The printer landscape in 2026 brings exciting developments: AI-assisted print optimization, improved supertank systems with even lower running costs, and seamless smart home integration. Whether you're upgrading an old printer or buying your first one, this guide covers the standout options across every category.
2026 Trend: Tank printers now dominate the market, with even HP and Canon expanding their refillable ink lineups. Cartridge-based printers are becoming budget-only options.
What's New in Printers for 2026
AI Print Optimization
New printers analyze documents and automatically adjust settings for optimal quality and ink efficiency. Some models learn your printing habits over time.
Extended Tank Capacity
Latest EcoTank and MegaTank models now include enough ink for 3+ years of average home use right in the box.
Matter/Thread Support
Smart home integration improves with Matter protocol support, allowing voice printing through any smart assistant.
Sustainability Focus
Manufacturers now offer cartridge recycling programs and printers made with recycled plastics as standard.
Our Top Picks for 2026
| Category | Top Pick | Price Range | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Epson EcoTank ET-3850 | $350-400 | ADF, auto-duplex, wireless, ultra-low ink costs |
| Best Budget | Canon PIXMA TS3520 | $60-80 | Compact, wireless, good for light use |
| Best Home Office | HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e | $280-330 | Fast, secure, excellent HP Smart features |
| Best Photo | Canon PIXMA PRO-200 | $500-600 | 8-color dye ink, professional quality |
| Best Laser | Brother HL-L3295CDW | $350-400 | Color laser, fast, low cost per page |
Best for Home Use
Epson EcoTank ET-2850
The ET-2850 remains a top choice for families in 2026. The included ink bottles provide thousands of pages, making the higher upfront cost worthwhile for anyone printing more than a few pages per week.
Strengths
- Ink costs under 1 cent per black page
- Cartridge-free refillable tanks
- Wireless and mobile printing
- Compact footprint
Considerations
- No automatic document feeder
- Slower than laser printers
- Higher upfront cost than cartridge models
Best for Home Office
HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e
HP's latest OfficeJet Pro series brings improved speed and the updated HP+ ecosystem. For remote workers handling contracts, reports, and client documents, this delivers professional results.
Key 2026 Features
- 25+ pages per minute printing
- Smart Tasks for automated workflows
- Self-healing WiFi reconnection
- HP Wolf security built-in
- Instant Ink eligible for predictable costs
For laser alternatives, consider the Brother MFC-L3780CDW - a color laser all-in-one with excellent reliability and lower per-page costs for high-volume users.
Best for Photos
Canon PIXMA PRO-200
For photographers and artists who want gallery-quality prints at home, Canon's 8-color dye ink system produces stunning results on various paper types up to 13x19 inches.
Budget photo option: The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 offers 6-color printing with the cost savings of a tank system - ideal for hobbyist photographers who print frequently.
Best Budget Options
Under $100: Canon PIXMA TS3520
Basic wireless all-in-one that handles occasional printing, scanning, and copying. Good for students and light home use.
Note: Cartridge costs add up with heavy use - consider a tank printer if printing regularly.
Best Value: HP DeskJet 4255e
Instant Ink eligible, which can dramatically reduce costs if you commit to HP's subscription service.
Tip: Calculate your monthly page count to see if Instant Ink makes sense for you.
2026 Buying Tips
Before You Buy, Consider:
Calculate Total Cost of Ownership
A $50 printer with expensive cartridges costs more over 2 years than a $300 tank printer. Use our ink cost calculator to compare.
Check Ink Availability
Before buying, verify that replacement ink is readily available and reasonably priced in your region.
Match Features to Needs
Don't pay for an ADF if you never scan multi-page documents. Don't skip duplex printing if you print reports regularly.
Read Recent Reviews
Firmware updates can change printer behavior. Look for reviews from the past 6 months.
Bottom Line for 2026
Tank printers offer the best long-term value for most users. If you print regularly (even just 20-30 pages per month), the upfront investment pays off within the first year. For occasional printing, budget inkjets with subscription services like HP Instant Ink can work, but watch for subscription lock-in.
Test any new printer with our free test pages to verify quality before committing to a large print job.