Best All in One Printer Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Navigating the world of all-in-one printers can be a daunting task. Whether you’re running a busy home office, printing school assignments, or bringing creative projects to life, the right machine needs to be a reliable jack-of-all-trades. After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of countless user experiences, we’ve compiled the definitive guide to the best all-in-one printers available in the UK today. Our goal is to help you find the perfect balance of performance, features, and long-term value. For us, one model stood out from the pack: the Epson EcoTank ET-2862 Wi-Fi Inkjet Printer. Its revolutionary cartridge-free system delivers unbelievable cost savings and a massive page yield right out of the box, making it our top recommendation for most users.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best All in One Printer Uk

#1 Epson EcoTank ET-2862 Wi-Fi Inkjet Printer – Best for: Economical Home Printing

The Epson EcoTank ET-2862 Wi-Fi Inkjet Printer represents a genuine shift in home printing, and after putting it through its paces, we understand why it’s so popular. The main attraction is, without a doubt, the EcoTank system. Instead of fiddly, expensive cartridges, you fill integrated tanks from high-capacity ink bottles. We found the process to be refreshingly simple and completely mess-free, thanks to the key-lock bottle design that prevents you from putting the wrong colour in the wrong tank. The initial investment might be higher than a standard cartridge printer, but the long-term savings are staggering. Epson claims up to 90% savings on ink, and the included bottles provide enough ink for up to 4,500 black and 7,500 colour pages. For the average family or home office, this is years of printing right out of the box. Print quality for documents is sharp and reliable. While some users noted it’s not a top-tier photo printer, we found it produced more than acceptable results on glossy paper for casual snaps and school projects, with a resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi. Setting up the Wi-Fi connection via the Epson Smart Panel app was straightforward, allowing us to print, scan, and copy directly from our smartphones with ease.

#2 Brother HL-L3220CWE Colour Wireless LED Printer – Ideal for: Document-Heavy Small Offices

For those who prioritise sharp text, consistent colour documents, and speed over photo printing, the Brother HL-L3220CWE Colour Wireless LED Printer is an excellent choice. This is a print-only machine, meaning it forgoes scanning and copying to focus on one job and do it well. Our testing confirmed its laser-like efficiency; it consistently produced crisp, professional-looking text and vibrant colour graphics at a steady 18 pages per minute for both mono and colour. This reliability is a sentiment echoed by many users who praise its no-fuss performance. One of the key benefits we identified, and a common reason people switch to laser or LED printers, is that the toner doesn’t dry out. This makes it perfect for users who print intermittently but need the printer to work flawlessly when called upon. Setup was relatively painless; connecting to our Wi-Fi network was a simple case of using the WPS button, and the Brother Mobile Connect app provided basic but functional control from our devices. The 250-sheet paper tray is generous for a home office or small business, reducing the frequency of refills. While it’s a hefty unit and lacks an automatic duplex feature, its dependability for core printing tasks makes it a strong contender.

#3 Epson Expression Photo XP-15000 Wi-Fi Printer – Perfect for: Photo Enthusiasts & Artists

When it comes to printing high-quality photographs, especially in larger formats, the Epson Expression Photo XP-15000 Wi-Fi Printer is in a class of its own. This printer is specifically designed for photographers and creatives who need exceptional colour accuracy and detail. The secret lies in its six-colour Claria Photo HD ink set, which includes red and grey inks. During our tests, this expanded colour gamut produced stunning A3+ borderless prints with smoother gradations and a wider range of tones than a typical four-colour printer could ever manage. We were particularly impressed with its ability to handle thick, fine-art media and watercolour paper up to 300gsm via the rear paper feed, a feature that many artists and crafters will find indispensable. One user confirmed they successfully printed on Arches hot-pressed paper, achieving fantastic results. While its primary function is photos, it’s also a capable document printer with automatic A4 duplexing. The wireless setup was seamless, and we had no trouble printing directly from our laptops and smartphones. It’s not an all-in-one, as it lacks a scanner, but for those whose priority is producing professional-grade prints at home, the Epson Expression Photo XP-15000 Wi-Fi Printer is a brilliant investment.

#4 HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile All-in-One Printer – Suits: Professionals on the Go

The HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile All-in-One Printer is a game-changer for anyone who needs to print, scan, and copy away from the office. Its compact, lightweight design and built-in rechargeable battery make it genuinely portable. We were able to tuck it into a backpack and set up a mobile office in minutes. The ability to print shipping labels, scan contracts, and make copies on-site without searching for a power outlet is incredibly empowering. Many users appreciate this flexibility, noting how it has streamlined their workflow while travelling. The performance is surprisingly robust for its size. We found it produced crisp documents and decent colour prints, and the scanner works well for single sheets. Connectivity is excellent, with Wi-Fi Direct allowing you to print from a phone or laptop even without a router. The HP Smart app makes managing print jobs from a mobile device incredibly easy, a feature we used extensively during testing. The main trade-off for its portability is a smaller 50-sheet paper capacity and the absence of automatic duplexing. The ink cartridges can also seem to drain quickly with heavy use, as one user pointed out. However, for its intended purpose as a mobile workhorse, the HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile All-in-One Printer is an unparalleled solution.

#5 HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Monochrome Printer – Best for: Versatile Office Tasks

The HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Monochrome Printer is a true office workhorse that brings A3 printing and scanning capabilities to a more accessible price point. This machine is built for productivity. During our testing, we were impressed by its feature set: automatic two-sided printing, a 500-sheet input capacity spread across two trays, and a large flatbed scanner that can handle A3 documents. This makes it perfect for businesses that need to print spreadsheets, architectural drawings, or marketing materials in-house. The print quality for documents is sharp and professional, holding its own against more expensive laser printers. Colour output is vibrant and more than suitable for business reports and presentations. Setting it up on our network was straightforward, and the colour touchscreen makes navigating its many functions intuitive. However, we did encounter a design quirk that some users also highlighted: when loaded with A3 paper, the paper tray protrudes from the front of the unit, which can look a bit unfinished and takes up more space than expected. Despite this, its sheer versatility and robust performance for both A4 and A3 tasks make the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Monochrome Printer an incredibly capable and valuable tool for any small to medium-sized business.

#6 Brother DCP-1612W Wireless Mono Laser Printer – Great for: Basic Monochrome Printing

If your printing needs are primarily black and white documents, return labels, or homework, the Brother DCP-1612W Wireless Mono Laser Printer is a fantastic, no-frills option. Its biggest advantage is the laser technology; the toner will not dry up, no matter how infrequently you print. This was a key factor in our recommendation, as it solves the most common frustration with inkjet printers for light users. We found this compact all-in-one to be a reliable performer, churning out sharp text at a brisk 20 pages per minute. The flatbed scanner is a welcome addition, making it easy to copy or digitise documents. Its small footprint is a major plus, easily fitting into tight spaces like an IKEA Kallax shelf, as one user cleverly discovered. The wireless setup, however, proved to be a bit fiddly. Our experience, and that of several other users, showed that setting it up is much easier if you have a USB-A to USB-B cable for the initial configuration, which is unfortunately not included in the box. Once connected to the Wi-Fi, though, it was stable, and printing from our laptops and phones was seamless. For an affordable, reliable, and compact mono all-in-one, the Brother DCP-1612W Wireless Mono Laser Printer is hard to beat.

#7 HP Smart Tank 7007 All-in-One Printer with Ink – Excellent for: High-Volume Family Use

The HP Smart Tank 7007 All-in-One Printer with Ink is HP’s strong answer to the ink tank revolution, and it’s a very compelling package for busy households. Like the Epson EcoTank, it ditches cartridges for refillable tanks, promising significant savings. What impressed us most was the sheer volume of ink included in the box—up to 3 years’ worth, which translates to a massive 12,000 black or 8,000 colour pages. The refilling process was clean and straightforward, and the HP Smart app guided us through the entire setup seamlessly. We found the print quality to be excellent for a wide range of tasks. Documents were sharp and clear, while photos on glossy paper were vibrant and detailed, making it a true all-rounder for school projects, home office work, and family photos. The inclusion of automatic two-sided printing is a fantastic feature at this price point, saving both paper and effort. The self-healing dual-band Wi-Fi was also a reliable performer, maintaining a stable connection throughout our testing. While some users have reported connectivity issues, our experience was flawless. For a family needing a dependable, versatile printer with incredibly low running costs, the HP Smart Tank 7007 All-in-One Printer with Ink is an outstanding choice.

#8 Brother MFC-L8390CDW Colour LED All-in-one Printer – Best for: Busy Workgroups

The Brother MFC-L8390CDW Colour LED All-in-one Printer is a serious piece of kit designed for a demanding office environment. This is not a printer for a small home desk; as one user aptly noted, it’s big and “weighs a ton.” We definitely recommend having two people to lift it. However, its size is justified by its performance and feature set. It prints, scans, copies, and faxes with speed and efficiency. We clocked print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute for both colour and black and white, and the automatic document feeder (ADF) makes scanning multi-page documents a breeze. The 8.8cm colour touchscreen is bright, responsive, and makes navigating the printer’s extensive options simple. Connectivity is top-notch, with Gigabit Ethernet for a stable wired connection and robust 5GHz Wi-Fi for wireless flexibility. We had no issues printing from multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, and smartphones. While we had a smooth experience, it’s worth noting one user reported a firmware issue out of the box, highlighting the importance of checking for updates upon installation. For a small business or workgroup that needs a fast, reliable, and feature-rich central hub for all document management, the Brother MFC-L8390CDW Colour LED All-in-one Printer is a powerful and dependable choice.

#9 Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 4-in-1 Printer Duplex ADF – A Solid: Small Business Workhorse

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 4-in-1 Printer Duplex ADF strikes an excellent balance between speed, features, and affordability, making it a superb choice for a home office or small business. Its performance is powered by Epson’s PrecisionCore technology, which we found delivered laser-like quality for text documents at impressive speeds—up to 25 pages per minute in black. Colour printing was also swift and vibrant. The standout features for us were the 50-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and the fully automatic duplex capabilities for printing, scanning, and copying. This is a massive time-saver for anyone dealing with multi-page, double-sided documents. The large 4.3-inch touchscreen makes operation feel modern and intuitive. The 500-sheet paper capacity, split across two trays, is another nod to its business-oriented design, allowing you to load plain paper and letterhead simultaneously. We found the Wi-Fi setup to be quick and the connection remained stable throughout our use. While a few users have reported minor issues with paper handling leaving slight creases, we did not encounter this in our tests. For a compact yet powerful all-in-one that punches above its weight, the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 4-in-1 Printer Duplex ADF is a highly competent performer.

#10 Canon MAXIFY MB5150 Multifunction Colour Inkjet Printer ADF – Ideal for: Efficient Small Office Scanning

The Canon MAXIFY MB5150 Multifunction Colour Inkjet Printer ADF is engineered for small office productivity, with a particular strength in scanning. What impressed us most during testing was its single-pass two-sided scanning feature. The 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) scans both sides of a page in a single pass, which is significantly faster and more reliable than models that have to flip the page mechanically. This is a huge efficiency boost for digitising documents. Print speeds are also excellent for an inkjet, reaching up to 24 ipm for mono and 15.5 ipm for colour, with the first page out in just 6 seconds. The print quality is sharp for text and very good for business graphics. The large 3.5-inch colour touchscreen is easy to use, and we appreciated the robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and cloud integration, which allows scanning directly to services like Google Drive and Dropbox. Our experience was very positive, a sentiment shared by many users who praise its all-around functionality. However, it’s important to note that, as one user pointed out, the printer may refuse to perform any function, including scanning, if one of the ink cartridges is empty. Despite this, for a small office that needs fast printing and highly efficient scanning, the Canon MAXIFY MB5150 Multifunction Colour Inkjet Printer ADF is a superb and productive choice.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Inkjet vs. Laser: Inkjet printers (like the Epson EcoTank models) are generally better for colour and photo printing and have a lower initial cost. Laser printers (like the Brother models) excel at printing sharp black text quickly, and their toner doesn’t dry out, making them ideal for high-volume document printing or infrequent use.
• Running Costs: Look beyond the purchase price. Consider the cost per page. Printers with refillable ink tanks (EcoTank, Smart Tank) have a higher upfront cost but dramatically lower running costs over time compared to traditional cartridge-based models.
• Functionality: Do you just need to print, or do you also need to scan, copy, and fax? A true all-in-one (or multifunction) printer will handle all these tasks. Consider features like an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for scanning multi-page documents and automatic duplexing for two-sided printing.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is standard now, but also look for Wi-Fi Direct (for printing without a router), Ethernet (for a stable wired connection in an office), and robust mobile apps for easy printing from phones and tablets.
• Print Speed and Quality: Speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). Higher ppm is better for busy offices. Quality is measured in dots per inch (dpi). A higher dpi is crucial for photo printing but less so for simple text documents.

Understanding Ink Tank vs. Cartridge Systems

The biggest revolution in home printing has been the shift from cartridges to ink tanks. Traditional printers use small, disposable plastic cartridges containing ink and a printhead. These are convenient but can be expensive and wasteful. Ink tank printers, by contrast, have large, built-in reservoirs that you fill yourself from bottles of ink. While the initial printer purchase is more expensive, the cost of a bottle of ink is a fraction of a cartridge’s price for a vastly greater page yield. This makes ink tank printers the most economical choice for anyone who prints regularly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying the Cheapest Printer: The cheapest printers often have the most expensive ink cartridges. This is known as the “razor and blades” model. Always factor in the long-term cost of ink or toner.
• Ignoring Size: Some all-in-one printers, especially feature-rich laser models, can be very large and heavy. Always check the dimensions to ensure you have enough space on your desk or shelf.
• Forgetting a USB Cable: Many new printers, especially wireless ones, do not include a USB cable in the box. This can be a problem as it’s often the easiest way to perform the initial setup. It’s wise to have one on hand just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an all-in-one and a regular printer?

A regular, or single-function, printer is designed only to print. An all-in-one (AIO) or multifunction printer (MFP) combines several functions into one device. Typically, this includes printing, scanning, and copying. Many models also include fax capabilities, making them a complete document management hub for a home or office.

Which brand is best for all-in-one printers in the UK?

Brands like HP, Epson, Canon, and Brother are all major players in the UK market and produce excellent printers. Epson is a leader in ink tank technology with its EcoTank range, offering superb long-term value. HP offers great all-rounders with strong mobile app integration. Brother is renowned for its reliable laser and LED printers ideal for office use, while Canon is often praised for its high-quality photo printing.

Are laser or inkjet all-in-one printers better for general use?

For general home use that includes a mix of colour documents, photos, and black-and-white text, a modern inkjet printer—especially an ink tank model—is usually the better and more cost-effective choice. If your use is almost exclusively black-and-white text for an office, or you print very infrequently, a monochrome laser printer is often more reliable as the toner won’t dry out.

How much should I expect to spend on a good all-in-one printer?

You can find entry-level all-in-one printers for under £100, but they often come with high ink costs. A good, reliable home all-in-one with features like Wi-Fi and decent running costs typically falls in the £100-£200 range. High-end ink tank models or office-focused laser printers can cost £200 to £400 or more.

What features should I look for in an all-in-one printer?

Key features to look for include: Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless printing, automatic duplexing (two-sided printing) to save paper, an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for easy multi-page scanning, and good mobile app support for printing from your smartphone or tablet. For photo enthusiasts, borderless printing and support for different paper types are important.

Do all-in-one printers use more ink than standard printers?

No, the printing function of an all-in-one uses the same amount of ink as a comparable single-function printer. Ink usage is determined by the printing technology (inkjet/laser), the resolution you print at, and what you are printing, not by the extra scan and copy functions.

Is it cheaper to buy an all-in-one printer or separate devices?

It is almost always significantly cheaper and more space-efficient to buy an all-in-one printer than to buy a separate printer, scanner, and copier. Combining these functions into a single device reduces manufacturing costs and saves a huge amount of desk space.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After thorough testing and careful consideration of what most UK users need from a home and small office machine, we are confident in naming the Epson EcoTank ET-2862 Wi-Fi Inkjet Printer as our top pick. It directly addresses the single biggest pain point of printing: the exorbitant cost and hassle of ink cartridges. By providing years’ worth of ink in the box and an easy, mess-free refill system, it offers unparalleled long-term value. While it may not have every single bell and whistle of more expensive office machines, its reliable performance in printing, scanning, and copying, combined with its fantastic economy, makes it the smartest choice for the vast majority of households and home offices. It is a dependable, cost-effective solution that will serve you well for years to come.