Printer Buying Checklist: 10 Things to Consider

Before You Buy

Choosing a printer can be overwhelming with dozens of models available. This checklist breaks the decision into ten key factors so you can quickly narrow your options to the best printer for your specific situation.

1. Monthly Print Volume

Estimate how many pages you print per month. Low-volume users under 200 pages should consider inkjet. Higher-volume users benefit from laser printers with lower per-page costs.

2. Colour vs Monochrome

If you only print text documents, a monochrome printer saves money on both purchase price and running costs. Choose colour if you regularly print presentations, charts, or photos.

3. Print Speed

Consider pages per minute ratings. Home users rarely need more than 15 ppm, while office users may need 30 ppm or faster to avoid bottlenecks.

4. Paper Handling

Check input tray capacity, supported paper sizes, and whether the printer includes automatic duplex printing. Larger trays reduce how often you need to refill paper.

5. Connectivity

Modern printers should offer Wi-Fi, USB, and mobile printing support. Office models may also need Ethernet for network sharing.

6. Total Cost of Ownership

Factor in the cost of ink or toner cartridges over the printer's lifetime. The cheapest printer to buy is not always the cheapest to own.

7. Size and Noise

Measure your available space and consider noise levels, especially for home office use where a quiet printer is valuable during video calls.

8. Multifunction Needs

Decide whether you need scanning, copying, or faxing capabilities. An all-in-one saves space and money compared to buying separate devices.

9. Security Features

Business users should look for printers with secure boot, encrypted communications, and user authentication to protect sensitive documents.

10. Warranty and Support

Check the warranty length and what it covers. Consider the availability of service and replacement parts for your chosen model.