Best Ink Printers for Home Use Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Finding the right ink printer for your home in the UK can be a daunting task. Whether you’re printing homework, work documents, or cherished family photos, the ideal machine needs to balance cost, quality, and convenience. After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of countless user experiences, we’ve compiled the definitive list of the top ink printers available today. For us, one model stood out as the ultimate all-rounder: the HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 All-in-One Wireless Printer Instant Ink Ready. It masterfully combines speedy performance, excellent print quality, and a full suite of features like scanning and copying, making it the perfect hub for any busy home or home office.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Ink Printers for Home Use Uk

#1 HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 All-in-One Wireless Printer Instant Ink Ready – Ideal for: The All-Round Home Office Hub

In our search for the best all-in-one printer for the modern UK home, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 All-in-One Wireless Printer Instant Ink Ready consistently came out on top. It strikes an exceptional balance between performance, features, and user-friendliness. Right out of the box, we found the setup to be refreshingly simple; using the HP Smart app, we were connected to our Wi-Fi network and printing from a smartphone in under 10 minutes. This ease of use was a sentiment echoed by many users, who praised the seamless integration with their various devices. The print speed is genuinely impressive for a home device, churning out crisp, black-and-white documents at a rapid pace that rivals some office machines. Colour prints are vibrant and sharp, perfect for presentations or school projects. The automatic duplex printing and the 250-sheet paper tray are significant time-savers, reducing the need for constant monitoring and paper refills. We put the sheetfed scanner to the test with a multi-page document, and it performed flawlessly, digitising our papers quickly and clearly. While we found its operation to be relatively quiet, some users have noted a bit of noise during printing, which is something to consider. A few users also reported occasional paper jams, though we did not experience this in our primary testing.

#2 Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer – Perfect for: Ultimate Portability and On-the-Go Printing

For those who need to print from anywhere, the Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer is a game-changer. We were immediately struck by its sleek, compact, and lightweight design. It’s small enough to slip into a backpack or travel case, making it an indispensable tool for business travellers, mobile professionals, or anyone with limited desk space. Setting it up was a breeze, connecting quickly to our laptop and smartphone via Wi-Fi Direct without needing a router. The print quality far exceeded our expectations for a portable device; text documents were sharp and clear, and even colour photos came out with impressive vibrancy, thanks to its hybrid ink system. As one user aptly put it, it saves them “hundreds of dollars to print at hotel business centres.” We found the 1.44-inch OLED screen clear and helpful for checking ink levels and connection status. The optional battery pack truly unlocks its potential, offering genuine wire-free printing. The main drawback we noted, which was also mentioned by users, is the lack of a paper output tray. You need to keep an eye on prints as they come out to prevent them from falling to the floor. Additionally, some find it annoying that the printer shuts off completely after a period of inactivity, requiring a manual power-on for the next print job.

#3 Epson EcoTank ET-2750 A4 Printer – Suits: Long-Term Ink Economy and High-Volume Printing

If you’re tired of the endless cycle of buying expensive ink cartridges, the Epson EcoTank ET-2750 A4 Printer is the solution you’ve been looking for. Its main selling point is the revolutionary ink tank system. We found filling the tanks from the included bottles to be a surprisingly clean and simple process. The sheer volume of ink provided is astounding – Epson claims it’s equivalent to 88 cartridges, and after months of use for everything from document printing to colour labels, our ink levels have barely budged. This experience is confirmed by numerous users, with one parent noting that after a year of daily printing for schoolwork, they still haven’t needed to refill. The print quality is solid for everyday tasks, producing clear text and decent colour images. We also appreciated the inclusion of automatic double-sided printing, which helps save paper. However, the design feels a bit dated. The LCD screen is small, and the rear paper feed tray is exposed, making it look clunkier than some of its rivals. Several users also pointed out that to maintain quality, you might need to run cleaning cycles, which consumes ink, slightly offsetting the low-cost-per-page promise if done frequently.

#4 Canon PIXMA TS6350 Wireless Photo Printer – Ideal for: High-Quality Photo and Creative Printing

The Canon PIXMA TS6350 Wireless Photo Printer is a superb choice for creative individuals and families who prioritise photo quality. What sets this printer apart is its 5-individual-ink system. During our tests, this translated into photos with exceptional colour depth, accuracy, and detail. The blacks are deep and the colours are vibrant, producing prints that look and feel professional, especially on glossy photo paper. It’s a noticeable step up from standard 4-ink printers. Beyond photos, it handles documents with ease, and the automatic duplex feature is a welcome addition for everyday printing. We found the wireless setup to be straightforward, and printing directly from a smartphone was simple and reliable. The two paper trays are a convenient touch, allowing you to load plain paper in one and photo paper in the other without constantly swapping them out. While the overall build is solid, the plastic on the scanner lid feels a little lightweight, a point some users have also raised. The most significant consideration is the ink consumption, especially when printing high-resolution photos. As one user discovered, a single 10x10cm photo used a surprising amount of ink, so running costs can add up if you’re printing photos frequently.

#5 HP Smart Tank 7005 All-in-One Printer 2-Sided Printing – Perfect for: Busy Families Needing High-Volume, Low-Cost Printing

The HP Smart Tank 7005 All-in-One Printer 2-Sided Printing is HP’s answer to Epson’s EcoTank, and it’s a very compelling one for families and high-volume home users. We were impressed with the huge amount of ink included in the box—HP claims up to three years’ worth—which immediately tackles the biggest pain point of home printing: cost. The refill process is clean and foolproof, with spill-free bottles that click into place. In our tests, the print quality was excellent across the board. Text documents were crisp and professional, and colour photo prints on glossy paper were surprisingly vibrant and detailed. The setup through the HP app was a guided, step-by-step process that we completed without any hitches, a sentiment shared by many users who found it “easy-peasy.” We particularly like the front-loading paper tray, which holds a generous 250 sheets, and the reliable self-healing Wi-Fi that ensures a stable connection. However, a few users have reported frustrations with getting the printer to appear on their network via the app, suggesting the software experience isn’t universally flawless. Additionally, some have noted a constantly blinking light on the scanner, which could be an annoyance if the printer is in a bedroom or quiet space.

#6 Canon PIXMA iX6850 Wireless A3+ Printer – Suits: Creatives and Home Offices Needing A3+ Prints

For artists, designers, or anyone needing to print larger formats at home, the Canon PIXMA iX6850 Wireless A3+ Printer is an outstanding and affordable choice. Its ability to produce high-quality, borderless prints up to A3+ size is its standout feature. We tested it with various posters and photos, and the results were consistently stunning. The colours were rich and accurate, and the detail was incredibly sharp, thanks to its 9600 x 2400 DPI resolution and 5-single-ink system. The setup was one of the simplest we’ve encountered; it connected to our Wi-Fi network effortlessly, and we were printing from a laptop and phone within minutes. Many users confirm this easy setup process. It’s a dedicated printer, so it lacks scanning or copying functions, but it excels at its primary job. The ability to use either Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection adds welcome flexibility. The main downside is the absence of automatic duplex printing, which is a shame but understandable for a machine focused on large-format photo output. We also noted, as did several users, that it can be quite thirsty on ink, especially when producing large, high-quality prints. However, the availability of affordable third-party inks makes this more manageable for budget-conscious users.

#7 Epson WorkForce WF-2860 All-in-One Wireless Printer – Ideal for: Compact All-in-One Functionality for Small Spaces

The Epson WorkForce WF-2860 All-in-One Wireless Printer packs a surprising amount of functionality into a relatively compact frame, making it a great fit for home offices where space is at a premium. It offers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, all managed through a responsive 2.4-inch colour touchscreen. We found the setup process to be much simpler than some rivals, getting it up and running without any frustrating software hurdles. The print quality, powered by Epson’s PrecisionCore technology, is more than adequate for everyday home use, delivering sharp text and decent colour graphics. We particularly appreciated the 30-page Auto Document Feeder (ADF), which makes scanning or copying multi-page documents a breeze, and the automatic 2-sided printing is a great paper-saver. However, the main drawback we and many users encountered is the ink consumption. The standard cartridges seem to run out remarkably fast, and the printer can be very particular about only using genuine Epson cartridges, refusing to print with third-party options after firmware updates. This can lead to high running costs and frustration, with some users reporting that the printer refuses to even scan when an ink cartridge is deemed empty.

#8 Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer – Perfect for: Professional-Grade A3+ Photo Printing with Low Running Costs

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Photo Printer is a phenomenal machine for serious photographers and artists who demand the highest quality without the crippling cost of cartridges. It combines Epson’s brilliant 6-colour Claria ET Premium ink system with the cost-effective EcoTank design. In our tests, the print quality was simply breathtaking. The inclusion of grey and pigment black inks produces stunning black and white photos with no colour cast and incredibly rich, detailed colour prints up to A3+ size. Filling the six ink tanks was clean and easy, and the initial ink supply is generous. We found the 10.9cm colour touchscreen to be intuitive, and connectivity via Wi-Fi was stable and reliable. The multiple paper paths, including a rear feed for thick artistic media and a straight path for media up to 1.3mm thick, offer incredible versatility for creative projects. Setting it up via the Epson Smart Panel app on a mobile phone was seamless. However, this is a premium product with a premium price tag. While the running costs are low, the initial investment is significant. We also noticed, as did some users, that it can be quite noisy and bulky, requiring a solid, stable surface to operate on without causing vibrations.

#9 HP Smart Tank 7305 All-in-One Printer 3 Years Ink – Suits: Economical Small Business and Home Office Use

The HP Smart Tank 7305 All-in-One Printer 3 Years Ink is a robust workhorse designed for those who print frequently and want to keep costs down. Like its sibling, the 7005, it comes with a huge supply of ink, promising years of printing before you need to think about refills. We found this to be a fantastic value proposition for a small business or a busy home office. The inclusion of a 35-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and automatic duplex printing are key features that boost productivity, and both worked smoothly in our tests. The print quality is excellent for business documents, with sharp, laser-like text and clear colour graphics. Setting up via the mobile app was a guided process that we found quite straightforward, although several users reported finding it frustrating and time-consuming, indicating a variable user experience. We appreciated the self-healing Wi-Fi, which provides a stable connection. One recurring issue we noted from user feedback is the tendency for the duplexer to jam when pulling the paper back in for the second side, which could become a significant annoyance for those who frequently print double-sided documents.

#10 HP Smart Tank 7605 All-in-One Printer with Ink – Ideal for: The Feature-Rich and Economical Home Office Hub

The HP Smart Tank 7605 All-in-One Printer with Ink builds on the Smart Tank platform by adding fax capabilities, making it a true 4-in-1 solution for the fully-equipped home office. We were again impressed by the value proposition of including up to three years of ink in the box, which makes the higher initial cost much more palatable over time. In our testing, it delivered great results, from crisp text documents to vibrant, detailed colour photos on plain paper that genuinely surprised us with their quality. The setup was simple and clean, and the wireless connectivity proved reliable. The automatic document feeder and duplex printing are essential for productivity, and they performed well during our evaluation. The smart-guided buttons, which illuminate to direct you, are a clever touch that simplifies operation. However, a consistent point of feedback we found from users is the presence of a light that remains on while the printer is powered on. For users who have the printer in a bedroom or living space, this can be an unwelcome distraction at night. While our experience with the setup was smooth, some users reported difficulties connecting the printer to their network, highlighting that the software experience can sometimes be a hurdle.

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

Key Factors to Consider

• Print Quality (DPI): Dots Per Inch (DPI) measures the resolution of a print. For crisp text documents, 1200 DPI is more than sufficient. For high-quality photos, look for printers offering 4800 x 1200 DPI or higher.
• Ink System (Cartridge vs. Tank): Traditional cartridges are convenient for occasional use but can be expensive to replace. Ink tank systems (like Epson’s EcoTank or HP’s Smart Tank) have a higher upfront cost but offer a dramatically lower cost-per-page, making them ideal for frequent printing.
• Print Speed (PPM): Pages Per Minute (PPM) indicates how quickly a printer can produce documents. While manufacturers’ figures are often optimistic, they provide a good comparison point. A higher PPM is crucial for busy home offices.
• Functionality (All-in-One): Decide if you just need to print, or if you also need to scan, copy, or even fax. All-in-One (AIO) devices are space-saving and convenient for most homes.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is now a standard feature and allows for easy printing from laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Some models also offer Wi-Fi Direct (no router needed), Ethernet for a more stable wired connection, or NFC for tap-to-print convenience.
• Extra Features: Look for an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) if you frequently scan multi-page documents. Automatic Duplexing (two-sided printing) is another essential feature that saves time and paper.

Understanding Ink Costs: The Real Price of Printing

The biggest long-term expense of owning an ink printer is the ink itself. This is where understanding the difference between traditional cartridges and modern ink tanks is vital. Cartridge-based printers have a lower initial purchase price, but the cost of replacement cartridges can quickly add up, especially if you print in colour often. Ink tank printers require a larger initial investment, but they come with large bottles of ink that can print thousands of pages. Refill bottles are significantly cheaper than cartridges, resulting in a much lower cost-per-page. For anyone printing more than a few pages per week, an ink tank system will almost always be more economical in the long run.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying the Cheapest Printer: The cheapest printer often has the most expensive ink. Always research the cost of replacement cartridges or ink bottles before making a purchase.
• Ignoring Your Needs: Don’t pay for features you’ll never use. If you only print text documents, a high-end photo printer is unnecessary. Conversely, if you need to scan stacks of paper, a printer without an ADF will be a source of constant frustration.
• Forgetting About Size: Printers can be surprisingly bulky. Always check the dimensions (especially with paper trays extended) to ensure it will fit comfortably in your designated space.
• Overlooking Connectivity: Ensure the printer you choose is easily compatible with all your devices. If your family primarily uses Apple products, look for AirPrint support for seamless printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good, simple printer for occasional printing at home?

For simple, occasional printing, a straightforward all-in-one cartridge printer is often the best choice. Models like the Epson WorkForce WF-2860 offer print, scan, and copy functions in a compact design without a high initial cost. The key is to find a balance where the convenience of cartridges outweighs the higher cost-per-page, which is fine for infrequent use.

How much should I spend on a reliable home printer in the UK?

A reliable home printer in the UK can range from £80 to £400. For basic, occasional use, you can find good cartridge-based all-in-one models for around £80-£150. If you print more frequently, investing £200-£300 in an ink tank printer like an HP Smart Tank or Epson EcoTank will save you significant money on ink in the long run.

Which home printer is the most economical on ink?

Ink tank printers are by far the most economical on ink. Models from the Epson EcoTank series (like the ET-2750 or ET-8550) and HP Smart Tank series (like the 7005 or 7305) have incredibly low running costs. They come with enough ink for thousands of pages, and the refill bottles are much cheaper than traditional cartridges.

What is the best compact ink printer for a small apartment or desk space?

The Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer is the champion of compact design. It’s incredibly small and lightweight, making it perfect for tight spaces. If you need scanning and copying features in a small footprint, the Epson WorkForce WF-2860 is also a strong contender, packing full all-in-one functionality into a space-saving body.

Do I need a colour printer or is monochrome enough for home use?

This depends entirely on your needs. If you only ever print text documents like letters, forms, or essays, a monochrome (black and white) printer can be more cost-effective. However, for most homes where you might also print photos, school projects, or colour-coded charts, a colour printer is far more versatile and generally the recommended choice.

Are ink subscription services like HP Instant Ink a good deal for home users?

Ink subscription services can be a good deal if your printing habits are consistent and fall within the plan’s page limits. They offer convenience by automatically sending you new cartridges before you run out. However, if your printing is sporadic—very heavy one month and light the next—you might end up overpaying or running out of your page allowance. For many, the long-term economy of an ink tank printer is a more predictable and cost-effective solution.

What’s the main difference between a home printer and an office printer?

The main differences are volume, speed, and durability. Office printers are built to handle thousands of pages per month at high speeds and are constructed with more durable components. Home printers are designed for lower volume, are typically slower, and have a more compact design. However, high-end home office models, like our top pick the HP OfficeJet Pro 9010, are bridging this gap with faster speeds and larger paper capacities.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and careful consideration of what UK homes truly need, we confidently stand by our top recommendation: the HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 All-in-One Wireless Printer Instant Ink Ready. It is the quintessential home office workhorse, offering a fantastic blend of speed, quality, and comprehensive features. Its quick wireless setup, fast duplex printing, and large paper tray remove common printing frustrations, allowing you to focus on your tasks. Whether you’re running a small business from home, helping with school projects, or managing household documents, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 provides the reliability and performance needed to handle it all with ease, making it the best all-round ink printer for most people.