As much as we strive to become a paperless society, sometimes you really just need to print a hard copy, be it a boarding pass, concert tickets or a homework assignment. These four printers are some of the best we’ve found.
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Epson Expression Home XP-420
Product Review: http://www.cnet.com/products/epson-xp-420/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Supports a full suite of connectivity options including Wi-Fi and cloud printing services from Apple and Google, fast print speeds and excellent output quality.
The bad: Lacks Pictbridge-compatible USB port.
The cost: $135.00 to $149.99
The bottom line: Don’t be fooled by its small stature: the Epson Expression Home XP-420 all-in-one inkjet printer forges ahead of the competition with its compact footprint, cloud connectivity options and its ability to print high-quality snapshots directly from an Android phone or iPhone.
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Brother MFC-J470DW
Product Review: http://www.cnet.com/products/brother-mfc-j470dw/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Brother MFC-J470DW boasts fast print speeds, cloud connectivity, Apple AirPrint and Google Chrome Print compatibility, four separate ink tanks, and a supremely low cost of consumables.
The bad: The cheap rubber buttons and an overall plastic feel of the unit don’t transcend its bargain price tag.
The cost: $135.49 to $199.99
The bottom line: If you’re on a limited budget for a multifunction inkjet printer for the office, you’ll have a hard time finding a faster performer with ink refills as cheap as the Brother MFC-J470DW.
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Brother HL-L2360DW
Product Review: http://www.cnet.com/products/brother-hl-l2360dw/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Easy installation, small footprint, supports cloud printing through Google Cloudprint and Apple AirPrint, inexpensive.
The bad: Brother includes a “starter” grade toner cartridge that won’t take long to deplete.
The cost: $122.00
The bottom line: The HL-2360DW is a strong choice if you’re shopping for a text-only printer that can print from the cloud and won’t empty your wallet on toner refills.
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Canon Pixma MG5620
Product Review: http://www.cnet.com/products/canon-pixma-mg5620/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
The good: Excellent output quality, includes auto-duplexer for double-sided prints, easy to set-up and connect with a wireless network and mobile devices.
The bad: Expensive ink costs limit heavy photo printing and the unit lacks a media card bay. There are better deals in the same price range.
The cost: $84.94 to $99.99
The bottom line: While the Canon Pixma MG5620 is a capable machine with an easy set-up process and an attractive set of features, its high cost of consumables cuts into the overall value.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Associate Editor Justin Yu and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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