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If you print from phones or tablets, picking an AirPrint-capable printer makes setup and day-to-day use far smoother. The right AirPrint printer minimizes connection hassles, keeps mobile workflows productive, and fits the pace of a home office or family household. This guide covers seven shortlisted options chosen for dependable wireless setup, consistent print quality, and practical features for mobile-first users. Below you will find concise evaluations focused on connectivity, output quality, and operating cost so you can match a printer to how you actually print.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | HP Envy 6155 All-in-One Printer |  |
| Best Quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | Epson EcoTank ET-2800 |  |
| Best Value The sweet spot between price and what you get | Epson EcoTank ET-2400 |  |
| Best Budget The cheapest option that still gets the job done reliably | HP DeskJet 2955 All-in-One |  |
| Top Rated A top-rated pick with lots of positive feedback | Canon PIXMA TS6520 |  |
| Most Popular A crowd favorite that many people choose with confidence | Canon PIXMA TR4720 |  |
| Best Seller A high-volume bestseller chosen again and again | Brother DCP-L2640DW Laser Printer |  |
HP Envy 6155 All-in-One Printer
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Print Speed B&W | 10 pages_per_minute |
| Print Speed Color | 7 pages_per_minute |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 4800 x 1200 dots_per_inch |
| Duplex | Automatic |
The HP Envy 6155 is a home-focused all-in-one inkjet that handles everyday color documents and photos with a simple touchscreen and wireless connectivity. It prints up to 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color, supports automatic two-sided printing, and holds 100 sheets in the main tray, making it suitable for homework, household documents, and occasional photos. The 2.4" color touchscreen and HP mobile app simplify setup and remote printing, and the printer is AI-capable for cleaner web and email formatting. Photo output benefits from a high maximum color resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi for more vibrant prints. Connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi and USB, and the unit is designed to work with HP cartridges and Instant Ink subscription, which can reduce refill hassle. Limitations include modest page speeds by modern office standards and the expected higher per-page ink costs of consumer inkjets, and the printer is optimized for letter-size media rather than larger-format tasks.
Best for: Buyers who want a compact, easy-to-use home all-in-one that produces good color prints and integrates cleanly with mobile and AirPrint-style workflows.
Less Ideal for: Users who need high-volume, fast office printing or frequent large-format jobs should choose a higher-capacity laser or office-class inkjet instead.
- All-in-one functionality: print, scan, and copy in one compact unit.
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper for two-sided jobs.
- High maximum color resolution for better photo and document color quality.
- 100-sheet input tray suits light to moderate home use and family printing.
- Simple 2.4" color touchscreen and HP app make mobile printing and basic navigation easy.
- Designed for home or light use so speed and heavy-duty throughput are limited.
- Requires original HP cartridges and may block third-party chips, limiting refill options.
Verdict: A user-friendly, compact all-in-one that delivers good color prints and wireless convenience for balanced home use.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Print Speed B&W | 10 ppm |
| Print Speed Color | 5 ppm |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Maximum Print Resolution Color | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
The ET-2800 replaces cartridges with large refillable ink tanks, letting you print long runs without frequent replacements and cutting ongoing ink cost. It prints up to 10 black pages per minute (5 ppm color), supports wireless and USB connections, and offers mobile and voice-activated printing for quick on-the-go jobs. The built-in flatbed scanner and copy functions make it a practical home all-in-one, and the high maximum color resolution delivers detailed documents and photos on compatible paper. Setup is straightforward and the color display and app control simplify daily tasks. Limitations to consider: duplexing is simplex only so two-sided jobs require manual flipping, and photo speed and color output depend on paper choice and genuine ink for best results. The printer leans toward economical long-term running rather than the fastest professional throughput, but for everyday home or small-office printing it balances image quality, low ink cost, and convenience effectively.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize low ongoing ink costs and reliable everyday performance will appreciate this printer for home and small-office document and photo tasks.
Less Ideal for: If you need automatic duplexing, very high color throughput, or heavy-duty office volumes, choose a model focused on faster production and advanced paper handling instead.
- Cartridge-free high-capacity refillable ink tanks greatly reduce frequency of replacements
- Wireless and mobile printing with voice-activated support for easy remote jobs
- All-in-one functions with a flatbed scanner for copying and scanning
- High maximum print resolution for detailed color documents and photos
- Low power consumption at 12 watts for energy-efficient operation
- No automatic two-sided (duplex) printing supported
- Color print speed is modest compared with higher-end office models
Verdict: The ET-2800 is a cost-focused all-in-one that delivers detailed prints and very low ink replacement frequency, making it a strong pick for performance-minded home users who want long-term value.
Epson EcoTank ET-2400
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 x 14 inch |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 10 pages_per_minute |
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a cartridge-free all-in-one inkjet that prints, scans, and copies using refillable high-capacity ink tanks instead of cartridges. It is typically used for everyday home or small-office tasks and supports both USB and Wi-Fi printing, so you can send jobs from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Notable features include the large rear-feed tray with a 100-sheet capacity, manual duplexing, and Epson's high-resolution Micro Piezo print technology that delivers sharp text and good color photos. The included ink bottles are sized to print thousands of pages before a refill, which reduces interruptions and lowers running costs versus cartridge printers. Drawbacks are modest print speed—about 10 ppm mono and 5 ppm color—and no automatic duplex or ADF, so multi-page scanning and two-sided jobs need extra manual effort. Setup and app control are straightforward for basic use, but power users who need faster throughput or built-in duplex/A DF functionality will find the ET-2400 limited.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize low running costs and minimal ink fuss for everyday home or small-office printing and want reliable wireless mobile printing.
Less Ideal for: Users who need fast throughput, built-in automatic two-sided printing, or heavy multi-page scanning will want a more feature-rich office model.
- Cartridge-free EcoTank system that greatly reduces refill frequency
- Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for mobile and desktop printing
- High-capacity rear paper tray (100 sheets) for longer uninterrupted print runs
- High maximum print resolution for sharp text and good photo/color output
- No automatic duplex or ADF for hands-off two-sided or multi-page scanning
- Slower color print speed compared with faster office-focused models
Verdict: Pick the ET-2400 if you want a wireless, cartridge-free all-in-one that cuts ink costs and keeps home printing running longer with minimal refills.
HP DeskJet 2955 All-in-One
| Printer Type | HP Thermal Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 60 |
| Color Pages per Minute | 5.5 pages_per_minute |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 7.5 pages_per_minute |
| Printer Connectivity Type | Apple AirPrint; USB; Wireless (Wi‑Fi); Wireless direct printing; Mopria |
The HP DeskJet 2955 is an entry-level all‑in‑one aimed at basic home printing tasks. It handles color and black-and-white document printing, flatbed scanning and copying, and connects via dual-band Wi‑Fi, AirPrint, Mopria or USB for direct phone and tablet printing. Notable features include a 60-sheet input tray, manual duplex support, HP AI formatting to clean up web pages before printing, and a three-month trial of HP Instant Ink for automated cartridge delivery. In real use the machine is compact and straightforward to set up with the HP app, and print quality is satisfactory for everyday documents, recipes and schoolwork, though photo and high-resolution output depend on paper choice. Expect modest speeds (around 7.5 ppm B&W, 5.5 ppm color) and manual two‑sided printing rather than an automatic duplexer. This is a low‑power, eco-minded model built with recycled plastics and ENERGY STAR certification, but it is best suited to occasional home users rather than heavy office workflows where faster duty cycles and higher paper capacity are needed.
Best for: Buyers who want an inexpensive, space‑saving all‑in‑one for occasional home printing and easy mobile/AirPrint connectivity.
Less Ideal for: Do not choose this if you need a high-speed printer, large paper capacity, or heavy daily printing for a home office or small business.
- Supports AirPrint and mobile printing for easy phone/tablet use
- Compact footprint fits small home desks or counters
- Includes 3‑month Instant Ink trial for automated ink delivery
- Flatbed scanner and copy functions for basic document workflow
- Made with recycled plastics and ENERGY STAR certified
- Manual duplex only so two‑sided jobs require user flipping
- 60‑sheet input tray limits high-volume printing
Verdict: A budget-friendly, compact all‑in‑one that delivers simple AirPrint and mobile printing for occasional home use.
Canon PIXMA TS6520
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Display Type | OLED |
| Compatible Cartridge | PG-295 & CL-286 |
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is a compact home all-in-one that handles everyday document and photo prints, scans, and copies with straightforward setup and reliable wireless printing. It uses a two-cartridge hybrid ink system to produce crisp text and vibrant color output, and supports mobile printing through the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria for direct printing from phones and tablets. The 1.42-inch OLED display and simple control panel make status checks and quick adjustments easy, and automatic two-sided printing helps reduce paper use for routine jobs. It lacks an automatic document feeder, so multi-page scanning and copying require manual page placement, and the single paper tray and modest sheet capacity limit heavy office workloads. Photo and color print speeds are modest compared with higher-end models, but the TS6520 balances quality and convenience for light home, student, or hybrid work use where wireless AirPrint capability and compact size matter most.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a reliable, easy-to-use wireless printer for home, student, or light hybrid-office tasks and want dependable AirPrint/mobile printing without extra complexity.
Less Ideal for: Those who need high-volume printing, frequent multi-page scanning or copying, or a business-grade printer with large paper capacity should look at larger multifunction models.
- Supports AirPrint, Canon PRINT app, and Mopria for easy mobile and wireless printing
- Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing to save paper
- Compact footprint with a clear OLED display for simple status monitoring
- Hybrid 2-cartridge ink system that delivers sharp text and vibrant color photos
- No automatic document feeder so multi-page scanning/copying is manual
- Single tray with low sheet capacity limits high-volume printing
Verdict: Choose the PIXMA TS6520 if you want a compact, reliable AirPrint-capable all-in-one that delivers good everyday print and photo quality with simple wireless setup.
Canon PIXMA TR4720
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4800 x 1200 |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 8.8 |
| Color Pages per Minute | 4.4 |
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
The PIXMA TR4720 is a compact 4-in-1 inkjet aimed at home and small office use, letting you print, copy, scan and fax from a single machine. It includes a 100-sheet front paper tray, an automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning and auto two-sided printing to save paper. Wireless and USB connectivity plus Canon's mobile app let you print from phones and cloud services, and the hybrid ink system produces sharp black text and acceptable color photos and borderless prints up to letter size. Setup and cartridge replacement are straightforward, and the simple two-line LCD keeps basic tasks easy without a steep learning curve. Speeds are modest — about 8.8 ipm black and 4.4 ipm color — so it handles occasional to moderate workloads but is not designed for high-volume jobs. Also expect typical ink costs for a consumer inkjet and no advanced touchscreen or heavy-duty paper handling. For buyers wanting a space-saving AirPrint-capable AIO that covers everyday documents and casual photo printing, the TR4720 is a practical choice.
Best for: Buyers wanting a simple, space-saving AIO for home or small office use that needs wireless/mobile printing and occasional photo prints and multi-page scanning.
Less Ideal for: Users who need fast high-volume printing, heavy photo production, or advanced touchscreen controls should consider more robust models.
- All-in-one functionality: print, copy, scan and fax in one compact unit
- Auto duplex printing and 100-sheet front tray reduce paper handling
- Wireless printing and Canon mobile app support printing from smartphones and cloud services
- Auto document feeder simplifies multi-page scanning and copying
- Relatively slow color print speed compared with higher-end models
- Ink costs can be high for frequent photo or color printing
Verdict: A compact, AirPrint-capable all-in-one that reliably handles everyday documents and occasional photos for home or small-office users.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Laser Printer
| Printer Type | Laser |
|---|---|
| Printer Output Type | Monochrome |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 36 pages_per_minute |
| Maximum Print Resolution Black and White | 1200 x 1200 dots_per_inch |
| Printer Connectivity Type | Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi |
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact black-and-white laser multifunction printer designed for small offices or home businesses that need reliable, high-speed document handling. It prints up to 36 ppm and delivers sharp 1200 x 1200 dpi mono prints while a 50-page auto document feeder and 250-sheet tray keep multi-page jobs moving with fewer interruptions. Connectivity is flexible with dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, and the Brother Mobile Connect app lets you print and manage jobs from a phone. Practical features include automatic duplexing to save paper, a flatbed plus sheetfed scanner for mixed originals, and compatibility with TN830/TN830XL cartridges and Brother Refresh subscription for regular toner delivery. Expect a straightforward setup and consistent output, but note this is a monochrome device only and does not support color printing or faxing; occasional users should consider whether a color inkjet might better suit graphics. Power draw and replacement supplies are typical for business laser models, so ongoing operating costs should be factored into ownership decisions.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize dependable, fast black-and-white output and simple, secure network printing for small offices or home-business workflows.
Less Ideal for: Users who need color output, photo-quality printing, or an all-in-one that includes fax capability should look at color inkjet or multifunction models with those features.
- Fast monochrome printing up to 36 pages per minute
- 50-page auto document feeder speeds multi-page scans and copies
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper use
- Dual-band Wi-Fi plus Ethernet and USB for flexible network setups
- Compatible with Brother Mobile Connect app and Refresh toner subscription
- Monochrome only so no color printing
- Operating costs depend on toner replacement and drum lifecycle
Verdict: Choose this Brother when you need a fast, reliable monochrome laser MFP with solid network features and dependable document handling.
Choosing the Right AirPrint Printer: Key Factors to Consider
AirPrint Connectivity
AirPrint is the built-in protocol that lets iOS and macOS devices print without drivers. Robust native support means fewer connection drops, simpler setup, and less troubleshooting when switching networks or devices.
Look for printers with modern Wi-Fi radios and a clear statement of AirPrint compatibility. Strong connectivity reduces the chance of needing workarounds like intermediary apps or computer-based sharing, which undermines the convenience that mobile-first users expect.
Print Quality for Typical Tasks
How good your prints look depends on both the printer engine and the media used. For everyday documents you need crisp, dark text and even coverage. For occasional photos, consider color accuracy, gradient smoothness, and how the printer handles highlights and shadows.
If you produce a mix of text and images, prioritize models with balanced document and photo performance rather than machines tuned only for one use. Paper handling and recommended media types also affect final output, so check supported paper sizes and weights for your common tasks.
Operating Cost and Consumables
Initial price aside, ink or toner costs and how much each cartridge yields drive total cost of ownership. Lower upfront costs can be offset by high per-page expenses, especially for regular color printing.
Consider whether a printer supports high-yield cartridges, refill options, or ink-subscription services where available. For laser models, toner yield and drum life matter. Factor in how often you print and whether color is essential, since heavy color use increases consumable spend quickly.
Speed and Daily Throughput
Page-per-minute ratings give a rough idea of speed, but real-world throughput depends on warm-up time, duplexing speed, and how the printer handles mixed jobs. If you regularly print multi-page documents, a model with fast duplexing and good first-page-out times will save time.
Also consider input tray capacity and whether the feeder supports multiple paper sources. For occasional home use a compact tray may be fine, but small offices benefit from larger capacity to reduce refills and interruptions.
Multifunction Features
Scanners and copiers add versatility for many households and small offices. Look at scan resolution, automatic document feeder presence, and duplex scanning capability if you copy or digitize multi-page documents regularly.
Reliable multifunction performance matters more than headline specs. Fast, accurate scanning with usable software and a responsive touchscreen or app controls improves everyday productivity.
Physical Footprint and Noise
Printer size affects where you can realistically place the unit in a home or small office. Consider depth and access space for replacing consumables or clearing paper jams. Noise levels during printing and scanning also matter in shared spaces.
If you work in a quiet environment, choose models with quieter operation modes. Fold-flat designs or models with extendable trays can offer a smaller in-use footprint while still providing decent paper capacity.
Setting Up AirPrint on Your Mobile Device
Getting AirPrint working usually requires only a few steps but relies on a stable local network. Start by connecting the printer to the same Wi-Fi network as your device. For most users this means using the printer's onboard setup to join the household Wi-Fi or enabling WPS if your router supports it.
Once the printer is on the same network, the device should detect it automatically from the print menu. If the printer does not appear, check that both devices are on the same frequency band, reboots often resolve temporary network issues, and ensure any guest or isolated network settings are disabled.
- Confirm both printer and device are on the same Wi-Fi band and network name.
- Restart the router and printer if discovery fails.
- Disable client isolation or guest network features that block device-to-device traffic.
- Use wired Ethernet for the printer if Wi-Fi reliability is an issue.
Common Troubleshooting Steps
If prints keep failing, start with simple checks: confirm the printer shows as ready, verify paper and ink/toner levels, and ensure no pending error messages on the printer display. Network-related failures are often fixed by toggling Wi-Fi off and on and rejoining the network.
For intermittent connectivity, examine router settings such as firewall rules or smart-traffic management that could be blocking mDNS discovery. Firmware updates on the printer or router can resolve compatibility issues, so apply updates when available.
- Check for firmware updates for the printer.
- Power cycle printer, router, and mobile device.
- Verify that the printer's network name does not include special characters.
- Try printing a test page from the printer's control panel to isolate mobile vs local issues.
Choosing Between Inkjet and Laser for AirPrint
Inkjet printers tend to offer better photo and color output for occasional image printing, while laser printers excel at sharp, fast black-and-white text. Your printing mix should guide the choice: heavy color photo use favors inkjet, frequent document printing leans toward laser.
Also consider operating cost differences. Laser toner generally lasts longer and yields lower per-page costs for high-volume text jobs, whereas inkjets may be cheaper up front but more costly over time if you print frequently in color.
- Inkjet: better for photos and occasional color; watch color ink costs.
- Laser: better for high-volume text and lower per-page cost for monochrome.
- Consider multifunction laser models if scanning and copying are frequent needs.
Paper Handling and Media Support
Check supported paper sizes and weights if you print labels, envelopes, or heavier photo paper. Some AirPrint-capable printers restrict AirPrint to standard paper sizes, so verify compatibility for the media you plan to use.
Look at input tray capacity and whether the printer supports multiple trays. A larger tray reduces refill frequency, while a dedicated photo tray or straight-through feed helps with special media and reduces jams.
- Confirm compatibility with envelopes, labels, and glossy photo paper.
- Check whether the printer offers rear or straight-through feed for thick media.
- Evaluate input tray capacity relative to your typical print volume.
Security and Network Privacy
Because AirPrint uses local network discovery, ensure your Wi-Fi network uses strong encryption and a secure password. For shared or multi-user networks, consider network segmentation so guest devices cannot access the printer or other equipment.
Some printers offer options to restrict printing to authenticated users or to disable network sharing features. Review these settings if you handle sensitive documents from mobile devices to reduce the risk of accidental exposure.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and a strong Wi-Fi password.
- Disable guest network access to the printer or use VLANs for separation.
- Enable any built-in access controls that require user verification for printing.
How We Chose the Best AirPrint Printer
We focused on factors that directly affect real-world mobile printing and ongoing ownership. Core evaluation criteria included wireless reliability and AirPrint implementation, print quality for text and photos, and mobile-first setup simplicity. We also weighed operating costs such as ink or toner yield and typical page cost, as well as speed metrics for common office tasks. Feature suitability was considered for common home-office uses, including duplexing, scanning, and sheet handling. We excluded models without native AirPrint support or those that require complex workarounds to print from mobile devices. We also filtered out specialty high-volume or commercial machines that do not suit typical home or small office environments. The result is a list of printers that balance straightforward AirPrint connectivity, consistent output, manageable running costs, and practical daily features.
Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.
FAQ
Do all modern printers support AirPrint?
Not all modern printers include native AirPrint support. Many do, but some models rely on manufacturer apps or computer-based sharing. Verify native AirPrint compatibility before relying on driverless mobile printing.
Can I use AirPrint over a guest Wi-Fi network?
AirPrint typically requires both the device and the printer to be on the same network segment. Guest networks often isolate clients, which prevents device-to-device discovery. Use the main network or configure the guest network to allow local device communication if needed.
Why does my device not see the printer even though it is AirPrint-capable?
Common causes include network segmentation, different Wi-Fi bands, firewall or router settings blocking discovery, or the printer being in a sleep state. Restarting devices and checking network settings usually resolves the issue.
Is printing over AirPrint secure for sensitive documents?
AirPrint transfers jobs over the local network, so security depends on your Wi-Fi protection. Use strong encryption, avoid open networks, and enable any printer-side access controls to reduce exposure when printing sensitive documents.
Will AirPrint work with a wired Ethernet-connected printer?
Yes. As long as the printer and mobile device are on the same local network and the router allows device discovery across wired and wireless segments, AirPrint will work with a wired printer.
Final Verdict
Prioritize a printer with reliable AirPrint connectivity and the output characteristics that match how you print. For frequent document printing choose a model with fast first-page-out times, robust duplexing, and economical consumables. If photo and color fidelity matter, favor a machine with good color reproduction and media handling. Balance connectivity, running cost, and multifunction convenience to suit your home or small office workflow. With those tradeoffs in mind, you can confidently pick an AirPrint printer that minimizes setup headaches and performs well for your daily tasks.