As a graphic designer or creative illustrator, investing in a good printer is crucial to helping you bring your visions and creativity to life. Admittedly, working in any creative field that deals with printing high-definition visuals needs the best printer that is capable of handling the tasks effortlessly. Indeed, there are several factors to consider when choosing the best printer for your graphics, such as the printer type, ink, size, the types of paper it accepts, maintenance, and durability.
Printer Types: Inkjet vs. Laser
First of all, inkjet printers are one of the most popular among designers due to their ability to produce vivid and stark images. Although Inkjet printers don’t handle heavy workloads, they use liquid ink, and offer better color saturation. On the other hand, Laser printers cost less, use powder ink, produce quality print at a low cost, and are faster than their closest competitors.
Top Choices for Best Printer for Graphic Design in 2024
- Best All-in-one: PIXMA G620 MEGATANK – check it out on Amazon.
- Best Under $400: Epson Ecotank ET-2720 – check it out on Amazon.
- Best Budget: HP Smart Tank – check it out on Amazon.
- HP Laserjet-Tank MFP (2604sdw) – check it out on Amazon.
- Best Reliable Laser: Brother HL L8360cdw – check it out on Amazon.
- Best Overall Laser: Canon ImageClass MF7443dw – check it out on Amazon.
6. Best All-in-one: PIXMA G620 MEGATANK
The most amazing thing about this printer is that it gives two qualities for higher volume printing and at the same time its 6-color dye-based ink cartridge ensures that the prints are crisp and of the highest quality. Interestingly, it’s lightweight and you can carry it without feeling the weight.
Reasons to Buy
- This compact, lightweight printer produces excellent prints of the highest quality.
- It’s a tool that is affordable even if you are on a budget.
- It provides 6-color dye-based ink for a wider gamut.
- There is also USB and WiFi.
5. Best Under 0: Epson Ecotank ET-2720
The Ecotank ET-2720 is a great printer that produces quality prints despite its price. If you need a cost-saving tool for your graphics work, this can be a great option. Verified users have said that it holds up to 2 years of ink.
Reasons to Buy
- it offers high-capacity CMYK ink tanks.
- There is wireless connectivity.
- 2-sided printing is available.
4. Best Budget: HP Smart Tank
This printer comes at a reasonable price just like the Ecotank ET-2720 and does decent crisp printing of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi. Not only that, it prints in various paper types perfectly for art prints and photos. If you are on a budget, you might want to try this because it will give you what you want.
Reasons to Buy
- In a world that’s fighting to combat climate change, this laptop is eco-friendly as its sources are recycled materials.
- It resolves connectivity issues without any intervention.
- It prints out 12 pages per minute.
3. HP Laserjet-Tank MFP (2604sdw)
This provides an impeccable combination of high-speed monochrome printing, perfect for budget designers. It’s particularly suitable for freelancers, students, and even home offices. It features voice-activated printing and up to 28 pages per minute. The 2.7” screen provides a great user experience. It produces crisp and sharp monochrome printing. It’s portable and has impressive speed and performance.
Reasons to Buy
- It boasts a reliable and impressive performance.
- It features voice-activated printing, which improves productivity.
Reasons to Avoid
- It produces monochrome prints only.
2. Best Reliable Laser: Brother HL L8360cdw
As a graphic designer, if you need a printer to rely on for quality and efficient performance, this is the right pick for you. It features advanced triple-layer security that ensures document restriction and access, boosting the safety of your documents. It also offers the best of the two worlds of excellent color and black print. It’s a high-speed printer with up to 33ppm and a 50-sheet multi-purpose tray.
Reasons to Buy
- It ensures flexibility in paper handling.
- The prints are of the highest quality.
- Triple layer that ensures your safety.
Reasons to Avoid
- These premium features come with a big price tag.
- Due to its size, it blocks spaces.
1. Best Overall Laser: Canon ImageClass MF7443dw
The Canon Image Class offers versatility and excellent-quality prints that can run or handle any kind of graphic design. It’s particularly important for big corporations that demand a high volume of printing, thanks to its efficient performance, crisp images, and detailed print. Integrated with color imaging technology, it ensures that you print out exactly what you see on its screen, which is a great feature for designers. For colored prints, it produces up to 600×600 dpi and 1200 x 1200 dpi for black and white. The printer also features other options such as WiFi, photocopying, and high-capacity toner cartridge functionality. It’s environmentally friendly just like the HP Smart Tank.
Reasons to Buy
Large paper capacity and automatic duplex printing.
Immersive, intuitive touchscreen.
Reasons to Avoid
The display screen limits printer functions optimally.
It’s slow to warm up because it’s heavy and big.
Considerations Beyond Print Quality
When choosing a printer for graphic design, it’s crucial to consider long-term durability, maintenance costs, and specific technical features. Look for warranties, ease of maintenance, compatibility with various operating systems, and customer support for technical issues.
In conclusion, while these recommendations serve as a useful starting point, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, assess individual needs, and consider factors beyond print quality before investing in a printer for graphic design purposes.
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