Printers have evolved from mere peripherals to essential accessories in home and office settings. In a home setting, printers have become essential tools for various purposes. Printers provide convenience and versatility, from printing school assignments and craft projects to personal documents and photographs.
For college students, printers have also found their way into dorm rooms as invaluable companions for academic pursuits. Projects, assignments, research papers, and theses often require submission in hard copy format. So if you are also looking for a decent printer for your college work, check the following aspects before making a decision.
- Printer Speed: Printer speed holds significant importance for college students who rely on printers for various academic tasks. The pace at which a printer can produce printed materials directly impacts a student’s efficiency, productivity, and overall experience. College students often juggle multiple assignments, projects, and study materials at once. A printer with faster printing speed enables them to complete tasks more quickly.
- Printing Resolution: Printing resolution is a critical factor to consider when choosing a printer for college students. The resolution refers to the level of detail and clarity in printed documents, images, and graphics. A higher resolution means finer and more accurate printing, while a lower resolution can result in less sharp and less accurate output. A printer with high resolution ensures that the printed documents maintain clear text, sharp images, and accurate colors. This is essential for creating professional-looking materials that convey information effectively.
- Handling Capacity: College students often have to print assignments, research papers, study materials, and lecture notes in bulk. A printer with a higher paper input capacity can handle larger print jobs without the need for frequent paper refills. This enhances efficiency and reduces interruptions during printing sessions, allowing students to focus on their studies.
Regarding studies, a printer provides several advantages for college students. Therefore, we have prepared this list of the best printers available on the market. As we focused on college use and studies while picking up these printers, you will surely find these printers perfectly compatible with your requirements. You can also go through our “Buying Guide” for the best printer for college students where we will discuss more details about the printers and check out some important aspects which you need to check before you finalize your choice.
Best Printers For College Students Table
| Product Name | Printing Speed | Printing Resolution | Handling Capacity | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2300D Printer | 27 PPM | 2400 x 600 DPI | 250 | Check On Amazon |
| HP Tango Printer | 11 PPM | 4800 x 1200 DPI | 50 | Check On Amazon |
| Canon TS6420a Printer | 13 PPM | 4800 x 1200 DPI | 100 | Check On Amazon |
| Brother MFC-J1010W Printer | 17 PPM | 1200 x 6000 DPI | 150 | Check On Amazon |
| Canon Pixma MG 3620 Printer | 16 PPM | 4800 x 1200 DPI | 100 | Check On Amazon |
Best Printers For College Students Reviews
1. Brother HL-L2300D Printer
Brother has been the most trusted printer brand for generations, especially for professional options. But, there are a lot of low-budget choices from Brother suitable for individual needs.
In the 1st place, we have the Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer, a high-performance printer designed for efficient printing in professional settings. This printer ensures swift document production with a remarkable print speed of up to 27 pages per minute. Its automatic duplex printing feature further enhances productivity, enabling seamless double-sided printing. The 250-sheet capacity paper tray ensures minimal interruptions during printing tasks.
This printer is also optimized for A4-size documents, offering a two-sided print speed of 13 pages per minute and a standard print speed of 26 pages per minute. The automatic two-sided printing function simplifies workflow. Designed for versatility, it is recommended for monthly volumes ranging from 250 to 2,000 pages. This printer excels at producing sharp and professional black-and-white pages at up to 2400 x 600 dpi resolution. Its form factor is designed for efficient printing, and it supports paper sizes ranging from 3.0 x 8.5 inches to 5.0 x 14 inches.
Best Features
- The approximate printing speed is up to 27 PPM
- It supports up to 2400 x 600 DPI
- It offers 250 pages handling capacity
- It has a year of warranty
Pros
- Most popular printer for college students right now
- Printing speed is very good
- Reliable option at this price point
Cons
- It is a monochrome printer
2. HP Tango Printer
HP is also one of the brands that almost everyone can recognize since it has been delivering top quality office supplies for decades. Thus, it is a fool-proof choice for an individual printer.
For the 2nd position, we have a smart wireless printer. The HP Tango Smart Wireless Printer is a revolutionary printer designed for seamless integration with your mobile lifestyle. With its modern design that effortlessly blends with your home decor, this printer allows you to handle print jobs from anywhere, whether at a coffee shop or a friend’s house. It also supports voice-activated, hands-free capabilities. So, you can connect it with Amazon Alexa and Google Home to print shopping lists, crossword puzzles, and more directly from your mobile phone without disrupting your daily routine.
For ink convenience, enroll in HP Instant Ink during printer setup and receive your first 4 months free. Plans start at just $0.99 per month after the trial period, and shipping and recycling are included in the same plan. This smart home printer ensures you never run out of ink by ordering and delivering it to your door. You can also easily print and scan from virtually anywhere using the HP Smart app. This innovative printer lets you print documents and photos from cloud storage and social media.
Best Features
- The approximate printing speed is up to 11 PPM
- It supports up to 4800 x 1200 DPI
- It offers 50 pages handling capacity
- It is a smart printer with wireless printing support
Pros
- Compact and powerful printer
- Printing resolution is better
- Voice access is available
Cons
- Handling capacity is very low
3. Canon TS6420a Printer
If you are a photography enthusiast, it is likely that you are already familiar with the brand Canon. If not, this brand excels in digital cameras and photo printers designed to develop the images.
In the 3rd position, we have yet another highly affordable option that offers the best running costs benefits. With this printer, you can discover a new level of ink convenience. You can enroll in Smart Reorders with Alexa to achieve the perfect ink supply balance. So, avoiding the hassle of having too much or too little ink on hand is possible, ensuring optimal printing without any wastage. Since this is also an all-in-one option, it supports a single device’s printing, copying, and scanning capabilities. The printer boasts a 13/6.8 PPM print speed for efficient document production.
With a 200-sheet capacity split between a 100-sheet cassette and a 100-sheet rear feed, you can tackle printing tasks of varying volumes. You also get the convenience of auto 2-sided printing, reducing paper consumption and environmental impact. By choosing the PIXMA Print Plan, you can save up to 70% on printing costs. This environmentally conscious printer holds both Energy Star and EPEAT Silver certifications. As for reliability, this printer is backed by a year of warranty which is pretty much standard for this range of printers.
Best Features
- The approximate printing speed is up to 13 PPM
- It supports up to 4800 x 1200 DPI
- It offers 100 pages handling capacity
- Supports automatic 2-sided printing
Pros
- Wireless 3-in-1 printer
- One of the most reliable options
- Relatively higher handling capacity
Cons
- Printing speed could have been faster
4. Brother MFC-J1010W Printer
Brother has landed yet another fine printer on our list today. The following printer from Brother is a rather affordable option available for personal use.
Introducing a compact inkjet all-in-one solution that doesn’t compromise on features, the Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer. Designed to fit seamlessly into homes, home offices, or small office spaces, this printer delivers full functionality alongside rapid print and scan speeds. This printer brings the power of printing at your fingertips with the Brother Mobile Connect App. It allows you to easily navigate on screen menus for printing, copying, scanning, and printer management directly from your mobile device. It also offers versatile paper handling and duplex printing capabilities. The automatic document feeder accommodates up to 20 pages, streamlining copying and scanning tasks.
With this printer, you won;t have to worry about ink replacement at all thanks to the page gauge feature accessible through the Brother Mobile Connect App. You can easily track your ink usage and remaining levels to eliminate the guesswork. You can rely on Brother Genuine ink cartridges for optimal and uncompromising performance. There is a wide range of options available, including Standard (LC401 Series) and High Yield (LC401XL Series) cartridges, with multi-pack selections.
Best Features
- The approximate printing speed is up to 17 PPM
- It supports up to 1200 x 6000 DPI
- It offers 150 pages handling capacity
- Brother mobile app support is beneficial
Pros
- Relatively faster printer with high printing speed
- Printing resolution is very good
- Handling capacity is higher than most other choices at this price point
Cons
- Some options are a bit more affordable
5. Canon Pixma MG 3620 Printer
In the end, we are getting but one more highly affordable option from Canon. Despite being an affordable choice, it has strong specifications that you should not miss out on.
Ultimately, we have yet another wireless 3-in-1 printer that combines printing, copying, and scanning capabilities in a single device. With a 9.9 pages per minute print speed, this printer ensures efficient document production. The 100-sheet capacity allows for versatile printing tasks. It lets you experience the convenience of auto 2-sided printing, minimizing paper usage and environmental impact. The printer is ENERGY STAR certified, reflecting its energy-efficient operation. Its compact and space-saving design is ideal for various environments.
You also get the benefit of voice-controlled printing to initiate printing tasks. With Alexa integration, you’ll never run out of ink or toner without any alerts. You will receive notifications when supplies are running low, and Alexa can even smartly reorder from Amazon if you enroll in smart reorders. Enrolling in smart reorders with Alexa ensures you always have the right amount of ink or toner without waste. No subscription is needed, making this feature hassle-free and efficient.
Best Features
- The approximate printing speed is up to 16 PPM
- It supports up to 4800 x 1200 DPI
- It offers 100 pages handling capacity
- Alexa smart reorder is very handy
Pros
- Automated ink resupply feature
- All-in-one color printer
- One of the fattest printers in this collection
Cons
- Not the best option for high-handling capacity
Buying Guide For The Best Printers For College Students
Printers have become essential in various settings, including homes, offices, and schools, especially for college students. Their ability to transform digital content into tangible copies serves practical and cognitive purposes. For college students, having a printer in their room aids in project submissions, organizing study materials, and adopting active learning strategies. As technology advances, printers remain a fundamental tool bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and learning outcomes. Additionally, printers facilitate active learning strategies. Students can print out articles, research papers, or study guides and then annotate them with handwritten notes. This interaction enhances comprehension and critical thinking by encouraging students to engage deeply with the material. Therefore, all students should have a decent printer to be used for college studies. If you are also thinking of buying one, make sure you first understand the following aspects and make a choice based on that.
1. Printer Speed
College life can be unpredictable, and students might need to print assignments or projects at the last minute. A fast printer ensures that they can meet last-minute submission deadlines without the stress of waiting for sluggish printing to finish. Also, when preparing for exams or organizing study materials, students must print lecture notes, study guides, and reference materials. A fast printer allows them to quickly create hard copies of these materials, enhancing their ability to review and learn effectively. In hindsight, slow printers can be frustrating, especially when time is of the essence. A fast printer minimizes this frustration and maintains a smooth workflow, enhancing the overall user experience.
2. Printing Resolution
Assignments, research papers, and presentations are often evaluated based on their visual appeal and readability. Higher-resolution printing ensures that text is crisp and easy to read, while images and graphics appear vibrant and well-defined. This enhances the overall quality of the printed materials and positively impacts the impression they make on professors and peers. Many academic disciplines also involve the presentation of data through charts, graphs, and diagrams. A printer with high resolution ensures that these visual representations are accurately reproduced, allowing students to effectively communicate complex information without sacrificing clarity. High-resolution printing also allows you to print images with finer details, making them suitable for displays, exhibits, and documentation.
3. Paper Handling Capacity
As deadlines are getting narrower and narrower for students these days, they may need to print multiple copies of assignments, projects, and reports. A printer with ample paper input capacity enables them to complete these tasks in one go, reducing stress and ensuring they meet submission deadlines without hiccups. Running out of paper during a printing task can be frustrating and time-consuming. A printer with a larger paper input capacity minimizes the frequency of paper refills, reducing downtime and keeping the printing workflow smooth. Frequent paper loading can also lead to wear and tear on paper trays and mechanisms. Thus, printers with higher handling capacity require less frequent tray maintenance and replacements.
4. Paper Size
Paper size is a fundamental consideration when selecting a printer for college students, as it directly affects the versatility and suitability of the printer for various academic tasks. Different assignments, projects, and materials require specific paper sizes, and having a printer that can accommodate these sizes is crucial for a student’s success. You will often have a predefined standard paper size specified for assignments and projects. So having a printer that can handle the required paper size ensures that students can produce their work according to the guidelines, avoiding manual adjustments or resizing.
Best Printers For College Students – FAQs
Ans: A college student’s printer needs can vary depending on their specific academic requirements, budget, and preferences. An all-in-one printer that can print, scan, and copy is often a practical choice for college students. It offers versatility for various tasks, including printing assignments, scanning readings, and creating copies of important documents. Also, a printer with wireless connectivity (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) allows students to print from their laptops, smartphones, or tablets without being physically connected to the printer.
Ans: Having a personal printer for a student provides immediate access to printing without the need to visit a campus print facility or external printing services. This convenience can be especially helpful when time is limited and is of the essence. A personal printer allows students to manage their time more efficiently by reducing the time spent traveling to and from printing stores.
Ans: The most cost-effective printer depends on various factors, including your specific printing needs, budget, and long-term considerations. However, certain types of printers and models tend to be more cost-effective regarding their initial purchase price, ongoing operational costs such as ink or toner expenses, and overall efficiency. Monochrome laser printers are highly cost-effective compared to most other choices, especially if your primary printing needs involve text documents.
Conclusion
Today, we have discussed the importance of printers for college students, covering factors such as printer speed, resolution, handling capacity, and paper size. Printers have become essential tools for both academic and personal needs, offering convenience in producing tangible copies of digital content. Printer speed is crucial for time management and meeting deadlines, while resolution ensures quality and professionalism in printed materials. But to get the most out of your printer, you must pick up an option that serves you the best and offers the characteristics you would need in the long run. For more information, you can refer to our buying guide for the best printers for college students and check how each of these aspects affects the performance and reliability of the printer. We also have some handpicked choices picked out for you that you can check out.
- Since printing speed is one of the most important aspects for all accessories students use, our first recommendation is the Brother HL-L2300D Printer with Duplex Printing. This is the fastest printer in our selection today that manages to print up to 27 pages per minute and supports duplex printing for an even higher printing efficiency. On top of that, this printer offers the highest sheet capacity of up to 250 sheets. The Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex Printing is backed by a year of warranty which shall give you peace of mind about its reliability.
- On the other hand, if you want a printer for basic needs and would rather choose an affordable one, we suggest checking out the Canon Pixma MG3620 Printer. Despite being the cheapest option on this selection, this is a wireless 3-in-1 printer offering 100 sheet capacity and an average printing speed of up to 16 PPM. Another great feature of this printer is that it offers a printing resolution ranging up to 4800 x 1200 DPI which is identical to what you get with premium options.
- The Brother MFC-J1010DW Printer is also a good option for high-resolution results and fast printing output. It has a printing resolution of up to 1200 x 6000 DPI and delivers up to 17 PPM printing speed with clear and accurate color production. You will also find the 150-page handling capacity of this printer quite convenient compared to other options that require frequency refills. There is also a 20 pages automatic page feeder available that can feed up to 20 pages in the printer automatically for bulk printing.
