks. Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, and the Brother Mobile Connect or Epson Smart Panel apps allow printing directly from smartphones without a PC. Ethernet is still the most reliable option for office environments with heavy usage.
Total Cost per Page
The cheapest printer often has the most expensive ink. Compare page yields of standard and high-capacity cartridges or ink bottles. Refillable tank systems like Canon MegaTank or Epson EcoTank drastically lower per-page costs. Laser printers with high-yield toner cartridges also reduce long-term expenses.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw | Monochrome Laser | Small teams needing fast B&W docs | 40 ppm B&W | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | Monochrome Laser | Compact home office with scanning | 34 ppm B&W | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw | Monochrome Laser | Busy offices needing fax and speed | 35 ppm B&W | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Color Laser | Professional color documents | 19 ppm color | Amazon |
| Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 | Inkjet Tank | High-volume color with low ink cost | 6000-page ink yield | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950 | Inkjet Tank | Home office needing fast scanning | 18 ppm B&W | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Inkjet | Budget home photo printing | 15 ppm B&W | Amazon |
| Epson Workforce WF-2930 | Inkjet | Value home office with fax | 10 ppm B&W | Amazon |
| Liene PixCut S1 | Dye-Sublimation | Custom sticker and label making | 300 DPI | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw hits the sweet spot for small teams that print primarily black-and-white documents. With a rated speed of 40 pages per minute and an automatic duplexer, this machine handles double-sided reports without slowing down. The 250-sheet input tray and 50-sheet ADF support multi-page workflows, and the introductory toner cartridge yields roughly 1,000 pages—enough to gauge daily volume before buying high-yield replacements.
Setup is straightforward via the HP Smart app, and the printer maintains wireless connections reliably across multiple devices. The built-in Ethernet port provides a stable fallback for office environments. Print quality is crisp, with deep black text that looks professional on standard copy paper. The scanner and copier produce clean results, and the ADF handles mixed document sizes without frequent jams, though limiting the feeder to 25 sheets avoids misfeeds.
One recurring caution from long-term users: HP firmware updates can block third-party toner cartridges. Declining those updates preserves the option to use affordable generic toner, which dramatically lowers per-page costs. The printer itself is built solidly, and the HP Wolf Pro Security suite adds a layer of data protection for sensitive office documents.
Why it’s great
- Fast 40 ppm print speed with automatic duplex
- Reliable Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Crisp, professional black-and-white output
Good to know
- Firmware updates may block third-party toner
- ADF jams if loaded over 25 sheets
2. Brother MFC-L2820DW
The Brother MFC-L2820DW combines a compact footprint with professional monochrome laser performance, making it a strong contender for small offices with limited desk space. It prints at 34 pages per minute and includes a 50-sheet auto document feeder for unattended scanning and copying. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen provides intuitive navigation, and the printer supports cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox directly from the panel.
Setup is largely smooth, though some users report the sparse printed instructions can be confusing for first-time laser printer owners. Manual Wi-Fi configuration via the printer’s network settings resolves most connection hiccups. Once online, the dual-band wireless (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) keeps the connection stable, and the Ethernet port offers a wired option for high-demand environments. Scan speeds are respectable at 23.6 images per minute in black-and-white.
Brother Genuine TN830 toner cartridges are competitively priced, and the Refresh EZ Print Subscription can reduce costs further for high-volume users. Linux compatibility is a bonus for open-source shops. The printer is quiet during operation, and the 250-sheet paper tray handles standard letter and legal sizes. Overall, this is a reliable workhorse that balances speed, features, and per-page economy.
Why it’s great
- Compact design with 34 ppm print speed
- 2.7-inch touchscreen and cloud app support
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
Good to know
- Setup instructions are minimal and vague
- Starter toner yields fewer pages than a standard cartridge
3. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is built for offices that need fast, secure black-and-white printing plus fax capability. It prints at 35 pages per minute and includes an automatic document feeder, duplex printing, and a 250-sheet paper tray. The inclusion of HP Wolf Pro Security gives IT administrators control over printer settings and data protection, which is a differentiator for business environments handling sensitive information.
Real-world performance is strong: one user reported 20,000 pages in nine months without a single paper jam under normal use. The Economode setting extends toner life significantly. Setup via the HP Smart app is quick, and the printer supports AirPrint, Android, and Chromebook out of the box. The duplex function works reliably for double-sided reports, and the ADF handles multi-page scanning without skewing.
The primary drawback is HP’s aggressive firmware policy—updates can lock out third-party toner. Enthusiasts recommend declining firmware upgrades to maintain cartridge choice. A small number of units have reported hardware failures within weeks, though this appears rare relative to overall positive feedback. For a busy team printing high volumes of text documents, this model delivers dependable speed and security features.
Why it’s great
- Fast 35 ppm with automatic duplex and fax
- HP Wolf Pro Security for data protection
- Economode doubles toner life
Good to know
- Firmware updates can block generic toner
- Occasional early hardware failures reported
4. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW brings color laser printing to small and home offices without sacrificing speed. It outputs 19 pages per minute in both color and monochrome, and the 3.5-inch color touchscreen offers 48 customizable shortcuts for frequently used tasks. The 50-sheet ADF handles multi-page scanning, and automatic duplex printing saves paper on two-sided documents. Dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet provide flexible connectivity options.
Print quality is sharp, with vibrant color graphics that look professional in client-facing materials. The starter toner cartridges last long enough to evaluate daily usage before moving to high-yield replacements like the TN229XXL series. The Brother Mobile Connect app allows remote monitoring of toner levels and print job management. The machine is quiet during operation, and the paper path is straight enough to handle cardstock without jams, though some users report occasional double-feeding.
A common frustration involves toner chip locking: the printer may register a cartridge as empty based on rotation count rather than actual toner level, requiring a new chip even when toner remains. Brother customer service has been described as inconsistent on this issue. Despite that, the MFC-L3720CDW delivers excellent print quality and connectivity for a color laser at this price tier, making it a solid choice for mixed document workloads.
Why it’s great
- Color laser output at 19 ppm with duplex
- 3.5-inch touchscreen with 48 shortcuts
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet
Good to know
- Toner chip can report empty prematurely
- Paper feeder may double-feed occasionally
5. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020
The Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 swaps disposable cartridges for refillable ink tanks, yielding up to 6,000 black-and-white or 6,000 color pages per full ink set. That drastically reduces per-page costs for households or offices that print high volumes. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen makes navigation simple, and the 35-sheet ADF supports multi-page scanning and copying. Automatic duplex printing is standard.
Print quality is excellent for both text and color graphics. Black text is sharp, and color photos have good saturation for a pigment-based ink system. The built-in Wi-Fi connects reliably with both desktop and mobile devices, and the Canon PRINT app enables scanning and printing from smartphones. The printer is compact for a tank model, fitting easily on a standard desk. Setup is straightforward via the touchscreen, and the ink bottles are keyed to prevent accidental mis-fills.
Some users report color accuracy issues after deep cleaning cycles, which can waste ink. The printer also has trouble with heavier cardstock, producing curl and occasional smudging. The MegaTank system is not ideal for occasional users who might let ink sit for months between prints. For regular, high-volume color printing, however, the GX2020 offers the lowest total cost of ownership in this lineup.
Why it’s great
- 6,000-page yield per ink set lowers cost drastically
- Pigment ink for sharp text and good color
- 35-sheet ADF and auto duplex
Good to know
- Cardstock handling is poor with curl
- Deep cleaning cycles can waste ink
6. Epson EcoTank ET-4950
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 is the seventh generation of Epson’s cartridge-free supertank printers, now with faster print speeds and a larger 2.4-inch color touchscreen. It prints at 18 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color, with zero warm-up time. The included ink bottles yield up to 6,600 black pages or 5,500 color pages, equivalent to roughly 80 cartridges. The 250-sheet paper tray and ADF support high-volume scanning and copying.
Setup takes about 45 minutes because the printer requires ink charging and alignment before first use. Once initialized, the Epson Smart Panel app connects the printer to Wi-Fi seamlessly. Print quality is solid for documents and good for photos, though not at the level of dedicated photo printers. The front-facing touchscreen tilts for easy access, and the dust cover keeps the paper tray clean. Borderless photo printing is supported up to 8.5 x 11 inches.
Some users note that the plastic build feels flimsy compared to laser alternatives. The printer also prints in reverse order by default, which can be confusing. The ink tank system is genuinely cost-effective: one user reported ink levels dropping only a third after six months of regular use. For home offices that need fast monochrome prints and occasional color, the ET-4950 balances speed and economy impressively.
Why it’s great
- 6,600-page black ink yield from included bottles
- Zero warm-up time and fast 18 ppm B&W
- Easy ink refill with keyed bottles
Good to know
- Plastic build feels less sturdy than laser printers
- Setup takes nearly an hour
7. Canon PIXMA TS7720
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is an entry-level all-in-one inkjet printer aimed at home users who need occasional color printing, scanning, and copying. It outputs 15 pages per minute in black and 10 in color, and the 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen makes it easy to navigate settings. The printer supports a variety of media types, including glossy photo paper and envelopes, making it flexible for small creative projects.
Setup is not fully plug-and-play—the manual is required for Wi-Fi configuration, and the default auto power-off setting after four hours can interrupt print jobs unless manually changed. Once connected, the Canon PRINT app works reliably for mobile printing. Print quality for black text is crisp, and color photos are decent for 4×6 prints, though larger formats show softness. The scanner is straightforward and produces clear document scans.
The primary limitation is ink cost. The starter cartridges are low-yield and run out quickly—one user reported depletion after just three days of photo printing. Replacement cartridges are not the most economical on a per-page basis. The bottom paper tray must be extended manually, which is a minor inconvenience. For budget-conscious households doing light printing, the TS7720 works, but the long-term cost of ink should factor into the decision.
Why it’s great
- Low upfront cost for a color all-in-one
- Intuitive 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen
- Good photo print quality for small sizes
Good to know
- Low-yield starter cartridges run out fast
- Wi-Fi setup requires reading the manual
8. Epson Workforce WF-2930
The Epson Workforce WF-2930 packs print, copy, scan, and fax into a compact black chassis suited for a home office. It prints at 10 pages per minute for black documents and 5 pages per minute for color, with heat-free technology that reduces power consumption. The 1.4-inch color display is small but functional, and the Epson Smart Panel app simplifies wireless setup from a smartphone. Voice-activated printing via Alexa and Siri is a handy bonus.
Setup is generally smooth through the app, though the printer arrives with multiple packing tapes—users count 23—that must be removed before operation. The ADF handles multi-page documents, and the scanner produces searchable PDFs using Epson ScanSmart software. Print quality is acceptable for everyday documents and graphics, though color vibrancy is not as strong as higher-end models.
The major catch is that the starter ink cartridges are only partially filled, forcing an immediate purchase of full-capacity replacements. Epson’s warranty requires genuine cartridges, which cost more than generic alternatives. Some users report that color prints can appear dull or smudged. The build feels lightweight, but the printer itself is reliable once set up. For a tight budget that includes fax capability, the WF-2930 offers basic functionality without breaking the bank.
Why it’s great
- Includes fax and ADF in a compact design
- Voice-activated printing with Alexa and Siri
- Easy smartphone app setup
Good to know
- Starter ink cartridges are partially filled
- Build feels flimsy for daily office use
9. Liene PixCut S1
The Liene PixCut S1 is a specialized all-in-one sticker printer and cutter that uses thermal dye-sublimation technology. It prints at 300 DPI with 16.7 million colors and automatically laminates each sticker, making them waterproof and scratch-resistant. The built-in AI image extraction feature isolates subjects from photos, and the precision cutter follows the edges to create professional-looking custom stickers without manual trimming.
Setup is done entirely through the Liene app, available on mobile, tablet, and desktop. The app includes over 40,000 free images and 2,000 templates, with no subscription required. Creating a sticker takes roughly two minutes from photo selection to finished product. The printer is compact and does not require mats like traditional cutting machines. The four-layer lamination process gives stickers a durable finish that resists fading, and adhesion is strong on most surfaces.
The downsides are significant: consumables (proprietary paper and cartridges) are expensive, and the printer is not suitable for high-volume text document printing—it outputs only 1 page per minute. Some users report imprecise cuts that overlap, and the app requires a login connected to servers in China, raising data privacy concerns. The PixCut S1 is a fun, fast tool for crafters and small-batch sticker sellers, but it is not a general-purpose AIO printer.
Why it’s great
- Prints and cuts custom stickers in one step
- Waterproof, scratch-resistant laminated finish
- No subscription and large library of templates
Good to know
- Consumables are expensive and proprietary
- App requires login and may raise data privacy concerns
FAQ
Should I choose an inkjet or laser AIO printer for home use?
How important is an auto document feeder on an AIO printer?
Are refillable ink tank printers really cheaper in the long run?
Why do some printers block third-party toner cartridges?
What does automatic duplex printing mean for my workflow?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best aio printer winner is the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw because it combines fast monochrome laser output, automatic duplex, and reliable wireless connectivity at a mid-range price point. If you want ultra-low ink costs for high-volume color printing, grab the Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020. And for creative sticker making with print-and-cut precision, nothing beats the Liene PixCut S1.









