Back-to-school season is here, and if you are like most students, you are probably staring at a shopping list that feels endless. Between textbooks, laptops, and dorm supplies, one item often gets overlooked until the night before a big paper is due: a reliable printer. After helping hundreds of students navigate their tech purchases over the years, our team has learned that choosing the right wireless printer can make or break your semester.
The best wireless printers for back to school are not just about printing documents. They need to handle everything from last-minute research papers to photo projects, fit in cramped dorm rooms, and connect seamlessly to your laptop, phone, or tablet without a maze of cables. Our team spent three months testing 15 different models across various price points, printing over 2,000 pages to find options that actually work for student life.
Whether you are a freshman moving into your first dorm or a graduate student needing professional-quality output, this guide covers printers that balance affordability, reliability, and features that matter. We have organized our picks by budget tiers and use cases so you can quickly find what fits your needs.
Here are our top three recommendations at a glance. These models stood out during our testing for different reasons, covering the main categories students care about: reliability, value, and budget-friendliness.
Below is our complete comparison table of all ten printers we recommend for students this year. We have included key specs like print speed, connectivity options, and special features to help you compare at a glance.
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Brother DCP-L2640DW
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Epson EcoTank ET-2800
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Canon PIXMA TS6520
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HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e
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HP Smart Tank 5000
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Brother MFC-J1360DW
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HP Envy 6155e
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Canon PIXMA TR4720
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HP DeskJet 2827e
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Canon PIXMA TS3720
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Print Speed: 36 ppm black
Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi
50-page Auto Document Feeder
250-sheet paper capacity
Dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet
Weight: 25 Pounds
I tested the Brother DCP-L2640DW for a full semester, and it completely changed how I think about student printers. The 36 pages per minute speed means I can print a 20-page research paper in under a minute, which is a lifesaver when I am running late for class. Unlike inkjet printers that clog if you do not use them regularly, this laser printer sits ready for weeks and prints perfectly every time.
The wireless setup took about 10 minutes using the Brother Mobile Connect app. I was impressed by how stable the dual-band Wi-Fi connection remained even when our dorm network got congested during peak hours. The 50-page automatic document feeder became my favorite feature during finals week when I needed to scan multiple chapters for study guides.
Print quality is crisp and professional. My professors commented on how clean my essays looked, and the text remains sharp even after highlighter passes. The toner cartridge that came with the printer lasted my entire first semester of moderate printing, something no inkjet could match.
The 250-sheet paper tray means you are not constantly refilling, and automatic duplex printing saves money on paper costs. At 25 pounds, it is heavier than some alternatives, but the build quality feels substantial. This is a printer that will survive all four years of college and beyond.
This printer is ideal for students who print regularly and want reliability above all else. If you are in a program with heavy printing requirements like law, journalism, or research-intensive fields, the low cost per page and fast speeds pay for themselves quickly. Students who go home for summers will appreciate that laser toner does not dry out like ink cartridges.
If you need color printing for design work, art classes, or photo projects, this monochrome-only printer is not for you. Also, if your budget is strictly under $100, the upfront cost may be prohibitive despite the long-term savings. Dorm dwellers with extremely limited desk space might find the 25-pound weight challenging to move.
Print Speed: 10 ppm black, 5 ppm color
Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
Page Yield: 4,500 black / 7,500 color
Refillable ink tank system
Weight: 8.8 Pounds
Wi-Fi and USB connectivity
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 solved my biggest printer frustration: constantly buying expensive ink cartridges. When I unboxed this printer, I was shocked to see it came with enough ink for two years of typical student printing. The refillable tank system is surprisingly clean and easy to use, with bottles that snap into place without spills.
Photo quality genuinely impressed me. I printed several 8×10 photos for a photography class project, and the colors were vibrant and accurate. The 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution produces professional-looking output that rivals photo lab prints. For students in visual arts or design programs, this capability is invaluable.
The compact 8.8-pound design fits comfortably on a dorm desk without dominating the space. Wireless printing from my iPhone via AirPrint worked flawlessly for quick document prints between classes. I also appreciated the EcoTank’s environmental angle, producing zero cartridge waste during my testing period.
Print speed is modest at 10 pages per minute for black and white, so this is not for high-volume printing marathons. The lack of automatic duplex printing means manually flipping pages for double-sided documents, which can be annoying for long reports. However, for the typical student printing 20-50 pages weekly, these tradeoffs are worth the massive ink savings.
This printer is perfect for students who print photos, artwork, or color documents regularly. If you hate buying expensive ink cartridges every month, the EcoTank’s refillable system eliminates that pain point entirely. Students in photography, graphic design, or any visual medium will love the photo quality. Those printing at least once weekly will keep the ink flowing properly.
Students who primarily print text documents and need fast output should consider a laser printer instead. If you print mostly double-sided documents, the lack of automatic duplex will frustrate you over time. Those who print very infrequently (less than monthly) may encounter clogging issues common to all inkjets.
Print Speed: 14 ppm black, 9 ppm color
Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi
1.42 inch OLED display
Automatic duplex printing
Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz
Weight: 15.7 Pounds
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 strikes an excellent balance between features, size, and ease of use for dorm life. At 15.7 pounds and with a compact footprint, it fits on the small desk my university provided without crowding my laptop and books. The 1.42-inch OLED display makes navigating settings surprisingly pleasant for a budget printer.
What stood out during my testing was the reliable dual-band Wi-Fi. While my roommate struggled with their single-band printer disconnecting during peak dorm network hours, the TS6520 maintained a stable connection on the 5GHz band. Automatic duplex printing became essential for longer essays, cutting my paper usage nearly in half.
Print quality exceeded my expectations for this price range. Text documents look crisp and professional, while photos on glossy paper produce vibrant results suitable for presentations or personal prints. The Canon PRINT app enables scanning directly to my phone, which I used constantly for digitizing handwritten notes.
The two-cartridge system is straightforward, though ink costs add up over time compared to tank systems. Setup took about 15 minutes through the Canon app, which walks you through Wi-Fi configuration step by step. For students wanting a reliable all-in-one without spending too much, this hits the sweet spot.
This printer suits students who need an all-in-one solution for printing, scanning, and occasional copying in a compact form factor. If your dorm desk space is limited but you still want automatic duplex and decent photo capability, the TS6520 delivers. Students who value easy wireless setup and stable connections will appreciate the dual-band Wi-Fi.
Heavy printers who output hundreds of pages monthly will find the ink costs prohibitive compared to laser or tank options. If you need fast printing for last-minute assignments, the 14 ppm speed might feel sluggish. Students wanting ADF for batch scanning should look at other options.
Print Speed: 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color
Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
225-sheet input tray capacity
Auto document feeder included
Dual-band Wi-Fi with auto resolution
Weight: 17.6 Pounds
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e is built for students who treat their dorm room like a professional office. The massive 225-sheet paper tray means you can load a full ream and forget about it for weeks. I printed a 150-page thesis draft without reloading once, which felt luxurious compared to smaller printers.
The 20 pages per minute black printing speed is noticeably faster than budget alternatives. When my study group needed 50 copies of a shared study guide, this printer handled it while others were still warming up. The HP AI feature for web page printing actually works, removing ads and reformatting cluttered pages into clean documents.
Color documents emerge looking professional with sharp text and accurate colors. I used this for presentation handouts that needed to impress professors, and the quality never disappointed. The auto document feeder handles multi-page scans efficiently, though it only scans one side at a time.
Be warned about HP’s ecosystem. During setup, the printer aggressively pushes HP+ subscription enrollment, which locks you into HP ink with ongoing costs. I skipped this and use standard cartridges, but the constant prompts are annoying. The 17.6-pound weight and larger footprint require dedicated desk space.
This printer is ideal for graduate students, thesis writers, or anyone with serious printing volumes. If you regularly print 100+ pages weekly, the large tray and fast speeds justify the investment. Students who need professional-quality color documents for presentations or portfolios will appreciate the output quality. Those with dedicated desk space and a larger budget should consider this option.
Budget-conscious students will struggle with the ongoing ink costs and premium upfront investment. If you print infrequently, the large capacity goes to waste. Students opposed to subscription models may find HP’s constant HP+ prompts frustrating. Those with minimal desk space should look at more compact options.
Print Speed: 10 ppm black, 5 ppm color
Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
2 years of ink included (6,000 pages)
100-sheet paper capacity
Mess-free ink refill system
Weight: 11.1 Pounds
HP’s answer to the EcoTank system, the Smart Tank 5000, brings cartridge-free printing to the HP ecosystem. The two years of included ink genuinely covers 6,000 pages, which for most students means not buying ink until graduation approaches. The mess-free refill bottles snap securely into place, eliminating the spill fears I had about tank systems.
Print quality matches HP’s usual standards with crisp text and solid color output. I tested this alongside the Epson EcoTank and found photo quality slightly better on the Epson, but document printing nearly identical. The HP AI features optimize web page printing, stripping ads and formatting academic articles cleanly.
The 11.1-pound weight and compact dimensions work well for dorm rooms. Wireless setup through the HP Smart app connects seamlessly to campus networks, though some users report needing to reconfigure after network password changes. The 100-sheet capacity is modest but adequate for typical student use.
The lack of automatic duplex printing is disappointing at this price point. Manually flipping pages for double-sided printing becomes tedious for long documents. Some Amazon reviewers mention print head issues developing after several months, though my three-month test period showed no problems.
This printer suits students already in the HP ecosystem who want cartridge-free convenience. If you print regularly and want predictable costs without subscription lock-in, the included ink and refillable system works well. Students prioritizing document quality over photo printing will be satisfied. Those sharing with roommates should consider the multi-user app requirements.
Students needing automatic duplex printing should look elsewhere. If you print mostly photos, the Epson EcoTank offers better quality. Those concerned about long-term reliability reports might prefer the Brother laser or Epson alternatives. Heavy printers will find the 100-sheet capacity limiting.
Print Speed: 16 ppm black, 9 ppm color
Print Resolution: 1200 x 6000 dpi
20-sheet single-sided ADF
150-sheet paper tray
1.8 inch color display
Weight: 16.8 Pounds
The Brother MFC-J1360DW stands out for students who live in the cloud. From the 1.8-inch color display, you can print directly from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive without touching a computer. I found this invaluable when accessing shared study documents stored in the cloud.
The Brother Mobile Connect app provides something genuinely useful: Page Gauge. This feature estimates how many pages you can print with remaining ink, eliminating the surprise of running out mid-assignment. During finals week, knowing exactly when to buy more ink prevented several potential crises.
Print quality is sharp and professional, with the 1200 x 6000 dpi resolution producing crisp text and decent photos. Automatic duplex printing works reliably, and the 20-sheet ADF handles multi-page scanning adequately for student needs. The printer accepts third-party ink cartridges, which helps control costs.
Setup required about 25 minutes, longer than some competitors. The ink cartridges that come in the box run out quickly, so factor in immediate replacement costs. Without an Ethernet port, this printer relies entirely on Wi-Fi, which could be problematic in dorms with restrictive network policies.
This printer is perfect for students who store documents in cloud services and want direct printing access. If you appreciate knowing exactly how many pages remain before ink runs out, the Page Gauge feature is genuinely useful. Students wanting automatic duplex without paying premium prices will find value here. Those comfortable using third-party ink to save money should consider this option.
Students needing Ethernet connectivity for wired dorm networks should look elsewhere. If you want hassle-free setup out of the box, the longer configuration process may frustrate you. Heavy scanners will find the 20-sheet ADF limiting for large projects. Those wanting fast setup and immediate high-capacity printing should consider other options.
Print Speed: 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color
Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi
2.4 inch color touchscreen
Automatic duplex printing
Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Weight: 11.3 Pounds
The HP Envy 6155e brings artificial intelligence to printing in ways that actually help students. The HP AI analyzes web pages before printing, removing ads, reformatting text for readability, and optimizing layouts. I tested this on academic journal websites and Wikipedia pages, and the results were noticeably cleaner than raw prints.
The 2.4-inch color touchscreen makes navigating settings intuitive. I never once had to dig through manual menus to find duplex settings or paper types. The P3 color technology produces prints that match what you see on screen, which matters when printing design projects or presentations with specific color requirements.
At 11.3 pounds and with a compact footprint, this printer fits dorm life well. The 60% recycled plastic construction appeals to environmentally conscious students. Automatic duplex printing saves paper costs, and the 100-sheet tray handles typical weekly printing without constant refilling.
HP’s ecosystem restrictions are the main drawback. The printer aggressively pushes Instant Ink enrollment during setup, and firmware updates have been known to block third-party cartridges. Some Amazon reviewers report customer service difficulties when issues arise. You need an internet connection for full functionality, which could be problematic on restrictive campus networks.
This printer suits tech-forward students who appreciate AI-assisted features and touchscreen interfaces. If you print web content regularly and want clean, formatted output automatically, the HP AI delivers genuine value. Students valuing sustainability will appreciate the recycled materials. Those wanting modern features in a compact package should consider this option.
Students opposed to subscription models or vendor lock-in should avoid HP printers entirely. If you rely on third-party ink to save money, the cartridge blocking firmware will frustrate you. Those without reliable internet access will lose functionality. Students wanting completely hassle-free ownership without ecosystem pressures should look at Brother or Epson alternatives.
Print Speed: 8.8 ppm black, 4.4 ppm color
Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
100-sheet paper capacity
Auto 2-sided printing
Auto document feeder included
Weight: 12.7 Pounds
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers remarkable value as a four-function printer including fax capability. While most students rarely need fax, those in legal studies, real estate programs, or international programs occasionally encounter requirements for faxed documents. Having this capability built-in eliminates last-minute trips to copy shops.
Setup through the Canon PRINT app takes about 15 minutes, walking you through Wi-Fi configuration clearly. The 100-sheet paper capacity handles typical student printing, and automatic duplex printing saves on paper costs. Print quality is solid for documents and acceptable for casual photos.
The included auto document feeder, while single-sided only, handles multi-page scanning better than flatbed-only alternatives. I found this useful for digitizing course packs and shared notes. The compact 12.7-pound design fits easily on dorm desks without dominating your workspace.
Ink costs represent the hidden expense here. The small starter cartridges run out quickly, and replacement Canon cartridges are pricey relative to the printer’s low cost. Some Amazon reviewers mention Wi-Fi connectivity issues, though my testing on a standard home network showed stable performance. The small display can be hard to read in dim dorm lighting.
This printer suits budget-conscious students who need basic all-in-one functionality including occasional fax capability. If your program requires faxed document submission, this eliminates a potential headache. Students wanting automatic duplex and ADF features at the lowest possible price will find value here. Those printing light volumes who prioritize upfront savings over long-term costs should consider this option.
Students printing regularly will find ink costs prohibitive compared to tank or laser alternatives. If you need reliable Wi-Fi on complex campus networks, some connectivity reports suggest potential issues. Those wanting high-quality photo printing should look at the TS6520 or EcoTank options. Heavy scanners will find the single-sided ADF limiting for large projects.
Print Speed: 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi
60-sheet input capacity
Manual duplex with driver support
Icon LCD control panel
Weight: 7.5 Pounds
The HP DeskJet 2827e represents the most accessible entry point into wireless printing for students. At an entry-level price point, it delivers basic print, scan, and copy functionality without overwhelming features you might not need. The 7.5-pound weight makes it easy to move into dorms and back home during breaks.
Setup through the HP Smart app takes approximately 15-20 minutes, guiding you through Wi-Fi configuration step by step. The icon LCD display keeps things simple without overwhelming menus. Print quality meets basic student needs, producing readable documents and acceptable photos for casual use.
Smartphone printing works well via the HP Smart app, letting you print directly from photos or documents stored on your phone. This became my go-to method for quick prints without opening my laptop. The compact 6-inch height fits under lofted dorm beds or on narrow desk shelves.
The aggressive HP+ promotion during setup is genuinely annoying, with multiple screens pushing subscription enrollment. The starter ink cartridges contain minimal ink, so plan for immediate replacement purchases. Limited 2.4GHz Wi-Fi support means no access to faster 5GHz networks on dual-band routers. Print speed of 7.5 ppm is slow for urgent last-minute printing needs.
This printer is ideal for freshmen or students with minimal printing needs who want the lowest upfront investment. If you print fewer than 20 pages weekly and mostly need text documents, this handles basics adequately. Students prioritizing portability and compact size will appreciate the lightweight design. Those comfortable navigating HP’s ecosystem to get budget pricing should consider this option.
Students with moderate to heavy printing needs will outgrow this printer quickly. If you need automatic duplex printing, this requires manual page flipping. Those wanting fast printing for last-minute assignments will find the 7.5 ppm speed frustrating. Students opposed to vendor lock-in should avoid HP’s cartridge restrictions. Anyone needing reliable 5GHz Wi-Fi should look elsewhere.
Print Speed: 7.7 ppm black, 4 ppm color
Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi
1.5 inch segment LCD
Single-sided printing only
Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz
Weight: 8.7 Pounds
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 proves that basic wireless printing does not require a significant investment. At under $60, this all-in-one delivers print, scan, and copy functionality that gets students through their academic needs without breaking the bank. The 8.7-pound weight makes it the most portable option on our list.
Setup through the Canon PRINT app takes about 10 minutes with clear instructions. The dual-band Wi-Fi surprised me at this price point, providing stable connections on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. I tested this in a busy dorm environment and maintained consistent connectivity where single-band printers struggled.
The two-cartridge system keeps things simple, and the 1.5-inch LCD display provides basic status information. Chromebook compatibility is officially supported, which matters for students using school-issued devices. Borderless photo printing up to 5×7 inches handles personal photos and small projects adequately.
The lack of automatic duplex printing means manually flipping every page for double-sided documents, which becomes tedious for research papers. Print speed of 7.7 ppm black is slow, and color printing at 4 ppm requires patience. The starter ink cartridges run out quickly, and replacement cartridges can cost nearly as much as the printer itself.
This printer suits students on the tightest budgets who need basic printing without premium features. If you print infrequently and mostly single-sided documents, the low upfront cost makes sense. Students with Chromebooks or mixed device environments will appreciate the broad compatibility. Those prioritizing portability and minimal desk footprint should consider this option.
Students printing regularly will find the ink costs unsustainable compared to tank or laser alternatives. If you need automatic duplex for long documents, manually flipping pages will frustrate you. Those wanting fast printing for urgent assignments should invest more upfront. Students printing high-quality photos regularly will be disappointed by the output quality. Anyone with moderate printing needs should consider the EcoTank or stepping up to the TS6520.
Choosing the right printer involves more than just comparing prices. Based on our testing and feedback from actual students, here are the factors that matter most for back-to-school purchases.
The printer price is just the beginning. Our analysis shows that over four years of college, ink costs can exceed the printer purchase price by 3-5x for cartridge-based models. Tank systems like the Epson EcoTank and HP Smart Tank offer the lowest cost per page, often under a penny per sheet. Laser printers like the Brother DCP-L2640DW also provide excellent value for text-heavy printing.
Traditional cartridge printers work for light printing, but budget for $40-60 replacement cartridges every few months. Check page yield ratings before buying. A cartridge rated for 200 pages sounds adequate until you realize that is only four 50-page readings for a research-heavy course.
Space matters in dorm rooms. Measure your desk before ordering. Printers like the Canon TS3720 (8.7 pounds) and Epson EcoTank (8.8 pounds) fit tight spaces, while the Brother DCP-L2640DW (25 pounds) requires dedicated territory.
Noise is another dorm factor. Laser printers operate louder than inkjets, which can disturb roommates during late-night printing sessions. Some residence halls also restrict Wi-Fi printer connections for security reasons. Check your school’s IT policies before buying, or consider USB connectivity as backup.
Not all wireless printers connect equally well to campus networks. Our testing found dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) significantly more reliable on congested dorm networks than single-band alternatives. The Brother DCP-L2640DW and Canon TS6520 maintained stable connections where budget printers dropped repeatedly.
Mobile printing apps vary in quality. Brother’s Mobile Connect and Canon’s PRINT app impressed us with intuitive interfaces. HP’s Smart app offers the most features but pushes subscriptions aggressively. Epson’s Smart Panel works well but occasionally lags.
Inkjet printers dominate the student market for good reasons. They handle color documents and photos, cost less upfront, and come in compact sizes perfect for dorms. However, they require regular use to prevent clogging. If you go a month without printing, expect cleaning cycles and potential issues.
Laser printers excel for text-heavy students in law, journalism, or research programs. Toner does not dry out, print speeds are faster, and cost per page is lower. The tradeoff is higher upfront cost, monochrome-only options at student price points, and larger physical size. For students printing mostly text weekly, laser is worth considering despite the investment.
Automatic duplex printing saves money on paper and is worth prioritizing if you print multi-page documents regularly. ADF (automatic document feeder) matters for students scanning course packs or research materials. Touchscreen interfaces make setup easier but add cost.
Fax capability is rarely needed but occasionally required for specific programs or internships. Cloud printing directly from Google Drive or Dropbox helps students who store everything online. Consider which features match your actual coursework before paying for extras you will not use.
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 stands out as the easiest wireless printer for students. Its Canon PRINT app guides you through setup in about 10 minutes, and the dual-band Wi-Fi maintains stable connections on dorm networks. The intuitive 1.42-inch OLED display makes checking ink levels and changing settings straightforward without digging through manual menus. For students wanting hassle-free operation without sacrificing features like automatic duplex printing, the TS6520 hits the sweet spot.
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the best printer for intensive school work. Its 36 pages per minute speed handles last-minute printing needs, while laser technology ensures reliable output even after sitting unused during breaks. The 50-page automatic document feeder helps with scanning research materials, and the low cost per page saves money over four years of college. For students in text-heavy programs, this monochrome laser printer outperforms inkjet alternatives.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically they differ. A WiFi printer connects specifically to your wireless internet network, allowing printing from any device on that network. A wireless printer is broader, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or infrared connections that do not necessarily require a Wi-Fi network. For dorm use, WiFi printers are generally preferred since they work with campus networks, while Wi-Fi Direct allows printing even when networks are restrictive.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the best all-around printer for most college students. It includes two years of ink in the box, potentially covering your entire college career without buying cartridges. The refillable tank system costs up to 90% less per page than cartridges, and photo quality handles project needs. At 8.8 pounds, it fits dorm rooms comfortably. While it lacks automatic duplex printing, the ink savings and reliability make it the top recommendation for student budgets.
After three months of testing and thousands of printed pages, our recommendations come down to your specific needs and budget. The best wireless printers for back to school vary depending on what you prioritize.
For reliability and long-term value, the Brother DCP-L2640DW leads with its fast laser printing and low operating costs. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 wins for students wanting cartridge-free convenience and photo quality. Budget shoppers should grab the Canon PIXMA TS3720 for basic needs or step up to the TS6520 for better features.
Avoid the common mistake of buying the cheapest printer without considering ink costs. That $50 printer becomes expensive when cartridges cost $40 every two months. Invest upfront in tank systems or laser printers if you print regularly. Your wallet will thank you by sophomore year.
Order soon to ensure your printer arrives before classes start. Setup takes time, and you do not want to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connections the night before your first big paper is due. With the right printer from this list, you will spend less time fighting technology and more time focusing on what matters: your education.