Best A3 Printer 2026: 11x17 Tabloid & Wide Format Printers
Wide format printers for architects, designers, photographers, and businesses who need to print larger than letter size.
Quick Answer: Best A3/11x17 Printer for 2026
The Brother MFC-J6959DW is our top pick for overall A3 printing - excellent all-in-one features with fast speeds and low running costs. For photo quality, the Epson XP-15000 delivers stunning image output on wide format paper.
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When letter-size paper (8.5" x 11") isn't big enough, you need an A3 or 11x17 capable printer. These wide format machines are essential for architects printing CAD drawings, photographers creating exhibition prints, and businesses producing posters, presentations, and spreadsheets that need to be seen at a glance.
While true large format printers (24"+ wide) exist for specialized use, A3/11x17 printers hit the sweet spot of capability versus cost for most users. They fit on a desktop, cost under $1,000, and produce professional results.
Size Note: A3 (11.7" x 16.5") and 11x17/Tabloid (11" x 17") are similar but not identical. A3 is slightly wider and shorter. Most wide format printers handle both.
Understanding A3 & 11x17 Sizes
| Paper Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (mm) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | 8.5" x 11" | 216 x 279mm | Standard documents |
| A4 | 8.3" x 11.7" | 210 x 297mm | International standard |
| 11x17 / Tabloid | 11" x 17" | 279 x 432mm | US standard large format |
| A3 | 11.7" x 16.5" | 297 x 420mm | International large format |
| 13x19 / Super B | 13" x 19" | 330 x 483mm | Photo printing with bleed |
Our Top 5 A3/11x17 Printers for 2026
1. Brother MFC-J6959DW
The best A3 printer for most users - fast speeds, excellent all-in-one features, and low running costs.
Why It's Our Top Pick:
- + Up to 30 ppm printing
- + Full A3/11x17 all-in-one
- + 500-sheet high-capacity tray
- + Low cost INKvestment cartridges
Key Specs:
- Max Size: 11" x 17"
- Speed: 30 ppm
- Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
2. Epson Expression Photo XP-15000
Stunning image quality for photographers who need wide format prints with 6-color Claria Photo HD inks.
Pros:
- + 6-color photo inks
- + Up to 13" x 19" borderless
- + Excellent color accuracy
- + Dual paper trays
Key Specs:
- Max Size: 13" x 19"
- Speed: 9.2 ppm
- Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Functions: Print only
3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Ultra-low ink costs with refillable tanks - perfect for high-volume wide format printing.
Pros:
- + ~1 cent per A3 page
- + 2 years of ink included
- + All-in-one with ADF
- + 500-sheet capacity
Key Specs:
- Max Size: 13" x 19"
- Speed: 17 ppm
- Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
4. Brother MFC-J5855DW
Fast, reliable business all-in-one with INKvestment Tank for low running costs.
Pros:
- + 30 ppm print speed
- + Dual paper trays
- + Auto-duplex all sizes
- + Low cost per page
Key Specs:
- Max Size: 11" x 17"
- Speed: 30 ppm
- Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
5. Brother MFC-J5340DW
Affordable 11x17 all-in-one for budget-conscious buyers who need wide format capability.
Pros:
- + Under $400
- + Full all-in-one features
- + Wireless & mobile printing
- + Auto-duplex
Key Specs:
- Max Size: 11" x 17"
- Speed: 28 ppm
- Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
Feature Comparison Chart
| Printer | Max Size | Speed | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-J6959DW | 11x17 | 30 ppm | Overall | $599 |
| Epson XP-15000 | 13x19 | 9.2 ppm | Photo | $249 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-15000 | 13x19 | 17 ppm | Low cost | $549 |
| Brother MFC-J5855DW | 11x17 | 30 ppm | Business | $499 |
| Brother MFC-J5340DW | 11x17 | 28 ppm | Budget | $379 |
Best A3 Printers for Architects
Architects need printers that produce crisp lines, handle heavy paper for presentation boards, and can print CAD drawings at readable scales. Here's what to prioritize:
Key Requirements
- Line Accuracy: Clean, precise lines for drawings
- Paper Handling: Cardstock for presentation boards
- Speed: Fast output for multiple sets
- ADF Scanning: Digitize signed documents
Our Pick: Brother MFC-J6959DW
Fast, reliable, with excellent line quality and high-capacity paper handling. Low running costs make it economical for high-volume CAD printing.
View on AmazonBest A3 Printers for Photographers
Photographers need exceptional color accuracy, smooth gradients, and archival-quality output. These are different requirements than document printing.
Our Pick: Epson Expression Photo XP-15000
Why Photographers Love It:
- 6-Color Inks: Claria Photo HD for accuracy
- 13x19 Borderless: Full-bleed large prints
- Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Paper Variety: Matte, glossy, fine art
- Price: Under $250
Best A3 Printers for Business
Businesses printing spreadsheets, presentations, and marketing materials need speed, reliability, and low operating costs over image quality.
Lowest Running Costs
Epson EcoTank ET-15000
~1 cent per A3 page with refillable ink tanks. 2 years of ink included in the box.
View on AmazonBest Speed & Features
Brother MFC-J5855DW
30 ppm print speed, dual trays, auto-duplex on all sizes. INKvestment tanks reduce costs.
View on AmazonA3 Printer Buying Guide
1. Determine Your Maximum Size
Standard A3/11x17 is enough for most users. Photographers may want 13x19 capability for prints with bleed margins. Make sure your printer handles the sizes you actually need.
2. Consider Running Costs
A3 printing uses more ink per page. Ink tank models (EcoTank, MegaTank) have dramatically lower per-page costs but higher upfront prices. Calculate total cost of ownership over 3-5 years.
3. Photo vs. Document Printing
Photo printers prioritize color accuracy and gradients with 5+ ink colors. Document printers prioritize speed and text sharpness. Few printers excel at both - choose based on your primary use.
4. Plan for Paper Capacity
A3 printers are physically larger. Check dimensions before buying. High-capacity trays (250-500 sheets) reduce refill frequency for office environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between A3 and 11x17?
A3 paper measures 11.7 x 16.5 inches (297 x 420mm), while 11x17 (tabloid) measures exactly 11 x 17 inches (279 x 432mm). A3 is slightly wider and shorter than 11x17. Most wide format printers handle both sizes without issues.
Do I need an A3 printer for architecture?
Yes, architects benefit greatly from A3/11x17 printers for printing CAD drawings, blueprints, construction documents, and presentation boards at readable scales without relying on external printing services. It pays for itself quickly.
Are A3 printers more expensive to run?
A3 printers typically cost more per page than standard printers due to larger ink/toner coverage. However, ink tank models like the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 have dramatically reduced running costs to around 1 cent per A3 page.
Can A3 printers also print letter/A4 size?
Yes! All A3 printers can print smaller sizes including letter (8.5x11), A4, legal, and other standard formats. They simply have the capability to also print larger sizes when needed.
Inkjet or laser for A3 printing?
Most A3 printers are inkjet because color laser A3 printers are very expensive ($2,000+). Inkjet A3 printers offer good quality at reasonable prices, especially for photos and graphics. Laser is better for very high-volume text-only printing.
Ready for Wide Format Printing?
The Brother MFC-J6959DW delivers the best combination of speed, features, and value for A3/11x17 printing.
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