What Remote Workers Actually Need in 2026
Must-Have Features
- ✓ Automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning
- ✓ Auto-duplex (2-sided printing)
- ✓ WiFi with self-healing connection
- ✓ Cloud printing support
- ✓ Security features for sensitive documents
Nice-to-Have
- ○ Fax capability (still needed in some industries)
- ○ USB port for direct printing
- ○ Extra paper tray
- ○ Color touchscreen
Our Top Home Office Picks for 2026
Editor's Choice
HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e
Best all-around home office printer
$280-330
Why We Recommend It
- • 25 ppm printing speed
- • 35-page ADF for batch scanning
- • HP Wolf security built-in
- • Smart Tasks automation
- • Instant Ink eligible
Best For
Professionals handling contracts, reports, and client-facing documents who need reliable performance and enterprise-grade security.
Best Value
Brother MFC-J4535DW
Excellent features at a lower price
$200-250
Key Features
- • INKvestment Tank for low ink costs
- • 20-page ADF
- • Print, scan, copy, fax
- • 150-sheet paper capacity
- • 1 year ink included in box
Best For
Budget-conscious remote workers who still need full all-in-one functionality without breaking the bank.
Best Laser
Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Color laser for high-volume offices
$450-500
Why Laser for Home Office
- • Faster: 31 ppm color, 33 ppm B&W
- • Lower cost per page for volume
- • Toner doesn't dry out like ink
- • More durable prints
Best For
Heavy printers (200+ pages/month), document archiving, or anyone tired of inkjet maintenance.
Security Features for Remote Work
Why Printer Security Matters
Home printers are often overlooked attack vectors. A compromised printer on your home network could expose sensitive work documents or provide entry to your entire network.
Look for these security features:
- • Firmware auto-update capability
- • WiFi encryption (WPA3 preferred)
- • Print job encryption
- • Secure boot and self-healing BIOS (HP Wolf, Brother Secure)
- • Guest network isolation support
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Speed | ADF | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e | $300 | 25 ppm | 35 pages | Security + features |
| Brother MFC-J4535DW | $220 | 20 ppm | 20 pages | Value + low ink cost |
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW | $470 | 33 ppm | 50 pages | High volume + speed |
Home Office Setup Tips
Network Setup
- • Connect printer to guest network if possible
- • Enable automatic firmware updates
- • Use WPA3 encryption if supported
Productivity
- • Set up scan-to-email or cloud
- • Create shortcuts for common tasks
- • Install mobile app for phone printing