Wireless printing has become the standard in 2026, with manufacturers delivering robust WiFi connectivity, seamless mobile integration, and cloud printing capabilities. Whether you're printing from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, modern wireless printers make cable-free printing easier than ever.
We've tested over 30 wireless printers using our comprehensive color test pages and alignment tests to evaluate not just print quality, but also connection stability, setup ease, and mobile printing performance.
2025 Wireless Trends: WiFi 6 support becomes standard, Matter smart home integration arrives, and AI-powered print optimization enhances quality and efficiency.
Quick Comparison Table
| Printer | WiFi Type | Mobile Apps | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e | WiFi 6 | All Platforms | Overall Best | $200-250 |
| Canon PIXMA TR8620a | WiFi 5 | iOS, Android | Home Use | $150-200 |
| Brother MFC-L3770CDW | WiFi 5 | All Platforms | Small Business | $400-450 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | WiFi 5 | iOS, Android | Budget | $250-300 |
| HP LaserJet Pro M454dw | WiFi 6 | All Platforms | Color Laser | $450-550 |
| Canon SELPHY CP1500 | WiFi 5 + BT | iOS, Android | Photo Printing | $100-130 |
Why Choose a Wireless Printer in 2026?
Convenience Benefits
- • Print from any device without cables
- • Multiple users can share one printer
- • Print from anywhere in your home/office
- • Easy setup with WPS push-button
- • Cloud printing from remote locations
Modern Features
- • Direct mobile printing via apps
- • Voice assistant integration
- • Automatic firmware updates
- • Smart home ecosystem compatibility
- • Enhanced security with WPA3
Best Overall: HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e leads our 2025 wireless printer rankings with cutting-edge WiFi 6 connectivity, comprehensive mobile app support, and HP+ smart features that make remote printing seamless.
Wireless Features
- WiFi 6 (802.11ax) for faster, more stable connections
- Dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- WiFi Direct for guest printing
- Self-healing WiFi automatically reconnects
- HP Smart app with cloud printing
- AirPrint, Mopria, Google Cloud Print
Print Performance
- 24 ppm black, 20 ppm color
- Borderless printing up to 8.5x11"
- Auto 2-sided printing & scanning
- 35-page ADF with scan-to-cloud
- Monthly duty cycle: 25,000 pages
- 6 months free HP Instant Ink
Why It's Best for Wireless: The OfficeJet Pro 9025e's WiFi 6 support ensures faster data transfer and better performance in crowded network environments. The HP Smart app is industry-leading, offering remote printing, supply monitoring, and advanced scanning features all from your phone.
Setup Experience
Setup takes just 5-10 minutes using the HP Smart app. The printer automatically detects your network, and you can complete the entire setup from your smartphone. We recommend following our wireless setup guide for optimal results.
Best for: Home offices, remote workers, families needing versatile wireless printing from multiple devices
Best for Home Use: Canon PIXMA TR8620a
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a combines excellent photo printing with robust wireless connectivity, making it perfect for families who need both document and photo printing capabilities.
Wireless Connectivity Highlights
- Easy Wireless Connect: Built-in LCD walks you through WiFi setup
- Canon PRINT app: Print and scan from iOS/Android devices
- AirPrint & Mopria: No driver installation needed for Apple and Android devices
- SD Card Slot: Print photos directly without a computer
- Cloud integration: Print from Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive
- 5-ink system: Better photo quality than 4-ink competitors
Perfect for Families: With support for borderless photo printing up to 8.5x11" and easy mobile printing, kids can print homework from their tablets while parents print photos from their phones. The compact design fits well in any home office setup.
Best for: Home users prioritizing photo printing, families with multiple devices, students needing wireless convenience
Best for Small Business: Brother MFC-L3770CDW
When reliability and network stability matter most, the Brother MFC-L3770CDW delivers enterprise-grade wireless features at a small business price point.
Business-Grade Wireless
- Gigabit Ethernet for maximum stability
- Wireless 802.11ac with enterprise security
- NFC for secure tap-to-print
- Brother iPrint&Scan app
- Multiple user authentication
- Secure Function Lock 3.0
Productivity Features
- 25 ppm color laser printing
- 50-sheet ADF for batch scanning
- 250-sheet paper capacity
- Auto duplex printing
- Scan to email, FTP, USB
- 3-year warranty included
Network Management
IT administrators will appreciate Brother's Web Based Management (BrAdmin) tool for remote printer monitoring and configuration. The printer can be integrated into Active Directory for centralized user management.
- Remote firmware updates
- Usage tracking and reporting
- Email alerts for toner and errors
- IP filtering and SSL/TLS support
Cost Efficiency: With a cost per page of just 2.6¢ for black and 14.5¢ for color using high-yield toners, this printer keeps operating costs low for growing businesses.
Best for: Small businesses, professional offices, teams needing secure wireless printing and scanning
Best Mobile Printing: Epson EcoTank ET-4850
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 combines ultra-low printing costs with comprehensive mobile printing capabilities, making it ideal for users who primarily print from smartphones and tablets.
Mobile-First Features
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Epson Smart Panel App: Industry-leading mobile app with intuitive interface for printing, scanning, and printer management
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Epson Email Print: Send documents to your printer's email address from anywhere in the world
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Voice Activated: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free printing
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Creative Tools: App includes photo editing, collage creation, and template printing
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Ink Monitoring: Real-time ink level tracking with smartphone notifications
EcoTank Advantage
The cartridge-free system uses large refillable ink tanks, dramatically reducing costs:
Cost Savings Example: Printing 200 pages monthly costs just $1.30 with the EcoTank versus $25-40 with traditional cartridge printers. The savings pay for the printer within the first year.
Best for: Mobile-first users, families, anyone printing high volumes, environmentally conscious consumers
Best Budget Wireless: Epson EcoTank ET-2850
At under $300, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 delivers excellent wireless capabilities and ultra-low running costs, making it the best value wireless printer for 2026.
Wireless Features
- WiFi 802.11n (2.4GHz)
- WiFi Direct for quick pairing
- Epson Smart Panel app
- AirPrint and Mopria certified
- Email Print capability
Print Specifications
- 10.5 ppm black, 5 ppm color
- Borderless printing to 8x10"
- 100-sheet paper capacity
- Includes 2 years of ink
- Compact footprint
Budget Champion: While print speeds are modest, the ET-2850's wireless connectivity is just as capable as printers costing twice as much. Setup via WiFi is straightforward, and the Smart Panel app offers full functionality.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, light to moderate printing needs, students, home offices
Best Wireless Color Laser: HP LaserJet Pro M454dw
For businesses needing fast, wireless color printing with laser precision, the HP LaserJet Pro M454dw combines WiFi 6 connectivity with professional-grade performance.
Advanced Wireless Technology
WiFi 6 Benefits
- • 4x faster in congested environments
- • Better handling of multiple devices
- • Improved security protocols
- • Lower latency for large print jobs
Enterprise Features
- • Gigabit Ethernet backup
- • HP Web Jetadmin compatible
- • Pull printing with PIN
- • SNMP network monitoring
Performance Metrics
- Speed: 28 ppm color and black
- First page out: 9 seconds from ready
- Monthly duty cycle: 50,000 pages
- Resolution: Up to 600x600 dpi
- Cost per page: 2.1¢ black, 10.5¢ color
Mobile Printing Excellence: The HP Smart app provides complete wireless control including print queue management, supply ordering, and advanced color adjustment. Perfect for professionals printing from tablets and smartphones.
Best for: Professional offices, design studios, businesses needing reliable wireless color laser printing
Wireless Connectivity Types Explained
Understanding wireless technologies helps you choose the right printer for your needs. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
WiFi (802.11)
The standard wireless networking technology for most printers.
WiFi 5 (ac)
- • Up to 1.3 Gbps
- • 5GHz band
- • Most common
- • Good for most homes
WiFi 6 (ax)
- • Up to 9.6 Gbps
- • Dual band
- • Better efficiency
- • Future-proof choice
WiFi 6E
- • 6GHz band support
- • Less interference
- • Emerging standard
- • Premium models only
WiFi Direct
Allows devices to connect directly to the printer without a router.
Advantages
- • No network needed
- • Guest printing enabled
- • Works anywhere
- • Simple password access
Limitations
- • One device at a time
- • Shorter range
- • No cloud features
- • Manual setup required
Bluetooth
Short-range wireless technology ideal for photo printers and mobile devices.
- Range: 30 feet typical (Bluetooth 5.0+)
- Best use: Photo printing from smartphones, compact printers
- Advantages: No network setup, instant pairing, low power
- Drawbacks: Slower than WiFi, limited to nearby devices
NFC (Near Field Communication)
Tap-to-print technology for quick, secure pairing.
- • How it works: Tap NFC-enabled device to printer to establish connection
- • Common on: Business-grade printers, Android devices
- • Security benefit: Physical proximity required prevents unauthorized access
- • Speed: Instant pairing, then switches to WiFi for actual printing
Cloud Printing Services
Print from anywhere via internet-connected printers.
Popular Services
- Google Cloud Print (legacy): Being phased out
- HP Smart/ePrint: Email documents to printer
- Epson Connect: Email Print, Remote Print
- Canon PIXMA Cloud Link: Print from social media
Requirements
- Printer connected to internet
- Account registration
- Compatible printer model
- Security considerations
WiFi Setup & Troubleshooting
Quick Setup Guide
Position Your Printer
Place within 15-20 feet of your router for best signal. Avoid metal objects, microwaves, and cordless phones that can cause interference.
Choose Setup Method
- WPS Push Button: Easiest - press WPS on router and printer (if both support it)
- Mobile App: Download manufacturer's app, follow on-screen instructions
- Control Panel: Use printer's touchscreen to select and enter network password
- USB Setup: Temporary USB connection for initial WiFi configuration
Test the Connection
Print a network configuration page from the printer menu to verify connection. Then test with our color test page.
Common Wireless Issues & Solutions
Problem: Printer Won't Connect to WiFi
Solutions:
- Verify WiFi password is correct (case-sensitive)
- Ensure printer is on same frequency band (2.4GHz vs 5GHz)
- Disable MAC address filtering temporarily on router
- Move printer closer to router during setup
- Update printer firmware via USB connection
Problem: Connection Keeps Dropping
Solutions:
- Assign static IP address to printer in router settings
- Change WiFi channel to avoid interference (try channels 1, 6, or 11)
- Disable power-saving mode on printer
- Use 2.4GHz band for better range (if 5GHz is dropping)
- Check for firmware updates for both printer and router
Problem: Slow Wireless Printing
Solutions:
- Switch to 5GHz band if available for faster speeds
- Reduce print quality for faster processing (especially for drafts)
- Clear printer's memory/restart printer
- Check if other devices are saturating network bandwidth
- Consider hardwired Ethernet for critical workstations
Problem: Can't Find Printer on Network
Solutions:
- Print network config page from printer to verify it has IP address
- Ensure devices are on same network (not guest network)
- Disable VPN temporarily on device trying to print
- Add printer manually using IP address
- Check firewall isn't blocking printer discovery
Still having issues? Check our comprehensive wireless printer setup guide or visit our WiFi troubleshooting guide for detailed solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need WiFi 6 for my wireless printer?
Short answer: Not essential, but beneficial for future-proofing.
WiFi 6 offers advantages in homes with many connected devices (20+ devices), congested apartment buildings, or when printing large files. However, WiFi 5 (802.11ac) is perfectly adequate for most home and small office printing needs.
Best for WiFi 6: Tech enthusiasts, modern smart homes, offices with heavy network traffic, users who keep devices 5+ years.
Q: Can I print wirelessly without internet?
Yes! You have several options for wireless printing without internet:
- Local WiFi Network: Printer and devices connect to router (router doesn't need internet)
- WiFi Direct: Device connects directly to printer's own WiFi signal
- Bluetooth: Pair directly between device and printer (no network needed)
- Ad-hoc Network: Some printers create their own wireless network
What you'll lose: Cloud printing, remote printing, firmware updates, and mobile app features that require internet connectivity.
Q: Is wireless printing as fast as USB?
It depends on your setup. Here's a breakdown:
| Connection Type | Theoretical Speed | Real-World Performance |
|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | 480 Mbps | Fast, consistent |
| WiFi 5 (5GHz) | 866 Mbps | Often faster than USB |
| WiFi 6 | 1200+ Mbps | Faster, especially with congestion |
| Gigabit Ethernet | 1000 Mbps | Most reliable |
Bottom line: Modern WiFi 5 and 6 connections are typically fast enough that the printer's processing speed becomes the bottleneck, not the wireless connection.
Q: Are wireless printers secure?
Modern wireless printers can be very secure if properly configured. Follow these best practices:
Security Essentials
- • Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption
- • Change default admin password
- • Keep firmware updated
- • Disable unnecessary protocols
- • Use secure pull printing for sensitive docs
Security Risks to Avoid
- • Open WiFi networks
- • Outdated firmware
- • Default passwords
- • Unnecessary cloud features enabled
- • No access controls
Q: Will my wireless printer work with both Mac and Windows?
Yes, virtually all modern wireless printers are cross-platform compatible.
Look for these compatibility features:
- AirPrint: Built into macOS and iOS - no drivers needed for basic printing
- Mopria: Android equivalent of AirPrint
- IPP (Internet Printing Protocol): Cross-platform standard supported by Windows, Mac, Linux
- Manufacturer apps: HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon PRINT work on all platforms
For advanced features (color management, custom paper sizes), install the manufacturer's full driver package for your OS.
Q: How far can my printer be from the router?
General guidelines for reliable wireless printing:
- Ideal distance (2.4GHz): Within 30-50 feet with minimal obstacles. Signal penetrates walls well.
- Ideal distance (5GHz): Within 20-30 feet. Faster speeds but shorter range and less wall penetration.
- Obstacles matter: Each wall reduces signal by ~10-30%. Metal/concrete worse than drywall.
- Solutions for distance: WiFi extender, mesh network, or run Ethernet to printer location.
Pro Tip: Test print quality and reliability at intended location before permanent setup. Use our alignment test to verify consistent results.
Final Recommendations
Our Top Wireless Printer Picks by Category
Best Overall Wireless
HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e
WiFi 6, comprehensive mobile support, HP+ smart features
$200-250
Best Budget Wireless
Epson EcoTank ET-2850
Low running costs, reliable WiFi, smart panel app
$250-300
Best Home Wireless
Canon PIXMA TR8620a
Excellent photos, easy mobile printing, compact design
$150-200
Best Business Wireless
Brother MFC-L3770CDW
Enterprise security, network stability, 3-year warranty
$400-450
2025 Wireless Printing Trends
- • WiFi 6 Adoption: Becoming standard even on budget models, offering better performance in multi-device households
- • Smart Home Integration: Matter protocol support enables universal smart home compatibility
- • Enhanced Security: WPA3 encryption and built-in VPN support for remote workers
- • AI-Powered Apps: Mobile apps with document enhancement and automatic settings optimization
- • Mesh Network Support: Better compatibility with mesh WiFi systems like Eero and Google Nest WiFi
Conclusion
Wireless printing has matured tremendously in 2026, offering reliability and features that match or exceed wired connections. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge WiFi 6 technology, mobile-first printing, or simply want cable-free convenience, there's a wireless printer perfect for your needs.
- For most users: The HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e offers the best combination of wireless features and overall value
- For home use: Canon PIXMA TR8620a balances photo quality with wireless convenience
- For businesses: Brother MFC-L3770CDW provides enterprise-grade reliability and security
- For budget shoppers: Epson EcoTank ET-2850 delivers wireless capability with the lowest running costs
Setup Success Tip: After choosing your wireless printer, use our complete setup guide for optimal configuration. Then verify quality with our color test page and alignment test.