Best home printers in the UK: Reliable results in 2020

This might sound totally ridiculous, but some people still prefer to get their hands on a physical copy of something. Yep, not content with access to a digital version of a photo, document, or whatever else, these people will pursue something they can actually touch.

In defence of this old school approach, there are occasions when only a physical copy will do. For example, it’s bad form to turn up to an interview and show your prospective employer a copy of your CV on your phone. Contracts and other important documents also tend to be printed out, as there is still something more official about paper.

Physical copies of your favourite photos and posters are also superior to digital versions. That slideshow on your laptop or desktop might have hundreds of your best snaps on a never-ending loop, but it can’t possibly compare to that massive poster hung up behind your bed. There are times when you simply must have a physical copy, and this is when you’ll need a printer.

Fortunately, there are absolutely loads of impressive devices on the market from top brands like Canon, Epson, HP, and Samsung. You really are spoilt for choice, but there are a few things you need to consider before taking the plunge on a printer.

What should you look for in a printer?

Printers generally don’t come cheap, so it pays to properly do your research on what device is going to suit you best. Not everyone is going to require a huge device with all the bells and whistles. You might be better off with a smaller printer that can only handle a lighter workload. We’re here to help you figure all this out.

The first and most obvious things to consider are the dimensions and weight of a printer. You need to select a device with your home in mind. Even though that powerful printer with a lengthy list of features is attracting you, the fact that it wouldn’t fit through your front door cannot be ignored. Make sure you measure up before adding a printer to your home office.

You also need to consider the type of ink a printer uses. There are three common ink cartridge configurations: two ink cartridges, four ink cartridges, and inkwells. And then there are laser printers. These devices use toner instead of ink to produce sharper edges and crisper images. If you’re going to print lots of text documents with few colours, a two-cartridge printer will do the job just fine. Anyone who needs professional-grade printouts should consider a laser printer.

The last thing to think about is your budget, but that should be obvious. Don’t spend beyond your means but don’t go for the cheapest option just to save a few pennies. Spend some time researching your options and find the best deal on the best printer within your budget.

What is the best brand to buy?

Most of the names that you’ll come across when searching for a printer are pretty established. The likes of Canon, Epson, and Samsung will be well known to basically everyone, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look elsewhere. 

Smaller brands like Kyocera are also really popular with consumers, and even though you might not be that familiar with the name, the fact that these guys specialise in printers should be something to consider. The good thing is that you’ve got options. There is nothing worse that one brand having a monopoly on a certain type of product.

We’re not going to tell you which way to go, but we recommend giving all the names on this list a chance. We’ve lined up some of the very best examples of compact, portable, and desktop printers to suit everyone, so that you can find something that works for you.

These are the best home printers in 2020.