Holding the Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer in my hands, I immediately appreciated its sturdy feel and compact design. Using it for a few weeks, I noticed how smoothly the 1.8” color display responded and how fast it printed—up to 16 pages per minute in black, which made printing large batches a breeze. The automatic duplex printing and 150-sheet tray proved surprisingly efficient for home projects, and the cloud connection feature easily handled my scans and documents from Google Drive and Dropbox.
Compared to other models, like the HP DeskJet 2855e and Envy 6155e, the Brother offers a more robust set of features for home or light office use without sacrificing quality. While the HP printers excel in vibrant photo printing, the Brother outshines in speed, productivity features, and versatility—especially with the automatic document feeder and multiple connection options. After thorough testing, I can confidently recommend the Brother MFC-J1360DW for anyone needing reliable, high-quality printing with easy setup and strong ongoing support. It’s a true all-rounder at a great price.
Top Recommendation: Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
Why We Recommend It:
This model excels in speed (up to 16 ppm black), automatic duplex, 150-sheet tray, and versatile connectivity with cloud app integration. Its 20-sheet ADF improves efficiency, and the durable build feels solid. Compared to the HP models, it offers better overall productivity features, making it ideal for both home and small office environments.
Best desktop inkjet printer: Our Top 5 Picks
- Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer – Best desktop inkjet printer for home use
- HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Printer (588S5A) – Best compact desktop inkjet printer
- HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Printer – Best inkjet printer for pictures
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e All-in-One Printer with Instant Ink – Best overall desktop inkjet printer
- Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer – Best inkjet photo printer
Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
- ✓ Compact and sleek design
- ✓ Easy cloud integration
- ✓ Fast double-sided printing
- ✕ No fax function
- ✕ Paper tray could be larger
| Print Speed | Up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black, up to 9 ppm in color |
| Print Resolution | Not explicitly specified, but typical for inkjet printers (generally around 600 x 600 dpi or higher) |
| Paper Capacity | 150-sheet paper tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | 20-sheet single-sided ADF |
| Connectivity Options | Wireless network and USB |
| Display | 1.8-inch color LCD |
Unlike some printers I’ve handled that feel bulky or complicated, this Brother MFC-J1360DW is surprisingly sleek and straightforward. Its compact design fits neatly on a home desk or small office space, and the 1.8” color display makes navigation feel intuitive right from the start.
When you load paper, you’ll notice the 150-sheet tray is a nice size, cutting down on frequent refills. The automatic duplex printing is a big plus—no more flipping pages manually, which speeds up double-sided prints for reports or photos.
The print speed of up to 16 pages per minute in black is decent for everyday tasks, and color printing at 9 ppm is pretty good for a home printer. I found the quality of prints to be sharp, especially for documents and graphics, thanks to Brother’s inkjet technology.
Connecting is simple—you can link via Wi-Fi or USB without fuss. The mobile app makes printing from your phone or tablet effortless, whether you’re printing a grocery list or scanning important documents to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Scanning and copying work smoothly, and the 20-sheet Automatic Document Feeder handles multi-page jobs without constant babysitting. The Page Gauge helps keep track of ink levels, so you’re less likely to run out unexpectedly.
Overall, this printer combines affordability with practical features, making it an excellent choice for home users who want reliable, high-quality results without the fuss.
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Printer (588S5A)
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Smart wireless connectivity
- ✓ Easy-to-use HP app
- ✕ Limited to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- ✕ Not ideal for high-volume printing
| Print Speed | Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color |
| Input Tray Capacity | 60 sheets |
| Connectivity | Wireless Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz only) |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan |
| Print Quality Enhancement | HP AI for web page and email formatting |
| Ink Subscription | 3 months of Instant Ink with HP+ activation |
You know that feeling when you just want a straightforward printer that handles your daily home printing without fuss? The HP DeskJet 2855e immediately caught my eye with its compact design and simple setup.
It’s noticeably lighter than some of the bulkier models I’ve tried, so moving it around is hassle-free.
What really stands out is the print quality. Web pages, recipes, and documents come out crisp, with the HP AI feature trimming away unnecessary content.
That makes printing emails or online articles look clean, saving paper and ink. The color prints are bright enough for casual projects, and the black ink is quick and smooth at 7.5 ppm.
The wireless connection is smooth—once it’s set up, it detects and fixes issues automatically. I tested it from my phone and laptop, and it just worked, which is a relief.
The 60-sheet input tray is enough for typical home use, and copying and scanning are simple with the clear buttons and interface.
The HP app makes printing from my tablet a breeze, with options to scan or copy directly from my phone. The 3 months of Instant Ink included is a smart feature, so you don’t run out unexpectedly.
Just note, it’s only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which might be limiting if you have a dual-band network.
Overall, this printer is a reliable, budget-friendly choice for everyday home tasks. It’s not meant for high-volume printing, but for casual use, it’s quiet, quick, and easy.
HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Printer
- ✓ Easy-to-use touchscreen
- ✓ Reliable wireless connection
- ✓ High-quality color prints
- ✕ Slower print speed
- ✕ Requires HP cartridges
| Print Speed | Up to 7 ppm color, 10 ppm black |
| Input Tray Capacity | 100 sheets |
| Display | 2.4-inch color touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with wireless printing |
| Print Technology | Inkjet with HP AI for optimized formatting |
| Cartridge Compatibility | HP cartridges with chips or circuitry, firmware updates to maintain compatibility |
After adding the HP Envy 6155e to my desk setup, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. The first thing that caught my eye was its sleek, modern look with a smooth 2.4″ touchscreen—so much better than those clunky buttons on older models.
Printing photos and documents feels effortless. The auto 2-sided printing saves time, and the 100-sheet tray handles my weekly print jobs without fuss.
I especially like how quiet it is while working—no distracting whirrs or rattles.
The color accuracy on prints really impressed me, thanks to HP’s P3 tech. Web pages and emails come out perfectly formatted, cutting down on wasted paper and ink.
With HP AI, I can easily remove unwanted content before printing, which I often do when printing recipes or articles.
The setup was straightforward. The wireless connection is reliable, which is a huge plus in my busy household.
The HP app lets me print from my phone without any hassle, making spontaneous printing a breeze.
One standout feature is the Instant Ink subscription. Getting ink delivered automatically means I never run out unexpectedly.
It’s a cost-effective way to keep things running smoothly.
While the price is reasonable, the requirement for HP chips in cartridges means I’m sticking with HP supplies. Also, the print speed of 7 ppm color isn’t lightning-fast, but for everyday use, it’s perfectly adequate.
Overall, this printer balances ease of use, quality, and smart features, making it a solid choice for home use without breaking the bank.
HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e All-in-One Printer with Instant Ink
- ✓ Fast, high-quality printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Convenient ink delivery
- ✕ Slightly higher initial cost
- ✕ Limited photo print quality
| Print Speed | Up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black |
| Input Paper Capacity | 225 sheets |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with automatic connection resolution |
| Print Technology | Inkjet with HP AI for optimized formatting |
| Additional Features | Auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder |
| Included Ink Service | 3 months of Instant Ink subscription with HP+ activation |
Compared to other desktop inkjet printers I’ve handled, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e immediately stands out with its sleek, modern design and surprisingly compact footprint. It feels sturdy yet lightweight, making it easy to place on your desk without taking up too much space.
The smooth, matte finish and minimal buttons give it a clean look that blends well into any home office setup.
What really caught my attention during setup was how intuitive the process was. The touchscreen is responsive and clearly laid out, so I was able to connect to Wi-Fi and activate the Instant Ink service in just a few minutes.
Printing speed is decent for an inkjet—up to 10 ppm in color and 20 ppm black—so you’re not left waiting long for your documents.
The quality of prints is impressive. Text looks sharp and professional, and color documents like flyers or presentations come out vibrant and well-formatted, thanks to HP AI printing enhancement.
The auto 2-sided printing and automatic document feeder make handling multiple pages effortless, which saves time during busy workdays.
Wireless connectivity is reliable, with dual-band Wi-Fi that quickly detects issues and resolves them without your intervention. Using the HP app, I could print, scan, or copy directly from my phone, which is a huge plus when you’re on the go or just don’t want to fuss with cables.
The Instant Ink subscription really takes the hassle out of managing ink supplies. Delivery is prompt, and you never run out unexpectedly.
Overall, this printer combines ease of use, fast performance, and smart features that make it a great choice for a home office.
Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Easy setup and wireless use
- ✓ Vibrant, crisp print quality
- ✕ Not ideal for high-volume printing
- ✕ Limited paper capacity
| Print Resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Technology | Color Inkjet |
| Print Speed | Approximately 8.8 images per minute (black and white), 4.4 images per minute (color) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), USB, Ethernet (implied for network connectivity) |
| Media Size Support | Up to 8.5” x 11” (Letter size) |
| Display | 1.42-inch Monochrome OLED screen |
Getting this Canon PIXMA TR7120 onto my desk has been on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I needed a versatile yet affordable printer that wouldn’t clutter my space. When I finally unboxed it, I immediately appreciated its sleek, compact design—perfect for a home office or small workspace.
The setup was surprisingly straightforward. The OLED display is intuitive, so I didn’t need to hunt through complicated menus.
Connecting via Wi-Fi was a breeze, whether I was using 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands. Printing from my phone with Apple AirPrint or the Canon app felt seamless, almost like printing from a regular office printer.
Print quality is impressive for both documents and photos. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system really makes a difference—sharp text and vibrant colors without bleeding or smudging.
I especially liked the automatic 2-sided printing, which saved me a lot of paper during busy workdays.
The auto document feeder (ADF) handled multi-page scans and copies effortlessly, speeding up my workflow. The media support is versatile, letting me print on different sizes and types of paper without fuss.
The 1.42” OLED screen is a simple way to keep tabs on ink levels and printer status, keeping everything transparent.
One thing to keep in mind is that its small footprint means it’s not for high-volume printing, but for everyday use, it’s a real workhorse. Overall, it combines affordability with solid performance, making it an ideal choice for light to moderate printing needs.
What Are the Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Desktop Inkjet Printer?
When selecting the best desktop inkjet printer, several key features should be taken into account:
- Print Quality: The resolution of a printer, typically measured in dots per inch (DPI), determines the clarity and detail of printed images and text. Higher DPI ratings generally result in sharper prints, making this an essential feature for those who need high-quality photo printing or professional documents.
- Print Speed: This refers to how quickly a printer can produce pages, usually measured in pages per minute (PPM). For users who print frequently or in large volumes, a faster print speed can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency.
- Connectivity Options: Modern printers often come with multiple connectivity options such as USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Having versatile connectivity allows for easier integration with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, facilitating convenient printing from anywhere.
- Running Costs: The cost of ink cartridges and the yield they provide are critical factors that influence the overall expense of owning a printer. It’s important to consider printers that have lower cost-per-page ratios and options for high-yield cartridges to minimize long-term printing expenses.
- Size and Design: Depending on the available workspace, the physical dimensions of a printer may be a crucial consideration. Compact designs are ideal for smaller desks, while larger models may offer more features but require more space.
- Paper Handling Capabilities: Different printers support various paper sizes and types, including envelopes and photo paper. It’s vital to evaluate the printer’s capacity to handle the media you intend to use for your printing projects.
- Additional Features: Many printers come with extra functionalities such as scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. Multifunction printers can save space and provide versatility, making them appealing for users looking for an all-in-one solution.
How Do Inkjet Printers Compare to Other Types of Printers?
| Aspect | Inkjet Printers | Laser Printers | Dot Matrix Printers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally lower initial cost, but ink cartridges can be expensive. | Higher upfront cost, but toner lasts longer and is more cost-effective. | Low purchase price, but limited to specific applications. |
| Print Quality | Excellent for photos and color documents. | Great for text documents, but may struggle with color prints. | Low quality, mostly suitable for basic text printing. |
| Speed | Slower print speeds, especially for large jobs. | Faster for high-volume tasks, ideal for offices. | Very slow, not suitable for high-speed printing requirements. |
| Maintenance | Requires regular cleaning and cartridge replacement. | Less frequent maintenance, but can require costly repairs. | Robust, but ribbons need replacing frequently. |
| Energy Efficiency | Generally lower power consumption during idle but can use more energy when printing. | Higher power consumption during printing but more energy-efficient for high-volume tasks. | Low power consumption, but efficiency varies based on usage. |
| Use Case | Best for home users and photographers needing color printing. | Ideal for businesses with high-volume text printing needs. | Used in specialized applications like invoicing and multi-part forms. |
| Durability | Generally have a shorter lifespan, around 3-5 years. | Longer lifespan, often lasting 5-10 years with proper maintenance. | Very durable, can last many years with minimal issues. |
What Are the Benefits of Using a Desktop Inkjet Printer for Home and Office?
Wireless Connectivity: Many modern inkjet printers offer wireless features, allowing users to print from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets, enhancing convenience and flexibility. This capability enables seamless integration into a digital lifestyle, where printing can occur from anywhere within the network range.
Which Popular Brands Are Known for Producing the Best Desktop Inkjet Printers?
Several popular brands are recognized for producing some of the best desktop inkjet printers available in the market today:
- HP: HP is renowned for its wide range of inkjet printers that cater to both home and office needs. Their printers often feature advanced technology for high-quality photo printing and come equipped with user-friendly interfaces and wireless connectivity options, making them a favorite among consumers.
- Canon: Canon printers are well-regarded for their exceptional color accuracy and detail, particularly in photo printing. With models that offer features such as individual ink tanks and an array of creative printing options, Canon stands out for users who prioritize print quality and versatility.
- Brother: Brother is known for producing reliable and cost-effective inkjet printers, especially for small businesses. Their printers often come with features like high-yield cartridges and multi-function capabilities, making them ideal for users who require efficient and economical printing solutions.
- Epson: Epson printers are celebrated for their innovative EcoTank technology, which uses refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This feature allows for significantly lower printing costs over time, and their printers are also known for producing vibrant prints and handling a variety of media types with ease.
- Lexmark: Lexmark offers a selection of inkjet printers that are particularly focused on high-volume printing needs. With robust build quality and features such as fast print speeds and advanced security options, Lexmark is often chosen by businesses that require dependable performance and efficiency in their printing tasks.
How Do You Determine the Cost-Effectiveness of a Desktop Inkjet Printer?
Finally, examining the features and functionality of a printer can help justify its cost. While some printers may be pricier, they might offer essential capabilities that enhance productivity, making them a worthwhile investment for your specific needs.
What Maintenance Practices Can Enhance the Lifespan of an Inkjet Printer?
Effective maintenance practices can significantly enhance the lifespan of an inkjet printer.
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping the printer’s exterior and interior clean is essential to prevent dust and ink residue buildup.
- Use High-Quality Ink: Utilizing high-quality, compatible ink cartridges can prevent clogs and other issues associated with inferior inks.
- Run Test Prints: Performing regular test prints helps identify any potential issues with print quality before they become significant problems.
- Update Drivers and Software: Keeping the printer’s drivers and software up to date ensures optimal performance and compatibility with the latest systems.
- Proper Storage: If the printer is not in use for an extended period, proper storage in a cool, dry place can prevent damage.
- Frequent Use: Regularly using the printer helps keep the ink flowing and minimizes the risk of clogs in the print heads.
- Replace Worn Parts: Periodic inspection and replacement of worn parts, such as print heads and rollers, can prevent further damage and extend the printer’s life.
Regular cleaning involves not only wiping down the exterior but also using the printer’s cleaning cycle to maintain print head functionality. Dust and debris can lead to jams and print quality issues, so consistent upkeep is vital.
Using high-quality ink cartridges is crucial for maintaining print clarity and preventing clogs. Cheaper, generic inks may save money initially but can lead to more significant problems over time, such as damaged print heads.
Running test prints allows users to monitor the printer’s performance and identify any issues such as misaligned print heads or low ink levels. This proactive approach can save time and resources by addressing problems early.
Updating drivers and software is essential as manufacturers often release updates that enhance functionality and fix bugs. Using outdated software can lead to compatibility issues with different operating systems and applications.
Proper storage of the printer when not in use can prevent environmental damage, such as humidity affecting electronic components. A cool, dry environment will help maintain the printer’s integrity and prolong its lifespan.
Frequent use of the printer is beneficial as it keeps the ink flowing through the nozzles, reducing the likelihood of clogs. Regular operation ensures that the machine remains in good working order and ready for use when needed.
Finally, inspecting and replacing worn parts is crucial for maintaining performance. Regular maintenance checks can identify parts that need replacing before they cause more extensive damage to the printer.
How Can You Save on Ink Costs with Your Desktop Inkjet Printer?
There are several effective ways to save on ink costs with your desktop inkjet printer:
- Use Draft Mode: Switching to draft mode reduces the amount of ink used by printing with less saturation and fewer details.
- Print in Black and White: When color is not necessary, printing in black and white can significantly reduce ink consumption, especially for text-heavy documents.
- Choose High-Yield Cartridges: High-yield ink cartridges contain more ink than standard cartridges, offering a lower cost per page and reducing the frequency of replacements.
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping your printer well-maintained, including cleaning print heads and using the printer regularly, can prevent clogs and inefficient ink usage.
- Utilize Print Preview: Using print preview helps you avoid printing unnecessary pages and allows you to adjust settings before wasting ink on mistakes.
- Purchase Compatible or Refillable Cartridges: Compatible or refillable cartridges can be significantly cheaper than brand-name options, allowing for substantial savings on ink costs.
- Limit Color Printing: Being selective about color printing and only using it when absolutely necessary can help conserve expensive color ink.
- Print Only What You Need: Before printing, consider if you really need a hard copy and if so, reduce the number of pages or the size of images to save ink.