Pricey Printers Often Pay Off in the Long Run: Stiftung Warentest's Top Picks
This printer demonstrates satisfactory product performance.
Getting a new printer can be a daunting task with numerous options available on the market. From budget-friendly devices to high-end models, the choice depends on your specific needs and usage. Stiftung Warentest is here to guide you.
Whether you're a text-heavy printer or a photo enthusiast, the frequency of use plays a significant role in determining the ideal device. If you seldom print, going for a cheaper printer with high printing costs might be a smart choice. In contrast, an expensive device with low printing costs can quickly pay off if your output is considerable.
Expensive Features, Pocket-friendly Costs
Most of the devices offered are multifunction printers that can also scan and copy. While a dedicated print specialist may seem cheaper, the price difference to the versatile, price-performance winners isn't substantial.
Stiftung Warentest's extensive test list, featuring 213 currently available printers, can help you make an informed decision. The most recent tests have earning good overall ratings for 28 devices, with the cheapest costing around 190 euros and the priciest at about 560 euros.
Winning Inkjet Printers
The best multifunctional inkjet printer according to Stiftung Warentest is the Canon Maxify GX6550 with a quality rating of 1.9. It performs well when it comes to printing, scanning, and copying and has good environmental properties, making it power-efficient. While an average online price of 525 euros is usually quoted, the device can often be found for less than 450 euros. Regular use can make its low printing costs a considerable long-term benefit.
The Epson Ecotank ET-4850, another test winner with the same overall rating, is a more affordable and user-friendly option at around 380 euros. It boasts impressive photo printing capabilities and is the best photo printer in the test field.
If you require satisfactory copying ability but a lower budget, the Epson Ecotank ET-2860, available for prices starting from around 180 euros, is an equally thrifty alternative. Other printers with the same overall rating include the Ecotank ET-2864 and 2865, with prices varying based on the seller.
Profitable Print Specialists
The Canon MAXIFY GX5550, the best print specialist among inkjet printers, has a quality rating of 1.9. It prints well, consumes little power, and has minimal ink costs. With a starting price of around 370 euros, its main advantage over multifunction devices is its smaller footprint.
If you print occasionally, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b for around 120 euros is an intriguing option, despite less-than-stellar environmental properties and toner costs.
Colorful, Cost-effective Laser Printers
The Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw is the best color multifunction laser printer, with a just-achieved good quality rating of 2.5. It prints and copies well, though its copying properties and toner costs are only satisfactory. despite this, it is rarely available for under 400 euros.
For color laser printing without breaking the bank, consider the Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw, which boasts an overall score of 2.3, satisfactory toner costs, and environmental properties. Prices often fall well below 300 euros for this device.
Black and White Savings
Black and white laser printers are typically more affordable. The Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II with a quality rating of 2.2 is the test winner among multifunctional black-and-white devices. It not only prints, copies, and scans efficiently but is also economical. Its price is around 330 euros.
The best black and white print specialist, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, is available for just under 230 euros. It achieved an overall score of 2.0 while performing admirably in all individual disciplines.
For infrequent printing, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw, although rated only as satisfactory for environmental properties and toner costs, proves worth considering due to its low price of around 175 euros and impressive print results.
[1] Stiftung Warentest[2] Home Office[3] Tech Tests
Enrichment DataStiftung Warentest's 2025 list of top-rated inkjet printers and their prices may not be directly available. However, for the latest information, it's best to check their official website or the latest issue of their magazine. Some top-pick inkjet printers based on recent independent tests include the Canon Maxify GX7050, Epson EcoTank ET-8500, EcoTank ET-8550, HP Smart Tank 7305, Canon Pixma TS9550a, and HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e. These models excel in print quality, cost efficiency, and convenience, making them popular choices among consumers.
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- Stiftung Warentest's top picks for printers often come with expensive features, but their low printing costs in the long run make them pocket-friendly options for home-and-garden lifestyles.
- Although some people may prefer dedicated print specialists due to their lower initial costs, the price difference compared to versatile multi-function printers might not be as substantial as expected.
- Equally affordable options for home-and-garden technology shopping include the Canon MAXIFY GX5550, an effective print specialist, and the Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II, the best multifunctional black-and-white device, both priced at around 330 euros and 175 euros, respectively.
- For budget-conscious consumers, shopping for technology like printers can result in excellent finds beyond smart choices, like the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw, a black-and-white printer available for just under 175 euros.
