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Choosing a home or office printer used to be simple: find the cheapest box, plug it in, and resign yourself to a lifetime of overpriced ink cartridges. That model is dead. The modern all-in-one market splits cleanly into two camps — cartridge-based machines that subsidize the hardware cost, and supertank or laser models engineered to slash your cost per page. The wrong pick can cost you hundreds in ink within a year.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. Over many hours, I’ve cut through the specs, real user feedback, and long-term cost data on nine of the most competitive models to find which ones actually deliver on print quality, scan reliability, and low running costs without the marketing spin.
Whether you need a compact unit for sporadic home use or a workhorse for a busy office, this guide breaks down every critical feature of a great all in one printer scanner copier to match your actual printing volume.
How To Choose The Best All In One Printer Scanner Copier
An all-in-one printer is a multi-year investment, not an impulse buy. The two biggest mistakes buyers make are ignoring the cost per page and underestimating the importance of paper handling. Here’s what actually matters.
Ink vs. Laser vs. Supertank: Which Engine Fits Your Volume?
Cartridge inkjets (like the Canon PIXMA series) have the lowest purchase price but the highest running cost — a single color cartridge set can cost nearly as much as the printer itself. Laser printers (HP, Brother, Xerox) use toner that lasts thousands of pages, making them ideal for high-volume black-and-white. Supertank inkjets (Epson EcoTank) fill the middle ground: a higher upfront cost, but refill bottles that deliver thousands of color pages for pennies each. If you print more than 200 pages a month, skip the cartridge models entirely.
Paper Handling: The ADF and Tray Capacity That Saves Your Sanity
The Auto Document Feeder (ADF) is the single most underrated feature. Without it, scanning or copying a multi-page document means standing at the machine and feeding each page manually — a slow, frustrating process. A 50-sheet ADF is the minimum you should accept for any office or home-school scenario. Tray capacity matters too: a 100-sheet tray empties fast if you print multiple drafts, while a 250-sheet tray gives you a full ream of paper. For heavy users, the 500-sheet capacity of the Epson ET-5800 eliminates constant refills.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing: The Modern Workflow
Every printer today offers Wi-Fi, but not all Wi-Fi is equal. Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) reduces interference and keeps the printer online when your router switches bands. Apple AirPrint and Mopria support let you print from a phone or tablet without installing a bloated app. If you share the printer among multiple users in an office, look for an Ethernet port for wired stability. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct are nice bonuses for guest printing, but they don’t replace a solid network connection.
The Firmware Update Trap: HP vs. Everyone Else
A growing frustration in the printer market is the use of firmware updates to block third-party cartridges. HP’s “Dynamic Security” feature actively checks for non-HP chips and will refuse to print if it detects one. Brother and Epson are generally more permissive — many users report using compatible toner or ink with no issues. If you plan to save money on refills, avoid HP models or be prepared to decline every firmware update the printer offers.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950 | Supertank Inkjet | High-volume color printing | 6,600 B&W pages per ink set | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Color Laser | Professional color documents | 24 bpp color depth | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Color Laser | Compact office color printing | 24 ppm color print speed | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800 | Supertank Inkjet | Small business productivity | 500-sheet total paper capacity | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw | B&W Laser | Office B&W with fax | 35 ppm B&W print speed | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | B&W Laser | Space-saving small office | 36 ppm B&W print speed | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw | B&W Laser | Budget B&W team printer | 40 ppm B&W print speed | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120 | Inkjet | Light home use with ADF | Auto Document Feeder included | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Inkjet | Entry-level home printing | 15 ppm B&W print speed | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Epson EcoTank ET-4950
The ET-4950 is a seventh-generation supertank that delivers an unmatched value proposition: enough bottled ink out of the box for up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages. That one set of bottles replaces roughly 80 individual cartridges.
Print quality is strong for a business-focused machine. Black text is crisp, and the 18 ppm monochrome speed with zero warmup time keeps workflow moving. The 2.4″ color touchscreen is responsive, and the Auto Document Feeder handles multi-page scanning without complaints. Users report setup takes about 45 minutes due to the initial ink priming cycle, but once running, the wireless performance is dependable across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
One honest caveat: photo enthusiasts will find borderless prints acceptable but not gallery-grade — the DURABrite pigment ink prioritizes smudge resistance over the glossy pop of a dedicated photo printer. Also, the paper tray is front-loading and holds 250 sheets, which is adequate for a home office but will require refilling during busy days. The plastic chassis feels sturdy but not armored; treat it with care during placement.
Why it’s great
- Ink bottles yield up to 6,600 black pages out of the box
- Fast 18 ppm black printing with zero warmup time
- Auto duplex and 50-sheet ADF for efficient multi-page jobs
Good to know
- Initial ink priming takes up to 45 minutes
- Photo print quality is decent but not exceptional
- Plastic build feels slightly creaky at this price point
2. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
If your workflow demands professional-quality color documents — think client-facing presentations, marketing materials, or detailed reports — the Brother MFC-L3720CDW is the most reliable color laser in this list. It prints at 19 ppm in both color and black, which is rare; most color lasers slow down significantly for color pages. The output is sharp, the colors are vibrant without being oversaturated, and the toner does not smudge even on coated paper.
The 3.5″ color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts is a genuine productivity win for busy offices. Instead of navigating menus every time you need to scan to a specific cloud folder or print a saved template, you set it once and it’s one tap away. The 50-sheet ADF and automatic duplex printing handle the bulk of daily tasks without jams, and the 250-sheet tray is ample for a small to medium team.
One critical detail for long-term owners: Brother does not actively block third-party toner through firmware updates. This is a major advantage over HP and some other brands. However, a handful of users report the waste toner box error appearing after around 1,000 pages, requiring a genuine Brother replacement that the printer must recognize. Keep the packaging for warranty returns. Overall, for color-heavy offices, this is the pick that balances build quality and running cost better than its peers.
Why it’s great
- Consistent 19 ppm color print speed for professional documents
- 3.5″ touchscreen with 48 one-tap shortcut keys
- No firmware blocks against third-party toner cartridges
Good to know
- Waste toner box replacement can be tricky if not recognized
- Initial setup requires care with toner cartridge installation
- Premium price point best justified by regular color printing
3. Xerox C235dni
The Xerox C235dni offers the fastest color print speed in this roundup at 24 ppm, matching its black speed — a spec that immediately signals a properly engineered paper path and controller. This matters if you produce mixed monochrome-and-color reports, because many printers slow to a crawl when color is introduced. The output quality is professional-grade, with toner that adheres cleanly to standard copy paper without excess spread.
Setup is handled via the Xerox Easy Assist App, and while most users report a smooth experience, a segment encountered issues where the app failed to discover the printer on the network. The workaround is simple: use the front panel for the initial connection rather than the app. Once on Wi-Fi, the connection is stable and supports AirPrint and Mopria for mobile printing. The starter toner yields about 500 pages, so budget for high-yield replacements early if you print heavily.
A few users have flagged that the scanner produces light or washed-out copies when using generic copy paper. Switching to a premium multi-purpose paper like Hammermill resolves this. The scanner is not unusable — it just requires the right paper partnership. If you prioritize vibrant, reliable color laser output in a compact chassis, the Xerox C235dni delivers where it counts, but confirm your paper type before committing.
Why it’s great
- True 24 ppm color print speed — no slowdown from black
- Compact desktop footprint for small offices
- Supports high-yield cartridges for lower long-term cost
Good to know
- Starter toner yields only ~500 pages
- Scanner quality degrades when using budget copy paper
- App-based setup fails for some users; use the front panel instead
4. Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800
The ET-5800 is the paper-handling king of this list. Two front-loading trays add up to a 500-sheet total capacity, plus a rear specialty feed for envelopes or card stock. This eliminates the constant refill cycle that plagues smaller machines in busy offices. Print speeds hit 25 ppm black and 12 ppm color using Epson’s PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology, which also contributes to lower energy consumption and no warmup time between jobs.
Ink is where this printer truly shines. The box includes two full sets of 542 ink bottles, delivering up to 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages. The pigment-based DURABrite ink is instant-dry and water-resistant, making it suitable for documents that need to survive a coffee spill. The tilted 2.7″ color touchscreen is easy to read from a standing position, and the email-to-print feature allows remote sending from any authorized address.
That said, the Premium price tag means buyers expect flawless software, and the ET-5800 has some rough edges. Apple device users report occasional “printer busy” errors that require a printer reboot, and the Windows app can fail to discover the printer on the network. Epson support is not always helpful with these issues. Additionally, the output tray does not auto-retract, so the printer protrudes further from the desk than its depth suggests. For high-volume offices that can tolerate a quirky control interface, the running cost savings are unbeatable.
Why it’s great
- 500-sheet total paper capacity across two front trays
- Comes with two full ink sets for up to 7,500 black pages
- Instant-dry pigment ink resists smudging and water
Good to know
- Occasional “printer busy” errors with Apple devices
- Output tray does not auto-retract after use
- Premium upfront investment best for very high-volume users
5. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw
The 3101fdw is HP’s most balanced monochrome laser for small teams of up to seven people. It prints, scans, copies, and faxes — the “fdw” suffix means fax, duplex, and wireless are all included. The 35 ppm engine with a first-page-out time of just over 7 seconds means no waiting for the first page of a multi-page document. The 50-sheet ADF and auto duplex scanning keep batch jobs moving quickly without manual intervention.
Security is a differentiator here: HP Wolf Pro Security provides customizable settings to protect sensitive data on the printer’s hard drive. This matters for healthcare, legal, or financial offices that handle confidential documents. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Ethernet, USB, and dual-band Wi-Fi with Bluetooth. The printer reliably reconnects after power outages — a minor but highly appreciated detail in real-world use.
The drawbacks are predictable for an HP. First, the printer actively blocks non-HP toner cartridges through Dynamic Security firmware. Users report that declining firmware updates preserves the ability to use third-party toner, but you must remain vigilant. A small number of users report the printer failing entirely within a few weeks, but the majority of reviews describe it as fast, quiet, and reliable for years of heavy use.
Why it’s great
- Fast 35 ppm B&W printing with <7-second first page out
- Includes fax, ADF, and auto duplex for full office functionality
- HP Wolf Pro Security for sensitive document handling
Good to know
- Dynamic Security firmware blocks third-party toner
- Starter toner yields only ~1,000 pages
- Early failure rate is low but present
6. Brother MFC-L2820DW
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is a monochrome laser that nails the essentials without unnecessary extras. It prints at 36 ppm, scans at 23.6 ipm black, and includes a 50-sheet ADF plus automatic duplex printing — all in a chassis that takes up less desk space than a standard filing tray. The 2.7″ touchscreen is responsive, and the integration with cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote via the Brother Mobile Connect app is seamless.
Setup is where this printer splits opinions. The included instructions are sparse, and first-time laser printer buyers may find the manual Wi-Fi configuration confusing. However, once connected to the network, the machine is a workhorse. Users report thousands of pages with minimal jams. The optional Refresh EZ Print Subscription is a nice safety net for high-volume users, but the printer works perfectly well without it using standard Brother TN830 toner cartridges.
The biggest selling point here is the lack of firmware toner blocking. Brother does not actively lock out third-party toner, which means you can buy high-yield compatible cartridges at a fraction of OEM prices. The tradeoff is that the MFC-L2820DW does not include fax — if you need a fax line, look at the L2820DW’s sibling models or step up to the 3101fdw. For a compact B&W printer that prioritizes reliability and low running costs, this is the strongest contender in its class.
Why it’s great
- Compact footprint that fits tight desk spaces
- Fast 36 ppm printing with 23.6 ipm scanning
- Cloud app integration and no firmware toner blocking
Good to know
- Setup instructions are sparse and confusing for beginners
- Does not include a fax function
- Best for users comfortable with manual Wi-Fi configuration
7. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw
The 3101sdw is the fastest black-and-white printer in this guide at 40 ppm, making it the right choice for a busy team that churns through volumes of text documents. It is identical to the 3101fdw in most respects but omits the fax function, which saves a small amount on the purchase price. The 250-sheet input tray and 50-sheet ADF are standard for the class, and auto duplex printing saves paper without noticeable speed loss.
Setup is genuinely simple — most users report being up and running within minutes via the HP Smart app. The printer reconnected to Wi-Fi automatically after a power outage, a detail that long-term users consistently praise. The initial toner cartridge yields around 1,000 pages, which is enough to get a small office through the first month. Third-party toner availability is decent, provided you decline firmware updates that enforce HP’s Dynamic Security.
The biggest complaint from actual buyers is not about the printer itself but about the delivery process. Amazon sometimes requires a delivery password for high-value electronics, and several users experienced delays because they were not aware of the requirement. Once the printer is in hand, reliability is high — one user reported three of these printers running flawlessly across multiple home offices. The s in the model name stands for “simple” (no fax), so if fax is in your workflow, skip this and get the 3101fdw.
Why it’s great
- Fastest B&W print speed here at 40 ppm
- Quick and straightforward setup via HP Smart app
- Reliable Wi-Fi reconnection after power interruptions
Good to know
- No fax function — choose the 3101fdw if you need fax
- HP firmware updates can block non-HP toner
- Starter toner yield of ~1,000 pages is relatively low
8. Canon PIXMA TR7120
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 is a budget-friendly inkjet that packs in features normally found on more expensive models: an Auto Document Feeder, automatic duplex printing, and both 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi. For a home user who occasionally prints documents and scans multi-page receipts or school forms, this is a capable and affordable option. The 1.42″ monochrome OLED screen is compact but shows ink levels clearly at a glance.
Print quality is good for text and acceptable for color graphics, though starter ink cartridges run out quickly — several users reported the trial cartridges lasting only 3 days of moderate use. This is standard for entry-level inkjets; the real cost comes when you buy replacement XL cartridges. The TR7120 uses a single black and single color cartridge (the PG-285 and CL-286), which is simpler than older four-cartridge systems but means you replace all three colors at once when one runs out, increasing waste.
Alexa voice control is a quirky bonus — you can ask Alexa to print a shopping list or a coloring page. It is not a reason to buy the printer, but it is a fun differentiator. The paper tray holds 100 sheets, which is fine for light use but will require constant refilling for any volume above occasional. For a home user who wants ADF, duplex, and wireless printing at the lowest possible entry price, the TR7120 is a solid budget choice, provided you budget for ongoing ink costs.
Why it’s great
- Includes ADF and auto duplex at a very accessible price
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connection in crowded networks
- Alexa voice control for convenience printing
Good to know
- Starter ink cartridges run out very quickly
- Single color cartridge replaces three inks at once
- Paper tray holds only 100 sheets — frequent refills needed
9. Canon PIXMA TS7720
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is the entry-level inkjet in this roundup, designed for the lightest usage scenarios: printing school assignments, occasional photos, or the odd shipping label. It prints at 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color, which is perfectly adequate for low-volume tasks. The 2.7″ touchscreen LCD makes menu navigation intuitive, and auto duplex printing is present — a rare feature at this price tier.
What you give up is paper handling. The TS7720 has no Auto Document Feeder, so scanning or copying a multi-page document requires standing at the glass and flipping each page manually. The paper tray holds a modest amount and must be pulled out manually — it does not auto-extend when the printer is turned on. Photo quality is fair for 4×6 prints but only OK for 8×10; colors can look washed out with the starter ink cartridges.
Wireless setup can be a pain point. Several users found the process confusing, requiring a manual router connection rather than the smooth one-button WPS setup found on many competitors. Once connected, the printer is reliable, but the default auto power-off after 4 hours catches users off guard. The fix — accessed through the printer’s own settings menu — is not intuitive. For the absolute lowest upfront investment, the TS7720 works, but only if your print volume is truly minimal and you are comfortable with a finicky initial setup.
Why it’s great
- Very low entry price for a duplex color inkjet
- Intuitive 2.7″ touchscreen controls
- Compact design that fits on a small desk
Good to know
- No Auto Document Feeder — manual page-by-page scanning only
- Wireless setup is not plug-and-play; requires manual Wi-Fi connection
- Starter ink yields low page count; replacement cartridges are costly per page
FAQ
Does the Auto Document Feeder work for two-sided scanning?
Can I use third-party ink or toner with any of these printers?
Which printer has the lowest cost per page for color?
How important is the paper tray capacity for home use?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the all in one printer scanner copier winner is the Epson EcoTank ET-4950 because it slashes the cost per page to under 2 cents with the included ink bottles, making it the most economical choice for anyone who prints regularly. If you need professional color laser quality for client-facing documents, grab the Brother MFC-L3720CDW. And for a compact, no-nonsense black-and-white laser that fits a small desk and saves on toner, nothing beats the Brother MFC-L2820DW.